merry thanksgivoween

Did you know time was speeding up?  Well, it is.  Here's a re-cap of the Halls' important bits:

 Slight obsession with Nightmare Before Christmas here.

 Dessicated jack-o-lanterns, one day after carving (darn Santa Ana winds).

Batterina and the Pumpkin Patch.

Pioneer Woman's turkey brine - it doesn't smell like the holidays until it's going.

Tom looked gorgeous, until we noticed the pink juices - wtf?

Christmas on the Prado, Balboa Park - the annual start to our festivities.

The Christmas train (another obsession) - choo choo!

Our caroling Peanuts gang broke this year - whaaaa!

Yes, the presents are wrapped and ready.  What can I say?

Christmas in San Diego - fake snow back-drop and short sleeves.

With love, from us to you!

Tha Halls

thanksgiving prep

This year is our first year to do the turkey!  I usually cook the trimmings alongside my mom who does the bird.  But they're up in Oregon, and we're having this one last holiday in our first house (we move next weekend!).  Here's what's on the menu (all recipes either Martha Stewart or Pioneer Woman):

Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey (PW)

My Favorite Brine (PW)

White Wine Gravy (MS)

'Lighter' side recipes are from the Nov. Living issue:

Garlic and Chive Mashed Potatoes (MS)

Green Beans Creamed with Mushroom and Shallots (MS)

Whole Wheat Stuffing with Turkey Sausage (MS)

Sweet Potato Puree with Browned Butter and Maple Syrup (MS)

Family classics:
Cranberry Orange Relish
Crescent Rolls

White Wine & Martinelli's Cider

Apple Pie by Grandma Ople

Homemade Pumpkin Pie

Fresh Whipped Cream

And there - my first apple pie!  I was nervous about the lattice, but no problem.  The caramel sauce gets poured right over the lattice onto the apples, so it sugar-crisps nicely as it bakes.  Now just a few hours until the big feast!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!!!!


I am so blessed in my life and thankful for every bit of it.
Christy