Christmas 2012 Recap

Since I neglected my blog for the month of December, I decided to picture montage my Christmas to segway into my New Years resolutions.   I had the most fabulous time at 21 Elm Street; it really doesn't get any better than family at Christmas.

Turtle Cheesecake bites

Alright, I had a little Christmas cheer in LA too:

A Beverly Hills Christmas

Marina Del Rey Boat Parade

Lessons learned:

1. Christmas trees in Beverly Hills are so sickeningly overpriced I had to give up grocery shopping for 2 months to purchase even the most pitiful oversized bush.   The same Christmas tree in Halifax cost $100 dollars less.

2. You're only as good as your gift.  And you cannot go wrong with scratch tickets for Yankee Swaps.  Score.

3. They call Yankee Swap parties "White Elephants" in Los Angeles.  I know. Morons.

4. Jews in Hollywood celebrate Christmas. ...but they still hate Jesus.

5. Latkes taste delicious! gefilte fish doesn't.

6. You're never too old to squeal over your pile of presents.

7.  Your parents are never too old to spoil rotten.  They squeal too if you do it right.

8. Eggnog induced hangovers are quite the stomach ache.

9. Just because someone gives you a box of See's candies, doesn't mean you have to finish the box that same day.  Remember, sharing is caring.

10.  Don't underestimate the power of a suburban housewife on the prowl at target. 

11. It's not Christmas without a few flurries. 

12. More importantly, it's not Christmas without your Mama, Papa and two dogs.  I cannot believe how blessed I am to have been raised at the farm that is 21 Elm Street.  Talk about a real upbringing by the two best friends anyone in the world could ask for.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight.

The Ten Commandments of a Southern Belle

Now I have never been to At Lana Geooorgia, nor have I ever said bless his heart aloud, but my character study class at Aaron Speiser Studio led me to delve into a world that has always captivated my curiosity - that of a Southern Belle.

With the help of a good friend with Southern roots and some fabulous literature, I have concocted my own rendition of the 10 Commandments of the Southern Belle:


1.  There are two books that should be worn down to the binding by the age of 12: your bible and your etiquette book.   Well of course and a copy of "Gone with the Wind."

2. A true debutante would never cuss in front of her Momma or Daddy, let alone out in a public forum. Nor shall she chew gum, smoke cigarettes or become visibly drunk in a social setting.

3. Confusion and helplessness are fabulous tools, use them wisely and often to get your way.  But stand your ground - a southern belle does not get double crossed, by anyone.

4. You must never leave the house without having your face on.  You never know who you'll run into at the Club -- or even at the local grocers.  This goes for keeping nails chip free and curls perfectly pinned. Your hair can never be too big and your smile can never be too white.

5. A belle is born with real pearls and a set of fine silverware. And God bless her soul if she ever tries to pass of faux pearls for the real deal.  That is a Southern federal offense.  As is wearing white shoes after Memorial Day or before Easter - brides are the only exception.

6.  Always be peachy.. to everyone you meet.  You never know who is related to your future husband. Plus we girls take pride in our manners and charm - it practically oozes out of my pores! (which I might add are minuscule due to my strict face washing routine).  Oh wait, there is one exception to this rule.  Yankees.

7.  You are a jesus lovin, bible school teachin' Baptist - but your second religion is football. Can I get an amen! 

8. Pull out your fine china on weekdays and entertain as much as possible - there is no occasion too small for celebration! And might I add there is no celebration complete without a batch of the sweetest of sweet teas! Furthermore, thank you notes are a must. And it is never too early to write one.

9. Maintain a balance between community service, home making and a profession outside of the home. We are well educated Delta Pis who are not afraid to juggle it all if we so please! Of course, it is completely acceptable and almost enviable to have the luxury to dismiss the latter and allocate more time for life's two guilty pleasures: shopping on Peachtree and trips to the beach. Personally.. too much work gives me the vapors.

10. Do not throw your sexuality around to attract a beaux. Act like a lady and you will find yourself a gentleman.

A "Breliant" Thanksgiving - The full thanksgiving low down

My boyfriends last name is Breliant - it's funny.

So my mom came out for Turkey day and in an effort to show of my domestication, i decided to take on the task of Thanksgiving dinner.  And not to inflate my own head, but this was a Martha Stewart esque day.  Actually, I retract that.  This surpassed Marty S - and that's not an exaggeration.  Best thanksgiving i have ever enjoyed, and all thanks to me.  (with a little help from Matt I suppose). 

TURKEY:

brine it overnight.  As in buy the most expensive turkey they have in the store (it's worth it), rip out all the gizzards and other filthy stuff inside, and leave the turkey submerged in a pot overnight with ice water, and kosher salt.  It's as easy as that.

Next morning, preheat the oven to 315, give the patted dry turkey an olive oil and butter massage and sprinkle with salt, fresh rosemary, thyme, basil, garlic, pepper and sage.  Stuff the bad boy and fill the pan with a cup of chicken broth, carrots, 1 chopped onion, and mushrooms.   Tie up turkey legs with kitchen ties. cook 20 minutes per pound of turkey.  (if you are on a time crunch do 350 at 12 minutes a pound) open oven each hour to baste turkey. Cover with tin foil until last hour.  For the last hour only keep the wings covered in tin foil. 

STUFFING:

Night before cut up a sourdough loaf into crouton sized bites, drizzle with olive oil and add garlic.  leave covered overnight. 

Grill garlic sausage in pan.  Cut into tiny bits. cook with one chopped onion. 

cook sourdough pieces on 350 for 10 minutes 

combine bread and sausage/onions (with the grease!) with: 1 egg, rosemary, sage, thyme, garlic, pepper, 1 cut up green apple, craisins, and chopped pecans. 

MASHED POTATERS:

Boil 8-10 peeled and cubed potatoes.  While still hot beat with 1 stick butter, 1/2 cup reduced fat milk, 1 package reduced fat cream cheese, cut up chives, 5 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, ground pepper. 

CRANBERRY SAUCE:

Boil 1 cup water, add a bag of fresh cranberries and cook for 10 minutes.  After 10 minutes reduce to low heat and add 1/4 cup flavored brandy (I like peach), 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1 cup sugar, chopped pecans or macadamia nuts, 3 tsp cinnamon, and whatever else you have: chopped pear, shredded coconut, blackberries, chopped dates, pistachios, mandarin orange slices, really whatever tickles your fancy. 

PUMPKIN PIE:

1/2 can of Libbys pumpkin puree, 1 cup of sugar (i like half brown half white), 1 tsp vanilla extract, pinch of salt, 1 can condensed milk, 2 eggs, 1 tsp ginger, 3 tsp cinnamon.  Pour into prebaked graham cracker crust. 

Cook for 15 minutes at 425, reduce to 350 and cook for 40 minutes. Cover edged of pie with tin foil.  

Refrigerate for an hour before serving and don't you dare serve without whip cream.