Simple Girl

It's always such a sad day when the turkey runs out that it makes me wonder why I don't cook one more often! We've made Turkey Tetrazzini, Turkey Noodle Soup and Turkey sandwiches. This recipe, however, is by far my favorite: Hot Turkey Salad. Hot Turkey Salad is what my mom would always make on Thanksgiving evening. While the company was still lingering and many hours had passed since our 1PM dinner, my mom would whip up a batch of this light and satisfying meal. It bakes for only 10 minutes - just long enough for the cheese to melt, but still leave the celery and almonds crunchy. Serve it with a roll and some cranberry sauce for a perfect, simple supper. Hot Turkey Salad 1 cup diced onion 2 cups diced celery 3 cups diced turkey 1 cup light Miracle Whip or Mayo 1 teaspoon lemon juice 2 teaspoons mustard 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1/2 cup sliced almonds 1/2 cup Craisins 1 cup crushed potato chips or ...

I woke up this morning in a full blown panic. It suddenly occurred to me that, despite the fact that it was only November 27th, there was no way in the world I could get everything done before Christmas.  Nutcracker performances, school concerts, Sunday School plays, piano recital, three sports schedules, piano lessons, room mom, ballet, luncheons and women's events loomed before me, not to mention the inevitable decorating, shopping and Christmas cards!  I'm not sure, exactly, how this fall got away from me, but it did.  My self-imposed deadline of all gifts bought, wrapped and shipped by Thanksgiving has come and gone, and I haven't even started! As I paused to look at the calendar, I was reminded that today is the first Sunday in Advent.  I took a deep breath, and decided that even if I got nothing else done, I would make something meaningful:  An advent wreath centerpiece. I love to keep our advent wreath on the kitchen table. This is our prominen...

No, we're not busting a gut because we ate too much (although this picture was taken on Thanksgiving Day), we're busting a gut because these two sisters live in the land of sillydom.  Just ignore the fact that they are in their Thanksgiving dresses on the property of The Biltmore Estate (i.e. the largest single family dwelling in the United States built by George Vanderbilt).  Just ignore the formal gardens and the majestic architecture.  After tackling her older sister to the ground, Ella and Arielle proceeded to roll all the way down that loooong hill!  Do you think the Vanderbilts mind?

Since my family and I are usually Thanksgiving orphans (i.e. the extended family would rather stay put, eat wild rice stuffing and shovel snow than travel to a milder climate and taste my newly developed southern cooking), we decided to venture out on a road trip this year.  Less than four hours away from us, nestled in the Smoky Mountains, is the gracious southern town of Asheville, North Carolina. Asheville is home to the country's largest single family dwelling, The Biltmore Estate, and the renowned spa and resort, The Grove Park Inn. Besides the fact that The Grove Park Inn actually looks like a massive gingerbread house itself, with its rounded red roof and cobblestone exterior, this century old Inn is home to the National Gingerbread Competition. Each year, The Inn receives hundreds of entries from across the country and displays them throughout their property. If you don't think it's a big deal, take a look at this panel of judges.   Curator at T...