Sunday required some much needed relaxation (after prepping and cooking for our Hormel party on Saturday). I did a little house work, cooked & baked a few easy dishes, and watched lots of football & Food Network (hooray for Thanksgiving themed shows!!). What about you? The baking I did today included making a batch of my favorite granola for a special blogger. We both are big breakfast & granola fans and figured a granola trade would be a lot of fun. The finished product:
Would anyone be interested in doing a blogger secret baked good exchange during the month of December? If we get enough interest, Mandi & I will gather names (and any dietary restrictions/allergies) and make it happen- so let us know!
I was craving a super simple dinner. I took this mini acorn squash (keep in mind I’m 5’1” with tiny hands ;)):
Cut it in half, removed the seeds, poked it with a fork & baked it up (400 degrees, this mini one took about 45 minutes). Once it reached a nice tender stage, I topped it with marinara and mozzarella cheese and popped it under the broiler. This is such a great, quick & tasty meal:
Fruit & cool whip followed ;).
Now onto the giveaway! You’ve seen me post about Jessica Seinfeld’s fun new cookbook, Double Delicious! Good, simple food for busy, complicated lives.
(Source)
I’ve made her granola and butternut squash tomato soup recipes. Both were super tasty. Now, two lucky Itzy’s Kitchen readers have a chance to receive their own copy of Double Delicious(disclaimer: I received this cookbook and the two to give away for free from the publisher)!! To enter, leave a comment on this post telling us what you’re in charge of making for your Thanksgiving dinner (of if you just plan to watch from the sidelines). Links to the recipe you will be using are appreciated!! You do NOT need to have a blog to enter! Entries must be received by Thursday (Nov. 18) at noon. The winners will be randomly selected and announced on Friday (Nov. 19).
Have a good Monday. Anyone else feeling a little bit like this today?:
62 comments:
We are going to my in-laws for Thanksgiving and she's pretty picky about the menu and what she makes so I think I'll be on the sidelines this year. Fine with me!!
And I would definitely be in for a blogger treat exchange! Fun!
I looove stuffing squash with whatever I am craving that day. Both sweet and savory are delish! I am in charge of everything but the turkey. I am making 3 side dishes, cornbread, homemade rolls, and of course dessert!
I usually make many of the side dishes at my family's thanksgiving - but this year they are going on a cruise and leaving me since I can't go (those jerks! ;))
Here are a few of my regulars:
(1) Hazelnut, sage & mushroom stuffing (http://cookinfanatic.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/hazelnut-sage-mushroom-stuffing/)
(2) Cranberry apple relish (http://cookinfanatic.wordpress.com/2009/11/25/what-a-morning/)
(3) Pineapple sweet potatoes (http://cookinfanatic.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/mimosas-in-afternoon/)
i would love to do a food exchange!! i think i am in charge of a couple side dishes this year... i definitely want to make a soup in my new vitamix (!!) and maybe a butternut squash or sweet potato dish too
Hi! This is my first comment for your blog!
For Thanksgiving this year it's just me and my husband, so we keep things pretty simple. I'll definitely cook a turkey {which will last us forEVER} and I gotta have canned cranberry sauce...he likes crescents and I like the little generic split top rolls, and maybe we'll have some mashed potatoes, maybe some sweet potato casserole {for me only} and definitely some corn. That's about it! I'm not what you would call "skilled in the kitchen", or even a "good cook"...I'm more in the realm of "barely capable of not poisoning people" so I try to keep things simple. ;)
I love your giveaway, loved Deceptively Delicious and I even mentioned Jessica in my Meal Plan Monday blog post today!
Have a great week!
I definitely feel like that on this Monday morning, lol! Thanks for hosting this giveaway! This year I'm in charge of turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce...aaahhh! :)
In my world, squash is great any way you cook it up! Stuffed it looked delicious. As for Thanksgiving, when we were in NY I prepared almost everything. This year, I think we might be going away with my in-laws!
I would LOVE to enter your give away. I am in charge of the whole thing, except cooking the bird, my mom does that. I make and serve everything else, because Thanksgiving is my holiday to do and my sil does Christmas. I don't have any of the things I make every year posted on my blog, but I do have a few posted on another site I will provide links for.
1. Cranberry Applesauce http://www.food.com/recipe/cranberry-applesauce-136839
2. Savory Cracker Bites http://www.food.com/recipe/savory-cracker-bites-136833
I'm not sure I understand a what the exchange would involve, but if I could do what would be required, I would be in! :)
and thank you for all your nice comments on my blog...I do appreciate it! :)
Oh my goodness I am so excited that Jessica Seindfeld has a new cookbook out! This year for Thanksgiving I will not be cooking or going to my parents it'll be crazy, but at least i`ll get to be home for Christmas. My husband works in the oil field and we have been invited to a New Orleans style Thanksgiving so I am pretty excited to learn about Southern cooking. However I love making desserts so I am going to bring a pumpkin roll and another dessert as well.
I think a blogger treat exchange would be a lot of fun and I would definitely be interested!
xo
I am making green rice casserole, sweet potato casserole, and pumpkin bars.
Fun cookbook!!!
This year Ari has a show in the South the day before Thanksgiving, so rather than ask him to drive all the way back here only to turn around and go right back again, we're going to spend the actual day separately and then meet up at his parents' home on Friday.
I would love to do a baking exchange!
(P.S. TOTALLY feel like Frank today ;-) )
Love your stuffed squash. Such a great meal!
Question-have you done Body Vive? They are launching it soon. Curious to what it is:) Thanks friend!
This year, my MIL, SIL and I are taking over the Thanksgiving duties from my husband's maternal grandmother. While we have not finalized the menu, I know that I will be preparing my pumpkin cheesecake and a sweet potato dish of some sort.
Awwe!! Frank is adorable. Do you just snuggle with him all the time? Because I totally would.
As for Thanksgiving, I don't know what I'm in charge of. As the only vegetarian in my entire family I'll probably be makin my own thing. We'll see though. :)
This year I have to make mashed potatoes. I am still trying to figure out how to transport them and keep them hot. Anybody have any ideas.
What a fun giveaway!
I am driving the farthest so I am just making a nibble for cocktail hour!
http://katiesperk.blogspot.com/2010/05/pimento-cheese-straws.html
Dynamics- I think you can make them in the crock pot (or make them and then put them in a crock pot?)
i never thought to stuff the squash with pizza fillings! awesome idea.
I am not baking this holiday :-( I have to work. But the best part of turkey day is the LEFTOVERS all stuffed into a sammich!
We have two Thanksgiving dinners to go to. I'm bringing a side dish for one of them. I'm thinking about making a broccoli casserole.
Well I don't need to do much for the actual Turkey day, but I make an ENTIRE thanksgiving dinner for friends the Sunday before!! Love doing it :)
http://yogurtberries.blogspot.com/2009/11/that-time-of-year-again.html
http://yogurtberries.blogspot.com/2009/11/sweet-stuff.html
I haven't been assigned anything but my husband adamantly told me I had to make broccoli cheese casserole. I'm sure I'll make a dessert as well!
I'm in charge of a side and of course a dessert! A little more excited about the dessert part.. :)
Love Jessica Sienfeld! That granola looks great. And yes, I feel just like Frank today!!
I have in the past 2 years been given the task of cranberry sauce, probably because I'm the only one who really likes it. I add the juice and zest of 1 orange as the secret ingredient. It's so yummy anf "Fall"! ;)
I feel exactly like that! I'm tired and sick which does not make for a good Monday:(
I'm in charge of making the pumpkin pie and veggie dishes for Thanksgiving.
I'm not in charge of making anything, but most years I make the candied sweet potatoes. So I'll be doing that again this year. And cranberry sauce. And I'm thinking of doing either Mama Pea's balls, or pumpkin whoopie pies.
LOVE what you did to that acron squash!!! :)
Honestly, I don't even know what we're doing for Thanksgiving! Probably just my husband and I, so we will split the duties :)
Oh seriously stuffed squash in my fave thing ever! I usually stuff it full of beans and rice and everything nice ;)
xxoo
Not sure what recipes I'll be using yet, but I am bringing pies and a cheesecake!
I'm going to have to try that acorn squash idea! Looks delicious!
For Thanksgiving this year, and for the past few years, I'm in charge of making a Turtle Pumpkin Pie. I found the website on Kraft Recipes a few years ago and it's always a big hit! Here's the link for the recipe: http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/turtle-pumpkin-pie-106961.aspx
fun! I have NO idea if I'm going to be in charge for anything yet :) But last year, I helped with pies and I made turkey and ham gravy.
who would've thought marinara and acorn squash? i'll have to try!
great giveaway...we're traveling on TG day so I don't have to make anything, but for my church TG dinner I'm making mushroom stuffing & 2 pies!
I'm DEFINITELY feeling like that! haha great pic! I'm in charge of a side - probably going to do that slowcooker mac & cheese again!
That book looks great - love the cute cover!
I hope you're having a happy Monday!
The baked good exchange is such a cute idea!
Baker exchange sounds like fun. I'm in.
I'm in charge of dessert but I have no idea what I'm making yet. :)
Your puppy is too cute. I felt the same way this morning.
What a cute little squash! Count me in on a baked goods exchange, it'll be fun :)
For Thanksgiving I'm in charge of cranberry sauce (http://gethealthywithheather.wordpress.com/recipes/cranberry-sauce/) and rolls - which I'm still experimenting with recipe wise. It'll probably turn into whole wheat pumpkin rolls.
oh! i juuuuuust saw this cookbook the other day at costco and thought hmph! i think i would like that hahaha
for thanksgiving i'm in charge of the green beans and the dessert this year! i have nooo idea what i'm making yet haha so i should probbbably get on that or creep on some of the links people leave you!
i watched the thanksgiving challenge yesterday too! although i didn't do a good job of paying attention ahaha
oh and can we serve baby acorn squashes at brinner?
who doesn't feel like that on a monday??
we're making the "dressin" some appetizer and a dessert. if you want the recipe for the dressin, email me :) it does have sausage in it though...
PS seinfeld's books are great when you have other little mouths to feed... i so need it!
aw frank, i feel you!
love what you did with the acorn squash, it looks so tasty. i have one sitting on my counter, i just might do the same thing!
my inlaws are coming for thanksgiving, so i will have help, but i'm in charge of all of it! it should be fun though.
I'll be making portobello mashed potatoes for our work Thanksgiving potluck. Really excited to try them out!! Mushrooms are my fave :).
I would totally love to do the treat exchange!
And I always whip the cream :) But this year I'm in charge of come vegetarian side dishes!
First of all, I loved your pizza party post! It looked so fun. And the poppyseed casserole looked really great, like something Marshall would devour in no time.
Onto this post--I would SO be into a baked good exchange! How fun. Keep me posted.
I am going to Cali (to my sister's) for Thanksgiving and I am in charge of ALL the side dishes! I can't wait!
I'm in charge of the mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese. I think I might surprise everyone with a pie this year too! :)
Great giveaway - right now we're in charge on the WHOLE meal! Uh oh!... :)
I'm making a sugarless cranberry sauce with fresh cranberries and a secret ingredient :-) It's in my new holiday recipe ebook!
YES!!! I am totally in for this exchange! Only can I set up my own personal exchange with you too! :) That granola looks sensational!!
Great giveaway! I plan on bringing some vegan pumpkin bread to my boyfriend's parents' house for Thanksgiving.
omg Frank's face gets me every time!! He is too much.
By the way I'd love to do a recipe exchange!
I love everything about your post today! The squash looks awesome! I would love to do the blogger gift exchange in December!! AND...I want that cookbook :) I'm in charge of making my grandma's famous strawberry jello. Strawberry jello whipped with cool whip and pieces of real strawberry. SO GOOD and I can't wait to post the recipe for it on my blog :)
YOUR BULL BABY IS SOOOO CUTE!!!! I love it! :) Lily sleeps just like that, too!
The squash looks awesome! I'm posting an acorn squash muffin recipe tomorrow, they were so good :)
I already entered a Christmas blogger exchange, otherwise I would! Great idea!!
It will just be my husband and 2 girls for Thanksgiving. I will be in charge of everything but the turkey, my husband will do that. He is great and will help me with whatever I ask him to, but I actually enjoy. My girls are becoming quite the helpers too!
Ever since I have been married I am now on the sidelines,that is ok with me. We always have to make mashed taters and fruit salad. Then my sister in law had me make her my famous peanut butter cheesecake.
i am making it. it will look like this again, im sure
http://www.loveveggiesandyoga.com/2009/11/thanksgiving-day-my-food-recipes.html
i would love to try that cookbook!
goodie exchange month of dec...I am not around the whole month but otherwise i would!
I'm more of a baker than a cooker so I'm in charge of the desserts. I plan on making the classics... pumpkin pie and pecan pie. Thanks for hosting such a great giveaway, Erica!
We're going to visit my parents and since we have to fly there, I think I'm just sitting on the sidelines.
thanksgiving at boyfriends family for the first time. thought about bringing this pumpkin cheesecake bars from eagle brand..
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Pumpkin-Cheesecake-Bars-2/Detail.aspx
didnt turn out as i would have liked so back to the drawing board
This blogger that's receiving your granola exchange is super lucky, I can't wait...errr, she can't wait :)
I own Jessica Seinfeld's first book, the one about cooking healthy for kids, I don't have kids but I like sneaking in healthy ingredients in foods so that people don't ask questions :)
I'm interested in doing a blogger secret baked good exchange during the month of December. Just let me know of the details.
I am in charge of desserts for Thansksgiving and I have been gathering different recipes from Cooking Light and Better Homes for ideas. I have not selected a recipe yet, just looking for ideas right now.
Oooh, a baking exchange could be fun...
As for Thanksgiving, I'm not usually in charge of anything super important...maybe a pumpkin pie sometimes, but usually I'll just do something simple like chocolate chip cookies. :)
This year my assignment for Thanksgiving is to make the sweet potatos (with marshmellows, of course), and the dressing. I've never made the dressing before, so it should be interesting. I've found a great recipe and I'm very excited to see how it all turns out! Cross your fingers for me :-)
I am making the pumpkin pie, stuffing, and a few appetizers! It is my first Thanksgiving away from home and my Mom's cooking, so hopefully we survive it!
gah, i love frank so much.
anyways, i think i am going to make a pumpkin cheesecake this year. plus, i always play sous chef to mama e - so i will be chopping, baking and making whatever she needs me to!
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