Enjoying Thanksgiving Leftovers

I hope those of you who celebrate Thanksgiving had a peaceful and relaxing holiday. Most of us here in America  have been eating the leftovers today, and they are so delicious! I think that's my favorite part, reheating all of that delicious food, and enjoying a well anticipated plate for lunch and dinner. It brings back great memories with my Aunt Mary. She was such a kind and fun woman. She made holidays really special.

My mom and dad and I used to prepare the meal when I was a child and teenager. It was a huge feast. As I got older, I simplified it and pared it down to what I call "the greatest hits". I stuff a chicken with Mrs. Cubbinson's stuffing. My grandma used to bring it with her to us in San Mateo, all the way from Los Angeles. She would pack it in her suitcase. You couldn't find Mrs. Cubbinson's dressing in the Bay Area. We always added cubes of butter, sauteed onion and celery, chicken broth, and sage. When I make the stuffing now, I always think of my mother. She was such an excellent cook. I miss her.

I tried a new recipe for cranberry sauce this year. It has orange juice and orange rind. I picked an orange from my navel tree. It turned out really nicely. I love those two flavors together. I baked an apple cranberry cobbler, and plan to make some orange cranberry bread in the next week or two.

Some of you asked about the open mike night that I performed in last Friday. It was so much fun! We have a wonderful book store in town called The Open Book. It is very close to my cottage. Once a month, they have an evening where live performers can take the stage.  I did some songs and a short tap dance. I was so energized by the experience. I plan to return again next month, as well. I loved that it was just a short drive from my home. Normally I would have to drive much further participate in something like this. There are also opportunities in Hollywood and Burbank, as well. This one is just a few miles from my house. They served freshly brewed coffee and Pepperidge Farm cookies, too. It was really enjoyable.   

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