Hawaiian sweet roll sliders

Holy holiday memories: a table full of friends for Friendsgiving, a house that smells of fresh herbs and butter as the stuffing cooks, light Christmas music playing from every room all hours of the day, a babe tangled in my hem as I move about the kitchen, grandparents holding their grand baby, a welcoming stoop, a gaggle of girls giggling on the porch swing.

Hawaiian Sweet Roll Sliders

Ingredients

-12 pack Hawaiian sweet rolls 

-Deli meat/leftover turkey-Sliced cheese-1/2 stick of butter 

-2 tablespoons brown sugar 

-1 tablespoons Worcestershire 

-1 tablespoons Dijon mustard

-optional, 1 tablespoons poppy seeds

Directions

Take the Hawaiian sweet rolls and cut in half and make mini sandwiches using your favorite meat and cheese (I usually use deli turkey and extra sharp cheddar, but this time I had leftover smoked turkey. Ham and Swiss is also tasty). In a sauce pan melt butter, brown sugar, Worcestershire, Dijon mustard and optional poppy seeds. Once melted pour over the top of the sandwiches. Bake at 350* for 10-15 min. 

Pizza night at Milsap

A night of dining under the stars. Pizza cooked in wood fire ovens, made by a warm, welcoming family. Passing a snuggly babe around the table, as the bluegrass music plays on.

(A night in the Ozarks)

Chicagoland

We traveled north to Luke's hometown of Buffalo Grove for a visit with the Walker/Klopfenstein clan. 
Eloise met her Great Grandpa and Grandma (Judy, her namesake!) for the first time which was very special. 
Luke's oldest friend, Karl, and his sweet daughter, Emma stopped by for a visit and it was a dream to see the girls meet. 
We treasure these moments with family and all the joy a baby brings to our family get-togethers.  

Zuppa Toscana

One of our favorites, Zuppa Toscana is hearty and flavorful. It tastes perfect topped with a little Parmesan and served with soft French bread for soaking it all up!


Zuppa Toscana 
Ingredients:

1 lb. Italian sausage
1 large onion, chopped
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup white wine to deglaze the pan
½ tsp. red pepper flakes
2 russett potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch chunks
2 cups fresh kale, chopped
4 cups chicken broth
2.5 cups water
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper

Directions:

Place a large stockpot or Dutch oven on the stove over medium heat.  Crumble the sausage into the pan and cook until well browned.  Remove the cooked sausage from the pot with a slotted spoon and transfer to a bowl; set aside.  Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté until tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the garlic and red pepper flakes to the pan and cook for a minute more, just until fragrant.  Add the wine to the pot and stir, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits.  Add the potatoes, kale, chicken broth and water to the pot.   Return the sausage to the pot.  Increase the heat to medium-high, bring to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer on medium-low.  Cover and let simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and cooked through.

Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.  Serve immediately.

Little things

 

Little things I want to remember:

The hint of citrus on her skin when Eloise’s finishes her bath. The light, fresh scent of her laundry. How the scent of it makes me weep when I fold her laundry without her near. How I always want that scent in my house, a baby always in my house.
 
Her soft, apple cheeks when she is flushed, usually after nursing. 


The way she reaches for me at the exact moment I reach for her.


The peace I feel when she falls asleep on my chest, and I can do nothing but sit back and let our chests rise and fall in sync with one another. How that reminds me of where she came from and the closeness we share still.


Eloise has made us slow down, and I am so thankful for that. 

A first Halloween

It was a day of pumpkin carving, The Nightmare Before Christmas, chili simmering all day long, roasted pumpkin seeds, a cuddly baby bear, kids trick or treating all evening long, the sound of excitement and mischief in the air, feeling the holiday season draw near.