Tammy's Tidbits
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Think Full
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Think Full
With the happy holidays upon us, I thought I would give you ideas on making the holidays as full as possible.
November, we like to think of it as our month of thankfulness, with Thanksgiving being the center of that thought. By now, I’m sure you have been reminded on how thankful we all should be.
So, I want to do a play on those words, for something different. And that is ...think full! Seriously, do we not all think (and moan) about all the different and wonderful foods during these holiday months?
What with the feast during both holidays along with Christmas cookies, how could we not think full? But did you ever stop and wonder why we may fill until we are over full?
It could be most of these foods, that we consume during these months, are usually limited to these months only!
Seriously, would you have a full out turkey dinner for Memorial Day or a nice variety collection of Christmas cookies for the 4th of July?
And yet, isn’t that what makes these two months special? Having traditional foods year after year? But what happens when suddenly you have to share in someone else’s traditions?
Do old habits die hard, or do you embrace having something different added to your own yearly traditions? Why does it seem harder to introduce new foods during this time of year?
Any other time, we would easily enjoy trying new foods. Thankfully, in fact, to have new ideas for what’s for dinner. But for holiday dinners, that seems to be hands off!
I’ve seen family feuds of whether it should be white or brown gravy. Turkey basted or in a bag. Or perhaps lasagna as a side dish or no turkey at all! You know all too well what I’m talking about, but this may be where we can apply my ‘think full’ idea.
Who cares if someone wants to add their own take on your tradition? Especially if they are making it! Fill that table with new traditions and enjoy! It may surprise you that even though it may not be tradition to you, it’s actually quite good!
Now for the Christmas cookies, I don’t really think there is much of a problem because a variety is an essential element in spreading good cheer! Allowing your loved ones to pick their favorites.
What about drinks? I think sometimes this is an essential which is easily overlooked! For example, have you ever thought of serving spiced teas, wines, or even do I dare say... spiced punch?
So many times, we worry about the main course and the dessert, that we scramble in that moment, when we ask what everyone wants to drink! Water is always a true staple, but how about being a little more festive with such an easy idea?
What if you bring out some different teas... hot or cold... punch, or a nice spiced wine that has been mixed with a couple of different wines? Heated spiced apple wine can be quite tasty!
And what about flavored coffee, or different flavored creamers to go in the coffee, to have with dessert or those Christmas cookies? Also, we can’t forget my all-time favorite - Eggnog! The only time of the year it even seems to be available, which makes me enjoy it even more!
We’ve talked about the main course, drinks and desserts, but what about appetizers? Granted, we may think we’re having so much already - why in the world would we want people to fill up on appetizers?
I think it all depends on how long you make every one wait, smelling that lovely dinner you are cooking! Having a couple of trays of cheese and olives, crackers and spread, may lessen those endless questions of ‘is it done yet?’!
Perhaps the tradition of one person putting on such a big spread could also be enhanced with people bringing their own dishes. Not only to help with the large task but introduce a new flavor to the table.
Here are some National Holidays for November and December that are food related to give us food for thought …traditional or something new to try?
November 17th - National Home-Made Bread Day… Traditional or Unconventional? For me, it’s usually a quick crack of a Pillsbury tube of crescent rolls, but, hey! If someone wants to make homemade bread, I will make room!
November 22nd - National Cranberry Relish… Traditional or Unconventional? Definitely a classic example of which do you prefer? A nice cylinder shape smooth from the can or a fancy version loaded with unusual things? Remember, there is nothing wrong with having both available!
November 26th - National Cake Day… Traditional or Unconventional? Is it pie or cake for dessert at your house for your Thanksgiving Day? Usually Apple pie for us, but again, if someone brings cake, they will not be turned down!
December 4th - National Cookie Day… Traditional or Unconventional? I guess this can be the official day to start making Christmas cookies? Do you like to bake them or prefer to try others? What ones do you like? Is it the tried-and-true sugar cookie? Or perhaps peanut butter with a chocolate kiss? Maybe you like shortbread cookies or even some rum balls? So many choices and so little time! Seriously, must we only have one month for all these varieties? Then again, January and those scales will face us soon enough! So I suppose, limiting them to December is for the best!
December 12th - Ginger Bread House Day… Traditional or Unconventional? Ah yes, a true classic! Question is, do you make one or enjoy others? And if you make one, is it for fun? Letting the kids help, with a result barely recognizable as even a house? Or do you masterfully design a piece of art?
December 19th - National Hard Candy Day… Traditional or Unconventional? Am I the only one who enjoys a good candy cane (especially the unique flavors) during this time when any other month, I would easily pass on any hard candy?
So, there you have it, November and December wrapped up and a New Year on its way! And none too soon! I can honestly say, I am looking forward to saying goodbye to 2020 without looking back!
However, we need to enjoy this time. Where not only good food is made but also wonderful memories with family and friends. A time where we can be thankful and appreciate the time we have with them.
From my house to yours, I want to wish everyone Happy Holidays! Whether you are traditional or unconventional, we must remember - it is a time of year, where some things happen only at this time of year, so enjoy!
November, we like to think of it as our month of thankfulness, with Thanksgiving being the center of that thought. By now, I’m sure you have been reminded on how thankful we all should be.
So, I want to do a play on those words, for something different. And that is ...think full! Seriously, do we not all think (and moan) about all the different and wonderful foods during these holiday months?
What with the feast during both holidays along with Christmas cookies, how could we not think full? But did you ever stop and wonder why we may fill until we are over full?
It could be most of these foods, that we consume during these months, are usually limited to these months only!
Seriously, would you have a full out turkey dinner for Memorial Day or a nice variety collection of Christmas cookies for the 4th of July?
And yet, isn’t that what makes these two months special? Having traditional foods year after year? But what happens when suddenly you have to share in someone else’s traditions?
Do old habits die hard, or do you embrace having something different added to your own yearly traditions? Why does it seem harder to introduce new foods during this time of year?
Any other time, we would easily enjoy trying new foods. Thankfully, in fact, to have new ideas for what’s for dinner. But for holiday dinners, that seems to be hands off!
I’ve seen family feuds of whether it should be white or brown gravy. Turkey basted or in a bag. Or perhaps lasagna as a side dish or no turkey at all! You know all too well what I’m talking about, but this may be where we can apply my ‘think full’ idea.
Who cares if someone wants to add their own take on your tradition? Especially if they are making it! Fill that table with new traditions and enjoy! It may surprise you that even though it may not be tradition to you, it’s actually quite good!
Now for the Christmas cookies, I don’t really think there is much of a problem because a variety is an essential element in spreading good cheer! Allowing your loved ones to pick their favorites.
What about drinks? I think sometimes this is an essential which is easily overlooked! For example, have you ever thought of serving spiced teas, wines, or even do I dare say... spiced punch?
So many times, we worry about the main course and the dessert, that we scramble in that moment, when we ask what everyone wants to drink! Water is always a true staple, but how about being a little more festive with such an easy idea?
What if you bring out some different teas... hot or cold... punch, or a nice spiced wine that has been mixed with a couple of different wines? Heated spiced apple wine can be quite tasty!
And what about flavored coffee, or different flavored creamers to go in the coffee, to have with dessert or those Christmas cookies? Also, we can’t forget my all-time favorite - Eggnog! The only time of the year it even seems to be available, which makes me enjoy it even more!
We’ve talked about the main course, drinks and desserts, but what about appetizers? Granted, we may think we’re having so much already - why in the world would we want people to fill up on appetizers?
I think it all depends on how long you make every one wait, smelling that lovely dinner you are cooking! Having a couple of trays of cheese and olives, crackers and spread, may lessen those endless questions of ‘is it done yet?’!
Perhaps the tradition of one person putting on such a big spread could also be enhanced with people bringing their own dishes. Not only to help with the large task but introduce a new flavor to the table.
Here are some National Holidays for November and December that are food related to give us food for thought …traditional or something new to try?
November 17th - National Home-Made Bread Day… Traditional or Unconventional? For me, it’s usually a quick crack of a Pillsbury tube of crescent rolls, but, hey! If someone wants to make homemade bread, I will make room!
November 22nd - National Cranberry Relish… Traditional or Unconventional? Definitely a classic example of which do you prefer? A nice cylinder shape smooth from the can or a fancy version loaded with unusual things? Remember, there is nothing wrong with having both available!
November 26th - National Cake Day… Traditional or Unconventional? Is it pie or cake for dessert at your house for your Thanksgiving Day? Usually Apple pie for us, but again, if someone brings cake, they will not be turned down!
December 4th - National Cookie Day… Traditional or Unconventional? I guess this can be the official day to start making Christmas cookies? Do you like to bake them or prefer to try others? What ones do you like? Is it the tried-and-true sugar cookie? Or perhaps peanut butter with a chocolate kiss? Maybe you like shortbread cookies or even some rum balls? So many choices and so little time! Seriously, must we only have one month for all these varieties? Then again, January and those scales will face us soon enough! So I suppose, limiting them to December is for the best!
December 12th - Ginger Bread House Day… Traditional or Unconventional? Ah yes, a true classic! Question is, do you make one or enjoy others? And if you make one, is it for fun? Letting the kids help, with a result barely recognizable as even a house? Or do you masterfully design a piece of art?
December 19th - National Hard Candy Day… Traditional or Unconventional? Am I the only one who enjoys a good candy cane (especially the unique flavors) during this time when any other month, I would easily pass on any hard candy?
So, there you have it, November and December wrapped up and a New Year on its way! And none too soon! I can honestly say, I am looking forward to saying goodbye to 2020 without looking back!
However, we need to enjoy this time. Where not only good food is made but also wonderful memories with family and friends. A time where we can be thankful and appreciate the time we have with them.
From my house to yours, I want to wish everyone Happy Holidays! Whether you are traditional or unconventional, we must remember - it is a time of year, where some things happen only at this time of year, so enjoy!
