5 posts tagged “daily musing”

So far, I am on schedule with my Thanksgiving game plan. Having hosted lots of dinners and get-togethers, I've learned from many failures the importance of advanced planning... so I can get out of the kitchen and actually spend time with the guests! So, with an ambitious menu this year, I figured planning was essential.

This weekend I got done what I could - set the table, made placecards, did the food shopping.

Last night, I made pie doughs and vanilla ice cream.  Cooks Illustrated's secret to perfect pie dough is to replace half of the cold water you normally use with cold vodka. I think it helps keep the gluten from breaking down or something like that. And I use half butter (for taste) and half shortening (for flakiness).

The vanilla ice cream secret is just to do the French style -- which requires a heaping 6 egg yolks (for about a quart of ice cream). But hey, it's Thanksgiving, and we're not eating diet food. I also went all out and purchased a vanilla bean to give it extra flavor and those little specks... damn thing was like $8. For one.

I've gotten my routine down pretty well now.  That tends to be hard for me. But now (knock on wood), I'm making time to go to the gym in the morning, walk the dog, and cook dinner when I get home. And still have some time to zone out for a little in front of the TV and read before bed. It's feeling great...

The honey went on a boys' trip to Vegas this weekend. This gave me good reason to focus on getting productive and preparing for Thanksgiving. And watching some chick flicks.

After a restful night at home on Friday night, it was go-go-go starting at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday.  Bucky had his first group training class. I am happy to report he was a very good boy. A little scared of the other dogs, but no outbursts.

Being forced to get up that early meant I had a lot of time that day. So I gave Bucky a bath (I think he's learning to like them now). Went to yoga at Yoga Swami, treated myself to a lox bagel at Pannikin, stopped at the tailor, cleaned my dresser, cleaned out the fridge and freezer. Washed all the dishes, did four loads of laundry, cleaned the kitchen, then did my Thanksgiving grocery shopping at around 5. Perfect time to go; it wasn't crowded.  Had enough time to make dinner and watch a movie with Bucky (he likes chick flicks).

Sunday, slept in, took Bucky for a long walk, went to Target, put down a new rug, made the placecards for Thanksgiving (which took way longer than I thought), and set the table. Didn't have time to make pie crusts.

This will be my first Thanksgiving hosting my family so I'm really looking forward to it. My menu is a little ambitious, but I feel pretty prepared. Tonight I'll probably tackle the cranberry sauce.  Whew!

Not a whole lot to remark upon lately, but last night I made a new dinner. I "fanned" Sunset magazine on Facebook, and now and again they'll cull useful ideas from their readers. A few days ago, they asked "what do you do with leftover rotisserie chicken?" I got a couple good ideas. Rotisserie chickens are great for when you don't have the time or energy to cook but want a homecooked, healthy meal.  Idea #1 was to shred the chicken, pour barbecue sauce on it, and put it in a sandwich. Oh so simple but sounds tasty, no?

Idea #2 was last night's dinner -- chicken and biscuits.  Cut the chicken (I wouldn't shred it with forks, but using spoons gets just the right size pieces). If you have time to sautee an onion, put that on top of the chicken. Pour a can of cream of mushroom soup (Amy's Organic is the best) on top, followed by a package of frozen peas and carrots. Then top with biscuit dough, and bake according to the directions for the biscuit dough. I used Bisquick, so the whole thing was super easy. It turned out great, and I think was reasonably healthy, too.

This morning, I actually hauled my butt out of bed early and went to the gym!  For me, this is a major accomplishment. I haven't been active for the last few months. My workout felt great. Woo hoo!

I was worried yesterday because both the honey and I had to go to work, leaving our diarrhea dog in the house alone. I got home around 5:45, and miracle of miracles, no messes!  YAY!  Boy, now I know a little bit of how new parents feel. Except babies have diapers.

Bucky seems to be quickly improving, maybe because of the antibiotic he's on.

Sigh, Bucky is a sick little guy right now. I'll spare you the details, but I'll say this... diarrhea. In the house.  We're getting the carpet cleaned but may have to get it replaced; it's in bad shape right now.

We took him to the vet this morning and she's concerned that it's actually a chronic condition (but obviously worse in the last two days).  I always thought he was just still adjusting to his new food and getting better... but apparently he should have been fine by now. So, now Bucky is on an anti-biotic, de-wormer (just in case), and a low-residue prescription dog food. I hope he gets better soon, because this dog food sounds like crap... lots of grain, and it includes a chicken "by-product meal".  Eesh... I only bought it because the vet assured me that this was best for Bucky since he has some kind of GI issue.