La Quinta, California: DT suggested we not eat so much cream after Thanksgiving. I agreed… except after all the cream in our refrigerator was used. Not wasting that gold. I was good about using some of the turkey stock - that bird gave us 4 quarts - and made risotto that Dave said tasted just like Thanksgiving.
I also concentrated on using things in the freezer (mostly leftovers that I could turn into another meal). We had Potato Leek Soup, Rosemary Chicken Meatballs poached in Rao’s marinara sauce, and a lasagna made with shredded beef short ribs (also in the freezer).
For the first night of Hanukkah, we had a roasted chicken with our latkes, so the next evening I used the leftovers in chicken enchiladas (sadly, half went into the freezer).
There was a pretty decent chickpea, sweet potato and green pepper coconut curry as well. Vegan!
And… another chicken dish, chicken Marsala. Dave’s mom used to make either chicken of veal Marsala for me when we came to visit (I mean since our college days). She has passed away, but it was her birthday last week, so made it myownself to remember her.
And now I have a bottle of Marsala wine.
In other non-exciting news, we found this funny holiday decoration in a neighbor’s backyard (on the golf course):
My new bike finally has a name. Since it is black (stealth?) and fast (ha, ha, ha), and I am a serious Parrothead, she is now named Landshark. Landshark like the beer? No, sorry Jimmy Buffett, your beer is terrible. No Landshark as in the sharks that can swim on the land, in Jimmy’s famed song, Fins.
Yes, I am a bit odd, but this is my blog. If you seen an old lady coming at you on this bike, take heed.
Speaking of birthdays and Jimmy Buffett. December 25th would have been his 79th birthday. Dave and I will be celebrating per usual with cheeseburgers (since we live in Paradise) and margaritas.
Interesting Links:
The Mardi Gras Train - A new Amtrak train service between Mobile, Alabama and New Orleans, Louisiana. This 3+ hour route travels twice daily north/south, stopping in Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulfport and Bay St. Louis. (There is a travel quote from Jimmy Buffett on the website, but they spelled his name wrong. Jeesh.)
Can’t wait to try this: Ultimate Chocolate Banana Bread.
We have another exciting adventure planned with the kids next week, so be sure to check back. Until then, we wish you all a very happy holiday week, safe travels, and sweet memories.
Until my next update, I remain, your Five O’Clock correspondent.