Thanksgiving 2013

I'm a little late in getting this posted, but here are a few photos from Thanksgiving this year. I had planned to post recipes and lots of detail, but am so far behind on blog posts that I figured better a few pictures than nothing!

As always, thanksgiving was lovely. We were missing a couple of family members who could not come, but I felt really grateful to be sitting down with friends and family and yummy food. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!

happy thanksgiving!

appetizers...for those who needed snacks before the main meal

delicious stuffed mushrooms with pancetta

canellini bean and caper topping for the crostini

homemade crostini

goat cheese, homemade pesto, and sundried tomato terrine

shrimp 'scampi'

on to the main meal now...delicious turkey with an herb-butter rub

acorn squash

brussels sprouts

butterhorn dinner rolls

hope you saved room for dessert...old fashioned pecan pie,
sweet potato pie, and an apple tart with homemade puff pastry

Bye for now...

A Light Supper: Insalata Caprese and a Mushroom, Onion and Goat Cheese Tart

During my Christmas Cookie Decorating party I served a light supper of a delicious Insalata Caprese and a Mushroom, Onion and Goat Cheese Tart. I wanted something light but tasty to help everyone try to avoid a complete and utter sugar overload.

I got the tart recipe from Martha Stewart and added some thyme to add a little bit of flavor. It was delicious! It was very easy to make and was something that you could do several hours or even a day in advance (make the filling ahead and then assemble and bake the day of).

The Caprese salad was also incredible and the presentation is so pretty. The combination of flavors with the fresh mozzarella, basil and tomato just can't be beat. Add some crusty bread, red wine and that's my idea of a perfect meal. Yum!

mise en place for the Mushroom, Onion and Goat Cheese Tart

for the salad: tomatoes, fresh basil and fresh mozzarella cheese

then add some balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper and voila

the finished insalata caprese...Delizioso!

mushrooms, spinach and onions cooked and ready to be layered onto the prepared puff pastry

hot out of the oven

the finished tart...delicious!

Bye for now...