Friday Things
1. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday yesterday! Our family deep-fried a turkey for the very first time, and everyone concluded that it was the best turkey they’ve ever had. It looks like we have an official tradition on our hands! I bought this indoor turkey fryer on a whim last week, and now I’m so glad I did!
2. Confession: I have never watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. I feel like this is some sort of sin against humanity. There have been years where it’s been on the TV in the living room, in the background, but I’ve never actually sat down and watched it. Please tell me I’m not the only one?
3. Do you do any big shopping today? Did you hit the stores at midnight last night? I’ve never camped out or stood in line for items, but my Chief Culinary Consultant and I are on our 5th year of our own little Black Friday tradition. Each year, we bundle up and head to the outlets about an hour away. For some reason, maybe because everything is so spread out, it never seems as insanely jam packed as the malls. We get to listen to the Christmas music piping outside, enjoy the fresh, crisp air, and sip on hot chocolate while leisurely shopping. We hardly ever get actual Christmas shopping done, but it’s such a fun day!
4. Aaaand… a little Black Friday wisdom to keep everything in perspective today :)
5. Movie recommendation of the week: you must go to see Lincoln! I was totally blown away by it; such an amazingly done movie, gripping storyline, and a fascinating insight into the politics of that time. Two thumbs up!
6. Do you see the model train made entirely of… CHOCOLATE?! It just set a world record as the longest chocolate structure in the world. Made by a Maltese chocolate artist, Andrew Farrugia, in honor of Brussels Chocolate Week, it’s 112 feet long and weighs almost 2,800 pounds. I wonder how long it would take me to eat it? Who wants to help? Mmm, chocolate!
7. So, I usually can’t stand when I hear the same song over and over again on the radio. I easily fall victim to overplay and end up despising said song. My caveat? Mumford & Sons. I started liking them after seeing their Grammy Performance in 2011, and now can’t stop listening to their new single, “I Will Wait.” LOVE.IT. I really need to download the entire album. Has anyone else heard it? Thoughts?
8. I can’t wait to start watching Christmas movies and specials with reckless abandon. I love this time of year!
9. You may have heard the news that Hostess is going out of business. As in, no more Twinkies, Ho Hos or Ding Dongs. If you didn’t hear the news, you probably saw that your grocery store had been wiped clean of all Hostess products. I couldn’t believe it when I saw it! Wow, people are passionate about their snack cakes! I decided to take matters into my own hands and whip up some homemade Twinkies…
Recipe coming on Monday!
10. TGIF! If you’re thankful for a pet in your life, raise your hand!
Hi Michelle, I absolutely love Mumford and Sons and their new album is brill! Download it, you won’t regret it – they’re music always puts me in a good mood. If you like this album you’ll probably like their first album too – it’s another classic.
I’m from London so have never tried a Twinkie before, looking forward to trying your recipe. Thanks! :)
You have to buy the Dadgum Cookbook by Masterbuilt! Their steaming recupes are to die for as well!
Thanks, everyone, for the Mumford & Sons recommendations – I downloaded the new album and LOVE IT!
Yay!
I LOVE Mumford and Sons- gotta check out that song! no Black Friday shopping for me. Way too overrated and I love that card! Yes, only in America.
Look so forward to reading your Friday Things post…..something a little different. Keep it coming! Also, the Mumford & Sons album is the best….new and old one.
Sounds like you had a great thanksgiving. I’m very appreciative of my cat, after having two children I especially appreciate how quiet she is.
I find it comforting that so many others don’t watch the Macy’s parade either. Call me crazy, but I find it kind of boring. And if certain people need an education in vapid, they’d find it with the parade commentary! :)
As for Lincoln, I’d love to see it and wonder if it’s kid-appropriate. My 9-year-old has read a lot about Lincoln, but it’s hard to know if it would be okay for him. So far we’ve limited his PG-13 viewing to Indiana Jones and Star Wars…
Your turkey looked phenomenal. And even though I’m not a big Twinkie person, I’m sure my hubby would be able to handle eating a batch if you had a recipe!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Hi Dana, Ugh, I feel totally useless regarding whether Lincoln would be appropriate for a 9-year-old. I don’t have kids so I rarely think in those terms. I can’t even remember what the movie was rated, yikes! There were some scenes from the Civil War, but unfortunately I can’t remember if they were particularly gruesome or not :-/ I’m sorry I’m not much help here! I might try poking around online to see if anyone has shared whether or not there was any violence of language that wouldn’t be appropriate for that age group.
I saw Lincoln, and thre are many many swear words. There are also some war scenes which even shocked me, being an adult. It’s a very dark film. But it is a realistic film that was very well done. I guess it woud depend on how “mature” your nine year old is. I would be cautious, but it also may be a good experience for your child. I guess you have to weigh the pros and cons. If you take your child, I would definitely take some time after to process with them the events of the film.
I have never seen the Macy’s parade either. We are too busy getting the meal ready. Tried to go to the Tanger Outlets in Washington, PA Friday night but the parking lot was full so we went to South Hills Village first and made our way back to the outlets at 3 am. Crazy I know, but we had fun.
Michelle,
I don’t sit down and watch the whole thing. I watch the first hour of it and the last few minutes. I enjoy seeing the Broadway shows, The Rockettes and of course Santa.
I made your homemade cranberry sauce for the second time this Thanksgiving. It was voted hands down the best recipe ever! My mother (who is almost 87) quickly copied it down. Thanks again for helping us make memories with our families.
By the way, I wouldn’t change a thing about this blog. I just wish I could clone you lol. I have two sons 18 and 24. I, too, am protective of our “Brown Eyed Baker”
Hi Lori, You’re too sweet! I’m so glad your family has enjoyed the cranberry sauce! A belated Happy Thanksgiving to you!
You guys were brave heading to outlets! I only live 20 minutes away from them and NEVER go on weekends. But my friends go every year too and they have a blast! And there’s a Primantis for those of us who no longer live/work in Pittsburgh.
I had a very rude comment earlier this week… my first really rude “shot” on my blog… and I followed it and it was spam… first spam I had ever received, too… so I suspect yours may be as well… don’t take it to heart.
The train… incredible! Can’t wait to see the twinkie recipe!
I don’t think you could go wrong downloading Mumford & Son. They are spectacular. I’m typing with my hand raised…love my cat and dog!
Oh, I want to tell all about something I just seen thanksgiving. Whip it, cream maker. Pour the heavy cream in them, press a button, and out comes this very fresh, good cream for like pie toppings. It will do eight pies on a gas refill, so clean and easy. Neat…………
Hey, I’m a guy to, love to cook. I enjoy blogs that come into my computer about any kind of tricks, recipes, what ever I can learn to cook better from. The rude remarks, well those come from just having the nerve to be there, good for you. A very healthy looking dog, that does have a beautiful women by his side. Be Well……..Thanks for all
Don’t let that one comment stop you from these
Friday posts. Like others have stated….I really enjoy
this personal side of your blog. And as another stated, if this person doesn’t like something on your blog, don’t visit. It’s a free world last time I looked! I can’t wait to see that Twinkie recipe!
Thankful for my Yorkie, Dolly!!
Hey,
I know I’m a guy, but I like to cook, of coarse I like to fish and play golf too. I found your blog last year and enjoy reading the recipes, you do a good job with your blog. And I just want to say, there’s nothing better than a good furry companion to curl up at your feet, except a beautiful woman by your side. Thanks
First things first … it’s a shame someone felt the need to post such a ‘shallow and vapid’ comment re your blog. I suspect (being a serious Steeler fan) you are a tough cookie though, and won’t be too bothered. Especially when you see how many adoring fans you have. :-) A little advice to the nasty poster: ‘it’s not what you say, but how you say it.’
I love your blog. You clearly have a special gift for making others smile. And speaking of smiling … Please only take this in a GOOD way … but you and your dog have the same smile. Look at the photo. Yep … the same. :-))
We recently lost our beloved Golden/Kelly at 13 1/2. We are now waiting for a puppy. Dogs (pets) add a dimension to our lives in a big way. One of God’s gifts to us.
Your blog is a gift to a lot of folks. Food for the soul. Keep ’em coming.
And, of course, GO STEELERS! :-)
Yes, GO STEE:ERS!!
Haha, yes! GO STEELERS! Love it! :)
I have NEVER in my 26 years on this earth watched the parade. I just would rather be spending time with my family and all the laughter we have.
I live in Belgium about 45 mins from Brussels. We are stationed here. We are actually headed to Brugge today to see the Ice Festival.
I have also never watched the Thanksgiving day parade!! So you are not alone :) I want some of that chocolate train!
I love that song!! I sing it loud and proud in the car every time it comes on the radio!
OK, I’ll throw in my 2 cents. I love your Friday Things posts because it’s a little insight into your life and I like getting to know my fellow bloggers better. But whether I like it or not is my problem and not yours. Your blog, your choice and the rude first commenter can choose not to come here. Some people have no manners. Anyway, love the photo of you and Einstein. Our little furry girl got way more turkey than she should have because those big brown eyes were just irresistible. Brian was this close to buying a turkey fryer just before the holiday but instead we went with our first ever brine and it was juicy and fantastic. We’ll be brining from now on. I’m glad you had a happy holiday.
We brined for the first time this year too! Brine + fry = amazing!!
I love the new Mumford and Sons song!
And I’m one of those that go nuts on Black Friday. I like to go and get all my Christmas shopping done – my goal is to not have to set foot in a store until January after today.
No black Friday shopping for me , but my dad usually ventures out briefly. I also fell in love with Mumford and Sons during the Grammys. Someone is totally going to start making Twinkies and the like. They aren’t going away. I’ve never seen the Macy’s parade but only because I live near Detroit and see the local America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade which is one of my favorite traditions.
Friday Things are so enjoyable to read. It gives us a glimpse into your personal life. I look forward to them each Friday
Also, I love your dog, he is beautiful!
Raising my hand! LOVE LOVE LOVE my 4 1/2 year old Golden Retriever Robbie, who looks much like your puppy boy, and my two kitties, Mojo and Gizzy! My husband and I would be totally lost without all of them.
Also, I really enjoy your Friday Things…. :)
I love love love love the Friday post. it makes it so much more personal. I love hearing about how people are living their lives, what matters to them. I for one have never watched the parade, either. Snippets, maybe. But I have never sat an watched it. I think it would be more exciting to be there at the parade. And like you, I LOVED Lincoln. WOW, so well done. I hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday season.
Thoughts…
1. I went to Target last night…to buy cat litter, saran wrap, and coffee filters (I think I was the ONLY one doing my regular shopping…
2. I also love Mumford and Sons…and my 10 month old nephew dances ONLY to “I will Wait”…no other songs by them (so it must be good, right?)
Just wanted to say, I love your Friday posts. It’s nice to have a little glimpse into the life of the woman behind the (amazing) recipes!
I’ve never even had the Macy’s parade on in the background or seen photos or anything! What’s the point of a parade on Thanksgiving anyway? Ha. :)
In more exciting news, I’m in the process of assembling an amazing Caramel Apple Cheesecake to share with the family tomorrow. Using my homemade Salted Caramel Sauce (first attempt at caramel and oh so yummy!). I also made your pecan pie for Thursday and it was absolutely amazing!
I buy one music CD about every two years…usually it’s the new release from Coldplay. But then I met Mumford and Sons on Saturday Night Live, and my life changed forever. I broke tradition and bought their CD “Babel” a few weeks ago.
I bought it for the very same song that you love, “I Will Wait,” but have really enjoyed the rest of the songs, too! It is worth the $12 at Target! Maybe not today, though…
That SomeeCard is spot on !! Puts it all in perspective…Tis the season
Just my two cents, I love it when the blogs I subscribe to do posts like this! And to chime in on Mumford, the new album is great, as is the older one! :)
Love my pup! So grateful to have him!
LOVE the new Mumford and Sons album, definitely worth the download from iTunes. That song is fantastic.
Also, I enjoy these posts. I think it helps your readers get to know you a little better.
Totally, totally, LOVE LOVE LOVE the new Mumford & Sons album. I got it the DAY it came out and have listened to it over and over and over again. It’s a MUST buy!!! Run to your computer and download it IMMEDIATELY! (Is that bossy?)
I wish I could be with you on the deep-fried turkey thing. We did it one year for Christmas and it made me totally sick (only me – all 7 other people were totally fine)… And now I can’t stomach the idea! *sniff* I do feel like I’m missing out though.
Why do people have to post rude comments? It is totally uncalled for. I’m sorry for her comments. I, for one of many, enjoy your blog and can’t wait to see the twinkie recipe. Thanks.
I absolutely recommend the new Mumford and Sons album. I’m the same as you, and I get sick of songs easily. But I’ve listened to that album countless times and it’s just so good. There isn’t a single song I don’t like. You won’t regret buying it!
It’s one of the best albums I’ve heard (and replayed and “re-heard) in a very long time!! Highly recommend it.
You are not the only one who couldn’t care less about the Thanksgiving day parade. I think it might be fun if I was there, but I don’t care about watching it on TV.
It’s good to know that fried turkey really is better; I totally trust your opinion on all things food-related, so now I want to try this fried turkey approach. Maybe next year I can convince my family to try it.
Definitely give it a try! It truly doesn’t taste “fried” – just incredibly juicy!
Raising my hand! Love my little pup!!! :)
And holy moly – hat chocolate train is amazing!
I love these Friday things posts, do not agree with the commenter above. Thank you so much for letting us readers take part in your life, Michelle!
Have a nice weekend,
XO from Switzerland
I’ve had deep fried turkey, it is delicious, just stay away from the skin :)
I love #4…so true.
That chocolate train is astounding.
Looking forward to your home-made Twinkie post.
Beautiful picture of you and your dog. Yes, we have a pet (dog) that we are thankful for too :)
Just my opinion, but I think these posts are such throwaways. I’d rather you didn’t post this “filler” and resume posting recipes on Monday. It reminds me of “Tuesday Things” @ How Sweet Eats – just incredibly annoying and vapid. I think you’re better than that.
The only thing “annoying and vapid” is your comment. There are plenty of other food blogs out there if you don’t like this one.
wow, talk about rude!
Normally I don’t respond to comments like this (but I’m feeling somewhat protective because I LOVE this blog) – but this is Michelle’s blog and she can do whatever she wants. Also – I LIKE that Michelle started doing Friday Things – it makes it so much more personal! You just mind your business and never mind.
Thanks Heather, I loved this post personally and I agree with what you said.
The only thing that is throwaway is your rude comment. You’re entitled to your opinion, but may I point out that you are the one who resorted to insults such as referring to this post as “vapid”. How long does it take to either not open, or not read, a post that you have no interest in? There’s a whole internet full of content out there – no one really cares what you find informative or not.
This feature is one of my favorite things about BEB and I think your post is rather harsh.
You’re like one of those people who complain about a TV program …. to which I say “so do don’t watch.” In this case … just remove (unsubscribe) from this blog. You certainly won’t be missed. Michelle — YOU GO GIRL !!