Falling In Love.....With Autumn

After another very busy summer I just realized that the holidays are right around the corner.  It's time to order my turkey for Thanksgiving~ I thank Joe's Meat Market in Scotch Plains for providing me  a greatly anticipated tradition that kicks off Autumn and the holiday preparations.  They absolutely get the best fresh turkeys and, I believe, there is nothing better than the aroma of a roasting Tom Turkey wafting through the house.  I just may have to do one for Sunday dinner soon!

With most of the maintenance work around Magnolia Cottage under control,  I can concentrate on decorating for Autumn.  The wood has been delivered, once again, by the boys up at Andersen Farm and now the fireplace awaits the first fire of the season. Tomorrow Mr. P and I will go to Springdale Farm for pumpkins, corn stalks and a riot of color in the form of brilliant mums! 

My favorite time of year ~ the abundance of color, the crispness to the air, the crunch of leaves underfoot and the scent of chimney smoke as it curls through the air are some of my favorite things I enjoy when I walk Spencer and Henry.......

Spring, Sprang, Sprung

Spring has finally arrived in the East!  All around the cottage signs of life are springing forth.  The earliest flowers bask in the warmth of sunshine and the buds on the trees can almost be heard expanding like Jiffy-Pop.  The air is filled with the purposeful sounds of the resident woodpeckers tapping as if their lives depend on it ~ which I guess they actually do......and afternoons are spent by Spencer and Henry lounging on the back deck soaking up the warm rays of the sun.  After all, that IS one of their most important jobs!

After that horrible storm and a long winter, I, too, am looking forward to another summer of easy outdoor living and the riots of color the flowers will surely bestow upon us.  In the meantime, we still have some trees to clear up from Sandy, and a petite list of small projects around the cottage to keep us busy on weekends.  In addition to that,  "Mr. P"~ the HoH, has decided to whisk us away to paradise where we can frolic in the sea and relax under a palm tree for a week ~ (It is imperative that he recharge in order to continue slaying the urban jungle) ~ I am counting the days (14),  until our departure! 

Happy New Year!

As we close out this year I am excited for what tomorrow brings ~ aside from a new kitchen calendar......Happy New Year and may 2013 bring health, happiness and many good things to my family and friends.  xx

A Cozy Cottage Evening

The holidays are in full swing....and today we were blessed with a lovely blanket of snow.  The fire is glowing, the dogs are snoozing and we are enjoying a relaxing evening at home.

Happy Autumn!

Happy Autumn! I am thrilled that after a very busy summer it is time to get down to the business of readying for the holidays and a cozy winter at the cottage. As we head into the first week of fall there is much to do, but what I look most forward to this week, is making my order for the Thanksgiving turkey order at the butcher's shop.

The Merriest Time Of Year

The trees are up, the stockings are hung and we are putting the final touches on our decorations.  We are very excited to welcome family and friends into our home as we celebrate our first Christmas in the cottage.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Preparations are well underway......wreaths are hung, roping is ready to be draped over doorways.....it's time to welcome family and friends.

So Much To Be Thankful For.......

As we move into the holiday season, I am reminded of so much to be thankful for.....we are truly blessed.

Mrs. Magnolia’s Holiday Oyster Dressing

In anticipation of the holidays, I would like to share a favorite recipe of mine.....

The following recipe is a family tradition that has been passed down through generations in my family.  

First, prepare the seasoned stuffing mixture.  I   use:

 10 oz.  DRY white bread and 6 oz DRY wheat bread, process gently in food processor. Season with salt, pepper, sage and poultry seasoning.

For 12-14lb Turkey

16oz homemade seasoned stuffing mixture

1 ¾ c. very hot water

8oz plus 3 T. (I use high quality butter such as Keller’s or Plugra)

2 stalks celery and celery leaves

1 large onion

2 pints fresh oysters in their liquor

Sea salt

White pepper

Sautee celery and onion in 3 tbsp. butter until soft and translucent. 

Mix sautéed onions and celery into the stuffing mix, add remainder of butter to hot water, stir to melt.  Add to stuffing mixture and mix gently.  Fold in oysters and oyster liquor

Salt and Pepper to taste

Stuff into turkey and roast accordingly.

The Antique Chair

After several years I finally got this chair re-done.  I wanted a fabric to give it a contemporary pop, and I believe this Trina Turk design, by Schumacher fits the bill!  Re-Upholstering by Miles Upholstery.