Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat

Christmas traditions, both old and new, make this time of year so exciting. There’s so much to do! So much to appreciate! This year, I decided to make up a list of ways I’d like to enjoy this most festive season.
Cruise around Aylmer with my sister looking at Xmas lights while listening to Charlie Brown [...]

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guess who’s coming for dinner

This takes “dress to impress” to a whole new level. I adore these place settings by
Kelly Wearstler! Swoon!

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oatmeal raisin pecan cookies for bookclub

I belong to a women’s bookclub. I can already see your eyes rolling. Let me defend myself. We’re not a bunch of 50 year old women sitting around with The Joy Luck Club. And we’re not a group of teenieboppers drooling over a stalker vampire named Edward. Our bookclub is a niche bookclub. We read [...]

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roasted butternut squash salad with warm cider vinaigrette

Oh butternut squash, how I love you. How I apologize for not being able to tell you apart from your cousins spaghetti squash and acorn squash. And how I’ll never overlook you again. Le sigh. Thank you, butternut, for coming into my life.

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad With Warm Cider Vinaigrette
By Ina Garten’s Barefoot Contessa: Back [...]

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roasted pepper and goat cheese sandwiches

Brown bagging it can get boring really fast. Solution? Yummy nummy sandwiches you’ll never get sick of.

Roasted Pepper and Goat Cheese Sandwiches
(Serves 4 to 6)
by Barefoot Contessa at Home
4 large red or yellow bell peppers
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons drained capers
For [...]

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peach and blueberry crumble

This is the perfect inbetween dessert when you’re not quite ready to give up summer fare. This way you get a taste of both.

Peach and Blueberry Crumble
Another hit by Ina Garten’s Barefoot Contessa at Home.
For the fruit
6 to 8 ripe peaches
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 cup [...]

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dote the tote

What perfect bags to tote your groceries!
{Print Liberation and Little Glowing Lights}

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united steaks of america

Why am I attracted to this when I’m a vegetarian? It’s gross fabulous.
{Dominic Episcopo via Oh Joy}

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summer garden pasta

I made this Summer Garden Pasta from Ina Garten’s Barefoot Contessa at Home. So yummy! Be prepared to eat a lot of pasta – it makes enough to feed a small army (it serves 6)!

Summer Garden Pasta
4 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons minced garlic (6 cloves)
18 large basil leaves, julienned, plus extra [...]

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cream of fresh tomato soup

The temperature has begun to dip in Ottawa. It’s not quite cool but there’s no mistaking the chill in the air. I feel a little guilty for not enjoying summer more. And so I’m resolved to thoroughly enjoy fall. Candlelight, a new fall coat and warm, comforting meals are in order! First up is Ina [...]

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