No-Cook, No-Bake Thanksgiving Dish!

Does the thought of Thanksgiving cooking bring you exhilaration and joy? Or are you on the verge of a meltdown just thinking about having to step foot in the kitchen?

Though I'm obviously a fan of a full fledged, homemade Thanksgiving, I know that not everyone enjoys the cooking aspect of turkey day. I've got plenty of friends who are pretty impressed with themselves if they can manage to pop open a can of biscuits and successfully bake them without setting off the fire alarm. It takes all kinds! 

With cooking-phobes in mind, I thought it would be fun to create a little something that anyone can put together using just a handful of inexpensive ingredients. Everyone deserves to have that moment of pride around the Thanksgiving table, and I've got just the thing that will elicit "oohs" and "ahhs" from guests without even having to turn on the oven...

It's a turkey-tizer platter!

Isn't this little fella cute?

I made him in just a few minutes from bits and pieces I found in my fridge. His body is made from half a pear and his plumage is an assortment of crackers, cheeses, meats and greens that can be put together as an easy {but impressive} appetizer tray. This design is pretty simple, but you could get as elaborate as you want!

So don't panic if you've been asked to contribute to dinner this year and you don't know the difference between the dressing you serve with a turkey and the one your pour over your salad. Whether you're running short on time or patience, you'll have one of the prettiest dishes on the table!

Thanksgiving Turkey-tizer Platter

{This "recipe" is a guideline, but feel free to get creative with your turkey!}

Assorted green leaves {I used 3 pieces of Swiss chard}

Assorted cheese {I used 4 pieces of muenster cut with a leaf-shaped cookie cutter}

Assorted meat {I used a few slices of prosciutto}

Assorted crackers

1/2 a pear, cut in half vertically

2 peppercorns 

1 small piece of baby carrot, preferably a pointy piece

1 small piece of walnut

1 pretzel stick, broken in half

Assembly:

Arrange leaves on platter in a fanned out fashion to form the back of the turkey's plumage. 

Place meats in desired pattern, then do the same with the cheese slices. Fan crackers out so you can still see the cheese and meats behind it.

Place pear in the center. To make the turkey's face, press 2 peppercorns into the pear for eyes. Press a small piece of carrot in place for the beak. Press a piece of walnut under the beak for the turkey's "gobbler" {it's actually called a wattle!}. Insert pretzel stick pieces into the bottom of the pear for the turkey's legs.

Serve with condiments such as spicy mustard and jam so guests can "dress" their crackers. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

"Pass the Prosciutto" | Parma Ham, Brie & Jam "Pop Tarts"

SPONSORED POST

Have you met my friend, Prosciutto di Parma -- ham's thinner, more elegant, foreign cousin?

Well, please, allow me to make the introduction.

Prosciutto di Parma and I have not always been so tight-knit. I first made its acquaintance on a classic antipasto platter at my Italian in-laws' house; it's a staple among their spread when they entertain. To be honest, I wasn't quite sure what to think.

It sort of looked like ham, but it sure didn't taste like it. The slices were paper thin, the flavor a bit on the sweet side. It was... different.

And different than ham it most certainly is. Authentic Prosciutto di Parma is produced in the Parma region of Italy under strict guidelines to ensure its process is carried out as it has been for centuries, and its quality meets specific standards. Essentially, the ham {hind leg of the pig} is salt cured, dried, and thinly sliced to create the silky pieces we recognize as prosciutto. The ham remains uncooked, and the drying concentrates its flavor. 

It may sound a little strange, but the result is unique and exclusive.  

So back to my rocky relationship with Prosciutto di Parma. Recently, I discovered a local cafe with amazing paninis. One particular menu item featured prosciutto as the star of the sandwich, but every time I'd order it I'd ask them to swap it out for turkey since proscuitto still had not convinced my palate. Until my last visit. 

I was so busy chatting with my friend when I ordered that I forgot to mention the substitution. With a bit of uncertainty, I took a bite... and I loved it! 

Maybe there's something to this whole prosciutto thing after all. 

Last weekend, I catered my friend's bridal shower and made all kinds of sandwiches part of the menu for ease of preparation. I made Chicken, Mozzarella & Pesto Sandwiches and Turkey, Provolone & Arugula Croissants, but I needed one more combo to round out the selection.

Instead of using regular ham, I decided to use Prosciutto di Parma, pears, Brie and apricot jam. They were a hit! The combination was phenomenal. And, again, I was impressed by Parma ham. 

The thing is, maybe this "fancy ham" gave me the wrong impression. I always thought of it as something you see at a party; something you eat with your pinky primly poised up in an upward direction. And that's partially true... it's great for entertaining and lends a certain sophistication to any meal.

But, as it turns out, it can also fit in right among comfort food. Like in pasta. Or crisped up and sprinkled on top of soup. In a hot "ham and cheese". Or in this.

Grown up "pop tarts." Wait... what?

That's right my friends, I put prosciutto in a "pop tart". And it was good.

Taking a cue from the popular sandwiches I created, I tucked Proscuitto di Parma, Brie, and jam {I used peach for one and raspberry for the other} neatly inside a flaky crust. The sweet and savory combo with the flaky, buttery crust is heavenly. Can you just imagine surprising overnight guests with these in the morning?? {Or in the afternoon... or in the evening...}

It's like a childhood craving, all grown up. And it's a new beginning for Prosciutto di Parma and me.

Want to include Parma ham in your holiday celebrations? Follow Parma Ham on Twitter for a chance to win $50 worth of the world's most famous ham. Click on the banner below to participate. 

Disclosure: This post is a collaboration between myself and Parma Ham. I was compensated for the development of my recipe and the writing of this post. As always, all opinions are my own.  

Parma Ham, Brie, & Jam "Pop Tarts"

For crust:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 stick {8 tablespoons} cold butter, cut into small dice

2-3 tablespoons ice cold water

For filling:

1 1/2 teaspoons jam of your choice {I used raspberry and peach. They were both delicious.}

2 slices Prosciutto di Parma

6 slices {about 1x3 inch} of Brie, cut about 1/8 inch thickness

1. Place all ingredients except water in a blender or food processor and pulse until the mixture forms a coarse crumb. 

2. Add water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing until the mixture forms a ball. Try not to add too much water. {I stopped after the 2nd tablespoon, pulsed it a few extra times, and a ball formed. You want enough liquid to make it come together, but not enough to make a mushy dough.}

3. Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Place a sheet of plastic wrap on top and roll out, trying to keep a rectangular shape. {It doesn't really matter if your shape isn't perfect, it will just help in the next step.} Roll out to about 1/8 inch thickness.

4. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut 3x5 inch rectangles from the dough. {This recipe makes about 4 rectangles or 2 "pop tarts", but can easily be doubled if needed.} Place them onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment or foil. Refrigerate for about 10-15 minutes.

5. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Remove slightly chilled dough from the refrigerator. Spread jam on 2 of the 4 pieces {this will be the bottom} leaving about 1/4 inch border around the dough. Place a slice of Prosciutto di Parma on each half. Place 3 slices of brie on top of each piece. 

6. Place the remaining rectangles on top of each "pop tart". Press down lightly around the perimeter of the dough in order to seal them. Pierce each "pop tart" with a toothpick.

7. Bake for about 20-22 minutes until the crust is very lightly golden around the edges and no the dough longer looks shiny. 

8. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

#WhyICook | Sponsored by Swanson

It should come as no surprise that some of my very favorite memories are linked by a common theme: Food.

- Baking cookies with my mom that will forever be referred to as "rock" cookies because of their tooth-chipping consistency.

- My dad attempting to roast chestnuts in a toaster oven... but forgetting to score them, causing them to hurl through the air like edible ammunition.

- Spending Thanksgiving away from our families while we lived in Dallas and hosting a "Friendsgiving" in our small apartment. 

- Being proposed to on Christmas day with my entire family seated around the dinner table. 

Somehow, food always manages to play a part in the most memorable parts of our lives. While I always had a fondness for food, it wasn't until I was a teenager -- maybe even in my 20's -- that I attempted to become a part of the cooking story on the other side of the stove. 

It started out as dabbling; boxed cakes, holiday baking, one-pot dinners. You know... gateway foods. After I got married, my interest in cooking grew when my husband harmlessly teased me about my skills in the kitchen. {In front of my in-laws!} Soon, my interest became a full-fledged passion... perhaps even a defining characteristic of who I am.

I've often stopped to think about why I started to cook, and more importantly, what caused me to continue to do so. 

I cook because food connects us all.

Food is the ultimate gift. It nourishes. It warms. It fills and fulfills. It appeals to all the senses, engages emotions and triggers memories.

Even my puppy thinks so. {Hearty Turkey Chili}

Food carries on tradition, represents cultures and can even break down communication barriers.

{Curried Brown Rice with Zucchini}

My grandma's famous Arroz Con Pollo Relleno

We cook and share food to celebrate; to commiserate; to congratulate.

{Provencal Potato Gratin}

It can speak a thousand words in just one forkful.

"Let's be healthy."

{Tandoori Marinated Tilapia with Mango Salsa}

{Linguine with Avocado & Arugula Pesto}

{Acorn Squash Stuffed with Spiced Quinoa}

"Let's put our sweatpants on and stay in."

{Pumpkin Lasagna Rolls with Gouda Cheese Sauce}

{Creamy Roasted Poblano & Corn Chowder}

"I love you."



"Let's have a party!"

{Cajun Jambalaya}

No matter how different we are, how busy we get, how far apart we live... we all have the common bonds of sharing food moments with the ones we love. It keeps us

And if we're lucky, those moments will become parts of our story and our memories, connecting us to our past, and to one another.

Swanson and Kitchen Daily have teamed up to share stories from bloggers {including me!} about what brings them into the kitchen. Check out their beautiful slideshow featuring pictures and anecdotes about why we cook.

As the holidays approach, I hope cooking will connect you with your family and friends, gathering around the table to share in the simple joy of sharing a meal and making a memory.

Connect with me, Swanson/Campbell's & Kitchen Daily on Pinterest for recipe ideas that will fill your holidays with flavor!

Disclosure: This is a collaboration between Campbell's and the AOL Lifestyle Contributor Network. Compensation was provided by Campbell's via AOL Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Campbell's.

Bake, Craft, Sew! | Creamy Eggnog Dip

Have you started thinking about holiday shopping? Overwhelmed by the idea of hitting the {crowded} stores and getting all those names crossed off your list?

Fear not! Rachel from A Southern Fairytale is hosting Bake, Craft, Sew! over on her blog... Thirty days of original, delicious, adorable and doable DIY holiday gift ideas that will ease the anxiety of holiday prep!

I adore this idea because I think homemade gifts are so lovely. They can take a little effort, sure, but with a little organization and some brilliant ideas for inspiration, you can easily whip up a whole sleigh-full of gifts without blowing your holiday budget.

I'm sharing a homemade, super simple solution to thoughtful holiday gifting today over on Rachel's blog:

Creamy Eggnog Dip.

Now, I know not everyone is into this holiday concoction, but those who are all about the decadent beverage are going to love you for turning this beloved treat into something you can eat. Did I mention that it's a boozy dip?? {You can leave out the hard stuff if you prefer... but what fun is that? Kidding.}

This idea came to me out of nowhere and as soon as I gave it a try, I knew it was a winner. How sweet a gift would this be to bring over to a holiday party or to deliver to friends and family?

NOTE: I forgot to mention over on A Southern Fairytale that this recipe makes enough for two gifts. And also, because it's a cream cheese-based creation, it should remain refrigerated until you're ready to share it. 

WANT THE RECIPE? Head over to A Southern Fairytale and make sure to browse all the other ideas that have been shared so far this month!

Rachel and her Bake, Craft, Sew co-hosts are also inviting you to take part in a fabulous giveaway with gifts including some gorgeous cookbooks, a $25 gift card to Amazon, and even a Ninja Ultimate Blender!! {Move over, Oprah!}

You can enter {DAILY!} here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you, Rachel, for letting me be part of this wonderful project!

What's In Your Fridge? | What Micky Eats

One of my favorite things about blogging is the amazing network of incredible bloggers I have connected with both online and in person. There are SO many great blogs out there with mouthwatering recipes, breathtaking photography and side-splitting humor that every time I come across one I want to share it with everyone!

When I randomly decided to write a post about the contents of my own fridge a few months ago {and got unexpected positive feedback... who knew y'all were as nosy as I am??}, I thought it would be a great way to introduce other food bloggers to you in a fun, unique format. After all, what could possibly tell you more about a true food-lover than their refrigerator?!

I put out an all-call for bloggers to step up and show us what's in their fridge... and someone actually volunteered! Brave soul!

Meet Micky. She's the creator of What Micky Eats and my very first "WIYF" blogger!

I'll let Micky do the talking & get to showing is what's in her fridge!

About Her Blog

"What Micky Eats" is a blog that follows my dining experiences at various restaurants around the world, with focus on where I live in Washington, DC. I am no food critic – just an average girl who enjoys eating out. The experiences I share are of places I read about or just stumble upon. Travel is also one of the things I love to do, so occasionally you might see a few recaps from places I’ve visited around the country or maybe even around the world!"

The Fridge!

I have what’s called a “side-by-side” refrigerator.  It’s a tall door design with the freezer area on the left and the refrigerator on the right.  The brand is Frigidaire and it has a water filtration system/ice maker, energy saver, crisp drawers, wire freezer drawers, etc.  It came with the house, when we purchased it in 2008, and still works great.

Upon first glance, my fridge looks clean – no magnets or notes cluttering the front. But turn to the side and surprise!

Here we have all the hidden secrets. Well, there is nothing too bad really.

Left: A list of emergency numbers for city utilities like power, gas, water along with a hand-crankable flash light

Middle: Several magnets from our travels around the world; restaurant coupons; a Washington Nationals 2013 calendar with wet erase board (we are huge baseball fans); Oh, and see that little white note on the top middle? That is a fortune that my husband saved from a fortune cookie from before we were married. It reads: “:) You and your wife will be happy in your life together. :)” (Yes, it has the two smiley faces on it, too! Aweee…so cute.)

Right: An old Save the Date from my now sister-in-law’s wedding last year; a sticker from my alma mater, USC, – Go Trojans!; an old Christmas card from friends in California featuring their bulldog, Fenway.

The Door

The Interior

Left: Eggs and butter for baking; various ethnic condiments.  This really shows our global palate with Kansas City barbeque sauce to homemade green Thai chili sauce (in the little squirt bottles) to Polish mustard.

Right: More condiments (looks like I need to buy more Sriracha sauce!); various sauces and herbs for cooking (I won a giveaway for a supply of about a dozen tubes of Gourmet Garden Herbs.  This product is great and we use them all the time while cooking.)

Left: Leftovers ready to take to work for lunch; milk; tea (my husband makes homemade ice tea every week from black oolong tea bags and his own simple syrup mix); lots of bread; more leftovers!

Right: Leftovers (we made baked ziti the other night); German beer (Fun Fact: I lived in Germany for a few months on a work assignment and fell in love with the culture.  We always enjoy celebrating Oktoberfest this time of year.); sandwich making products; almost empty fruit and veggie crisp drawers (I need to go shopping!). A few Honeycrisp apples are in there – perfect to make Apple Cobbler.

Note: Looking at these pictures, I noticed all the bread products!  We just went to Costco and sometimes I feel silly, because it is just the two of us.  We purchase all these large quantities of items that last us quite a while, but implies we must be feeding an army!

A Recipe!


It is very rare that I cook at home, but there are a few recipes that I’ve collected over the years and share in a series called What Micky Eats…At Home. Check out my blog for Top 10 restaurant lists, info on various food festivals/events, and fun experiments in my home kitchen!

A go-to classic recipe of mine is my Apple Cobbler.  This recipe is a family favorite.  I always have extra pie crust in the freezer as an easy vehicle for baking.  I find pie crust can be used to make savory breakfast quiches to sweet hand pies.

Many love to read and see "what Micky eats", but she is curious to see what YOU eat. Share all the delicious things you've been eating and drinking by e-mailing Micky a picture, and she’ll feature you on her blog! Please include your name and a short description of what/where it is you're eating. Send submissions to WMEsubmissions@gmail.com

A HUGE thanks to Micky for being the first courageous volunteer for this fun series! I feel like I know her pretty well just by taking a peek inside her fridge, don't you? {I'm not gonna lie, her love of condiments alone made me feel like we should be friends.} Don't forgot to hop over to her blog for more dining recommendations and recipes, or show her some love on her Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram... you can tell her I sent you so she won't think you've been snooping around in her fridge without permission! ;)

Are you a food blogger who wants to be featured? Have a favorite food blogger whose fridge you'd like to peek inside?? Leave me a note in the comments or send me an email and I'll see if we can make it happen!

Rosner's Appliances & My Holiday Wish List

November is officially here, and you know what that means: The countdown to the holidays has officially begun!

I am giddy at the thought of all the fun recipes I plan on trying over the next few weeks. The cookies, the cakes, the side dishes... the kitchen will be bustling with activity. For me, the only things that put a damper on holiday cooking are my outdated appliances. Sigh.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm grateful to have what I have and I've certainly learned to make do... but, gosh would it be nice to have updated appliances that help me instead of hold me back!

I recently got an invitation to visit my friends at Rosner's Appliances in West Palm Beach and take a tour of their brand new, state of the art showroom and the products they have to offer. BOY, was it an eye opener! There are appliances today that practically cook dinner for you. Stove tops that heat up wherever you place the pot {and are immediately cool to the touch when the pot is removed}. Convection ovens that steam your food to perfection! Refrigerators with climate-controlled temperature zones. Swoon!

I was totally in seventh heaven... it was like walking through a kitchen wonderland.

Of course, while I was browsing, I was also taking mental {and possibly written} note of the items that might just come in handy for my own kitchen one day. Soon, I was daydreaming about adding a few of these top-notch luxury appliances to my own Christmas wish list.

This past weekend, I got to bake for their showroom grand opening using their luxury ovens and put the appliances to the test. I'd say they passed with flying colors!

I had so much fun with everyone there, surrounded by shiny new refrigerators, ovens and ranges, that I was inspired to write a holiday poem. It goes a little something like this: 

'Twas the month before Christmas and all through the kitchen

You could hear a lone baker -- a fit she was pitchin'.

Her oven, you see, was just not up to par,

For the cooking to come on a date not too far.

In her cozy apartment, with husband and pup,

She would do what she could without giving up.

But the space was just not what she needed to make

All the wondrous provisions, from turkey to cake.

With Thanksgiving and holidays happening soon,

She'd been dreaming of upgrades to make to that room.

Since she dwelled in the kitchen more often than not,

Some brand new devices would help quite a lot.

But who could assist make her dreams all come true?

Why, Santa, of course. He'd know just what to do.

She gathered some paper and picked up a pen,

And started her letter to her jolly old friend.

"Dear Santa," she wrote, "It has been quite a while.

My last correspondence was when I was a child.

I may now be grown, but I do still believe,

And I hope you can help me before Christmas eve."

"My wishlist this year is not just for me,

But more for my dear friends and sweet family.

They wait all year long at the edge of their seats

For our holiday dinner and fabulous treats."

"If I had a new fridge, and a perhaps a new oven...

They'd help me to possibly double the lovin'!

But I hate to ask something with so great a price...

So, if you don't mind, let me share some advice:

My buddies at Rosner's, they've got what I need,

At prices so fair, it's a deal -- guaranteed.

From Viking to Jenn Air and Monogram, too,

Fhiaba to Thermador... just one will do."

"A convection appliance would help me to bake

In a fraction of time it would usually take.

Some treats for your reindeer or sweets for the Mrs.

Would certainly get you some nice "thank you" kisses!"

"An induction-type cooktop is also quite neat,

In just 90 seconds its easy to heat

A big pot of water and bring to boil

Without all the waiting around while you toil. {And once you have tried it, you'll be oh-so-spoiled.}

Another good reason it's causing such yearning?

An auto-cool feature... more finger-burning!"

Or maybe the latest in healthier cooking,

A convection steam oven is worthy of looking.  

It cooks full of flavor, but leaves out the fat...

And helps slim down bellies from "jelly" to flat! 

{Now, please, dear ol' Santa, don't read into that.}

"So, head right to Rosner's {they know me buy name}

No other appliance store is quite the same,

They're friendly and helpful and sure know their stuff,

They've got so many great things, decisions are tough!"

"I've been a good girl, so I hope you'll consider

One gift from my wishlist - no wrapping or glitter.

Your cookies are waiting, no pressure at all...

I know lugging an oven would be quite a haul."

"So, Santa, good luck as your tasks you complete.

 Happy Baking to all...May your holidays be sweet!"

She sealed up her letter, and dozed off in bed,

Where visions of appliances danced in her head.

And she secretly hoped Santa would grant her wish,

To help her make this holiday time so delish!

Totally cheesy, I know. But I'm hoping, if not this year, Santa will recognize my efforts and deliver sometime in the future. ;)

If you're looking to purchase new appliances before it's holiday cooking go-time, head over to Rosner's. I have a feeling they'll have exactly what you need... and maybe a few extra items for your holiday wish list!

Rosner's Appliances

1480 S. Military Trail

West Palm Beach, Florida 33415

Disclosure: I was compensated for my time to visit, review and promote Rosner's, but as always, the  opinions written here are all my own. I absolutely loved getting to know the friendly and knowledgeable management and staff during my visit and would most definitely consider purchasing appliances from them in the future!

...................................................................

While I was baking at Rosner's I decided to make simple oatmeal cookies to go along with the chocolate chip cookies I had already planned on baking {per my oatmeal cookie-loving husband's request}. Somehow, I always forget about good ol' oatmeal cookies! I was so pleased with how they turned out {the classic Quaker Oats recipe}, that I went home & adapted them to give them a spin. 

Classic oatmeal cookies are amped up with banana and toffee bits for a new twist on an old favorite. These cookies are soft & cake-like... almost like little oat-filled banana breads. For the second batch, I added in some semi-sweet chocolate mini chips, because chocolate never made anything worse. I liked both versions equally! 

I can just imagine putting these out on a holiday dessert buffet and watching them disappear! I think they'd be Santa approved. ;)

Banana-Toffee Oatmeal Cookies

adapted from Quaker Oats

1 stick butter, softened 

1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 egg

1 banana, mashed

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Pinch of salt

1 1/2 cups rolled oats 

1/2 cup toffee bits {I use Heath Bits o' Brickle}

{Optional} Semi-sweet mini chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together butter and sugars until well incorporated. Add egg, banana and vanilla extract and beat until smooth.

3. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and oats. 

4. Add dry mixture to wet and mix until just incorporated. Mix in toffee bits. {And mini-chips if desired.}

5. Bake on a non-stick cookie sheet for approximately 12 minutes or until the edges just begin to brown. When baked through, remove from oven and allow to set on the cookie sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Makes about 30 cookies.