Election Day

Yesterday was such an important election in our country. I believe the most important election in my lifetime so far. It was amazing to see the huge turnout at the polls, people even waiting 3 and 4 hours to vote and that people spoke their minds so clearly. It was a history book making day in our country, one I have prayed to see in my lifetime. As the saying goes, we have come a long way baby! We are filled with hope of much needed change and a man entering the office of president who is seriously dedicated to bridging the wide bi-partisan gap we have had for way too many years in this country. I pray we stand together once again as a nation, listening to one another, working together for the better of our country, and respecting and trusting the man who will now lead our country. God Bless America.

After that political note, I will move on to happenings in my kitchen on election day and other things. The weather has been cooler and David and I have been thinking more on the lines of cold weather comfort foods lately. I made good old-fashioned beef stew last night. It sure smells good simmering on the stove top.

Trimming and cutting beef into more manageable bite-sized pieces.

It's so good to hear from Erin herself on her blog and knowing that she is doing so much better then she was and will soon be making her way back to Fortuna.

Tossed pieces of meat in flour....

The scenario has changed some; Rob will be driving her back home, not traveling by ambulance. She will also be going home with home care nursing instead of going to a nursing facility. The nurses will be directly in contact with Dr. Jackler. We all know how much Erin needs to see her children and touch them.

and browned well in a bit of canola oil.

Jen and her family are arriving Friday to spend the weekend. John has go-kart meetings to attend in this area over the weekend. Since they most likely will be moving into their new house over Thanksgiving, we decided to have our Thanksgiving celebration dinner Friday night. Theresa and Shawn are joining us as well, so we will all be together. That is all that is really important to our family.

Added spices, tomato sauce and water, brought to a boil, lowered heat to a simmer and cooked for about an hour.

I will be making most of the traditional dishes I make on Thanksgiving Day; Rosemary Roasted Turkey with Apricot Glaze, Italian Sausage, Apple and Cranberry Stuffing, Gravy, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Cranberry-Orange Relish, and Whole Green Beans. For dessert there will be Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream that has been whipped with orange liqueur and apple pies. I will be sure to take pictures.

Cutting vegetables into chunks to add to stew.

I am almost done with my Diane's Home Kitchen newsletters for the rest of the year. It's time consuming, but enjoyable for the most part. It will be so nice not having to worry about writing them during the holiday season.

Ready and waiting for their moment. Once in the stew, bring back to a simmer and let cook for another hour or so.

Getting ready for the party season. Yes, I will have to start decorating here at the house next week for Christmas so I have time for shopping, cooking, and gift wrapping before the first Saturday in December when we have out annual holiday party. The menu is still spinning through my head at this point. We are having a fine wine exchange this year for those interested, and also guests will bring bags of appropriate groceries if they care to to donate to "Foods For Family." Together I believe we can make a difference. Giving and creativity feeds the soul.

Piping hot in a serving bowl ready to eat. I have to say it sure tasted good as we watched the election coverage on CNN.

My brother Ron is directing the play "Arsenic and Old Lace," in Omaha. It opened Friday and runs through this week. If you live out that way I hope you will see it. I used to love going to see him act and direct plays when he lives in California. I miss that. Break a leg Ron! Wish we were there.

Blackberry Dumplings. I did not make these, these came homemade and ready to bake from apple Hill.

I haven't done any crafts this week but I have been getting my creativity fix from writing the food/wine newsletters and planning holidays dinners and parties. I have to organize my shelves that hold mostly items I use for entertaining and in my kitchen. Maybe I will get that done before this week is done.

Flaky buttery puff pastry stuffed full of fresh blackberries. Each melt-in-your-mouth bite was a taste of heaven.

Well, speaking of the organization, planning and not mentioned laundry and household chores, I had better get on with my day. Hope everyone has a great day!