November 16th, 2015

Dressing vs. Stuffing

I’m DREAMING of all the cooking this coming week will bring! I love it! This holiday could not be more exciting and fulfilling to me. It’s about family – and that doesn’t mean just blood relatives. The incredible aromas and the feeling of “home” and just being together is what Thanksgiving is all about to me.

And, of course, being thankful.

The meal prep has begun. And of all the Thanksgiving menu items people across the country are planning and prepping, none is more, shall we say, controversial than stuffing/dressing.

Dressing vs Stuffing

What should I call it? Are they two different things?

Let’s delve into this topic, shall we?

Some people would argue that the two terms DRESSING and STUFFING are interchangeable. Same thing, they say. But others insist that stuffing is actually cooked inside of the bird and dressing remains on the outside at all times.

The actual dish itself may contain the same ingredients, but WHERE it is cooked is the game changer – and the key to its name. If you’re in this camp, your Thanksgiving recipes for dressing might look exactly like your recipes for stuffing. It’s the placement that matters.

Still others voice the opinion that what it’s called is just a matter of what part of the country you reside in. Southerners prefer “dressing,” while northerners prefer “stuffing” – no matter where it’s cooked or how it’s served.

With or without celery. Crispy on top, or soft all the way through. It’s all good to me.

So what’s your take on the great “Dressing vs. Stuffing Debate?” Do you have a hard and fast rule about how it’s served and what it’s called?

As for me, all I know is it’s mighty tasty. I’ll take it anywhere it’s served and you can call it anything you want! I’m just really, really thankful it’s on my table.


December 26th, 2014

Those Glorious Christmas Leftovers

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It’s that time!

Leftover time!

The holiday dishes have all been put away, but there’s a delicious reminder in the fridge of all that merriment and cheer.

It’s turkey and Chateaubriand and prime rib roast and spiral ham all tucked in their Tupperware beds. Just waiting to be called upon for the Leftover Parade.

There are two ways to go about this.

One: Reheat and serve.

I’m partial to this one because I’m usually exhausted.

-OR-

Two: Repurpose those leftovers into equally dazzling second meals.

My sister-in-law Chef Sandy is a master at this.

Roast turkey becomes turkey soup, turkey stew, turkey enchiladas.

Spiral ham becomes ham omelettes and ham soup.

Chateaubriand? Why, beef sliders, of course!

What are your favorite leftover ideas? Time to whip them up!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.


December 24th, 2014

Holiday Table Ideas

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Everyone has their own ideas of what makes a great holiday table.

Some cannot veer from the classic turkey, spiral ham and sides combo.

And I understand that. I’m in touch with that.

Sometimes, holiday time is the only time of year you serve those dishes.

But, for some, the holiday table allows you to try something out of the ordinary and special like Chateaubriand or prime rib.

The most important thing is that your holiday table makes YOU happy.

Have you ever served a nice salmon or lobster on your holiday table?

How about lasagna?

Tell me, what are you serving on your holiday table this year?

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.


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