Saturday, November 19, 2011

HOLIDAY DREAMING

I had a very quiet day at home and decided to do a little baking. Nothing for the holidays yet, just some goodies for taste testing. Only the best makes it to the holiday table. And I have some seasoned judges. Tomorrow I am going to start to bake and freeze. First up are some heavenly chocolate cookies that get help from a brownie mix. I got this recipe from Cass at That Old House. Give her a visit, she has a lovely blog and such a great sense of humor...you will love her. Anyway, she wrote about a cookie she likes to make and all you do is take a regular brownie mix, add 2 eggs and 1/4 cup of oil and mix. She added chocolate chips, I added walnut pieces, and your good to go. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes. They taste like brownies! And oh! So easy!
I made chocolate chip cookies from a recipe I've had forever. I am sure you have your favorite. These are chewy and full of flavor. And simple. Love that.
I keep waiting for the cold {brrrrrr} weather and yet it has been in the 50's here all week. I want to whip out that new parka and North Face boots {okay, I can be a label bragger}, but the weather is not cooperating. I was looking at scarfs the other day at Target...yum, all the patterns and colors. Here in the Midwest, the cold brings out the fashionista in all of us. Why not look good while your lips are turning blue?
Thanksgiving plans are underway. I am breaking away from tradition. Who? Blondie? ;-D. After a long search for Christmas dishes to buy and have as a yearly tradition, I finally decided on the Winterberry collection by Phaltzgraff. I have had them in the box since last January when they went on sale. Well...we are not having Christmas dinner here, so I decided I am going to showcase those babies on Thanksgiving. It's going to look a lot like Christmas! There are no Christmas trees or snowmen on them...just some lovely holly and berries. And last week I ordered and received some matching wine and water glasses. I picked out some napkins with holly in a bit of a contrasting pattern from Kohls and I will mix these up with white ones. I am still working on the centerpiece but I know I am going to add some white pumpkins and branches lest we forget it's Thanksgiving.
This is my Thanksgiving and Christmas plate that we serve our turkey on. I've had it since we were married. I love the subtle color and how it works for both holidays. Isn't that turkey darling?
I have a favorite website, Terry's Village, that I find a lot of cool stuff at. I'm not much for whimsy when it comes to holidays. At Christmas I love to collect Old World Santa's and I have a thing for snowmen as long as they are not screaming red, black and green. This site has a little of everything and for the 3 months before Christmas, I place an order every once in awhile for a few favorite things. It all has added up over the years of course, and I have more spread out throughout the house. Give their website a peek, the prices are wonderful.

So, I have shopping and baking next week, cleaning and fluffing. We have 8 coming for dinner and then we are hosting dessert for about 30. Everyone brings a dessert and as we did last year for the kiddies and the young at heart, we have a contest for the most original and tastiest dessert. Somehow, those little munchkins always win! ;-D

So, that's it for my holiday countdown and a lot of rambling. For all of you that posted on my kitchen reveal, thank you so much for your kind compliments. I am loving it. It truly is the heart of my home. Have a great week! :-)

86 comments:

Olive said...

Jane, sounds like you have wonderful plans. I am merely fixing a wild rice casserole and taking it to our SIL's house. I did find a weird but pretty santa pitcher and mug set today. Pics coming soon. olive

d e l i g h t said...

Everything looks good and yummy and I really like your turkey plates. It's always enjoyable to have a day just for baking! Have a good week.

Pondside said...

I love the Winterberry dishes - good choice!
I'm sure your celebration will be memorable - how could it be otherwise!?

Debbiedoos said...

Love those turkey plates Jane. I have a huge Turkey platter with a similar pattern. those cookies sound interesting and oh so good. Easy too! Enjoy your Thanksgiving!

Sonia said...

Your post made me want to get up and bake..but I'm too lazy to blog and bake at the same time!! LOL. Yummy treats! Sounds like you are doing what I'm doing too..getting ready for the big day..cleaning, decorating and shopping for everything for dinner. I love time of year even though it can be exhausting..this year I got smart and took the week off from work! Have a Happy Thanksgiving and I'm sure you are enjoying cooking in your new kitchen.. btw did you ever get the island?
Miss Bloomers

NanaDiana said...

Jane- I LOVE your turkey plate. I have always loved that pattern of Pfalzgraf too. I wanted one of my girls to get that for Christmas but both exercised other options...and I have had Spode for my whole married life. If I didn't I would pick Winterberry...AND you can use it all winter long!

I have made that cookie recipe with cake mix but never brownie mix. Wow! I'll bet those are good. One for me to try the way these guys love brownies.

I am in Milwaukee this week with Mom and new baby and it is 50ish here, too. Crazy weather- xo Diana

Sonny G said...

I just happen to have a brownie mix and I'll be making those cookies tommorrow~! thank you so much .

Love that turkey plate..

I bet you cant wait for everyone to see your new kitchen. You'll have a fab time..

xoxo

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Jane I am sitting here with a cup of tea in hand and wishing I could grab one or maybe even two of those yummy cookies:) Love your turkey platter! Martina

Ashley ~ said...

Jane, your cookies look SO good*!!!
Just wanted to pop in and say thank you so much for visiting*!! I appreciate you*!
Sending you (((HUGS))) _Ashley

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

Jane,
Those plates are so pretty...love the colors! Hope you have a wonderful TURKEY DAY!!!

Blessings,
Linda

raggygirlvintage said...

Sounds like fun family times in store, enjoy every minute of it! don't eat too many cookies:-)
Tracey

Bella's Rose Cottage said...

Hi Jane,
You may not have the cold YET, but you got the right idea... I love baking in the cold weather. Your cookies look yummy!! I am with you on the scarves too, I am infatuated with leopard in all colors this year:-)
Hugs,
Bella

Rozmeen said...

Looks so tasty!!

happpy sinday.

xoxo Rozmeen

Lynn said...

The brownie cookies sound great Jane! Love the pretty turkey platter, and I'm glad you're using your new dishes for Thanksgiving, that's always fun! Love the idea of a dessert party, I'm sure everyone has a blast:@)

awal.ny said...

I totally got your meaning about my tree in the first comment, thanks. Sounds like great fun for the Thanksgiving holiday. My family are all meeting at my dad's. We each bring food to add to the table, my husband is making the pies as tradition goes. It is a small group but loud and we have lots of fun and laughter. Happy Thanksgving.

LuLu Kellogg said...

It's just going to be the Commander and Moi for Thanksgiving. Having 6 kids makes it impossible to get everyone together at the same time so we have to visit with them throughout the year and remain home with our 7 dogs during the holidays :)

I am drooling over your baked things! I think today we are doing sugar free cupcakes and trying out a new recipe for apple pie.

I wish I could grab my favorite coffee mug and head over to your house!

Love,
LuLu~*xoxo

Amy Chalmers said...

It is gun getting new plates. I do love the old turkey platter, looks like an old piece of stoneware!

Teresa@1800 Farmhouse Rd said...

YUM, sounding like a holiday feast. Love the turkey platter. I have a huge turkey platter that I use for mine at both holidays also. I know your enjoying getting to use that beautiful new kitchen for the holidays. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Paula@SweetPea said...

I don't blame you for going ahead and using your new Christmas dishes since this holiday is your big opportunity to use them. I switch out my everyday dishes with my Christmas china and we use them non-stop from Thanksgiving until New Years. In fact, I may just switch them ouut today now that you've reminded me.

Love your turkey platter!

Theresa said...

Sounds soooo yummy! I have never made the goodies ahead of time and froze them but it sure sounds like a great idea! I had some pound cake last night that my Sister had pulled from the freezer:) It was as good as FRESH! Have a blessed day preparing for Thanksgiving! BIG SUNDAY HUGS!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

I think I used to order from Terry's Village, Jane! Totally forgot about them until you mentioned them. My daughter wants to do a cookie making day. I'll have to try and get some gluten free recipes in her hands so I'll get to enjoy some of that goodness. My daughter is hosting Thanksgiving this year. I just have to bring a couple of sides and appetizers that I usually make every year.

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

Sounds like your a busy bee, Janie. I want the colder weather too! It just gets us in the mood for the holidays, doesn't it? I have to try that chocolate cookie recipe!
xoxo

Lynne said...

How wonderful!
A new kitchen, new dishes, starting new Traditions...Lot's of New fun!

I love the Winterberry pattern as well. The leaves are beautiful. There are so many shades from the coolest deep green to pale aqua...perfect with your turkey platter.

Happy Sunday, Jane!
~Lynne
[w/L]

Deborah said...

Oh it sounds like the holidays at your place Jane!!! :)
Those cookies look yummy!
Have a wonderful celebration!!
The turkey dish is so adorable!
Enjoy

Deborah xoxoxo

Julie Marie said...

Hi Jane, those cookies look so yummy, and I love your cute Santa... did I miss your holly berry plates though???? Please show them next time, they sound so pretty... love your turkey platter... wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!... xoxo Julie Marie

koralee said...

Oh yahooo for you...love your baking treats..yOur plate is adorable. Happy new Thanksgiving week to you dear one. xoxoxo

Knitty said...

I like the Winterberry dishes too. I have a fondness for so many dishes but limit myself to Corelle patterns because they take up less space. I just switched from summer (Sunsations) to winter (Winter Magic) dishes. I have Holly Winter that will go to my son and daughter-in-laws to mix with her Christmas dishes on Thanksgiving because there will be 27 for dinner. (yikes!)

I'm off to visit That Old House. I like Terry's Village too.

Tricia said...

Those cookies look so delicious! My sister and my dad do all the holiday baking, I'm more of a taste tester. Hope you have a great week :)

Lori said...

I am planning on mixing it up and baking some different things this year ~ wish me luck! Cannot wait to see your dishes ~ I think I know the pattern and it is beautiful. Have a wonderful week preparing for your Thanksgiving gathering. xo

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Love your turkey plates, they're so pretty with an elegant turkey on them. Your plans sound great and your cookies look so yummy. I did a little baking yesterday too and maybe I'll do it again to take to my friend's Lesly for Tksgiving, we're so lucky we're nvited. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. FABBY

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

Love the brownie cookie recipe, thanks for sharing~... I've started my holiday EATING already...tsk.

Claudia said...

The cookies sound delicious and so easy to make! I'll have to try them.

xo
Claudia

Lynn said...

Those brownie cookies are going to be on my counter tonight! I just happen to have all the ingredients on hand.
I love the new kitchen, and I also LOVE A Fine Frenzy! Isn't that interesting! I thought my sis and I were the only people who knew about them! Well...that I knew anyway...

Susie Q said...

I think your plans sound wonderful...and the turkey dishes are adorable! The Winterberry dishes are so pretty! We bought a set for my MIL awhile back and after her death I took them. That is what we use every year and it brings back good memories and brightens up the table!
Your goodies look so yummy! I am looking forward to baking with Grace soon!
Wishing you a sweet Thanksgiving Day!
Love,Sue

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

I am not doing any baking until just before Christmas, as I am avoiding sugar right now . . . but I really want to put my tree up NOW.

Fondly,
Glenda

Tracy said...

Hi Jane! I am so not ready for baking yet since I have not hauled out any of the decorations, but your cookies are making me drool! I hope you get your wish for cold weather so you can wear your new boots, but keep it in Chicago, I am enjoying the moderate temps down here in PA! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Andrea said...

I plan to start my Christmas baking tomorrow =) I freeze it all, though, so in theory it should last until Christmas (unless I am naughty and eat it all before then!)

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Can't wait to see your table Jane!
Looks like some yummy cookies you've been making there. We are heading to my bro's house for Thanksgiving. He has a lot of room and a big heated garage for our big family.
Hugs friend and Happy Thanksgiving to you and Al and your lovely family!
Love Ya,
Cindy

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Happy Thanksgiving Jane Sweetie...
Oh what a yummy share today. I hope you don't mind, I had to snatch a cookie from each plate. Oh how yummy are these.

Love your turkey plate. That is so pretty. Love the blue color most of all.

Will have to pop over and check out your shopping site. You always find the neatest things, and I love it that you share your sites along the way.

Have a beautiful Thanksgiving Jane Sweetie. I hope one day you make it to Phoenix. I would SO love to meet you and have a dinner or two together. Shopping would be fun as well. Many hugs and much love, Sherry

Unknown said...

Jane,
Those cookies look wonderful. Today I will bake a little and then pick up my vegetables from the nearby farm. It's finally cold today, so it feels like Thanksgiving.

Your dishes are beautiful. Thirty for dessert sounds like so much fun.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Karen

Connie Eyberg Originals said...

For some reason I'm hungry! Those little snow birds are adorable and your turkey platter is beautiful. Really nice soft colors on the platter. Have a great Thanksgiving!

Ricki Treleaven said...

I do love your turkey platter! I am in the throes of planning for Thanksgiving, too. We were dealing with horses and shopping all weekend long! I looked at your kitchen again, and it is so lovely!

(((hugs))),
Ricki Jill

xinex said...

What a pretty turkey plate! I have the Winterberry too, Janie. I like the fact that a lot of different pieces are available. Come see my new dish closet and you will see some of them there. And when you come, go down one more post to see Frogmore Cotton Plantation, the one you and AL wanted to see when you came here. I am flying to FL for Thanksgiving but John will stay here. Happy Thanksgiving to you all!...Christine

Tammy @BeatriceBanks said...

Such pretty plates. Love the color. I'll be baking some choc chip cookies this week too. Think I'll hide the scales!

Penny said...

Love your new kitchen and these great cookies. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with the family Jane. Best to the Hubs.

bj said...

Your cookies look so good.
Love your turkey platter.:)

I, too, am baking and putting in the freezer. I so love this time of year...
xo bj

Sarah said...

Jane, best wishes for a splendid Thanksgiving. Your table will look fabulous. The Winterberry pattern is delightful.
Sarah

Lynn said...

I came back to tell you that I DID make the chocolate/ chocolate chip cookies. We are loving them and I have named the the Redundant Cookies.

Bunny Jean said...

Hi Jane, Just came by to see what you're up to and say thanks for the sweet comment about my Thanksgiving table.

I also like Terry's. Did you get those little white birds with the scarves at Terry's? I love their little legs!

I hope you have a great Thanksgiving... sounds like you will have a houseful!

xoxo Bunny Jean

Designs on 47th Street said...

Funny to come here and see plates of cookies. That's exactly what's on my to do list for tomorrow morning. Oh yes, I get it with the scarves. I had lunch with 3 other friends today and all four of us were wearing fun scarves! And yes, I'm also in the midwest. :)

Your blue turkey plates are cute as can be.
Thanks for your visit tonight, Blondie.

Donna

Shirl said...

Hello Jane, thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a sweet comment. I love your post. Your dishes are beautiful! I also looked at your kitchen in your previous post, it is just beautiful. Love it. I want countertops like that. Hopefull when hubby gets the outside of our house done I will be able to get them.
Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving@
Shirl
Shirls Rose Cottage

A Cozy Cottage in the City said...

Love your turkey plates! :) I have yet to find the right one - wish me luck on that search! lol And those cookies look absolutely delish - looks like you are ready for the holidays with all the baking and decor!!! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! :)

Hugs,
Jessie

Rettabug said...

Hi Jane!

Congratulations on winning those cute towels over at BJ's!! They'll be GREAT in your beautiful new kitchen.

Your turkey day table will look fabulous with the Winterberry pattern...I ♥ that one!
Wishing you & your lovely family a very Blessed & Grateful Thanksgiving!

Hugs,
Rett

bj said...

G'morning, Blondie,

You won my giveaway....Yay...two new cute tea towels for your new kitchen.
I'll email All Tea Towels, sending them your email address. They will get in touch with you, you can tell them what 2 you would like and they will send them to you right away.
Congratulations...
xoxo bj

Karen said...

Oh my! Did you HAVE to share that cookie recipe? I can feel the pounds packing on already and I haven't even bought the brownie mix! That will be a for sure bake this year! If I didn't have to work today - I'd get right to it!!!!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
:) Karen

Anonymous said...

Jane, I love the dessert idea. And with that many people you will have a ball. And that turkey platter is to die for. Love the subtleness of it. I just got back from buying my turkey. Had to buy a fresh one because it's so close to the big day. Man oh man...there were a million people at the market. I hope you and yours have a wonderful wonderful day. xoxox

Sue said...

Janie, I've made cookies using cake mix, but never a brownie mix. Sounds very similar. :-) I sure do like your turkey plate- I won't be using anything that pretty for my T-day celebration. We're off the SIL's for dinner and all I have to prepare is a veggie. Hope you enjoy a lovely day w/your family. ~ Sue
p.s. Isn't it nice to have your kitchen done? It looks oh so cozy.

Barb said...

Hi Janie, your cookies look so delicious.

I am thankful for YOU...such a sweet and inspiring lady. A friend to all of us.

Have a blessed thanksgiving and enjoy your beautiful new kitchen.

xoxoBarb

Sue said...

You aren't really wishing winter on us are you? I heard them mention "ice" for Sunday going into Monday...I cringe at the thought! I'm headed to the store this evening. I'm making 5 things to take to my sister's house, so tomorrow I'll be cooking all day. I'll make extra so that we have "leftover" side dishes and I'll pop in a ham over the weekend.

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Many Blessings to you and your love ones this Thanksgiving..Hugs and smiles Gloria

Debbie said...

I think your holiday sounds like fun! That turkey plate is really cute, Jane! You must be so pleased to be able to entertain in your new kitchen.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, sweetie pie!
xxxooo

Pam - @diy Design Fanatic said...

Those cookies look soooo good. I can't wait to have some carbs on Thanksgiving. (I've been on a low carb diet since mid-June)Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Carolyn@Sweet Chaos Home said...

Well, it's 10:30pm and now your delicious cookies are making me hungry!! Yum! Sounds like you have wonderful plans for Thanksgiving. Enjoy the time with your family, and of course, the dessert :)

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

More and more Christmas things to be seen and you have shown us some lovely ones. HOW I do love Santa's! I add a new one every year.
Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy every single moment sweet Jane!!

Anonymous said...

Your cookies look delicious, Jane! I was baking cookies last night for my youngest daughters class. :)
Wish you and yours and happy Thanksgiving!
xoxo,
Jo

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

Hi Jane,
I love the subtle color of your turkey platter too.

We're having a Italian dish of orecchiette with broccoli, anchovies and garlic from Jamie Oliver which we love... minus anchovies for my hubby, we make two (he makes two ;)

The cookies look wonderful, especially the chocolate chip, I can tell they're chewy and not chip your teeth hard too!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!!
xoxo~Tracie

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Yummy!! I just put 2 pies in the oven for tomorrow, no cookies after baking for those for the Open House... From our home to yours Happy Thanksgiving.. hugs ~lynne~

The Moerks said...

I like that line "why not look good while your lips are turning blue". I can almost smell the cookies from here.

Laurel@ChippingwithCharm said...

Cookies that taste like brownies...and easy too??? Count me in :)
Have a very happy Thanksgiving! Your new dishes sound lovely...and I love the idea of adding the white pumpkins. Hope you'll share photos! Blessings, Laurel

Mary Ann Pickett said...

Such a fun idea about the dessert party. Happy Thanksgiving!

Unknown said...

Happy Thanksgiving!! Have fun with your guests!
Good job on the Kitchen redo too!
Like usual. Your post is just darling :)
Thanks for your comment. I have the diabetes under control. It is tough!
But i am grateful :)
Hugs
Isabelle

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

Your cookies look YUMMY and I love those sweet little "brrr" birds!!! Happy Thanksgiving Jane!!!

xinex said...

Happy Thanksgiving to you all, Janie!...Christine

Town and Country Gals said...

Jane,
those cookies sound delightful and your turkey plate is fabulous! Sounds like you have everything under control and are enjoying yourself which is how it should be!
Happy Thanksgiving, hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend!
Rebecca

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Hi Dear Jane
Just wanted to wish you and your family a fabulous Thanksgiving!! I'm sure it will be wonderful eats by the looks of those bickies [cookies to you]... And love those turkey plates.. such a lovely colour!!!

Have a great day!! ciao xxx Julie

Tricia said...

Your treats look delish and your holiday decor is precious. Enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with your sweet family!!
xo~
T

Signing Out said...

I haven't had breakfast yet, so I am drooling over those cookies this morning.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Jane

Debra said...

Thanks so much for your kind comments at my blog. I always appreciate them! And happy Thanksgiving to you--may you continue to be blessed and a blessing to others. ... Debra

Susan Freeman said...

Happy Thanksgiving Jane!

Big Hugs,
Susan and Bentley

Unknown said...

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours...
Rainey @ The Project Table

Sarah said...

Jane, stopping back by to have another cookie and wish you Happy Holidays with your family. ~ Sarah

Unknown said...

Happy Thanksgiving, Jane!

Melanie said...

Jane, I'm sure the cold will be hitting us any day now ~ let's not rush it! I'd better not make those brownie cookies because I'd probably eat the whole batch in a couple of days. :-)

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane! I'm sure your Thanksgiving was wonderful. Only one thing, did you mess up that beautiful new kitchen? :)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)

Dawn Marie said...

I LOVE LOVE LOVE your dog! I want him. I'm visiting from other friends sites. I've chatted with your friend cindy from applestone in Lacrosse, not to far from me! Please come visit my blog and help me get going again in blogland. I'm recently diagnosed with late stage breast cancer and hope to get back to blogging and keeping my heart, soul and body and mind busy!

Natalie Meester said...

I see you have the same southern living at home oval platter! love it! thanks for visiting my blog too!

You always have so many great ideas! Happy Holidays!

I'll post pictures of the christmas tour later this week I hope.

Hugs,
Natalie