'twas the night before Turkey Day

'twas the night before Turkey Day... 

It's been a family tradition of our for the last 5 years to go to our friends Gina and Eric's house for Thanksgiving.  We absolutely love it. And now it's become part of our family traditions... The Holidays at the Nelson-Montet house. 

Every year (and every holiday) I get the lovely job of bringing the veggie tray (in addition to my dessert and sweet treats for the kids). At first I was kind of sad by my contribution. No one eats the veggie tray! But this group does. In fact sometimes thats all the kids ate while they run back and forth from the Wii to the table.  After I realized that my veggies were all the kids ate... I have always tried to make this simple side dish better. I am thrilled to bring the veggies... And 2 years ago when I was pregnant I couldn't be any more  thankful because I couldn't stand to be near food let alone cook it. 

Well... This year thanks to Pinterest and Mario Batalli I have reinvented my veggie platter. Meet Gobbles the Antipasto Platter. I decided to put him together tonight so I won't be so rushed tomorrow. There were things we wanted to do last year with Ainsley and didn't get to it because we ran out of time. Not this year!  

A few weeks ago I was flipping through Pinterest and found a photo of someones veggie plate in the shape of a turkey. And I knew at that moment... This is what I will do this year. 

Gobbles the Antipasto has all the yummy veggie regulars (except tomatoes-which never get eaten), my sweet pickles and black olives favorites, and a few lovely suggestions Mario gave on The Chew (for Thanksgiving Appetizers). I got some salami, pepperoni, and a container of olives from the olive bar. (remembering this is for kids 7 and younger). 

I made his body out of peppers and cucumbers. His feathers: salami, pepperoni, cheese, carrots, celery, sweet pickles, and olives. My favorite part was making the face and legs. He was so easy to make. And I can't wait to see the kids reaction to him. But I have a feeling I'm going to be making Gobbles the Antipasto Turkey again... 

Sunday in the Park with Ainsley

I'm a S'more-aholic

I admit it. I love S'mores! Love them. Maybe it's because they remind me of my childhood. Or maybe it's because they are so gosh darn delicious. Whatever the reason... I love them.  So it is no wonder to me that I am addicted to them. Heck, I even collect them. I mean our Christmas Tree has multiple ornaments and S'more Garland. And I even have Salt and Pepper S'mores Shakers with a Graham Cracker stand. And "Marshmallow World" isn't my favorite Xmas song just because I love the Rat Pack. Nope... I am addicted!   

So when it came time to put together a little treat for the kids this Thanksgiving... (You see after dinner at the Nelson-Montet house we go outside - gotta love South Florida weather- and watch a movie in the backyard.) ... I thought ... what would be more perfect than watching a movie and eating S'mores?

Nothing!!!! Right? 

I went to Target tonight to pick up the items needed to make little S'mores kits for all of the kids.  And that's when I saw it... StackerMallows!  Flat Marshmallows made for easy melting for toaster ovens and microwaves. Can we say... Genius!  I had to buy them and of course eat some tonight.

And thanks to Pinterest I have the S'more on the brain 24/7.  This site was already causing me to lose hours of my life looking at craft and food things I want to make.... but not a day goes by where I don't find another S'mores recipe I "MUST" try.  Right now my list has 4 that I can't wait to make: S'mores Bars, Frozen S'mores Parfaits, S'mores Cookies (where I learned August 10 is National S'mores Day - which I will be celebrating next year!), and last but not least.... S'mores Popcorn.  

And I am sure (thanks to Pinterest) my list is sure to grow... Good thing I stocked up on Chocolate, Marshmallows, and crackers tonight.