I was looking around and noticed we don't yet have a 2013 recipe list.
I usually use Thanksgiving as a test to verify recipes. This past year I threw a party and had people bring over their favorite dish in a category (i.e. dessert, appetizer, drinks, etc). I don't mind making a full meal, but I think my guests enjoy feeling like they were part of the whole thing and we always get to try something we otherwise would not. Think like a stone soup kind of idea. I think it's important the guests feel at home and feel like they are part of everything. They also get to feel that sense of community because if they commit and don't show, something goes missing. I've always taken that approach and it works for me.
Anyway, this year's menu ended up being (if I had been the only cooking, it would have been far less and it's more fun to find out last minute anyway): Apps: Vegetables (last minute dip; onion allergy with one of the guests) Crackers, grapes and cheese Nice red and white wines Martini's, Vodka (stirred, not shaken. Sorry Mr B. I'm a traditionalist in my liquors and a bit different in the be...never mind) Sodas and beers
Dinner: I made Turkey, covered in bacon I also made bread And Ham slow cooked in ginger-ale and cloves (talk about easy) I threw in some roasted potatoes/brussel sprouts/carrots/celery (no onion; see above) Friends brought some GREAT stuff including: Gravy Bleu-cheese mashed potatoes Salad and dressing Cranberry sauce More beer (a theme?) Stuffing, Homemade Sweet potato casserole
Dessert: Apple pie (mmmmm) Ice-Cream Pumpkin-chocolate pie (wow) cookies brownies more beer and a nap
Not a lot of left-overs.
So... Now I'm thinking since we need recipes for the annual 2013 recipe book - what's your idea for this year's festivities? What's your favorite recipe and do you care to share?
I'm thinking oven roasted standing rib roast (small - they're expensive) and maybe some steamed veggies and I may try some macaroni and cheese. Something different this time. Last year I made one that had bacon in it - it was really good but I'm thinking something with more cheese (white cheese - I read the news).
But in case it gets taken: about 4 pounds of rib roast Kosher salt Pepper Garlic Clove
Bring the roast to room temp. I let it sit on the counter for about an hour placed in a shallow pan bones down. Brush with the salt and pepper and place cut garlic pieces on the top. Place in a pre-heated oven (375) for about one hour. Then, leaving the door closed let it sit for at least 3 hours. Do NOT open the door. Just before serving, re-heat at 375. Check for doneness and stop about 10degrees before desired doneness and let rest on the counter. I didn't re-heat it and my roast was medium rare. This is the kind of roast to be sure you err on the side of rare. You can re-heat it to get it more done, but you can't take it away.
Needs horseradish sauce to really make it the perfect roast.
Anyone care to share this year's favorite recipes?
AJ
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter" MLK Put the glass down... "Yesterday I was clever so I wanted to change the world Today I am wise, so I am changing myself."
