Did you all survive the dreaded black Friday? I personally turned into a hermit. Seriously. I didn’t ever leave the house that entire day. The sheer fear, dread, and anxiety of being trampled to death had me hold up like a recluse, refusing the venture out into the wild unknown. I decorated from Christmas instead. It was perfect.
Lets talk some leftovers. I know…I know…I’m still at it.
I have been so totally geeked out lately! Think a hummingbird on the crack rock.
That’s because Thanksgiving is nearing and I cannot help but get pumped up. Blasting around, making lists, time schedules, and menus. Thanksgiving and Christmas, well they are, kind of my jam.
I’ve taken it upon myself recently to bring to you some lovely Thanksgiving inspired ideas. Outside the usual fixings on Turkey Day. Some traditional, some tweaked in small little ways, and just some Adriennetastic recipes.
I like to think of myself as a Pollyanna. Not always, but in my perfect world; I am Pollyanna. Trying to see the all the good and positive in life. Giving the benefit of the doubt, and always using linen napkins.
Oh, I also like to use a star cut-out on whatever I can get my little fingers on. In this case it was coring my apples. That’s just me.
I’ve been doling out the man food once again. We need to have a serious meeting. Possibly a Man Food Anonymous meeting? I’m sorry sometimes I just reek of geek and cannot help it. Don’t you see, I CANNOT stop.
Now before you go and try to give me an Indian burn on my thigh know this: I love you. Each and every one of you. This is why I baked the potatoes and and drizzled them with blue cheese, and topped them with more blue cheese.
They are completely sinful and delicious. But not so sinful. I mixed Greek yogurt with blue cheese dressing to cut some of the fat and calorie factor down a wee bit.
My life, my real life, started late one fall night as a cowboy in perfectly broke-in jeans and a stetson walked into it. And yes, I’m totally aware at how this sounds. But it’s true. You all should know.
I get sentimental and nostalgic this time of year, particularly the end of October when my world was forever changed in the most magnificent way. Now before you spike your computer out the nearest window and throw up a little in your mouth because of my sappiness, I promise I’m getting to the good stuff.
I thought I needed to make this man, this cowboy, happy and bake loaded potato skins. These are so perfect for a pretty fast easy supper, or a great football/party appi.
Story time! Did I just hear you groan?! Can I please tell you about my husband’s annoying hatred for mushrooms? Therefore making it impossible to put them in anything I make?
I once made a lasagna. We’re not going to go into great details, but this certain lasagna caused a massive WWIII blowout in our home. Reasons you may be asking yourself?
So the best Birthday surprised ever came waltzing into my door Friday evening. My wonderful, amazing, gem of a husband surprised me by flying my best friend up from San Francisco to spend the weekend with me. It was totally unexpected, even more appreciated, and DEFINITELY needed.
I guess what I’m trying to say is these little apple goblin smiles are exactly how I feel. Giddy, and gushing with sweetness.
This is real life. Happening.
This is the product of a dinner minus a certain sometimes and somewhat surly man. I can eat like a vegetarian and love every second of it. I can shovel all the sweet potato, corn, squash, and other beta carotene loaded veggies into my gullet. We’re talking endless possibilities here.
So guys. This weekend. It started out innocently enough and ended in total mayhem. What started out as a perfectly-crisp-October-morning ended in me almost getting strangled on a mountain top. I blame the cowboy.
This person, this man that I co-habitat with loves to hike this mountain by our home. I’m down with that, sometimes. Usually I’d rather spin or go to my favorite workout class, but I decided I would join him on this outing. He kept claiming he started taking this “hard” way up the mountain. Yeah, hard, I’ve done that mountain many a time, and it’s not that hard, I think to myself. Wrong. Adrienne, you are SO wrong.
When I first muddled across a potato recipe similar to this I was temporarily memorized by the beauty of this tuber. I sat there, a woman under a spell of whimsy, eyes agleam with delight.
It’s the wee things in life that make my little heart go pitter patter. Perfectly fresh tomatoes out of the garden, clean sheets, chopping celery, and the indescribable beauty of baked cheese.
My name is Adrienne Rhea and I live in the country. This is where most of my lollygagging takes place. I am a self proclaimed pie goddess who loves cooking and baking. I am cowgirl meets Rodeo Drive. Welcome to my world.
This Country Girl Cooks 