Wednesday, November 2, 2011

NOVEMBER...

Ahh, November already!  Have you started your holiday plans?  Have you planned your Thanksgiving dinner yet?  Maybe you're just going to entertain keeping it simple.  It's time to get started.  Below I've listed a few items you can add to the house which will instantly turn it to a warm and cozy home...ready for the Thanksgiving holiday and entertaining!


Candles, candles and more candles - adding Cinnamon or spiced pumpkin scented candles to any room is a great start
A vase with wheat sprigs and fall leaves
A harvest runner on your dining room table
Deep dark warm colors - add cushions in shades of gold, burgandy and dark green to your sofa
An assortment of real nuts; chestnuts, walnuts and almonds in a bowl on a coffee table


Another thing that adds warmth to any gathering is the food you serve.  It seems that during the holidays people tend to entertain more often.  Being the Fall freak that I am, I never get enough of the decorating or the entertaining!  There is nothing better than spending the holiday season with family and friends.  Here are a few recipes to get you started.

Crantini
2 oz Cranberry Juice
1 oz Triple Sec
2 oz Citrus or plain Vodka
Fresh cranberries
Lime slices

Put all the ingredients in a shaker with a few cubes of ice.  Shake and pour in a cold martini glass.  Throw in a slice of lime and a couple of cranberries for decoration.

Pinktini
1 oz Cranberry Juice
2 oz Pink Grapefruit Juice
1 oz Vanilla Vodka

Pour all the ingredients in a shaker with a few cubes of ice.  Shake and pour in a cold martini glass.

Redtini
1 oz Vodka
1/2 oz Cointreau
1/2 oz Lime Juice
1/2 oz Cranberry Juice

Pour all the ingredients in a shaker with a few cubes of ice.  Shake and pour in a cold martini glass.

Now looking to serve simple inexpensive but delicious appetizers?  Try one of these or try them all!

Fall Cheese Spread
1 pkg. (10 oz. each)  Aged Reserve Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1/4 cup  honey
1/4 cup chopped Walnuts
1/4 cup  dried cranberries
1 green apple, sliced
Place cheese on cheeseboard, mix nuts and berries and place mixture on cheese.  Drizzle with honey.  Slice apple and place around cheese.



Olives anyone?
Purchase squash from your supermarket (butternut squash or acorns)
Cut top of squash making a "bowl"
Scoop out the seeds and stringy flesh
Wash & dry well
Slice a thin piece off the bottom so they sit flat
Place on a tray and fill with olives
Asparagus Rolls
1 lb. Asparagus (approx. 19 stalks) trimmed
1 tablespoon olive oil
Pinch of salt & pepper
6 - 8 paper thin slices of prosciutto halved lengthwise
Preheat over to 400 degrees F
Cut the dry ends of the asparagus ends and place in bowl.  Drizzle with olive oil and toss.  Wrap each stalk with half a slice of prosciutto.  Line in pan and roast asparagus (approx. 15 minutes) until tender.  Remove, cool and serve.
Well, these are just a few appetizers that are sure to make your holiday getty a hit!  Try them and let me know if you agree that they are just DELICIOSO!

2 comments:

Rose said...

Love this. Will definitely try out a few of these today.

Rose said...
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