Thanksgiving!

I know, I know. It's been a while. Sorry. But don't worry, you get two recipes today!

I'm glad I have this blog (and apparently quite a few readers!) keeping me accountable. Otherwise, I honestly would've probably given up by now and resigned myself to a life of pasta and lean cuisines. But no time for that here!

Finals week is upon us-or at least the paralegal program. The week after Thanksgiving break is a very strange place in the semester for exams that can make or break grades, but I'm just glad it's almost over. Then I can get back to Chicago and take advantage of my parents' beautiful kitchen :)

Thanksgiving was an interesting, but fun experiment! I had the pleasure of making some of our Thanksgiving favorites with my Dad, because for the first time in my memory, we celebrated Thanksgiving with just our little nuclear family this year (another interesting- yet fun!- experience).

Here's one of the recipes from Thanksgiving!

First: They-might-contain-meth Mashed Potatoes!

You will need:

• 2 to 2 1/2 red potatoes for each person if not more. Trust me on this one.
• 1 cup of Sour cream
• 1 stick of Butter
• Salt
• Pepper
• Chives

1. Cut potatoes (leave skin on), boil in large stockpot for 30-35 minutes, or until tender.
2. Drain potatoes.
3. Place potatoes in a large mixing bowl, and mix on a medium speed until they have achieved a slightly more "mashed" consistency. Do not mix all the way. 

   

   After adding the butter
4. Cut stick of butter into pads, add to potatoes. Mix until integrated (that's a cooking word, right)
5. Now's the fun part! Add in the sour cream, chives, salt and pepper to taste. Mix in with the hand mixer until potatoes are smooth and toppings completely integrated. It doesn't sound fun, but it is, I promise. 

These potatoes were great. And now I know how to make them, so I don't have to beg my Dad to do it! 

Now, you've seen one of my Thanksgiving favorites. Let's see one of my Mom's!

My mother's personal favorite for Thanksgiving is fried cauliflower, a dish my Grandma has perfected. This year, as my Grandma would not be celebrating Thanksgiving with us, my Mom asked my Dad to figure out a recipe. I did my best to document that particular endeavor. 

You will need:

• 1 head of cauliflower
• 1 stick of butter
• Two boxes of bread crumbs. Or roughly three cups. Whatever.
• Four eggs

1. Cut butter into pads, distribute evenly in a sauté pan. Turn burner onto low-medium heat, allow butter to melt and coat bottom of pan. Guys, I know my pan types. Or at least the internet does. 
2. Cut the florets (cooking word!) off of the stalk of cauliflower, place to the side.
3. Crack eggs, whisk in a medium mixing bowl. Place breadcrumbs in a round cake pan. 
4. Coat floret in egg, roll in bread crumbs, and place in sauté pan. 
5. Continue until all florets are in pan. Increase heat to 3/4 power. Flip with tongs as needed. 
6. Once cauliflower is thoroughly fried, remove and enjoy!

This Thanksgiving was wonderful. I had tons of fun hanging out around the house with my family, seeing my cousins, and seeing friends from High School. I can't wait to be back in Chicago in two weeks for Christmas Break!

All of the delicious food we made

Having so much extra time on my hands, as soon as finals are over (December 9th!) I will be posting daily. I know, I know, I said that last week. But now I promise! And I have plenty of great ideas for the next month.  If you have any suggestions for recipes or techniques to try, please don't hesitate to comment below or email me at dontexpectmiraclesblog@gmail.com. Thank you for reading! 

Our Beautiful Table (Thanks Mom!)

 From my family to yours, a very happy (and belated) Thanksgiving!