post TG fog

Everyone I know is wandering in a post Thanksgiving fog - how does the black Friday shopping happen? I can barely function. One thing I have observed though is that friends who did not host the grand meal secretly make an unseen TG turkey op. I am guilty. For the first time ever, i did not cook. No leftovers. So tomorrow, I sneak off to the market, stow a turkey in my cart and slip home to roast and eat with just my friend Bob and my son. Do not tell anyone!. I have saved some of the cranberry sauce that I sold at Formaggio so with that and a few potatoes I will experience the joys of LEFTOVERS! YEAH! Next week - Meyer lemons and Cara Cara oranges arrive and I will be deep into marmalade.

Bonnie's Jammy Thanksgiving

I love Thanksgiving. I find comfort in the predictable menu. And no need to get creative. Predictable dishes are all good - and I want them all: the large browned and caramelized juicy turkey, mashed white and sweet potatoes both with the now sinful butter, stuffing again with vegetables sauteed in more butter, gravy made from the drippings and rich broth and of course, the cranberry sauce. But here is where I vary from the predictable cooked version - and this is so not a jam:

1 pkg (12oz) fresh cranberries pulsed & chopped in a cuisinart; one small California Valencia Orange pulse & chopped separately in a cuisinart; both mixed in a bowl with 3/4 cu sugar. Let stand for 30 minutes and taste again. Add 1/4 cup more sugar if necessary. Let stand in refrigerator overnight. Yummmmmmmmmmmm

Jams jams jams jams jams

I am seeing jams everywhere! Finally finished the order for Winston's Florist corporate gift baskets and will hand deliver the remaining group of Red Pepper Jelly and Honey in Nuts on Monday. And the Eli Zabar basket order of the most beautiful red raspberry jam is on its way so those are finished. And now for Formaggio - I have talked to Ihsan about cheese pairings in the past and will catch up with Tim to do the same. I will put together gift boxes of 2 and also 3 jam sets dressed up with shredded white paper in brown boxes with red raffia but would also like to pair some jams and cheeses for the holidays. I love the slight frenzy of getting all the jams out this time of year. The trick is having enough and on time and still taking the time needed to make them really delicious. More to do so back to the jams!