Girls' Weekend

Once the craziness of the holidays subsided, the Christmas cards coming each day dwindled to just a few stragglers, and the radio stations returned to their normal music, my poor mom could finally catch her breath.  She is amazing during the holiday season, running all over to make sure that everyone enjoys themselves and feels extra special Christmas morning.  We all greatly appreciate what she does, and thankfully I got to spend my last few days at home with just her while the boys were at Tahoe.

We started Saturday off with a trip to the Danville Farmer's market to check out the latest in produce.  

Next up was Walnut Creek where we saw the movie, Les Miserables.  It was wonderful and both of us were quite impressed.  We then strolled around the shops to check out the latest after Christmas sales.

Sunday started off with church before heading to the Little Pear to grab a hearty breakfast, courtesy of the gift card I had won at the bruschetta party.  

We then meandered around the shops at Blackhawk Plaza and came across the most amazing deals at a shop going out of business.  Everything was 50-75% off and we walked away with several great steals.  

Upon arriving home, Amber (my golden retriever) made it quite obvious that she needed a walk, so we took her along the creek trail across the street.

We finished off our weekend with a delicious dinner at the Peasant and the Pear, courtesy of the other half of the gift card I won.  We started off with a pear bruschetta that melted in your mouth, followed by a salad, and filet mignon.  Needless to say there was no room for dessert.

I had a great weekend with you mom and love and miss you!

Tradition 8: Blackwell Bruschetta Party

If you have been reading my blog for awhile, you would know that every year my friend, Katie, and her family host the annual Blackwell Bruschetta Party.  Everyone brings a bruschetta dish and a bottle of wine to share.  Local chefs come to judge the bruschettas, awarding first, second, and third place.  This year, the winner from last year also got to be a judge.  All of the guests then get to vote for their top 3 favorite dishes.  

Now everyone is way past making your typical tomato and mozzarella bruschetta.  The creativity ranges from tri-tip to sushi to dessert bruschettas.  This year I was not to be outdone and decided on a grilled grape bruschetta.  The only problem was that when I went to the store, I had a brain slip and for some reason thought I was making a butternut squash brushcetta and bought a squash instead of grapes!  Not to worry, I improvised and made a maple glazed butternut squash bruschetta topped with rosemary and pine nuts over brie cheese on a multigrain baguette.

The party, as always, was loads of fun and, of course, we did some goofing off for the camera! 

However, the best part of the night was the judging.  I had noticed the judges seemed to be liking mine, but I didn't get my hopes up.  They announced third place and second place, neither was me.  

Mr. Blackwell - The Talented Host

The Judges

3rd Place

2nd Place

I held my breath as first place was announced and guess what??  Out of 21+ entries, it was me!!  I was so excited and ran up to get my prize of a nice bottle of Kathryn Hall label wine, a $50 gift card to the Peasant and the Pear restaurant where I used to work, and the honor of getting to be a judge next year!

The night was a success, and in case you wanted to know my winning recipe, here it is!

Butter Me Up Bruschetta

1 multigrain baguette
Brie Cheese
3 cups Diced Butternut Squash
4 TBS. Maple Syrup
4 TBS. Olive Oil
1/4 cup Pine Nuts
3 TBS. Fresh Rosemary
Salt and Pepper

Preheat oven to 375°.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together maple syrup and 3 tablespoon olive oil. Add diced butternut squash to the maple syrup mixture and season generously with salt and pepper; toss until well combined. Evenly spread the squash on a rimmed sheet pan. Bake, stirring occasionally, until the squash is fork-tender, about 40 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat a grill pan over medium-high to high heat. Brush the bread slices on both sides with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Grill the bread until grill marks begin to form and the bread is golden brown, about 4 - 5 minutes per side.

Spread a thick slice of brie cheese onto each slice of bread. Top with a pile of butternut squash and sprinkle with pine nuts and rosemary. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy with a napkin!

Tradition 7: Christmas with the Cousins

After the excitement from the morning dies down, the house is somewhat returned to order and the batteries are found for all the toys, it is time for another burst of chaos and fun to ensue.  Cousin time!  My dad's youngest sister, Laurie, her husband, Hoody, and their five kids, Andrew, Caroline, Peter, Coco, and Patrick (Patch) all come over.  Little kids truly get Christmas, so spending the evening with them makes us all little kids again.

The whole gang minus my dad who was taking the pic.

Laurie

Hoody

Andrew

Caroline and Peter

Coco and her new American Girl doll

Patch

When the kids arrived there were lots of hugs and updates on what Santa brought this year.  Coco, of course, wanted to color, and Peter entertained us all with his fart machine. The quote of the night was him saying, "You know what is so awesome about this fart machine, now I can fart for real whenever I want, because everyone will just think it is the machine."

Next up was a good old fashion Christmas dinner.  We had a few challenges cutting the turkey, but with the four parents, we were able to take care of it!

After dinner, we wanted to avoid the turkey slumber, so we played an exciting game of charades.  Even 4-year-old Patch got into it!

Not really charades, just Kevin pretending to be Kevin and not wanting his picture taken.

Hoody took a liking to the boys' Russian hats.

Even after 26 years of marriage, my parents 

are still in love and always break out dancing.

The Quill kids are the best to give presents to!  Everyone is always super excited and shower us with "thank yous."

My mom found this creative Pinterest craft to make for Hoody's gift.

Finally we finished the night off with some good, old-fashion cookie decorating.

Patch got more frosting on his face than the cookie!

It was another truly wonderful Christmas!  I am so blessed:)