/ˈgratəˌt(y)o͞od/
Noun:
The quality of being thankful;
readiness to show appreciation;
for IT ALL.
Not just the Joy, but the tears.
Not just health, but ache & pain.
Not just LOVE, but loneliness & hurt.
As this year comes to an end I am truly thankful for every experience, each and every moment that has made it up. All a part of MY life, the beauty of the gift of life.
Most of the time when i blog about a recipe, i strive to make "healthy conscious" alterations, so that the recipe is not only good, but good FOR you. however, this thanksgiving feast was by no means "health conscious" if something needed more flavor or a different consistency...on went spoonfuls of butter, cheese, sugar! Anything! because i do believe once in a while its good to NOT care too much, or be TOO "healthy". Yes, we do need to mind our health & make healthy choices,take care of ourselves. but its just as important to ENJOY & SHARE with those we love, without worrying about much more. Focusing more the attention on being THANKFUL FOR WHAT WE do HAVE. in that very moment.
(focusing for example on how blessed we are for functioning, strong arms to be able to Hug my loved ones TIGHT! . . . and reach for the salt in the cub bard. . .instead of. . . worrying about. . . arm flab ; )
Its a beautiful thing to be able to just sit and TRULY ENJOY a heavenly slice of Pumpkin Cheese cake topped whip cream & JUST BE. happy. and of course, THANKFUL. (. . .which i did. . .3 times lol)
After all. . .
Thanksgiving dinner.
delicious.
made with Love.
filled with Love
surrouded by Love.
what more could i ask for?
nothing.
instead i give thanks.
I'll be cooking & blogging more in the upcoming year (one of my goals)
Stay tuned!
Here are some recipes we played with, good enough to share!
...ENJOY
Pumpkin Cheesecake ("Cheesecake Factory" recipe)
Serves/Makes: 6 | Difficulty Level: 3 | Ready In: 2-5 hrs
Ingredients:
1 package (8 oz. size) cream cheese, softened
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 container (8 oz. size) cool whip
1 prepared 9" graham cracker crust
Directions:
Beat cream cheese, pumpkin, sugar and pumpkin pie spice in large bowl with wire whisk or electric mixer until smooth. Gently stir in whipped topping. Spoon into crust.
Refrigerate three hours or until set. Garnish as desired.
FOOD NETWORK'S 7 Cheese Mac 'n Cheese
(We DEF adapted this and just threw in whatever cheeses we wanted ;)
Ingredients
2 pounds elbow macaroni
12 eggs
1 cup cubed Velveeta cheese
1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter, melted
4 cloves Minced Garlic (optional)
6 cups half-and-half, divided
4 cups grated sharp yellow Cheddar, divided
2 cups grated extra-sharp white Cheddar
1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella
1 cup grated Asiago
1 cup grated Gruyere
1 cup grated Monterey Jack
1 cup grated Muenster
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
Directions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until slightly al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
Whisk the eggs in a large bowl until frothy.
Add the Velveeta, butter and 2 cups of the half-and-half to the large bowl of eggs. Add the warm macaroni tossing until the cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth. Add the remaining half-and-half, 3 cups of the sharp yellow Cheddar, the remaining grated cheeses, and salt and pepper, tossing until completely combined in the large bowl.
Pour the mixture into 9 by 13-inch casserole or baking dishes (approximately 3 (3-quart) baking dishes) and bake for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of sharp yellow cheese and bake until golden brown on top, about 30 minutes more.
Serve hot.
Turkey, Mashed potatoes & Stuffing were mom's recipes. the best. thanks mom!
(Biscuits 'n Gravy Store Bought.....thanks Pillsbury ....and Ralphs store Brand. lol)
