Thanksgiving Weekend

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Happy Day-After-Thanksgiving(AndHannukah)-Break! I hope you are adequately transitioning from stuffing your face with stuffing and turkey to a recovery diet of veggies, meats, and LOTS OF WATER.

I spent the weekend in Holland, Michigan, with my husband's family. My brother tagged along, and we had a very relaxing (and very, very cold) trip.

I have to say, one of my favorite things about Holland is that it seems to always be beautiful. Whether it is bathed in sunlight and coursing with boats, or if the water is still and the dock is dusted with snow, there is something so beautiful about this town.

We had a bit of an atypical Thanksgiving meal and went to Ruth's Chris in Grand Rapids instead of having a Turkey-centered potluck at home. What this meant was crab cakes, calamari, stuffed mushrooms, and filet mignon. I was not about to complain about that spread...

I was also pretty thrilled to have another excuse to wear the perfectly Thanksgiving-colored Chevron dress that my MIL gave me for Christmas. Good job, Bev! :)

Our dinner had been fairly early, so there was still some daylight when we returned to my in laws' house in Holland. I ushered in the next season by paying a visit to the lit up Christmas tree they keep out on their dock. I am in love with this tradition and think it is the perfect addition to an unused winter dock.

We followed up with some beer, dessert, and lots of bizarre TV shows. 

The next morning, my husband, my brother and I all headed to MVP Athletic Club for a tour and a workout. I was very impressed with most of their facilities, and, coming from a city gym, this place is huge.

We had a nice dinner at my in-laws' place, and then went thrifting with my brother in law and his girlfriend. This is the big purchase I may or may not have begged my husband for:

Seriously, though, how awesome is that desk? It is just begging me to paint it white and use it for writing... just saying.

We also made out with a ton of over sized sweaters and jackets. Thank God the trend is to wear huge tops with leggings. I am so rocking that this season.

Post-thrifting, we headed to my other brother in law's apartment. He and his fiance had a few people over to hang out and warm their hands by the fire. Okay, really it was more like a TV fire. My brother was loving it.

A few hours later, we headed home. I got ready for bed and realized I had lost my husband. I eventually found him in the kitchen, holding hands with our dog. This man is an animal lover and a total dog whisperer. Love him so much for those traits, among others!

The next morning, we headed to DeBoer Bakery with my mother and father in law. It is a Dutch bakery and breakfast restaurant, so most of the items on display were, naturally, Dutch. I enjoy trying to pronounce these words...

That said, I am the weirdo that orders Huevos Rancheros at a Dutch restaurant. What is wrong with me? Apparently nothing, because this was delicious.

By the time we got back home, it was time for the OSU/Michigan Game. My husband and his whole family are from Michigan, and my brother goes to Ohio State (and we used to live in Columbus), so there were advocates for both sides. 

We spent a bit of time lounging in the living room and watching the game, but I have to be honest and tell you that I took a glorious nap. Football + a cozy fire = napping Carly. Sorry I'm not sorry.

Wondering why I included a picture of Jennifer Garner and Michael Vartan making out? After being bored out of my mind (don't hate me) for the first half of the game, I finally decided to just head to the gym for a long run. Five miles and one episode of Alias later, I had worked up a good sweat.

As the sun began to set, we had one final delicious meal at my in-laws'. My MIL had made a really tender pot roast, so I slathered it in pub mustard and went to town. 

Soon after, we packed up the car (and dog) and hit the road back to Chicago! We had a really laid back remainder of the evening, and went to bed early because we had to bring my brother to a Greyhound bus at 6 am.

We woke up at 5:30am to get him there, so my husband and I took a glorious nap once we got back. Then, we had a delicious breakfast at The Breakfast Club...

And then spent some time watching TV and getting work done before I finally went to the gym.

The last order of business was dinner and entertainment. I made some Cherry Barbeque Chicken and sauteed some Normandy Veggies and let me tell you, this BBQ chicken is to die for.

Finally: CATCHING FIRE! I am such a Hunger Games nut, this was so amazing for me. My husband tried to make a few jokes during the movie but I was having nothing of it.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

• How was your holiday weekend?
• What's the best thing you ate? I have a tie between Filet Mignon and Huevos Rancheros
• Are you obsessed with Hunger Games? Team Gale or Team Peeta? (I am totally Team Gale)

The Ultimate Healthy Thanksgiving Recipe List

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Thanksgiving is almost upon us! Many of you are anxiously awaiting the family celebration, including the delicious meal that often accompanies it. Don't worry: the holidays don't have to be an accidental excuse to gain five pounds (but if you do, let's be real, you'll work it off later...).

Looking for that special recipe to impress your friends and family this Thanksgiving?
Looking for some healthy recipes to bring to a family gathering?
Just plain tired of making the same thing every year?

Never fear. The Ultimate Healthy Thanksgiving Recipe List is here...

P.S. For last year's Thanksgiving recipe roundup, click here!

(Caribbean Barbeque Pumpkin Seeds)

(Apricot Brie Bites with Crispy Sage via Recipe Girl)

Appetizers

1. Caribbean Barbeque Pumpkin Seeds
2. Baked Honey and Basil Brie Pastry with Reduced Kahlua
3. Apricot Brie Bites with Crispy Sage via Recipe Girl
4. Warm Cheesy Spinach Dip vs Dashing Dish
5. Healthy Cornbread with Quinoa via Pamela Salzman
6. Potato Bruschetta via Potato Goodness
7. Kale Chips via KathEats
8. Slow Roasted Cherry Tomatoes via Pinch My Salt

(Brussels Sprouts Saute via Bev Cooks)

(Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad with Browned Butter)

Sides

1. Proscuitto Cotto Brussels Sprouts
2. Skinny Vegetarian Stuffing
3. Herbed Two Potato Homefry Hash
4. Gluten Free Quinoa Stuffing via Family Fresh Cooking
5. Brussels Sprouts Saute via Bev Cooks
6. Sweet Potato Casserole via The Kittchen
7. Caramelized Broccoli via Family Circle
8. Apple Bacon Coleslaw via Dashing Dish
9. Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad with Browned Butter
10. Pan-Seared Carrots with Maple and Thyme via People
11. Basil, Ginger, and Cinnamon Cranberry Jam
12. Pomegranate, Kale, and Wild Rice Salad with Walnuts and Feta via Pinch of Yum
13. Hearty Autumn Salad with Roasted Root Vegetables via Heather Pierce Inc
14. Cauliflower CousCous via Integrative Nutrition
15. Spicy Broccoli via Counting My Cupcakes
16. Herring Potato Salad via Sensual Appeal
17. Autumn Salad with Horseradish Vinaigrette via Sprouted Kitchen

(Pomegranate, Kale, and Wild Rice Salad with Walnuts and Feta via Pinch of Yum)

(Pan-Seared Carrots with Maple and Thyme via People)

(Basil, Ginger, and Cinnamon Cranberry Jam)

Meats

1. Roasted Turkey via The Kitchn
2. Applewood Smoked Turkey with Cider Bourbon Gravy via How Sweet It Is
3. Apple Rosemary Cornish Game Hens via Integrative Nutrition
4. Marmalade Glazed Ham via Good Housekeeping
5. Balsamic Roasted Turkey with Apple Stuffing via Elena's Pantry

(Gluten Free Upside Down Apple Pie)

(No Bake Pumpkin Pie via Dashing Dish)

Desserts

1. Balsamic Grilled Pears and Figs
2. Paleo Chocolate Candy
3. Cranberry Delight White Chocolate Bark
4. Gluten Free Upside Down Apple Pie
5. No Bake Pumpkin Pie via Dashing Dish
6. Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles
7. Kahlua Cupcakes
8. Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oat Bars via Ambitious Kitchen
9. Mini Blackberry Pies
10. Low Fat Chocolate Pie via The Kittchen
11. Vegan Pumpkin Pie Squares with Gluten Free Graham Cracker Crust via Oh She Glows

(Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oat Bars via Ambitious Kitchen)

(Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles)

(Vodka Hot Chocolate)

Cocktails

1. Whiskey Apple Cider
2. Juiced Apple and Whiskey Cocktail
3. Vodka Hot Chocolate
4. Smirnoff Honey Nut Cake Cocktail via Have Sippy Will Travel
5. Sparkling Apple Cider Cocktail via Purely Elizabeth
6. Fresh Cranberry Ginger Vanilla Margaritas via How Sweet It Is

(Fresh Cranberry Ginger Vanilla Margaritas via How Sweet It Is)

(Sparkling Apple Cider Cocktail via Purely Elizabeth)

(Turkey and Brie Panini with Cranberry Chutney via MenuMusings)

Leftovers

1. Turkey and Brie Panini with Cranberry Chutney via MenuMusings
2. Turkey Stuffed Cabbage Rolls via Eat, Live, Run

Breakfast

1. Healthy Crock Pot French Toast Casserole via Kelly The Culinarian
2. Oatmeal Protein Pancakes via Bites and Balance
3. Peppermint Mocha Protein Pancakes via Sensual Appeal

DIY Cranberry Delight White Chocolate Bark

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Happy November, one and all! Now that Halloween is done and dusted, my mind is already focused on the holidays. I've done a number of healthy holiday recipes (which you really should try, just sayin'), but today I'm kicking off the first month of the holiday season with a not-so-healthy recipe!

I made these "Cranberry Delight" white chocolate bars to emulate Starbucks' even less healthy version. This recipe is extremely easy to make and is not very time consuming, and it keeps quite well in a glass jar, so it is a great gift idea for friends and family. Going to your in-laws for Thanksgiving? This will make a wonderful host gift!

Cranberry Delight White Chocolate Bark

Ingredients:

• 2 cups white chocolate chips (white chocolate bars or white almond bark will also work)
• 1 tsp olive oil (optional)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries (this would also be delicious with dried cherries)
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds

Directions:

1. Line a pan (preferably a deeper pan, like a cake pan) with parchment paper. If possible, try to make sure the paper lines the sides as well. If you need to use multiple sheets to do this, go ahead.
2. Melt chocolate in a medium or large bowl. Put the bowl in the microwave for 90 seconds, then stir before putting it back in the microwave for 15 second intervals (only do one or two of these 15 second intervals, and be sure to stir well in between). Once most of the lumps are gone after stirring, stop microwave intervals and stir until the lumps dissolve.
3. Pour melted chocolate onto the parchment paper. Spread and even out the chocolate using a large spoon.
4. Sprinkle cranberries and almonds on top.
5. Place in the freezer to cool until hardened. Remove from the freezer and wait an hour before breaking into small pieces.

Red-Skin Potato, Chives, and Chevre "Pie" Casesrole

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On Sunday night, my mom brought me a bag of red-skin potatoes. I wasn't quite sure what to do about this, because I'm not really a potato person. 

But then I started cutting them up. I sliced them into small, 1/4inch thick rounds, and they were quite beautiful. And suddenly they weren't just weirdly shaped red masses. They were a gourmet meal!

Also, in case you were wondering, yes, this recipe is proof that one should always have chevre on hand. It's just math. A girl's gotta do it.

Red-Skin Potato, Chives, and Chevre Casserole

Prep time: 10 Minutes

Cook time: 60 Minutes

Servings: Makes 6

Ingredients:

• 4-5 medium Red-Skin potatoes. (This will also work with ANY potatoes, so feel free to experiment and know that you are safe!)
• 4oz Chevre (Any crumbly cheese, like goat or feta, will do)
• 1 tbsp Minced Garlic
• 1 tbsp Chopped Chives
• 2 tbsp Mixed Shredded Cheese (Any shredded, meltable cheese will work)
• 1 tbsp Dried Oregano (You can substitute any Italian seasoning here)
• 1/4 tsp Sea Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
• 1 cup Milk
• 1 Egg

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375.
2. Slice potatoes into 1/4 inch thick rounds. Layer half of the potatoes into a greased pan (I used a circular cake pan), overlapping slightly. 
3. Layer half of the goat cheese on top, dispersing evenly throughout the pan. Sprinkle some dried oregano, sea salt, and black pepper on top.
4. Add a second layer of potatoes.
5. Layer the rest of the goat cheese on top, and sprinkle with oregano, sea salt, and black pepper again. Add minced garlic, dispersing evenly on top of the potatoes.
6. In a separate bowl, combine milk and egg and whisk until well combined. Gently pour evenly over the casserole.
7. Top with mixed shredded cheese, and then sprinkle chopped chives on top.
8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until mixed shredded cheese begins to brown.' 
9. Let sit for 15-20 minutes before serving (it will be HOT HOT HOT!).

Note: For a large family party, you can double this recipe and cook in a very large cake pan.

16 Holiday Recipes You'll Die For & A Thanksgiving Menu

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It's not just about the turkey, folks. It's about giving thanks and loving each other... and the appetizers, side dishes, and desserts, of course. Here's a Thanksgiving Menu filled with delicious, creative dishes. Pick your favorites and find the recipe links at the bottom.

I know, you're drooling right now. And you're also thinking, "How on earth could I even eat all of those things in one sitting?" The answer is two-fold: Tiny bites, big pants.

Here are the recipes:

Appetizers:
Baked Honey and Basil Brie Pastry with Reduced Kahlua
Pretzel Rolls with Beer Cheese Dipping Sauce
Baked Apples with Savory Pork Stuffing
Spicy Curry Pumpkin Fries

Sides:
Skinny Vegetarian Stuffing
Roasted Cranberry Sauce (Here are 7 more Cranberry Sauce recipes)
Kahlua Brown Sugar and Walnut Whipped Sweet Potato 
Thai-Style Brussels Sprouts

Main:
Roasted Turkey

Dessert:
Dark Chocolate Cheesecake With Chocolate Hazelnut Ganache, Toasted Hazelnuts, and Sea Salt
Cherry Pomegranate Mini Pies
Homemade Peppermint Patties

Cocktails:
Whiskey Sweet N Sour Cocktail
Vodka Cake Cocktail
Whiskey Apple Cider
Rumon Ale Cocktail

Enjoy!