Showing posts with label thanksgiving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thanksgiving. Show all posts

FOOD: Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash with Honey Mustard Cream

Welcome to Fall, Made By Girl! This is Jen from Pretty Eats serving up a perfect autumn dish, Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash with Honey Mustard Cream. As we approach Thanksgiving, why not try a super healthy dish that's drizzled in cream sauce? 

This is so easy, no peeling of the squash and no long baking time. Adjust flavors and ingredients to what floats your boat, and celebrate this golden season with a delectable little Fall treat!


Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash with Honey Mustard Cream
Ingredients:  makes 4 halves

    •    2 acorn squash, halved and seeded
    •    1 cup cooked quinoa
    •    1 cup cannellini beans
    •    1 small onion, chopped
    •    2 garlic cloves, chopped
    •    1/2 cup crumbled feta
    •    1/4 cup each, chopped green onion and parsley, plus more for garnish
    •    1/2 cup heavy cream
    •    2 tablespoons each, brown mustard and yellow mustard
    •    2 tablespoons honey
    •    2 tablespoons olive oil
    •    Salt & pepper to taste

Directions:  

    •    Place squash halves cut side down in a microwave-safe container. Cover with a paper towel, cook 10 minutes or until soft.
    •    In a small jar or other lidded container, combine Honey Mustard Cream ingredients (last 5 ingredients listed). Shake well and adjust seasoning to suit your taste.
    •    Saute onion and garlic for 4-5 minutes.
    •    In a bowl, combine onion, garlic, beans, quinoa, feta, parsley, and green onion. Season with salt and pepper to suit your taste.
    •    Lay cooked squash halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment, cut side up. Fill with quinoa mixture, topping with more feta if desired.
    •    Set broiler to low heat.
    •    Broil acorn squash for 5 minutes until fragrant and golden (keep an eye on them!)
    •    Drizzle with Honey Mustard Cream, top with additional green onion and parsley. Enjoy!






-images and recipe by jen olsen




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FOOD: Thanksgiving Hand Pies

Hi MBG friends! Lauren from Perpetually Chic back today, with a Thanksgiving-inspired recipe that will make your leftovers sing. That's right--leftover turkey and cranberry relish get a new life when tucked inside these hand pies with creamy brie cheese. It's an easy way to wow guests and make use of leftovers!

Thanksgiving Hand Pies | Perpetually Chic for Made By Girl
Let's talk about the crust. I used Martha Stewart's pate brisee (pie dough) recipe. It's super simple--a great basic dough you can make ahead. But if you're short on time, store-bought pie dough can easily be substituted. Either way, roll it out then use a round cookie cutter or simply a wine glass to cut out your circles.

Thanksgiving Hand Pies | Perpetually Chic for Made By GirlThanksgiving Hand Pies | Perpetually Chic for Made By Girl

Now inside--chop up some leftover turkey into small cubes, and get out that jar of cranberry relish (not the thick, canned cranberry sauce). Spread a small spoonful of cranberry relish in the middle of half of your dough rounds. Layer a few pieces of turkey and a few pieces of brie. Cover with a second round of dough and gently press the edges together. Then, using a fork, crimp the edges closed. Last step is important--brush the entire top of each hand pie with an egg wash to help them golden and prevent the edges from burning. Pop the tray of hand pies in the oven! Mine turned out less-than-perfect looking, but I kind of liked their rustic feel. And the delicious, rich taste is what these are all about anyway.

Thanksgiving Hand Pies | Perpetually Chic for Made By GirlThanksgiving Hand Pies | Perpetually Chic for Made By Girl


Thanksgiving Hand Pies

Ingredients:
Chilled pie dough (this recipe or store bought)
About 1 cup of cooked turkey, chopped
Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
About 1/3 cup cranberry relish
1 egg, beaten
3 tablespoons milk
Flour

Instructions:
On a heavily floured surface, roll dough to 1/8" thick. Using a round cookie cutter or the rim of a red wine glass, cut as many circles as you can. Recombine and roll out the discarded dough and cut additional circles. Shoot for an even number of circles.
Spread a little relish on one half of the dough rounds, then top with pieces of turkey and brie. Place the remaining rounds on top, pressing with fingers to gently close, then use a fork dipped in flour to crimp around all edges. Using the fork, be sure to prick the center of each pie to allow steam to vent during cooking.
Whisk together the egg and milk in a small bowl. Brush onto the top of each pie. Bake in a 375 degree oven for about 15-20 minutes.



- post by Lauren

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Design: Holiday Table Styling

Hi everyone Amanda here, back with a few inspirations on dressing the Thanksgiving table! I thought it would be fun to dream up a city vs. country take on it. 

If you're a hostess this year, I am sure by now you have already planned what to serve, but may or may not be a little stuck on the table decorations. Although, I'm thankful to have snuck out of the role this year, I still plan on breaking out the china. 

Please keep in mind, these goodies below would look just as gorgeous if you're hosting a Holiday dinner in December!




1 Highball Glass | 2 Crocodile Old Fashioned Glass |  3 Bloom Bowls | 4 Chalkboard Tray | 5 Planter | 6 Sphere Salt and Pepper Shakers | 7 Serving Bowl | 8 Gold Flatware/Gold Stripe Cocktail Napkins | 9 Brushstroke Dinner Plate | 10 Patent Stud Place Mat |  11 /Stripe Place Cards





1 Milk Glass | 2 Placemat | 3 Nail Head Placemats | 4 Gold Accent Plate | 5 Greek Key Cocktail Napkins | 6 Fallen Birch Branch Votive  | 7  Woven Bread Bowl | 8 Rose and Silver Antler | 9 Flatware | 10 Vintage Harvest Bouquet


Here's what I'd love to know: What is your hostess style?




-post by amanda dietz


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Food: Thanksgiving Ravioli Bolognese

Happy Thanksgiving, MBG readers! Lauren here, and today I have an alternative holiday meal idea for you. Maybe you can't make it home to be with your family, or maybe your family just wants to mix things up from the traditional standbys. 

Either way, I think you're going to love this little Thanksgiving-inspired creation, which combines all those traditional flavors we love into one truly yummy dish... 
 
thanksgiving-pasta-cover_perpetuallychicthanksgiving-pasta-1_perpetuallychic

There are a few pots and pans involved, but wonton wrappers make the ravioli a cinch to whip up and altogether it takes far less time than a turkey would. Keep reading for the recipe, and I hope you enjoy!
 
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Sweet Potato & Sage Ravioli Ingredients
-1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
-5 fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
-1 sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2 rounds
-1/3 cup goat cheese (about 2-3 ounces)
-Pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg
-Salt and freshly ground pepper
-About 40 wonton wrappers (makes 20 ravioli)
-2 egg whites, beaten

Turkey Cranberry Bolognese Ingredients
-1 pound lean ground turkey (I used 93%--99% gets too dry)
-1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
-2 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
-2 cans diced tomatoes with their juice
-1/4 cup water
-Pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg
-Salt and freshly ground pepper
-2 cups fresh cranberries
-1 cup of sugar
-2 tablespoons water
-Fresh parsley to serve
-Fresh parmesan, grated, to serve



Instructions
1) Puncture each sweet potato round with a fork, then place slices in a large ceramic bowl. Microwave 15-20 minutes until softened, turning once halfway through.
2) Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Saute chopped onion and sage until browned. Set aside. 
3) Remove the potatoes from the microwave (using a towel as the bowl will be very hot). Using a potato hand masher, mash the sweet potatoes. Season generously with salt, pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg to taste. Stir in the goat cheese until fully blended, then add the onion-sage mixture.
4) Lay 10 wonton wrappers on a clean countertop. Dollop a teaspoon of sweet potato filling onto the middle of each square. Using a pastry brush, brush egg white along tops, bottoms and sides of first wonton, working around the filling. Lay a new wonton sheet over the filled one, gently sealing the edges with your fingers and carefully pushing out the air bubbles. Repeat with each wonton until all are covered. Using a cookie cutter placed directly in the center of each wonton, cut into ravioli rounds, gently pulling away the excess dough. Press the edges of each ravioli again to ensure a solid seal. Repeat entire process with another set of 10 wontons (doing all 20 at once will cause the dough to dry out). Cover all raviolis with a very lightly damp kitchen towel until ready to cook.
5) In a pan over medium-high heat, place cranberries, sugar and water. Cook down for 10-15 minutes, so the sugar dissolves and cranberries soften. Allow to bubble during this process, stirring occasionally. Cranberries should become very, very soft but will remain whole and a sticky sauce will develop. Season cranberry sauce with salt and pepper. 
6) In another pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and add ground turkey. Cook until turkey is fully browned, about 10 minutes. Remove from pan. Add a little more oil, the onion and garlic. Cook until softened and browned. Add the turkey back into the pan, along with the two cans of diced tomatoes and their juice, and just a little water. Season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce to medium-low heat, add the cranberry sauce and stir thoroughly to distribute. Cook, covered, about 10 minutes more.
7) In a small saucepan, bring salted water to a boil. Working in batches, add 3-4 ravioli at a time, cook for 3 minutes, then transfer with a slotted spoon to a kitchen towel. Gently blot dry and transfer to a bowl. Cover with a pot lid to keep warm. Cook remaining ravioli. 
8) To serve, layer ravioli on the bottom of each pasta bowl and top with bolognese sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and parmesan. 


-post & images by Lauren Craig





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Fashion: that gives

Hey guys, Jocelyn here. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I've started thinking about the things I'm thankful for and looking for ways to give back to those less fortunate. 

So I thought, why not combine a love for fashion with helping others by purchasing products from brands that donate to charity. Here are a few brands that are carrying out good deeds...

Kayu - (clutch) For ever clutch sale, Kayu donates $15 to purchase a backpack and school supplies for a child in need. 

Lemlem - (shirt) Lemlem provides jobs to weavers in Ethiopia and strengthens the economic independence of the country as a whole.

Rachel Roy - (earrings) Proceeds from the sale of these earrings benefit victims of 2010's devastating earthquake in Haiti.

Warby Parker - (sunglasses) For every pair of glasses they sell, they provide a pair to someone in need. Plus, they let you order up to five pairs of glasses to try on at home for a week. Once you decide on the one you like, send the other pairs back for free!

Toms - (shoes) I'm sure you've heard of them. For every pair of shoes they sell, they give a pair to someone in need. 

Feed - (tote & scarf) For every Feed product sold, a specific amount of money gets donated to hunger-relief efforts, depending on the cost of the product. The tote and the scarf featured here each  provide 10 school meals to children.

Hope  you all enjoy a happy Thanksgiving with loved ones and take a quick minute to reflect on the positive things in life that make it all worth while. I'd like to share that I'm thankful to Jen for allowing me to post on her lovely blog and I'm thankful to all of you for all your kind words and for continuing to read my posts. It's beyond humbling. 

Happy shopping!


-post by jocelyn sanchez


 
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Thanksgiving at My Home....

We had such a great Holiday weekend and 3 of us helped decorate while my guy did all the cooking...yes, ALL. He is such a great cook & wanted to do it all himself. I'm so thankful for him. 
 
I decided to incorporate some GOLD into this Holiday....and I knew the tablecloth we bought was way too stark white. 

So, we PAINTED gold dots all over it & it made the table look so much more interesting...what do you think?

How was your Thanksgiving??


Notice the Gold chisel glassware from ZGallerie?? They're amazing!
 



Below, my sister shooting some photos...










-images above by jen ramos



Here's a quick iPhone pic my sister took of me shooting the table...



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Happy Thanksgiving!

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. We are thankful for many things & even though my life hasn't been perfect, (is anyone's?) I can't complain.

I've always thought it was important to show gratitude in everyday life & NOT just on Holidays!  When someone opens a door for you, KINDLY say thank you. If a person pays for your meal, say thank you - you get the picture. Small things DO make an impact, whether we seem them that very moment or not. 

On that note, my amazing guy has prepared the Thanksgiving menu for this year - which I'm truly thankful for. I let him do his thing because trust me, he's got skills! 

For now, I'd like to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!  Here's a sneak peek into what we're having tomorrow - feel free to comment & also tell me what you'll be having as well! 


I'd love to read what you've planned for tomorrow. For now, I'm signing off, but may pop in during the weekend, if not, then Monday! 

-My IDEAL Thanksgiving table setting via design public
 

Family in town?? Just you & your hubby? kids? Going to a friends/families house? Having Turkey or not????






CHRIST TAKES THE BREAD, BLESSED IT, BROKE IT, AND GAVE IT UNTO THE DISCIPLES. HE THEN TOOK THE CUP AND GAVE THANKS, AND GAVE IT TO THE DISCIPLES. AFTER THE SUPPER, THEY SUNG A HYMN AND DEPARTED TO THE MOUNT OF OLIVES. Matthew 26: 26-29

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The Perfect Thanksgiving Outfit....

Hello everyone! Ahhhh I've been terribly busy today - shooting some of the new accessories we're adding to Made By Girl - exciting but exhausting! On another note, so happy that Thanksgiving is quickly approaching on Thursday! I've thought about all the things I'm thankful for & boy do I have a looooong list. 

In a PERFECT world, this is what I'd be wearing at our Thanksgiving table while telling everyone what I'm thankful for. So, yes, this would be the PERFECT Thanksgiving outfit - STYLISH, trendy & with a splash of color! Also, great for the chilly weather we've been having at night, 40 degreeeeees!! 

Have you thought about what you're grateful for?? What will you be wearing this Thanksgiving?!?




Sorry, Orange clutch no longer available on MadebyGirl












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Your Weekend.....(Via Made By Girl)

Time for me to get ready for our EARLY THANKSGIVING dinner....we're eating out since our ZGallerie table hasn't arrived yet!  It would've been our 1st THANKSGIVING in our new place... so I'm a bit disappointed. However, I'm certain the CHEF at the restaurant we're heading to will make a lovely meal! After dinner we'll be going on a WEEKEND GETAWAY.....finally!!!


Hope you ALL have a great thanksgiving & remember the things you are thankful for today & always...


I'm thankful for:

  • that my mother and father are alive & healthy
  • when my guy makes me dessert
  • my 2 dogs in good health
  • a man that cares about me & shows it
  • weekend getaways when I need it the most
  • a lovely place to live
  • being able to meet others that share the same beliefs
  • wood floors
  • my business is doing well
  • God in my life
  • my blog readers & the support they have given me for the last few years
  • going out to dinner on weekends
  • an upcoming renovated kitchen
  • gorgeous weather
  • new friends at my church
  • the invention of tiramisu
  • other bloggers i've met online who are super nice
  • the gift God gave me to be able paint & draw
  • the gift God gave me of creativity
  • the friends i havent seen in so long who still stay in touch
  • the fact that i'll get to eat a nice meal on thanksgiving
  • serving at my church
  • my best friend
  • art & music 
  • care for those in need
  • that my mother & i talk almost everyday on the phone

There's alot more i'm thankful for but these are some that came to mind this year. Talk to you Monday!


So tell me, what 2 things are you REALLY thankful for??!?


HAPPY THANKSGIVING! 


pic by jen




 
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A LOVELY potato....

We had a lovely Thanksgiving weekend, & I hope you all did too. While my fiance' prepared the large meal (we skipped Turkey this year, instead had honey glazed ribs & chicken), he discovered this unusually shaped potato! In the shape of a HEART! We decided not to cook it yet, so it's sitting in our fridge.

So, did you all have Turkey this year?!?



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