A Day of Giving and Gratitude

Do you have traditions that you maintain on Thanksgiving Day? Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade? Attend local high school football games? Gather at the home of family or friends for dinner or dessert?

Today is a day of giving and gratitude for me. I will spend Thanksgiving morning volunteering  with Food & Friends to deliver meals. Food & Friends has more than 800 turkeys and all the sides that need to be delivered. They estimate 3,500 people will sit down to give thanks and enjoy a meal from Food & Friends on Thanksgiving Day. Food & Friends states, "this is what Thanksgiving is all about – coming together as a community to care for our neighbors in need". I consider it an honor to serve as a volunteer.

A friend sent me a  text message yesterday: there is such joy in gratitude. On this Thanksgiving Day I am grateful for and am joyful about many things, including:

• Access to shelter, food, and water
• Family and dear friends
• Employment
• The many chefs, servers, greeters/hosts/hostesses and other staff who have made me feel welcome in their dining establishment.
• The business owners and vendors who have agreed  to be interviewed on the Technicolor dining  blog site.
• You, for supporting Technicolor dining by reading the blog posts and telling others about the blog site, Facebook page, and Twitter presence. Technicolor dining's continued growth is due largely to you. Thank you!

I am also blessed to spend part of my Thanksgiving Day with Bebe and her family. When I asked what I should bring,  Bebe told me to bring a healthy appetite and a good bottle of wine. Bebe's menu includes turkey,  duck and  at least three dessert options.. I'm hopeful that the weeks attending wine school  have helped me make acceptable wine choices. Stay tuned.

Yes, I have prepared a small meal as well.

On the menu:

roasted turkey breast (the turkey was submerged in a brine solution for several  hours)

herb stuffing with sausage and roasted chestnuts

homemade turkey gravy

cranberry, orange and walnut relish - see the Ocean Spray site for the recipe

brussel sprouts with apple and almond (this dish is a favorite with my immediate family)

Wishing you and yours a day filled with joy and gratitude. Happy Thanksgiving!


Be well,

Technicolor girl




image created by Ink+ LLC

 

Have your say - voting is underway!

Below are three opportunities to have your say and let your voice be heard.

Opportunity #1
You  are invited to participate in a poll to select  which name should be embroidered on  the chef's jacket I will wear in an upcoming cooking class.  The deadline to participate in the poll  is 1 November.

photo by TEP

 Opportunity #2

photo by TEP

Ripple's mixologist, Fred,  has invited you to suggest the name for a cocktail he has created. Fred shared that some of the ingredients in the cocktail are: gin, lemon juice, lime juice, egg whites, and  angostura bitters . The rest of the ingredients are closely guarded by Fred. Share you name suggestions in the comments area on the Technicolor dining blog page or on the Technicolor Dining Facebook page. The last day to submit suggestions is November 6, 2014 Fred will choose the winning name. The person who submits the winning name will receive a $25 Ripple gift certificate from Technicolor Dining!


 

Opportunity #3 
Effective 15 October, the James Beard Foundation (JBF) began accepting entries for the 2015 James Beard Foundation Awards.  In addition, the JBF has announced several new categories that will be added to the JBF Restaurant and Chef Awards, as well as to the JBF Book, Broadcast, and Journalism Awards. Bonus: you don't have to be a James Beard member to submit a vote.  For more information, please visit jamesbeard.org/awards. 

photo by TEP

Don't delay,  participate, nominate and vote today!

Be well, 

Technicolor girl

image created by Ink+ LLC

Peanut Hottie - take me home! XO

Peanut Hottie's two flavors

Elizabeth, a former co-worker, posted on Facebook that that the cool evening in her suburban London, England home meant it is was time to a cup of ......Peanut Hottie.   I read the post a second time; I was amused and curious about the product name and product.  I asked Elizabeth for more a information because I adore peanut butter.
Peanut Hottie is powdered beverage that is available in two flavors: peanut butter as well as peanut butter and chocolate. Currently Peanut Hottie is available in the United Kingdom at Waitrose, Sainsbury's and Booths stores. In the United States Peanut Hottie is exclusively available at Wal-mart. Rather than search the purrespective stores for the product availability, use the 'where to buy Peanut Hottie' link on the product's website. After entering a postal/zip code and the distance you are willing to travel to purchase Peanut Hottie a list of locations is displayed.

I purchased both flavors of Peanut Hottie and prepared to taste test. The marketing of Peanut Hottie is witty and flirty. Directions on how to prepare the beverage begin with ,"How to make me hot". 



First taste test

Following  the directions closely is a must. During my first taste test I used the required amount of water (4oz/ 1/2 cup) and 4 level teaspoons of the powder in each cup. The result was a thin tasting drink. I sent a message to Elizabeth and asked how she liked Peanut Hottie. She replied that she had been 'a bit mean' with the amount she used and the resulting drink was bland. I resolved to do a second taste test. The second time I used 4 rounded teaspoons of the powder in each cup (as stated in the directions) . The result? A full bodied beverage in each cup.



Second taste test

I see multiple uses for Peanut Hottie and was glad to see the product website included recipes for  several  foods including brownies, milkshake (for children an adult beverage versions),  and stir fry (satay). More reasons (um, excuses) to use Peanut Hottie! I have friends and loved ones who have nut allergies, so I will be mindful of when I use it.



If you purchase Peanut Hottie, please let me know how you used it (e.g.,as a beverage, in a recipe). The Peanut Hottie team also welcomes feedback. Peanut Hottie has a Facebook page and Twitter presence: @PeanutHottieUS and @PeanutHottieUK .

Be well,

Technicolor girl


image created by Ink+ LLC

Technicolor dining - checking in

Technicolor dining just passed the six month mark!  I am grateful to those who interact with the blog site, Facebook page, and Twitter page. I am still surprised when someone tells me that they have signed up to receive my blog posts or they come to the site and read the posts as a series of vignettes. I still get tongue tied when a chef asks me what I think of a dish or what questions I have about the dish(es) they've prepared. I still enjoy watching the look of surprise on a server's face when I order what they recommended. I still occasionally receive a look of pity from nearby diners who see me  dining alone, but some diners and servers have applauded me for dining solo. The dining gods have truly blessed me.

Here a few of the most common comments/ questions I'm asked:

Do you eat out every night?
Answer: No.  I'm an introvert ; being out every would make me cranky.

You seem to know a lot about beverages, do you drink a lot?
Answer:  I actually drink a great deal of water when I am at home. I also drink  tea and hot chocolate. I have a fully stocked bar , but it's primarily used when guests visit.

Does your family read your blog?
Answer: Actually, my mother does read my blog. She tells me she enjoys when I mention her in my posts. Hi Mom!

I hope that you will continue to follow my adventures.  There is much more in store and sure to unfold in the upcoming months.

Be well,
Technicolor girl