Whatever, Martha! (My new favorite show)

Being without cable for 5 months will have you do some pretty crazy things. You know, like reading books, working out and meeting friends for coffee rather than ichat on Facebook. And now that I have cable back I can honestly say I didn't miss much. I don't know why I used to love it so much. I really like watching the "F Word" on BBC, "Barefoot Contessa" on FN and now "Whatever, Martha" on Fine Living Network.

It's funny how I discovered this show. I was learning as much as I could from Martha's Holiday Special and right after there was a preview for a show called, "Whatever, Martha!" I knew this was a show worth checking out and I was right. It's hilarious. It's her daughter, Alexis and her friend, Jennifer critiquing different shows Martha has done from past to present. They make fun of her ridiculous crafts, call her out on bogus recipes and make fun of her guests. Nothing is off bounds and it's so entertaining.

The best part of all is Martha Stewart i the executive producer and creator of the show. She's basically paying her daughter and her friend to ridicule her at any expense. In fact, they've even had her as a guest and teased her up close and personal. They also have a radio show on Martha's radio station. Who ever said Martha didn't have a sense of humor??? I think she knows she can be a little ridiculous or a lot ridiculous at times and is willing to poke fun at herself. Good for her. It endears me to Martha even more! I just love this woman.

p.s. If you've never had the good fortune of watching the show, check out the clip above of Martha giving tips on making s'mores! It will give you a taste of what the show is all about

Tis the Season for baking Christmas Cookies with friends!

Today I spent nearly 6 hours making Christmas cookies for fun! My friend, Brandee came over and we listened to Christmas music, chatted and watched Christmas with the Kranks , while we baked all day. I had so much fun just making 2 of my favorite all time cookies, Kourabiedes(white-almond cookie) and Melomakarona(honey-walnut cookie.)

Brandee had never made Greek Christmas cookies before and she got to see all the hard work that goes into making cookies from scratch. Before she left she said, "I love you Myrna." I'm guessing that means she loved the cookies!

I made 200 so I had enough to give away to friends and neighbors. Does anyone cookie swap anymore under 30 years old? My cookies are all sealed in their Rubbermaid tins and ready to be eaten by beloved friends and family. I put my all into them and now I'm tuckered out! No matter how tired, I'm so obsessed with Christmas cookies that I'm asking my friends to all bring their favorite cookies for my Christmas gathering in a few weeks. Little do they know we'll be cookie swapping. I'm also working on making a holiday mix cd for them too. I'm kinda known for my mix cds!!! Ha! I love making them for all occasions.

Well that's all for now folks! Next time I'll be sure to share a cookie recipe. (YAWN) I'm off to bed!

La La La Leftovers!

I've been munching on Thanksgiving leftovers for the last 3 days and I think it's time to move on. I've made PB and cranberry-apple sandwiches, turkey salad, croquettes (fried mashed potatoes with ham) and today I'm finishing with turkey and kale soup. There is only so much one person can have. I say savor the memories and then start gearing up for Christmas.

Speaking of Christmas; my lights are up, Christmas potpourri out and smelling "holiday-ish", tree "a-glowing" and fireplace decorated with empty stockings. What will Mr. Kris Kringle fill them with this year? My theme is nutcracker. There are nutcrackers everywhere! Now I'm in the mood to make cookies galore and gingerbread houses. Santa would only be so lucky if he got to eat cookies at my house. Look for holiday cookie recipes on here. You can cook along with me!

Poor Paula!

http://www.cbsatlanta.com/video/21699614/index.html

Above is a link of Paula Deen getting clobbered by a ham on a local television station in Atlanta. WOnder if she'll pass on ham this year at Thanksgiving dinner? Hmmm

When's the last time you had a root beer float?

I remember when I had my first root beer float. I was about 5 years old and my Mom made it for me. It was amazing to see how the root beer fizzled all over the vanilla ice cream and how delicious it all was melting in my mouth. I was obsessed with them for about a week, until my stomach started really hurting and I needed some sort of protein and/or vegetation.

The I remember how I tried to experiment with other ice cream flavors and other soda. None of them quite did the trick like the classic float. My favorite way to make it is with Hagen Daz and Barq's. Emmm! I haven't had one in years and was thinking about making one today!!!

Back to Basics. Bread.

I know they're only a handful of people left on God's green earth that will make everything for Thanksgiving from scratch. Most people are lucky if someone makes a homemade pie or stuffing from day old bread. Canned yams, canned cranberry sauce(the easiest thing to make from scratch) and other time-friendly solutions are not ones I'm remotely interested in trying. Thanksgiving is once a year people. Get it together! This should be a special time that you put some heart into your cooking.

Maybe it's all this fresh Austin air, but I believe people's energy goes into the dishes they make. In fact, Sarah Michelle Gellar(AKA:Buffy the Vampire Slayer) did a movie called Simply Irresistible and it was based on that entire idea.

Point is, bread is so basic. That's why today I decided to share a delicious dinner roll recipe for you to make for your loved ones this year. I promise it will be a hit. Sure, bread is cheap but that's no reason not to attempt making it yourself. The reward is so worth it. The hardest thing about making bread is getting the water the right temperature and blooming the yeast(making sure the yeast gets foamy), after that you are golden! Trust me. Turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy are delicious on a hot, homemade dinner roll! Now get to baking =)


4 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast -MAKE SUR EIT'S NOT OLD OR WON'T RISE!!!
1/2 cup warm water (110 degrees F to 115 degrees F)-SUPER IMPORTANT
2 cups warm milk (110 to 115 degrees F)-SUPER IMPORTANT
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 eggs
1/4 cup white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt
7 cups All-Purpose flour
Directions

In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the milk, butter, eggs, sugar, salt and 3 cups flour

Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.

Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 7-8 minutes (dough will be a little sticky).

Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into 24 pieces. Shape each into a roll.

Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Personalized cookie place keepers. Ridiculous!

So this past week was exhausting! I catered an event called Art Behind Bars which helps Austin women get back on their feet when they get out of jail. Great cause. Amazing event! Afterwards, I swore that after making 9 various appetizers for 200 people, I would be on a cooking strike until Thanksgiving. Shaaaaa right! I got one day's rest and then started on my hefty menu. I've gotten half of my menu complete. Phew! I was feeling super organized about T-Day next week until I was perusing the internet and saw these cookie name place keepers. Had I forgotten something???

Apparently so, because now I'm obsessed with the idea of making these on my own. Silly me. When will I learn? Never?

Now on top of all my other things to do list, I've added this to my plate. Cookie place keepers!!! They are just too darn cute not to make. I won't rest until I make it happen. (Seriously, I'd be very sad if you weren't coming to my house for Thanksgiving. It will be one to remember.)

p.s. Did I mention I'm planning 3 Christmas parties on top of all this? Holidays will be a hot mess of kitchen frenzy madness and I wouldn't have it any other way!