Recipes

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Winter Wonderland Weekend

This weekend had so many fun Christmas-y moments to it!

It helps waking up to this outside today :)IMG_7397

This is pretty much one of the few times of the year I actually enjoy snow…the time leading up to Christmas.  Once mid January hits I’m usually done with it but for now we can just enjoy the beauty. 

Yesterday Brian and I went out and searched for the perfect first Christmas tree!

First I started with a warm bowl of steel cut oats! IMG_7391

For 2 servings

  • 1/2 c. oats
  • 3/4 c. milk
  • 3/4 c. water
  • pinch salt
    towards the end add
  • approx. 1T apricot preserves
  • sprinkle of walnuts
  • golden raisinsIMG_7392
  • chopped dried cherries
  • chopped dried apricots
  • drizzle with a little maple syrup before eating

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After heading out into the elements (unfortunately it was raining Saturday), we found it!

Here it is ready to be netted up to take homeIMG_7396

We set it up in the stand to let it gradually open more during the day

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Later that night I had to head into the city for my Dance Repertory show!  This is the same one I did last year which you can read about here and here.  Both Friday and Saturday shows went great!  We did an old Anita Baker song this year…hopefully someone will send me a picture :).  I am still so grateful I have this opportunity to perform still!

Today was more errands, including a search for a Christmas Tree star!!  Did not find one unfortunately :(  Anyone know where to find a nice star!?

I was excited to get home to make Chili with Thanksgiving leftover turkey that I had frozen!

Key ingredients:

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First I sautéed some garlic and 1 jalapeño:

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Then added onion, bell peppers and a poblano pepper

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Then there was tomato paste, beans (dark kidney, black, and garbanzo), crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes,

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and some of this:
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While I was cooking, Brian was busy working on some outdoor lights!!!  SO EXCITED to have a house to decorate :)  we also bought a beautiful wreath with the tree which you can sort of see on the front door.  I’ll have to get a better pic of the wreath.

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you can also sort of see our tree in the window on the left.

Back to the Chili

Lots of spices/seasoning…basically I just add them until I like how it tastes:  chili powder, cumin, chipotle chili powder, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, some garlic powder, and little bit of cocoa powder.

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Garnishes/toppings included fresh cilantro and scallions, along with cheese and sour cream.

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of course corn bread…LOVE corn bread!  I made two mini loaves.  This is 1 mini cut up for us to share.  I had 2 slices, he had 3.

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Table with soup tureen.  So if we were having any guests for said Chili I would had used my lovely soup tureen which matches my bowls but for tonight I just added it for looks haha!

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The table decor is still in progress but here’s what I have going right now:

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I still need a runner, and possibly this awesome little gold Christmas tree I saw at Crate and barrel :)

After dinner we decorated the tree and watched A Christmas Story!

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Now it just needs the star…and presents ;)

6 comments:

  1. awwwww- everything looks just perfect! You guys made a great grab on the tree and I love the outdoor lights. Nom Nom on the chili- lotsa peppers make it extra good. Such an awesome wife you are ;)

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  2. Snow, Christmas trees, Chilli and Sam Adams, perfect :)
    If I dont comment again before Christmas I hope you enjoy your first Christmas in your new home with your new husband :)

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  3. BEAUTIFUL!!! The soup looks great, the table looks great, the tree looks great. It is all perfect!!!!

    I got our star at Target believe it or not. Bloomingdale's had a few winners too! Good luck!

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  4. aw the tree looks gorgeous! how excited are you for your first christmas as husband and wife?! bah! so cute!

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  5. OMGGG i loove your house and tree!!!! I went to Plymouth on sun to visit a friend's family and I just aaadore all the New England houses and decor, omg it was so fun!!! I so hope we can get together sometime :D YAYY for your dance show let's see pics!

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  6. Beautiful lights, tree, and decor! Your house looks so cozy and festive. And chili + cornbread must have been so warming/comforting for a cold weekend.

    Glad you had fun performing/dancing !

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