On Thanksgiving and Baking

What a week. Invited my childhood friend from Waynesboro, her daughter and my mother, to my house for Thanksgiving. I do not do the turkey thing; too many dried out birds in my youth that I had to swallow proclaiming how delicious they were, therefore pork roast was my entrée of choice. The roast came out of the freezer on Sunday to thaw in the refrigerator in order for it to be seasoned Wednesday morning allowing the flavors to permeate the meat over-night. It was almost too large for my browning pan and it was heavy but I managed to get all six sides nicely browned to hold in the juices. This is an Emeril recipe that I’ve tweaked over the years. It is easy to do and slow cooks in the oven for four hours until it falls apart, then it has caramelized mushroom and Marsala gravy served over couscous or Risotto or just plain rice; I used couscous. I was also a little adventurous this year making mini Brioche rolls from scratch, traditional squash casserole, balsamic caramelized cippolini onions and individual Tiramisus served in large martini glasses for dessert. My friends had already informed me of their intentions to arrive early stay late and reminisce; therefore I thought an appetizer was in order as well. Needless to say there was too much food but a ton of fun, combined with childhood giggles and wonder as to how we survived the stupid things we did. It was a really good day and something to be grateful for.
Made another discovery the day before Thanksgiving. Overheard some folks talking about the new wine and liquor store so I went to check it out. What a lovely store; clean, organized, a great selection of wine including the hard to get Silver Oak Cabernet. Not one of the wines in the store was rated below an 86 with most rating much higher. From the moment I entered I felt welcomed and relaxed. The owner was extremely nice, taking time to discuss the wines with me and the young man at checkout was so friendly. The prices are good as well, but even if they weren’t just being in the store was a treat. Now there are two places to go for great service and a good atmosphere; Glenn’s and North Augusta Wine and Beverage.
Unlike ninety-nine point nine per cent of the population, I opted to stay in on Black Friday. No crushing crowds or fractious tempers to contend with. No rude shoppers or over-worked tired employees to coddle or even worse thieves trying to relieve me of purchases just because they want them I have them and they would rather steal than buy. Instead I started making my annual goody package for North Augusta Public Safety. I put together what I can that will freeze, then three days before delivery, out it comes to bake. Saves a lot of rushing at the last minute, things are fresh and plenty has been made from the day after Thanksgiving until Christmas. I love the look on their faces when they go through the boxes. Some old standbys that I know they like; lots of new things for them to try; it is so much fun. In between theirs I do all my Christmas baking for my friends that way everything is done and there was no need to venture into the world of Black Friday or any other of the many shopping days left until Christmas.