Talking Turkey and Giving Thanks!

“Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you’ll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you’ll find that you have more of it.”

Ralph Marston

Usually on Thanksgiving, Jeff and I spend it with some of our very close friends, who we consider family. Christmas is usually spent with our immediate families. Due to some unforeseen circumstances, this year was different from any other. We spent it in our NYC apartment - our first in 8 years.

With our change in plans at the last minute, two days before the big day, I raced to the kitchen after work, pulled the green and maroon binders from the kitchen hutch along with several cookbooks and magazines to make a list from the recipes collected over the years. All of the ingredients needed to prepare for our intimate little feast. What an amazing opportunity for Butter to make an appearance!

On the Menu?

• Turkey Rubbed with Fresh Herb Butter (w/sage, thyme and parsley)
• Parmesean and Cream Mashed Potatoes (and a bit ‘o butter)
• Savory Homemade Stuffing Infused (with every bit of magic possible)
• Pecan Candy Drizzled Sweet Potatoes (sweet and delicious!)
• Brussle Sprouts w/Bacon (and just a splash of apple cider)
• Juicy Cranberries (I admit it -yes, the jelly kind)
• Freshly Baked Warm Dinner Rolls (toasted to perfection)
• Spiced Pumpkin Pie with Two dollops of Fresh Heavy Cream Whipped Topping
• A Fabulous Juicy, Bold and Vibrant Bottle of Cabernet Franc

Even though it was just the two of us, you would have thought that there was a house of 12 between the feast and joy beaming from our apartment. We spent Thanksgiving listening to fabulous music, playing Chinese checkers, visiting, laughing and celebrating life. Friends and family called throughout the day and night. We both have a lot to be thankful for this year and we are truly blessed to be sharing this life.

Friday and Saturday we enjoyed leftovers and by Sunday we were all Turkey’ed out, so next on the menu?

• Pappardelle Bolognese
• Garlic Cheese Toasts with Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese

As for the exercise part?

This called for “Double Duty Duathlon Training”: Biking for 1 hour, running for 30 minutes ending with a 1.5 mile walk

What a nice way to end the Holiday weekend.

Thank you all for being in my life and for being you.

"Not what we give,

But what we share,

For the gift without the giver

Is bare."

~James Russell Lowell

Love Always,

Butter

Crazy Cake, Nutty Truffles and One Heck of an Idea Just for You!

So, this weekend?

“Deliceeeeeoso” Crazy Cake & Chocolate Truffles!

What do you give a friend who has everything? Well how about a Birthday cake and a homemade Birthday present of chocolate truffles? I made 4 different kinds of those chocolate little bombshells - coconut, pecan, pistachio and coco - nut combo.

Yummy!

And for dessert?

A 3-mile run in the neighborhood to get in the mood to plan for some 2010 races.

Prepping with a 15 K in December with two good friends that I never seem to get enough time to spend with. A “sister run” sometime in March and a duathlon in May in preparation to do a mini triathlon in the fall – still thinking the tri through – not firm on that one. It excites me to think about all the new things to learn! I have been running for about 4 years, so to add biking and swimming is pretty exciting.

I have read a couple good books and in the middle of another and subscribing to some magazines to get some more expertise and “book smarts” before I jump right in. It’s like jumping into a pile of leaves – ooh the joy!

Special Delivery – An Idea for You!

A couple blog posts ago, I said: “If I could feed you I would”...I figured out a way to do it (my sister seems to think that this is a good idea).

• Once a month, I will place all of your names into one of my favorite aprons’ pocket (you have to be signed up as a follower, so I can gather the names)
• I will pick a follower and send a freshly baked surprise
• I am going to start with December – anyone interested?

Feel free to send some requests…maybe your name will get pulled from my apron pocket! If you want it to be complete surprise, just let me know what you don't like and if you are allergic to something.

Well, I think that's all for now. I hope that you all had a wonderful weekend! Spread joy and positivity - and live life! You get one (that you know of for sure anyway) - so just get into it!

Love Always, Butter

Auntie Butter is Coming to Town! (Part 1)

Auntie Butter is Coming to Town!

Every year I visit my sister in upstate NY for what we have named: “ The Thanksgiving before Thanksgiving”. This is our time, our tradition….

I don’t have children of my own, but she shares hers with me - I love to cook in her kitchen – her family loves to eat...a perfect match - everybody wins!

With a six-year old niece, a nephew turning nine, and a year to make up for - this was going to require a plan, five aprons (at least) and a‘lotta of love.

I usually consult and plan weeks before I get to my sister’s house. Taking all requests into consideration, a little of this, some more of that and wallah - a fabulous menu is born!

Every year, my nephew requests Aunt Butter’s "famous" Orange Cups, which makes me feel like a celebrity. For his Birthday this year (and his refined taste buds) he requests a chocolate cheesecake. Well, Aunt Butter will not turn down a request, so I made an extra flour chocolate cake just in case (I needed a back up in case it was too rich for them). Mandy asked for a Mandylope Pumpkin pie.

Once I arrive, we have a day and a half to prepare before the kids come. This is no small task, mind you.

It’s not the same as being home in Manhatten - There is no holding onto a mini basket at my neighborhood “gourmet” market after work, shopping for two, while still in heels. And, there are certainly no call-ins and grocery delivery boys greeting me at my door like I do on the weekends– ha-ha no way!

This calls for isle 8 at the local super center, six pounds of butter located in the corner to the east and a hefty trunk to load it in ...plus three people and multiple trips to carry get it all into the house.

So, armed with a list that requires a scroll, 3 rolling grocery carts and 2 hours later – Auntie Butter was ready to cook and have some fun!

My sister and I cherish our day and a half of alone time, to share our lives face to face, and catch up. I am fortunate to listen to her literary genius – she is an amazing writer…a real artist. As I bake, and prep she reads her manuscript out loud to me.

Then the day arrives - I hear the kids racing up the stairs. As they run up the driveway, the dust swirls up behind their shoes. I could hear their little legs pushing them up the stairs as their feet stomp up giving them a boost up to the next step. “She’s here!!!”

The door swings open and I am greeted with big smiles, warm hugs and tons of kisses.

Ah, the joys of being an aunt – I love it. I will hold on to this as the ages of nine and six are precious and Aunt Lynda is still pretty cool. I cherish it. Being in the present moment and taking it all in.

“You guys are getting so big! You are growing up!” With a sweet and honest response from my niece: “Aunt Butter, you look older this year too!” …She pointed out a picture of my sister and I from a few years ago on the refrigerator, while the heat from the oven hit my face and sweat beads formed on my forehead. “You look really young there with mommy. Remember that?”

Ha! So unexpected and so honest.

My initial gut reaction was to feel a little self-conscious – then I let go and embraced the facts – life. I am a woman…. Aunt Lynda is getting a little older too –by the way when did that happen? Ha-ha.

So the rest of the weekend was spent enjoying all the moments, as my nephew turned into Sue Chef Joel providing intermissions with lovely guitar melodies that mixed with the turkey filled air dancing together in delight. He even mixed it up a bit with some distortion as he experimented with his new guitar.

Special time.

Mandy helped out like a little Picasso providing visual treats with her beautiful colors on paper canvas while singing songs.

Creative juices galore.

As for the exercise part, I was a slacker - I admit it. I was able to sneak out for a 30 minute run through town, past a tiny church, around the schoolyard, and back home.

Now that’s what I call a great way to spend an extra long weekend. Thank you for reading and letting me share these moments with you.

Love, Butter

Whoa – A Day in the Life of a Feel Good (Food) Junkie

Hello All -

What a week! This weekend’s agenda: To make something new, eat and run (and dog sit for a friend).

On The Menu -

Empanadas – bacon, white sharp cheddar cheese and sweet corn steamed in bacon grease – stuffed in bite size pastry dough made from the best pie crust recipe known to man (remove the sugar) with just the right amount of butter and lard – oooooh mommy!

Now, I know what you are saying…heart attack on a plate…no, no, no, sweet darlings – all in moderation! I only had like 20 of them – don’t judge me :0

Fajita Chili – Whoa – a great cut of steak, all the chili stuff you can imagine, and throw a little spice, avocado, cilantro and sour cream on it and wallah - Magic!

The morning after…. yes, you guessed it -

Waffles – Armed with a recipe from my Breakfast and Brunches book – and favorite waffle maker, a cup of butter and …afraid so… 8 eggs – DEEeelicious. A box just isn’t the same – I am sorry. After I ate it I felt like squealing – just couldn’t help it. I seem to have grown a curly tail!

Now…. ya can’t eat like this every day – or you will have a heart attack…. but I do, do it – I will never be a skinny Minnie, I’ll tell you that – but certainly have health as a top priority. B-A-L-A-N-C-E. I try to work all week to eat healthy and workout…in order to indulge over the weekend and play.

Exercise? Why yes, thank you, what a good idea….

How about a 4-mile run over the George Washington Bridge? Love it – not looking to make any great time or PR, but out there just to enjoy the run and the views. What a beautiful sunset. There were cyclists all over the path today, along with some fellow runners, walkers, etc. Calm smiles warmed their faces, the type you see before the hibernation season sets in…. and greeted me as they passed me by.

The day in the life of a feel good junkie – when you work, work hard…run, run for the endorphins and feel it – the good along with the burn – and eat good – whatever that means to you!

Sending good energy out in the atmosphere tonight – if I could feed you I would J

Love, Butter

Enjoy the Fall Harvest ....And One Really Big Hill!

This is a long one today – just had to share the entire experience -

I always look forward to fall – for the scent of cinnamon, cloves and allspice to fill my kitchen, which moves throughout the house and even gets into the sheets J….ahh, fall is here…the sound of crackling crisp leaves under people’s feet as they walk by, which I can hear as I bake with the window open. This weekend, I prepare my homemade pumpkin bread as I recover from the inevitable cold that has just passed by to say hello and remind me not to take my health for granted.

What would be better than to match the lovely consumption of several pieces of pumpkin bread with the ability to work it off in the Fall Harvest 7.5 mile scenic challenge? I like to try new things as much as possible and I’ve never been to Cornwall on the Hudson...ahhhh – perfect! Gorgeous views…. fall colors – and it’s the same day of the NYC Marathon, so all of the really good runners will be there…. that’s it – I am doing it! Pack up the Jeep sister! ROAD TRIP!

So my next move? I am going to call Sally for this one!

As I snuggled up with my 5 lb throw in the arms of my cushy couch I text…wait for it…. wait for it…I anxiously wait for my fearless run partner to respond…I get a text back – sure, let’s do it! We sign up immediately.

Giddy with excitement we chat about how beautiful this is going to be in the middle of one of the most amazing locations in the Hudson valley. We agreed – we are not going for time or to race nah…. this is just going to be a nice, relaxing jaunt through the country to look at the views and colorful trees. Taking advantage of living in a deciduous part of the country. Ah, yes, yes indeedy!

So we drive through the countryside and enjoy the majestic views on the windy roads of 9W . We are led to the quaint little town of Cornwall on the Hudson and reach the Storm King Firehouse quite early. We watch as everyone starts to prepare for the runners to arrive - A table of coffee, bagels, orange slices, water…. carbs galore, there for everyone to enjoy as they stretched and waited for the noon siren to sound and start the race!

As we wait, I noticed the people starting to gather – didn’t look quite like newbies. There is a look to avid runners. You can just see a difference that I cannot explain. I say to my friend Sally: “Hey…these guys look pretty serious…and looks to be a small group.” She didn’t pay too much attention because a girl interrupted as she got on the loud speaker and directed us to line up.

So we get to the starting line…. a small line spray painted “Start” on the road not even 3 feet long…no big overhang, no big banner – just a little line of paint. So we line up toward the back as we do…thinking we will find our pace along the route and adjust ourselves within the pack as we move forward.

POW! Let the race begin! They’re off! Literally – “They” are off -

Trying to take on the 4 years of learning not to “get out of the gait” too soon…we see the entire pack gain momentum as we fall further back…we increase the speed and they get even further ahead, huh? These guys are no joke!

For 11:00 to 11:30 minute pacers…we had no idea that we would be last. It was like slow motion…. almost was as if there were clouds of dust behind the Cornwallians feet!

As we gained speed – I kept hearing my own voice from earlier in the morning say: “We are not racing today, enjoying the views and taking it e-a-s-y.” Then, to ensure she was being clear that we needed to have some pride…Sally said: “I just want to focus on keeping up with the one guy ahead of us – just to keep him in sight.” We were on mile one – making plans to finish at this point. This was not going to be a “jaunt” through the countryside…. oh no my friends – this is just the beginning.

So, as we near mile 3, I realized that not only was this group fast, but the course was quite hilly. I was sweating like a man. I also heard a mention by a person on the sidelines directing traffic …something about a “climb”…hmm. I wonder what Climb…. then we hit a hill and got through it. Geez – that was tough…not that bad though. We are going to be fine.

Then it happened…the fear of so many runners…I heard an engine…. a humming of sorts…. of a car that wouldn’t pass. My immediate reaction was to wave them to go around…and then it happened…my shoulders froze, my head turned, and my eyes locked with Sally’s…. we said it at the same time: “Oh my God it’s the pace car!” If you don’t know what I mean, it is a sinking feeling ask any runner whether they have experienced it or not, they know. Then, after the initial shock of it all, we started busting out laughing so hard – a real true belly laugh. Then we realized that we couldn’t expend that much energy on laughter at this point we had more than a few more miles to go!

So, let’s just take a minute to reflect – we spent the first part of the race at the back of the pack, being followed by the pace car, strangers in a town we don’t even know, at 10:30 pace – which is a minute faster than our normal time! Wow, talk about eating a piece of some humble pie!

Screw it – this is our race and we are here to finish – it’s not about competing against anyone, never was. I mean we are out here, which is more than some people are doing today…so there we are, all set…. and truly enjoying it. That moment and belly laugh is one of the funniest moments ever and I will remember it forever. Staying in the present – being mindful of the joys of each moment of this journey in life. Priceless.

Not so fast honey…

Then it really happened…we turned a corner on mile 5 and looked at the sign – “MOUNTAIN ROAD” …. I squeaked: “Holy Shit” and then we went up…. up…up…. for an inordinate amount of time and the hill kept getting steeper and steeper. Oh…. this…. must…. be….”THE”….”climb”…it wouldn’t stop either!

At this moment I am blinded by the intensity of this hill, I think back to the day we registered…nope don’t remember this in the brochure!

Let me tell ya – I am up for a challenge just as much as the next gal…ask anyone who knows me, but my God man – this is ridiculous!

It was like with each climb, came a turn up a whole new hill. I am going to try not to overreact here, but I didn’t see much of the “scenic” part and recall only the “challenge”…. ha-ha. I was blinded by a combination of madness and pure focus – I will not give up…. I will not give up…. as I heard the wheezing all around me I realized from the other runners…I wasn’t alone. Yes…. we were near the other runners now. Slowly we climbed and climbed…and climbed – with the promise and cheer of “your almost at the top” by a woman waving her arms and directing the race.

As I started to panic, I remembered something I learned in leadership training in the past - something that always works…when facing a challenge – use your “positive words”…to stomp out that voice of your “inner cynic”.

Now …you can’t begin to imagine what my “inner cynic” was telling me. Hush now bad Lynda Devil girl, be good.

Well, with the help and forces from the angels above I was able to pull some really good ones out today and repeated them back over and over again: My 5 most powerful and positive words, that when repeated will pull me through everything and get me into a positive place…"creativity”, “beauty”, “strength”, “chocolate” and…(yes) …”butter!” Just like a magic potion it worked!

Once I got centered, and was able to bring it home with Sally…. downhill for the last mile.

Whew!

We finished ….almost last…but ahead of 4 other runners. Nice.

What a day!

(Excuse me now…. while I go make it up to myself over a fabulous piece of pumpkin bread and whipped cream!)

Love, Butter

PS - We must have been so caught up in the first sentence when we signed up immediately: “Enjoy the Fall foliage and majestic views of the Hudson River and surrounding mountains in the quaint Village of Cornwall”

Because I do not recall ever reading about that long mountain climb. When I got home I looked up the description and saw this….

“The 7.5 Mile Scenic Challenge is for runners only and contains over a 1-mile climb, but ends with a long and fast downhill finish”