Mitch ruins another picture of Gater...

Merry (almost) Christmas!

From Jett, the Reindeerpug!

Ornament Exchange

A few coworkers and I started a tradition of doing an ornament exchange for Christmas. Last year I decided I would make mine instead of buying something I didn't like. This year I came up with these!
I really do think I need my own Etsy account. SQUIRREL!!! And acorn. :)

Taking requests for Christmas 2011!

I like to eat Christmas ornaments!

Thanksgiving Leftover Breakfast

G has been eating leftover pie for breakfast for the past couple of days, but I wanted something a bit more filling. So I made some pan-fried stuffing cakes, which were really yummy...it's crispy, fried bread, people, what's not to like about that?! Also had an egg and a leftover biscuit. My right side is cramping up again, but it was worth it! :)

November Comfort Food

November's been a rather busy month, so I haven't been cooking as much. But, with the change in weather and the dark nights, the dishes I've made in the last few weeks have mostly tended to be comfort food. I made a giant batch of sweet, salty, and savory olive oil granola...it was seriously so delicious and easy, I don't think I will ever buy pre-made granola again! Ingredients included pistachios, pumpkin seeds, coconut chips, dried cherries, maple syrup, brown sugar, salt, and olive oil (which apparently is generally not used for granola). The olive oil adds this savory and slightly bitter aftertaste to the granola that balances the sweet and salty.


I also made some polenta topped with sauteed chard in balsamic vinegar and sunny-side up eggs. If you're looking for a warm, filling dinner, this is the dish for you! It's not the prettiest dish once you break the eggs and mix everything up, but it's amazing to eat!

Cold weather fare....

Another long overdue post...October came and went and here we are with Thanksgiving around the corner.

Our Halloween was mellow, no carving and zero trick or treaters. I made some French onion soup and we watched the "Crazies".

Ready to get ooey and gooey:

I guess you can never have too much cheese.

We ate it all up! It was delish and satisfying! Next time, I think I'll let the onions carmelize a bit more... But after 45 minutes I got impatient. Story of my life.

I also made these halloweenies for work. Long story short, our company likes to hold festive potluck contests with cash prizes. Although everyone ate up my pigs in blankets disguised as mummies/Afghanis, I didn't win.

It was this delicious Pumpkin soup that took first prize and I recreated it this weekend. I don't know why but I've been on a soup kick with the recent change in weather.

We also had these smoked salmon appetizers:

I blame my point and shoot camera for my lack of posting. We've had a few meals that have tasted and looked better than my camera could capture... but I'm also a bit lazy. ;)

Excuses aside. I shall be better at this. Looking forward to Thanksgiving!