Stretching Thanksgiving

American holidays are awfully short. They're usually one day and then they're over with. This definitely applies to Thanksgiving. We can't wait to zip through the holiday and concentrate on today - Black Friday. Well, you can stretch the holiday out thanks to leftovers and extending some dishes. It;s just a quick trip to the grocery store for some extras to recreate a smaller version of yesterday's feast.

The first things to usually go are the turkey, stuffing and gravy. These are parcelled out to less fortunate relatives who had to go home to empty fridges. Not to worry if you're hankering for more. Just head over to store's deli section for some fresh sliced turkey breast. Then bounce over a few aisles to pick up some tinned gravy and Stove top stuffing. OK, these are not as good as the fresh homemade kinds but at least they're still something. As for veggies, there's always microwavable squash and turnip dishes along with creamed spinach. These are easy to make sides that just require little effort and prep time.

Desserts are another hot ticket item. If you find yourself mooning over an empty pie plate then again head back to the grocery where you can still buy leftover pies. An even better choice are the half and quarter pies that some supermarkets sell. Also consider getting soem fresh fruits. You're probably in need of something fresh and wholesome after all that high calorie gorging. A nice dessert is cut orange s sprinkled with dried cranberries.

Even though Thanksgiving is officially over , you can still celebrate it. Justextend your leftovers with some additions for a second round of holiday eating. It's a nice way of hanging onto another day of good cooking.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to Americans all over the world. Celebrate the date with food but also woith thanks. We have a good country , a good president and good lives. Be grateful for these things.

Liz

Prep TIme in The Kitchen

Just when I'm feeling better it's time for you foodies to go into the cooks' prep time for Thanksgiving. I'll keep this short but I'll nag you at what you should be doing right now.

What you should be doing instead of reading this or surfing the Internet is making sure you have all of tomorrow groceries . If not, then get yourself to your nearest store and pick up everything you need. Turkey on the list? Sides all picked out? What kind of dinner rolls do you and your guests favor? Did you remember to buy a bag of those after dinner butter mints? Hand sanitizers? Buy plenty of those. This is the flu season after all.


Today is also the day you should be rolling out the pie crusts for your pies. This is also a good time to update the wine list and check your liquor cabinet to make sure you have everything for you your guests tastes.Another important issue is to make sure you have plenty of room for your guests and any unexpected ones that should drop by. This is a good time to bring in the folding chairs up from the basement and have them on the ready.,

Be prepared this Thanksgiving. Make sure everything is going to run smoothly. As for me I have some serious healing to get back to

Back And A Little Bit Better

Hey fellow foodies, I'm back with a short entry today. I've come from the spacey regions that cold sufferers come from . I haven't had anything but mush and soup to eat , so you can imagine how my palate must feel right now

I
ll be back in full force tomorrow. ready to take on Thanksgiving and whatever comes with the day before prepping and jitters. In the meantime read the old er columns Every one is raving about the Langue du Chats one I published earlier this year along with the pfefferneusse one from last Christmas.

Wanted: A Healthy Foodie Writer

Sorry guys, I'm still sick with a bad cough and cold. Hopefully you'll get a column tomorrow.


Liz

Foodie Out Sick

Sorry guys,

I have a very bad head cold that I can't shake off. I cannot think or write straight. Everything should be all right by Monday. I'll be back to relative normal by then. Enjoy the older columns in the meantime.

Liz

Good Foodie Manners

This is the season to be asked to dinner. With that, your;e going to have to be a polite foodie and bring something to the table. Never - ever show up at your host's home empty handed.it's just rude and also unthinking. Bring along some sort of gift that pertains to the meal. You can choose from wine, candy or flowers. It doesn't matter the cost as long as you come in with a thank you gift.

Wine is always a lovely present. try to choose one that is either the host 's favorite or one that goes with the meal. If there is a celebration , such as a promotion or publication , then carry a bottle of Prosecco or Asti to help ring in the good news. You many want to think about gifting with a cordial or liquor. These can be great in after dinner coffees or in drinks. if it's a more rustic celebration think about a robust hard cider that goes well with fall barbecues or cassoulets.

Flowers and candy are other good gifts to bring to someone's house. A bouquet od a fall mums look pretty on a set table and your host will appreciate them. Don't choose elaborate sprays. Just pick out a simple bouquet you cna get at your local grocery store. A box of chocolates is another nice way of saying "Thanks, for inviting me." You don't have to settle on Godiva there's Russell Stover and Whitman Candies have excellent samplers that will appeal to everyone's tastes.

Be a polite foodie and remember to bring a gift. Just don't go crazy looking for that special vintage or that rare flower. Surprise them your hosts with something simple yet from the heart!