Thanksgiving Blows

I have decided that Thanksgiving blows. I know, I know, I was quite excited yesterday and have had a dramatic shift in attitude. I am currently sitting at home by myself (and two dogs, one cat, one turtle) while Girlfriend is off with her family. No, I was not un-invited and no we did not have a fight or anything like that. I am sick. I realized today if you get sick on Thanksgiving not only do you miss all the delicious food that day, but you also miss out on the delicious leftovers you take home. Here are the things that I will be coveting and missing while I am eating soup:

1) Spinach quiche

2) Sweet potatoes (prepared any way-my favorite is with the marshmallows on top)

3) Rutabagas

4) Green beans (not casseroled-that has glutens in it)

5) Pumpkin pie (crustless) with homemade whipped cream

6) Cranberry sauce (jelly can style)

7) Mashed potatoes

8) Butternut squash

I made a decision several hours ago and texted Girlfriend who supports this idea-I will make Thanksgiving dinner throughout the week with several (not all) of the things I am missing today. I've debated making 1-2 things each night and having that, or scale it down to the essentials and have it in one night. I'm also going to invite my neighbors over because he is working and she is home sick too. It blows missing all that deliciousness and I will not tolerate being left out, even if it does require eating on different days.

So to anyone else who may be sick today and missing out, don't be controlled by the day and make your meal when you feel better and can enjoy all the tasty-goodness.

Inappropriate level of sharing

I'm going to share at an inappropriate level today. This is your warning.

Conversation between Girlfriend and myself late at night in bed.

Me: Sorry about that. However, it was totally your fault.

Girlfriend: HOW was that my fault.

Me: I'm. Not. Left. Handed.

Girlfriend: [crickets] Oh yeah. (laughing) Well, I couldn't wait any longer.

In other unrelated news, Girlfriend is at work today and I am baking gluten free spinach quiche and chocolate chip cookies to bring to Grandpa's house tomorrow. Fun times in the country with the future in-laws! Happy Thanksgiving everyone :-)

A cookie and a dream

It started with a cookie. Not just any cookie. A flaky, tender, melt in your mouth and leave crumbs everywhere kind of cookie. As you probably remember from the other day's baking disaster that gluten free can be way too challenging and way too overwhelming sometimes. Nevertheless I was DETERMINED to make strudel, but first I shifted my sights to something a little different, a little out of the ordinary, a little delight called rugelach. It's a regional thing so it may be unfamiliar to you depending on where you live. They were some awesome that Girlfriend ate 2 of the 18 the batch made right that night and there were none left in the morning for her to bring to work...oops. But seriously, look that them!

After my cookie success I decided to try my hand again at making strudel, this time with the rugelach dough. Was it exactly like my great-grandma use to make? No. Was it perfect? No. Was it freaking delicious and a fabulous starting point? Yes!

Here's to a satisfied me with a full Girlfriend who gets to sample my various strudels in the hopes of making gluten free happiness :-)