It’s Thanksgiving Day here in the USA and many of us are looking forward to celebrating the day by cooking, watching football, and eating too much.Oh, and we also give thanks for that which we've been blessed. ;-)
Now, as some of you may know, I am officially known as the worst cook in the world. No, really. I burn things. All the time. Our smoke alarm gets a real workout whenever I step into the kitchen.
And yet, for my family, I took a chance and cooked several side dishes for the holiday. So what do I have to be thankful for this Thanksgiving?
I didn’t burn anything! Hallelujah!!
Yeah, it was a shock for me, too. :-)
Okay, now let’s talk about what I’m really thankful for this time of year.
I’m especially thankful for my dear family and for so many wonderful friends here in the Lair and elsewhere. I’m thankful that I’m able to write books for a living and I’m doubly thankful for all the fabulous readers, booksellers and librarians I’ve met all over the country. Thank you!!So now, just for fun … here's a snack to enjoy at a holiday party or a small gathering with friends. It’s an old family recipe and so simple to make, even I can do it—without burning anything!
Be careful with these – they’re addictive! They only take 5 minutes to mix, then 20 minutes baking time.
Kate's Crazy Mixed-Up Nuts
¼ cup butter2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp each: seasoned salt, celery salt and garlic powder
½ tsp ground cumin
¼ tsp. each cayenne pepper and pepper
1 c. shelled walnuts
1 cup pecan halves
1 cup whole almonds, lightly toasted
Preheat oven to 325 F. Melt butter in a small saucepan. Add Worcestershire sauce and seasonings. Simmer over low heat for several minutes for flavors to blend. Stir in nuts and transfer to a shallow baking pan. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Makes 3 cups. (Great with cocktails. And they can also be tossed on salads.)
Wishing everyone in the States a very Happy Thanksgiving! And to our friends in other parts of the world, a very Happy Thursday!!
I’m enjoying a cool, sunny day here in Palm Desert, California. Where are you today? How’s the weather? And what are you thankful for today? For sharing with us on Thanksgiving, I’ve got a signed copy of THE LIES THAT BIND and some fun promo goodies for one random commenter!
86 comments:
Happy turkey day! Wishing you all a joyful, warm time with family, friends, and yummy food!
Hey Fedora, make sure you don't accidentally roast the chook for Thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!
Happy Thanksgiving to all the Bandits and Bandita Buddies! I'm thankful I know you all, gals! Kate, very cute post! ;-)
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!! Here in S. Texas it's pretty warm for this time of year - but we're expecting a BIG cool down.
I'm not the best cook either but I've been rattling pots and pans like a pro and things are coming together fairly well! And I'm so thankful for my awesome family because they'd choke it down with smiles on their faces no matter how horrible it turns out!
LOL! Now you've got him scared, Deanna! I heard some shaking tailfeathers somewhere, but I haven't seen him yet! He's probably about to put on some camouflage and try to make a break for it!
The weather here's cold but clear--hoping it's the same for tomorrow!
As for what I'm thankful for? Lots! I'm very blessed--wonderful family, fabulous friends on and off-line, a TBR that I may never get through, and fun in the Lair!
That recipes sounds delish. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Hurray to the Bandits! I thank you for sharing so much fun and joy through the year.
Hi, Kate,
I'm in Houston where it was quite
warm (in the 80s) today. We had the
AC going to cool the house while I
cooked my sides and desserts for Thanksgiving Dinner.
I'm most thankful for family, for
friends, and for the fact that our
grandson @1 is alright. He and two
friends were in an accident this evening. The car rolled but other
than being shaken-up & sore, they
are doing fine!
God bless all the Banditas and all
the Buddies. I count you all as
friends. Have a great Thanksgiving
Day!
Ohhh, like the sound of those nuts, yummy:)
We don't do Thanksgiving here in NZ but I am always thankful for my family, even the crazy ones!!! They keep me grounded.
Cath
cbcowley@gmail.com
HAPPY T.Giving All!
OMGosh, Pat! I'm so glad your grandson is okay! Talk about scary...
Blessings to you and your family too, and YES all us Banditas consider our Buddies like family!
Thanks for your cute post, Kate. Try not to faint but *I* actually baked today! I had these over-ripe bananas in the kitchen and instead of tossing 'em (I never eat 'em when they get brown spots), I decided to make banana nut bread! I haven't made it in several years, and I'm happy to report that it turned out quite good. Of course it will all be gone by Friday morning. ;-)
AC
Hey Fedora,
CONGRATS on capturing the GR. I'm guessing he's exhausted since he and my son were busy cleaning today while I was baking. Hard to say if that is dust or flour on his tail feathers! LOL!
Daz, you missed him by that much! ;-)
AC
Fo,
DITTO on what you said about the Banditas and BBs. We are all VERY LUCKY to have each other!
AC
Clear, sunny and cold.
Finding a parking space at Trader Joe's today on the first go-around was an omen for a good T-day! Prep work and pies done! Cleaning the house....and I'm just happy to be of the mindset to be thankful.
Fedora, congrats on the GR...hope he stays clear of the kitchen! Happy T-day everyone!
Well, the weather is pretty crummy here. A few hours ago we had tornado warnings, severe thunderstorm warnings and heavy rain and strong winds. This morning, it's supposed to be freezing rain. Go figure, from 69 degrees at 6PM to around 29 a handful of hours later. That's Missouri for you, just hang around awhile and the weather will change for you. We are going to my sisters for dinner later today, that is if the roads aren't bad. So I guess I can say I'm thankful the tornadoes showing on radar did not show up and do any damage.
Well done Fedora have a great Thanksgiving Day with him
Kate
I loved the post and to all of the Bandits and Bandita Buddies Have a very happy Thanksgiving Day I do think this is such a great thing to celebrate I wished we did here in Australia.
It is already Thursday evening here in Oz and I have Hubby in hospital so I have been very busy but I am very thankful that he is feeling a lot better and hopefully will be home Friday or Saturday and of course I am thankful for my family and wonderful friends here and on the net.
Have Fun
Helen
Happy Thanksgiving. It's cold here, but hopefully the rain will stay away for the Macy's parade. I'm thankful for my family and friends and for our health.
Happy Thanksgiving!
It's very cold here at night. I have put plastic bags over my Hawaiian ginger plants and wrap the lower half in bubble wrap. I'm hoping this will prevent them from dying last like year. Just when the flowers form... d'oh!
I'm only making salad for Thanksgiving so I'm not going to burn anything. :) I'm grateful I don't have to host the dinner.
have a great time when you can find him LOL
happy Thanks giving day today... it has been hot here above 30C ... although it is cooling down now as it is evening... so sitting here with air con on...went sewing this morning so had a good day
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!
I'm thankful for so much, including all the awesome Banditas, and Bandita Buddies.
I'd be even more thankful if Kate sent me a handful of those yummy looking nuts, though :-)
Aloha, Kate! It's not quite Thanksigiving Day yet for us in the Pacific ... but by the time we wake up, the Macy's parade will be over and the Lions will have won (or lost). Although our local stations repeat these events, its not quite the same ... but a small price to pay for the sunshine!
And I may give you a run for your title as not the best cook. Then again, we're going to a neighbor's house and I was assigned to bring the drinks!
I am thankful for living in freedon!
Ooh, those nuts look delicious, Kate! Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate it!
I know we say this all the time, but I'm so thankful for the Banditas and Bandita Buddies. Oh, and for Sven, the cabana boys, the hockey hunks, the Romans... Oh, yeah and that crazy golden bird. Congrats, Fedora!
Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful for my family and will be traveling through some rain and sleet to see them today here in Pennsylvania.
Happy Thanksgiving!
I'm at home in Maryland and it's a cool rainy day. So it's a perfect day to be in the kitchen cooking all day. But first, I'm off to a Jazzercise class so I can eat pie for dessert!!
Happy Thanksgiving! it's a little grey and plenty cold here but soon I'll pack up a couple pumkin pies & hit the road for a couple hours to spend it with family. Hope everyone has a great day :)
We had freezing rain yesterday in northern Iowa; luckily, just wet pavements here in eastern Iowa.
My family will be meeting around noon at our parents' home (about an hour away for us). I was in charge of one pie and apple salad, so Shary and I made pumpkin pie last night. We cut up the grapes, celery, and broke pecans into a bowl, too, and will peel apples later this morning and will add the sugar (Splenda) and mayo just before we eat. We used Splenda and fat-free evaporated milk in the pie so that my sister and I could eat it with very little guilt. :)
Happy Thanksgiving and Blessings to all!
Freezing rain, but just a bit! On our way to my Mom's house. I'm all about the turkey and dressing today.
I'm so, so thankful for all my friends and family, especially this year. It's been our first bout with unemployment, like thousands of others in this country, but we're fine. Today is a great opportunity to remember all the wonderful things happening in all our lives.
Happy Turkey Day! :)
Happy Thanksgiving all!! I am thankful for my kids, bf and friends like the ones here in the lair. Hope you all have a blessed day.
It is supposed to be in the 70's today which is so not typical. Yesterday we froze our kanuna's off and today we will be in shirt sleeves.
I can cook and have hosted many Thanksgiving dinners but my son and I are going to a restaurant to join a couple of friends for dinner this year. That is if I can get him to shave and make himself presentable for public, I have his khakis ready to go but whether I can talk him out of his camos or not is another story.
Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I am having lunch with family. It is suppose to storm here later today.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
It's above freezing here in Ohio and for that - I'm grateful, but it is raining and overcast.
We're cooking and doing last minute cleaning. Guests will start arriving about 2:00 pm. The turkey is cooking, most of the sides have been made, the pies are sitting on the counter waiting to be topped with whipped cream later in the day.
I'm thankful for this online community of friends with similar passions. Hope you all have a wonderful celebration - even if it's only to celebrate another day of the week. Stay safe on those roads!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
Mason
Thoughts in Progress
Fedora, congrats on the bird!
Kate, I'm a home today. The dh is cooking because I, too, am a potential hazard in the kitchen. I can bake things that aren't too complicated. Actual cooking, I'm not so great at.
Right now the dh and the boy are working on the boy's 3-dimensional art project, and I was watching the Macy's parade. Before that, I read about how eels were a popular food in colonial Massachusetts. Really. We decided to give those a pass, though.
My job will be to clear off the table and set it for company. Before then, I'm working on revisions.
Wishing everyone a great Thanksgiving or, as Kate said, a happy Thursday.
Just don't say anything about "stuffing" around the GR and you should be fine, Fedora!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all of the Banditas and Buddies!
I am SO grateful you are all a part of my life every day!
I am thankful for my job, believe it or not. It isn't the best job in the world and I would leave it to write full-time in a heartbeat, BUT in this economy it IS a job. It puts food on the table and keeps the lights on. So thanks Sam Walton. I owe you!
I am thankful for my family and friends. I hope my family manages to consume all of that food without me today as I have to work!
I am thankful for my writing buddies, past and present. I would not be where I am on my publication journey without them.
I am thankful for my agent who is trying hard to sell my books and who is a real partner in the writing process.
I am thankful for Hugh Jackman, Gerard Butler, Richard Armitage and a couple of really hot looking male models for their "help" in the writing process as well!
I am thankful for RWA - the national organization and my local chapter for treating me like a professional writer even at this stage of the game and for providing me with advice, tools and venues in which to test my writing chops.
I am grateful for the Cadbury's Chocolate Company in England, Canada and Australia !!
I am grateful for my dogs and cats. They keep me sane, make me smile, appreciate me no matter what and force me to get up every morning to go out and make "dog food money" even when I'd rather stay in bed!
Daz, putting a little fear into the GR never hurts . . .
Cybercliper, I'm glad the weather's good for you. It's gloomy and overcast here.
Congrats on pulling dinner together. I'm not much of a cook, as I said, but the dh worked as an asst. cook in a day care center when he was in college and loves to cook. So he has things well in hand here.
We're having friends over this evening, seven of us for dinner in all--unless you count the dog, who things she definitely SHOULD be counted but who will NOT have a seat at the table.
My contribution was to buy, with advice from Cassondra and help from Nice Young Man at the wine shop, was the wine, which the boy went with me to get. Also, I will be staying out of the dh's way. Then I'll be on cleanup detail after.
Fedora wrote: a TBR that I may never get through . . .
Ain't it the truth? The pile keeps getting bigger and bigger. I swear, the books clone themselves.
I know all the banditas are grateful for the fun in the Lair and for all the pleasure our Buddies give us, whether they turn up in the comments every day, lurk and pop up once in a while, or just check us out on occasion.
Slush, doesn't that recipe sound great?
The fun and joy here don't just come from us, of course, Slush, and we appreciate all of you who add to it.
Pat, I'm so glad your grandson isn't hurt. We count our buddies as friends, too, and wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.
Cath, as one of the "crazy ones" in my family (still reading comic books well past childhood and name the Legion of Super-Heroes, their real names, noms de guerre, powers, vulnerabilities, and home planets), I'm sure your nutty relatives appreciate your support.
AC, I love banana nut bread. I wish I were there to mooch!
PinkPeony, you found a parking space at Trader Joe's?! I'm astounded--gobsmacked, as some of us would say. That's hard to do here on an ordinary day. You're a braver woman than I am. I refused even to try it this week.
Linda, I'm so glad the tornadoes didn't wreck anything. That's a radical weather shift, and I hope the roads will be fine so you can go to dinner.
Helen, thank you. Fingers crossed that Hubby will be home and feeling fine very soon!
UPDATE: First casualty - Peach Pie.
You guys probably already know this, but there is a big difference between a teaspoon and a quarter teaspoon when it comes to cinnamon! Stupid cookbook should have had teaspoon of lemon juice listed anywhere but near the quarter teaspoon of cinnamon. Headed back for round two...
Jane, Happy Thanksgiving to you, too. I was watching the Macy's parade for a while this morning. I do love to see the floats, and listening to the marching bands takes me back to my high school days.
Hi, Sheree--I hope your plants make it through the night. I used to make fruit salad when I went to a dinner at someone's house. As you say, it doesn't burn. And it's fairly labor intensive, which salved my conscience. Sort of.
Barb, I'm glad it's cooling down and you've had a good day.
Happy Thanksgiving, TD. You know, if Kate sends YOU those nuts, she has to send them to all of us.
Just sayin' . . .
Kim, I'm in the running, too, for "not the best cook."
I'm glad your weather is good. I hope you have a great time at dinner.
Christine, that's my "thankful" list, too!
Have a lovely day.
Maureen, sorry you have such nasty weather for traveling. Wishing you a safe journey and a happy gathering.
Christie--Jazzercise?! I admire your resolve. And envy your pie . . .
Gamistress, safe journey! The pie sounds great.
Deb, what yummy offerings! I'm glad you have decent weather for your drive.
Gillian, glad you're doing well despite the bump. I love dressing, too. With gravy. And the dh's homemade cranberry sauce.
Dianna, one of the most fun Thanksgiving dinners we had when I was growing up was at a restaurant. The old airport had one that overlooked the runways, and my grandfather took us there for Thanksgiving. We watched the planes land and take off while we ate. It was way cool! I think I must've been about 10 or 11 at the time.
Good luck on the camos.
Runner10, I hope the weather won't hit while you're traveling. Lunch sounds like fun.
Donna--pies? No fuzzy navel cake?
Mason, Happy Thanksgiving to you, too.
Louisa, we're all grateful for our buddies, too!
You wrote: I am thankful for Hugh Jackman, Gerard Butler, Richard Armitage and a couple of really hot looking male models for their "help" in the writing process as well!
I watched the last part of a biography of Jackman while I did the crossword and waited for the Macy's parade to reach the camera stand this morning--not a bad way to start the day.
Cybercliper--ouch on the pie! FWIW, I can see myself making the same mistake.
The dh, who is an excellent cook, once added an egg to a recipe for stuffed cookies (they're ball-shaped with ground peppermint candy in the center) because he figured every cookie recipe should have an egg.
Not ball cookies, apparently. In the oven, the cookies spread into one big mass on the cookie sheet. And, since the peppermint powder was concealed, he'd recycled the multicolored candy canes from the tree--which blended, in the oven's heat, into gray.
That giant, square, gray cookie looked just vile. Tasted great--but you had to close your eyes to get past the look of the thing.
Good luck with round 2!
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I did my cooking yesterday and we actually started eating everything last night. :)
It's in the 70s and windy here today, though cloudy. There must be a front coming through because the bottom is supposed to fall out of the temp tonight and get down to 27 with a wintry mix. Ugh. 50-degree drop.
Happy Turkey day, everyone!!! Aloha and G'day! I'm taking a chance here at my Mom's, hoping my internet connection will last for a while ...
Fedora, better keep the chook out of the kitchen today, just to be on the safe side!
Pat, thank goodness your grandson and his friends are okay. You must be giving double-triple thanks today. :-)
Aunty, you baked!! Congrats!
Linda, sorry about the rain but I'll join you in giving thanks that there are no tornados in your area right now!
Christie, Jazzercise?? Really? You're my idol! Okay, I confess I took a walk this morning in the COLD, crisp desert air. It was beautiful!
Okay, gonna try to post this comment....fingers crossed.... ;-)
It worked! Yay! Okay, tempting fate again...
Deb, that apple salad sounds yummy!
Gillian, I hope things turn around soon. :-) Have a wonderful day!
Dianna, we'll be going out to dinner, too! I'm sure your son will make you proud. :-)
Louisa, so many wonderful thoughts! We're thankful, too, that we get to see you each day.
And I'm personally thankful for Hugh Jackman, too. ;-)
Nancy, thank you so much for jumping in to comment!! I'm very grateful for you. :-)
Cybercliper, sorry about the pie!! That's just sad. Good luck with round two.
And apologies again for the drive-by comments. I'm depending on my mom's neighbors for our connection ... eek! Shhhh! Don't tell ....
I'm soooo grateful to be a part of this amazing group! Hope you all stay warm and dry today!
Kate, happy to be of service! I'm grateful for you and the rest of the Lair as well.
Alas, but I must go and clean for company soon.
Trish, I don't get this whole "wintry mix" thing. What's up with that? Can't nature make up its mind?
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving to all our American Banditas and BB's and very happy Thursday to all us non-celebrators!
The weather here is bl**dy freezing! Snow is forecast *brr*.
I'm thankful for all my wonderful writing buddies, my beloved Banditas and our fantabulous BB's! Oh and for central heating that works!
Pat - so glad your grandson is okay!
Helen - hope your hubby is doing much better and can be home with you soon.
Fedora - watch out for that pesky bird!
OMG - AC baked! *thunk* Go AC!
Anna, amen to the central heating! I hope your weather inproves.
You know, Kate's illustration of the people putting out the fire reminds me of that insurance commercial (State Farm or Allstate, I think) that shows Dennis Haysbert talking about how many people will set their houses on fire this year trying to fry their turkies.
Here's hoping all banditas and buddies have a flame-free holiday.
Happy Thanksgiving!
I'm supposed to be in Charlotte enjoying turkey day with my family of the heart but, instead, I'm home recovering from a nasty stomach virus so no turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes or pie for me this year. My taste buds are in mourning but my hips say I'll have a much easier time zipping my jeans tomorrow! *g*
Helen, I'll keep your hubby in my prayers. Hope that he'll be back home with you soon!
Pat, I'm so thankful your grandson and his friends are okay!
Happy Thanksgiving! It is lovely, clear, bright and sunny, ideal for walking and relaxing. I am thankful for my wonderful family, great health and books.
Enjoy this great day. thanks for this special place which is joyful and fun. I am grateful for friends, family and good health.
PJ, I'm so sorry you're laid up. I had the flu one Thanksgiving and stayed home while the dh visited family. Not fun.
At least there's another terrific food holiday coming soon.
Feel better!
Y'know, turkies didn't look right when I hit publish.
Let's just retroactively make that TURKEYS.
*sigh*
Traveler, Happy Thanksgiving! I'm glad you have beautiful weather for it.
Petite, we're glad you like it here and are grateful to you and all our buddies who stop by.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Kate
I am reading The Lies That Bind at the moment and loving it such a great story.
It is now Friday morning here in Oz and it is going to be another hot day temperatures in the high
30's celsius are predicted again today another day for the air con being on LOL
I do hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving
Have Fun
Helen
PJ
I do hope you are feeling better soon nothing worse than not being well when there is a special day happening.
Thanks for the good wishes with Hubby everyone I do hope he will be home today fingers crossed
Have Fun
Helen
Our Thanksgiving was last month. It's cold and snowing (NW ON). I'm thankful for my family.
Chey, I hope your Thanksgiving was lovely.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I'm just popping on to say how thankful I am for all of you, Banditas, Buddies, Sven, the Cabana Boys, the Gladiators, The Hockey Hunks, The Goddess Sangria, Ermingarde the Dragon, and last but never least, The Golden Rooster. :>
Ya'll rock!
Nancy, the Dennis Haysbert commercials are for Allstate. I also chuckle a lot at their new ad campaign with the guy who is the personification of "Mayhem." LOL.
Ohhh, like the sound of those nuts, yummy:)
Ok, now Cath...that's a WHOLE 'nother blog :D
Happy Thanksgiving late, everyone. I'm so thankful for all of you, for my writing, for my kitties and for Tylenol because after working all day...man, do my feet hurt!
Happy Thanksgiving to you all!
WE just finished our feast, split up the left overs and the kids and grandkids are all headed home, stuffed and happy!
My son and I are going to watch The Karate Kid, then I think I'll snuggle into bed with my hubby!
Like all the Banditas, I am thankful to have them and all you Bandit Buddies in my life!!
I'm also thankful for Romance novels. They brought us together and they give us all hope for more love in our lives!
We had a great Thanksgiving here. Too much food, but we will not be cooking this week. LOL Aferwards the young men in the family decorated our front yard for Christmas. This is a yearly tradition and they go all out. We always get heaps of compliments on the decorating job they do, putting lights in the flower beds, up the trees, around roof, outlining the entire yard, etc. It is lovely.
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