It is funny how life gives back sometimes….Don and I were asked to put on a cooking class showing what, how and why we do things the way we do. We were asked to prepare a brunch for Easter (or any celebration brunch) and prepare a tablescape.
We had 5 months to think about it: to plan, practice, change our minds, try again and then, of course, what colour scheme would I go with for the table…it took a while to get this in order for these two people to get it right and I guess we did. I chose purple/white and a touch of pink in the Easter eggs. It even had a little brown bunny on the table.
The menu was served in three different segments. First one was a fruit kabob with yogurt/lime dressing, orange croissant french toast (which Don finished this on site) and a white chocolate pecan muffin. So many oohs and aahs here. We had a few leftovers and put them out on the counter and then there were none.
Second plate: hashbrowns for a buffet, ham with Don ‘s fabulous sauce and grape meatballs. These people, I swear, did not have supper. Not a leftover on any plate. Don cut the ham on site as well – does that make him a “ham”? NOT ! He is so good at what he does.
Third plate: Lime impossible pie and strawberry sliders (miniature shortbread with strawberries and chantilly cream.) Don demonstrated how to make the dough and then baked it off.
The comments were so very positive and heart-warming to say the least. Thank you to Frances, her hard-working team and for believing what we do and how we do it actually means something. What a ride. Thank you so very much.
Asleep At the Wheel
My computer has been asleep, if you will, since March 19, 2014. To catch up on the recipes posted since that date, please go to www. damnicanothis and you will be able to catch up. Hopefully, this is now corrected,
In case you didn’t know it, I missed you all…..
Starting The New Year Off Right…..
When we returned from our mini vacation, of course it means laundry, cleaning house, ironing and then…..getting ready for a special dinner with neighbors (friends) who looked after the ranch while we were away.
It was being planned, even when we were away, so it is really something to think of new and different and I think we have done it.
This one dinner is Don’s doing. It is what he wanted to do and it sounds scrumptuous. We are starting out with his homemade lox on toasted baguette and, (this is what I had at Emeril’s in New Orleans), a toasted baguette with super finely chopped country ham, apple, topped with Buratto cheese and balsamic vinegar. In a word…or two….totally awesome.
From here we go to the dining room table which is set out in black and white with a couple splashes of bright red. We start with a Shrimp and artichoke soup (OMG this is absolutely spectacular in texture, flavour and tummy happiness. The second course are fabulous scallops with mango salsa. Oh yeah, it sure sucks to be me….not! A lovely chilled wine was paired with these two courses.
Because of all the above, we opted for a simple (not for me, I love this) baby carrots with some of the tops still attached, steamed asparagus and Filet Mignon barbecued with a breathtaking sauce. To finish this dinner, we are having, and again this was Don’s choice, stewed bosc pears in red wine sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
All the above is with Tin Horn Creek’s Pinot Noir 2009 and 2010.
To truly finish the dinner and sit around and chat, a lovely chilled burgundy ice wine, coffee and chocolate. What else is there? We will take pictures this evening, I promise, and will post them tomorrow.
Christmas
Christmas can be happy, sad, reflective, noisy, lonely, bringing back memories of Christmas’ past. I found this year, that my husband and I were not alone in insisting (if you will) to say, hear or read in print, that Canadians WANT Merry Christmas and not what has been called, politically correct nonsense, anything other than.
I can remember when I was a little girl that if my father didn’t know or wasn’t too sure what somone’s religion was, with a firm and sincerely meant handshake, he would look them in the eye and wish them Compliments of the Season. Other than that, Merry Christmas was the mantra.
Christmas….Christ….that is the reason for this….a birthday celebration for the birth of Christ. This is what we, in this country, celebrate. It matters not which faith you believe in, they all center around this. Anyone coming to or newly arrived in our beautiful land, cannot really believe that we will change what we believe in or stand for, just because they believe in something else or nothing at all.
Peace…Faith…..Understanding….Sharing….Helping someone in need…prayer……contemplation….
Okay, kids love presents and Santa. Sure! Who doesn’t? But have we stopped teaching our children also the reason for this time of year? The real reason?
Have we, as a worldly community become so callous or dead inside from feelings and faith due to all the tragedy in this world? I don’t believe that.
From my heart, and my family, we wish one and all a very Merry Christmas and secretly hope, you also got your wish from Santa.
Day After – Pictures
This is a little different today. We will be posting pictures of last night. If you come here and they are not on yet, don’t give up. It may take until tomorrow but please, come back. Without a doubt, this was probably the best party we have ever put on.
I/we have been entertaining for many,many years and, believe it or not, I learned a few things….
1. is to use cocktail sized, colourful (not chinet) plates, and using Christmas napkins. Lay these out on the table.
2. name tags for each plate/bowl so guests don’t have to guess what they are supposed to eat. Using dollar store and/or Ikea small ‘platters’ worked.
3. we invited old friends, neighbors (some new), and new friends. Asked them to put on a name tag so people would know who-was who.
4. When they came in, we asked them to help themselves to whichever wine they wanted, talk to anyone they didn’t know and then wander around the table as much as they wanted to.
5. Secret: cleanup was an absolute breeze. Washed the wine glasses/rinsed with hot vinegar water and put away. That was it. The friendly ‘electric cupboard’ did the rest. Enjoy the pictures and don’t be afraid to have friends over. It was SO worth it. In fact, my cousin and her husband dropped in about 2 p.m. and we sat, chatted, laughed a lot, shared a Christmas drink and then they went on their way.
Christmas Celebration With Friends
Tonight we are hosting a gathering of friends and neighbours to celebrate Christmas. It has been in the planning stage for about a month now. A list of what we want to serve….finding the recipes….buying what we need. If you do this over time, it is not so expensive .
The table has been set for days now….I still just stand back, look at it and then add something. That is how you get what we call ‘tablescapes’. We have a table in the livngroom just for wines and glasses. This really works well. We will offer the first glass of wine and then our guests can help themselves. We also have a special juice drink for a few who do not imbibe alcohol.
This is what will be on the table to help make the evening fun.
- My homemade mini quiche with homemade bacon jam on top
- Pistachio and blue cheese cookies (great to have with wine)
- Don’s antipasto (yummmmmm)
- Warm red pepper dip (easy to make)
- Crackers
- Cherry tomato ‘ornaments’ with brie and basil leaf, topped with tapenade
- Cheese shortbread (again, super great with wine)
- Mushroom palmiers
- Potato Rostis with Lemon cream
- Cheesy mini burgers (sliders with a difference)
- Beef, asparagus and red pepper rolls
- Cucumber rounds
- Assorted truffles (homemade), chocolates, nuts
I promise, we will post pictures of the evening…the table beforehand. the wine/glasses table. We have 11 Christmas trees …should do the trick!
Christmas Gathering or Wine And Cheese Gathering
Call it what you will, it is a wonderful way with friends to celebrate the Christmas Season. Yesterday I put together the dough for 2 lots of cheese shortbread. One goes to my daughter for her friends and the other one for our party next Saturday. I also made fruit and Nut shortbread and baked those off this morning. In case I hadn’t done enough, I figured, ever so crazily, I should make chocolate chip cookies for my husband. Done!
Now, today, the house is smelling like Christmas and I have some of the things ready for the party. Don has his stuff to do and then I can finish the table. Some of it has been done. It is a gold cloth this year, with 5 little trees all decorated in gold and silver balls and two 24″ candles with gold and silver tassled ribbon tied around the crystal candle holder set down the length of the table..
Don wants everything labelled so people will know exactly what they are eating. The tree is up and, if I say so myself, looks very beautiful. When it is time to do the tree, I grumble and grouse…then when it is all done, we walk around the tree and can tell who, what and when everything was put on the tree. Christmas trees are really your life on display once a year. I really do love it. Honest!
Okay, now…..hmmm I think I shall get a glass of wine and sit down and make yet another list of what has to be done before next Saturday. Make that two and the list will really be complete. haha
Truly, this can all be fun. Take your time, Bake ahead, plan ahead, invite as many as you feel comfortable with at one time and just enjoy it.
Packing Up
Today is the day my nerves have taken a bit of a hit. Tomorrow I am going to Osoyoos to demonstrate different ways to set the table for company during the festive season, beit for casual wine and cheese to Christmas at the lake, perhaps or at home and going all out.
We will be posting pictures, probably under the heading of “table settings” and I hope you will go and take a peek.
I hauled out everything that I would normally use in my home and then it hits me……this is Frances’ store and I am suppposed to showcase everything she has to offer. Let me tell you something….I could set tables for 8 hrs a day for a year and not use everything this store has to offer.
One thing that is too cool….Wild Hibiscus Flowers in syrup. When put into a glass of sparkling wine or 7-up, gingerale ….whatever is fizzy..and the flower opens up. They can be used on crackers and goat cheese with the flower on top or on top o f cheese cake slices. Beautiful …all edible as well. Way to go Frances!
So….after putting all my stuff away, I pack up what is essential and say a prayer for the best. I need a glass of wine.
Super Tips for the Kitchen And The Bedroom
Now THAT got your attention, I’ll bet. It is getting to that time of the year, where entertaining the masses seems like the normal thing to do. Perhaps some of these tips will help you and, perhaps, make things a little easier. Here we go…nothing earth shattering but very useful.
Any left over liquids from cooking….pour into muffins tins and completely freeze. Now put them into freezer bags, mark them “beef drippings”, “vegetable stock”, whatever….now when you go to make gravies or soups or marinades, simply defrost.
If making recipes that use only egg yolks, put the egg whites ice cube trays and freeze. Then place in freezer bags until ready to use. When thawed these MUST be ued immediately.
After guests have left and there is wine left in the bottle. No, don’t drink it or throw it out or try to save for another day. Simply pour into ice cube trays (12% alcohol or less) and freeze. Again , freeze, place in freezer bags and now you can use them when braising meats or making marinades.
Chicken stock – freeze in muffin tins to use when making your turkey pot pies (after Christmas).
Citrus Juices? Freeze in trays for the next time you are needing some citrus in a vinaigrette, Each cube holds aproximately 2 tablespoons.
Okay, let’s leave the kitchen and go to the bedroom for a minute. If you run a Bed and Breakfast (as we did for many, many years), duvet covers are hard to keep in place.
Here is a neat trick. Take fabric tape, cut 8 x 5″ strips off. Turn your duvet cover inside out and at each corner of the duvet cover, sew 2 strips in the inside corner. Still keeping it inside out, place the comfort on top and tie each corner of the comforter to the duvet. NOW, turn it right-side out, and the comforter stays in place. Clever? You bet your ‘blanket it is.
Save these, it make make your life a little easier. Gotta run….still baking.
Baking Marathon 2013
Wow, what a day…not done yet. Yesterday Don stood and hand-chopped everything that goes into his antipasto. Believe me, it is long, hard work but oh so wonderful to eat. It took 3 1/2 hours. We had a friend who sat and ate one whole jar at one sitting a couple of years ago.
Today, he made the mixture for his Tourtiere…again, masterpiece. Ask any of his kids..and family….extended family….friends….acquaintences….get the drift? I have been using the oven all day, so he is waiting to make his pastry to finish that chore.
This morning I started with my new, most favourite shortbread ever. It is called “another shortbread” on this site. Believe me it is fantastic. Don was stealing cookies off the tray before I could put them on the racks to cool. OMG, Try it.
Then I went to making cheese shortbread, whipped shortbread, pumpkin loaves and pumpkin tarts.
I learned a very valuable lesson this morning. I wanted to make my black and white bark. Couldn’t find the cookies that are needed so thought I could use some cookie crumbs for making pie crusts (you know the type), put in my chopped pistachios and best white chocolate. Lo and behold…the crumbs were so stale it all had to be thrown out. Lesson learned…ALWAYS make sure ingredients are fresh. What a waste of time! What a terrible taste.
Earlier this week I made Gumdrop cake (one of my favourites at this time of year), my “new Christmas Cake”, Raspberry Meringues and a Blackberry Orange Tea Loaf. I also made mini Quiche Lorraine tarts for our upcoming wine and cheese evening in December. More on that later.
The rest of this week, I have to make YET, marshmallows, Holiday Shortbread, Pecan Shortbread, Lemon Shortbread, Madeleines, Santa’s Balls, Salted Chocolate Cookise, Citrus Cocada, Blue Cheese Cookies with Pistachios.
I still don’t have any nuts or truffles on the list yet. Shoot!
This is our 26th November 11 bake-a-thon. Sure do love the results..dishes on the other hand…….
Wine please …oh better yet, make that a double…
Christmas Baking Tray List 2013
It is that time of year to starting getting ready. Yesterday we bought all that we need. both Don and I, and here is what I hope to accomplish on Nov 11. Don also makes his Tourtiere and antipasta. We make a big mess for sure but, even after 25 previous years of this routine, we have yet to get in each other’s way.
Besides, I think you all should be able to smell the wonderful aroma that stems from this place where ever you live.
- Marshmallows
- Whipped Shortbread
- Holiday Shortbread
- cornmeal shortbread
- Cheese Shortbread
- Pecan Shortbread
- Lemon Shortbread
- Gumdrop Cake
- New Christmas Cake
- Black and White Bark
- Madeleines
- Santa’s Balls
- Raspberry Meringues
- Salted Chocolate Cookie
- Citrus Cocada
- Blackberry Orange Tea Loaf
- Blue Cheese Cookies With Pistachios
Do We Really Mean It When We Say……
On facebook, the telephone, televsion commercials, etc. ALL say “Happy Thanksgiving”. Do they (we ) really mean it when we say it. Thankful for what?
Sure, we all say our family and friends….but just think for a moment….what about those who have neither family or friends? Or are ill or even dying?
We are thankful for our homes and food on the table…just for us? What about those who do not have a home that is safe and dry or even a hot meal to eat today. After all, it IS Thanksgiving and we keep saying “Happy Thanksgiving”.
In your heart of hearts have you reached out to someone in need this Thanksgiving season? A smile to a homeless person is sometimes all that is needed for THEM to be thankful. In a Hospice or Hospital room, a sincere touch of your hand on theirs may make a huge difference.
The Food Banks this week have had a drive on for non-perishable food for the Food Bank……did you help?
When we say Happy Thanksgiving here, it IS because of family and friends and it IS for the dry and safe haven we call home and a beautiful dinner that is being prepared as I write this and yes, we are indeed SHARING our meal today and yes, believe me, in THIS house, we are thankful for better health.
So from our home and hearts, Happy Thanksgiving to one and all who read this and perhaps, you might even agree. On the other hand, perhaps one of you may think about what I have said and even share a smile or buy a coffee or a meal for someone who isn’t quite as lucky as you.
Mean it when you say it and you will really be a THANKFUL person.