December 2014 Technicolor News!



Welcome to December!

The end of the year is fast approaching and the holiday season is upon us. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, Yule, Kwanzaa or another holiday the celebration involves gathering with
others and food.

This time of year our thoughts also draws our attention to the those who are less fortunate. In November, I had the honor of being one of 1,300 volunteers that delivered meals to Food & Friends clients. I spoke with a member of the Food & Friends team  who shared that volunteer support is needed all year round, but the holiday season is most critical, because the volunteer who delivers the meal may be the only visitor the client has.

 

Highlights of topics this month include:

• A closer look at my family's favorite Brussels Sprouts recipe
• Announcement of  the chef jacket poll results
• Completing wine school
• A great tool to help with describing wines
• Participating in a cookie bake 

And a few surprises along the way!

I'm also reminded of those who are no longer with us.  The holiday season at times feels bereft with presence of my dear friend and former coworker Bob (he was the number one fan of my bourbon balls) and my maternal grandmother (she made German chocolate cakes for me until she could no longer bake). While they may no longer be present in the body, their joy and love of the holiday season is still present. 

I invite you to join me on my Technicolor journey to close  2014.Grab  your cup, mug, or thermos of your favorite beverage - let's go!


Be well,

Technicolor girl

image created by Ink + LLC

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