Fearless Entertaining's

Fearless Entertaining's

Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes 

Rosemary Orange

Thanksgiving Bird

4 Cornish game hens OR one medium to large Turkey. Clean as directed

Place in a generous sauce pan and heat:

Juice of 3 large oranges

1/4 cup chopped rosemary

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 cups salted butter

Once butter is melted, add:

4 washed oranges, cut into pieces small enough to stuff hen

Toss oranges in mixture, leave on medium to low heat until orange skin can be pierced, stirring as needed.

Remove from heat, spoon oranges into hen cavity.

Cook hens/turkey as directed, continuing to baste with balance of mixture.

If serving the Cornish game hens, garnish with a slice of orange, pierced with a rosemary sprig.

Olive and Caper Stuffing Tower

1  14oz pkg. of your favorite stuffing

2 jars 3.5oz capers, drained (liquid set aside)

1 C. green olives, chopped (liquid set aside)

1 C. black olives,  chopped (liquid set aside)

1 C. Chopped green onions (if desired)

Butter

Using your favorite packaged stuffing, substitute half of the required water or broth with the liquid from olives and capers.

Double the amount of butter your stuffing pkg. recipe calls for. Prepare on stove as instructed, remove from heat and add capers and olives.(if using onions add them here as well)

Make sure stuffing is moist enough to stay molded. If not, continue to add small amounts of liquid until it is. Spray generously the inside of individual molds with cooking spray. Press stuffing firmly into each mold. Place molds on a cookie sheet and heat in oven shortly before serving.

Stuffing should easily slip out of mold.

Drizzle with a hot mushroom gravy, if desired, and serve.

Serves 6.

NOTE: There is no reason this recipe has to be served in a "tower form". I very often serve it as I would any other stuffing.




Asparagus Wrapped with Bacon Pastry


12-16 asparagus spears, snap off ends
4-6 strips of bacon
3 crescent rolls uncooked, laid flat, cut in half lengthwise
Olive oil


Lightly cook bacon in the microwave. Remove and place on top of crescent roll strip.
Roll asparagus in olive oil, bunch 3-4 spears together and twist and wrap bacon/dough together if needed.
Place bunches on a cookie sheet.
Cook at 350 degrees until tender and pastry is golden brown.
Makes 4-6 bunches.


Have Fun and Enjoy!!!


THANKFUL,
Catherine

HOLIDAY DECORATING & ENTERTAINING "IT'S EASY, JUST LOOK AROUND!"

In regards to decorating and entertaining, we are often told, "You make it look so easy, but I just can't do it." When we inquire as to why they think they can't do it, the response is often the same. "I don't know where to begin!" Well, I am here to tell you that you CAN do it, and you begin simply by LOOKING AROUND!!! Yes my friend, chances are that everything you need to decorate and entertaining for the holidays you already have, or can easily gather while out on your daily tasks! Below are simple ideas and tips that in most cases can save you time, money and frustration!!

DECORATING

GARLAND & WREATHS

Begin by first putting up your interior and exterior garland and wreaths. Do not bring out any of your other decorations until this is complete. This will make you feel as though the bones of your holiday decorating is up and complete. 

CHOOSE AREAS TO DECORATE LARGE

Choose only 3 or 4 areas of your home to decorate large. Decide the feel and look you want in each of these rooms. Then bring the decorations out for each area, ONE AREA AT A TIME. This will keep you from destroying your entire home at once. This alone can keep you from feeling overwhelmed!! Shown above is a kitchen island full of candy and candy inspired items all grouped together to create a fun and whimsical atmosphere! NOTE: Fancy candy jars are not necessary !! Use ANYTHING glass, fill it with inexpensive candy such as peppermint or taffy and stick lollipops, candy bars and licorice out of the top!! A favorite for adults and children alike. Serves the purpose of both decor and dessert!

SMALL TOUCHES

In the other ares of your home you can add small signs of the season. A small sprig of holly in a guest bath or as shown above, a group of ornaments randomly set on a cake plate. With a small amount of water, flowers and /or greenery can be added if desired.

GATHERING

FROM YOUR YARD

Branches, Pine Cones, Fox Tail Fern and Roses all can be gathered from your yard (or perhaps your neighbors yard) and placed in a vase. A tall cylinder is used here. Roses can also now be purchased in most grocery stores. In this photo hanging votive holders were added for accents. These can be made by using small vases / jars and wire.

FROM OTHER AREAS OF YOUR HOME

Look around your home and move things to different rooms for the holidays. In this photo a large deer was moved from the main living area to the center of the dinning room table. Different candle sticks and holders were added along with a combination of greenery and pine cones. Not one flower was used. It's that EASY!!! Dramatic, Smart and FREE!

FROM YOUR GROCERY STORE

During the holidays, you will find yourself at the grocery store a number of times. Open your eyes and mind to all the different ways you can use what they offer in order to fulfill your decorating and entertaining needs. In the photo above a center piece is made with artichokes, egg plant, green apples, cabbage and asparagus  along with a small amount of greenery. Also shown is an artichoke in a dollar store cube used to hold the utensils. A throw is being used as a table cover.

MY HOPE

 

 My hope and reason for continuing the emphasis on the simple Fearless Entertaining concepts is that you will realize how easy and fun sharing your joys and life with others can be. ENJOY!!!! It's Contagious.

Love,
Catherine