I might be new to this game..

... called Thanksgiving, but that doesn't mean I don't know how to celebrate in style. In fact, I actually find it pretty remarkable how quickly I can adapt to traditions that involve lots and lots of food!
Some glimpses of what we did this weekend:

We started of by picking the strongest family member to bring in the turkey

Yes, she had to work a bit, but we believe in manual labor as part of a well rounded upbringing.

Then we did some serious cooking:

The same bad habit every year: Eating the uncooked stuffing right out of the bowl.

THE BIRD

All set and ready to eat

Somewhere in between roasting the turkey and preparing the sides, we even found time to try a new fudge recipe:

White chocolate peppermint
(taste=excellent, consistency needs some work)

But it wasn't all about food this weekend:

We also went to the zoo

Had fun at the park

Repainted our accent-wall in the bedroom (again)

Collected some gigantic pine cones


And, made a fall-inspired wreath for the door (not perfect, but hey, it was my first attempt)

Should we be concerned?

I am a child of God
Primary song


(Original )
I am a child of God
and he has sent me here
has given me an earthly home
with parents kind and dear (...)


(Ava's version)
I am a child of God
and he has sent me here
has given me an earthly home
with parents KINDA WEIRD (..)

Um, yeah.

Bavarian Pretzels

Ok, at least as close as it gets, considering we're in Southern California and we're missing one of the main ingredients. (lye) The results are slightly sweet (brown sugar), but still pretty authentic tasting. Might also just be me, having been away from Bavaria for too long.
The funny thing is, that this recipe is actually from Rachel Ray and was part of her Oktoberfest-celebration-week. Who knew that she would be the person to turn to, to find a recipe like that.

1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
4 1/2 cups flour
2 tbsp light brown sugar
1 tsp salt
1 large egg
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp baking soda (Natron)
Optional: Coarse salt for sprinkling (looks better with, but tastes better without)

Preheat oven to 400 F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. In large bowl whisk together the warm water, yeast and brown sugar. Let stand for 5 min. Combine flour and salt and add to yeast mixture together with the egg and butter. Using an electric mixer with dough hooks, mix everything on low speed until dough is smooth and elastic. Let dough rest in warm place for about 5 min. In shallow baking dish combine baking soda with 2 cups of warm water. On work surface divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and dip in the baking soda mixture for about 30sec. Using the baking sheets as work surface, shape dough into pretzels. Bake until deep golden, ca. 12-15 min.

Heaven. On. Earth.

And yes, these are real Weisswuerste. We got them at a little German butcher shop up in Carlsbad, that one of Rich's co-workers (also German) referred us to. They also have a supermarket there, where you can get everything from Dr. Oetker Milchreis to Gelbwurst to Adventskalender, that actually end the 24th!

Making progress

Well, that was quite the bumpy ride today. Chance (my horse) was not in a good mood and did his best to let me know. I'm not sure what caused it, but it might have somehow been connected with the giant coyote that walked by about 10 feet away from us (while little Ava was cluelessly playing in the sand)! We still did some good jumps, even though you could have thought we are doing a thoroughbred-race instead of jumping fences.
What I learned today? We SO need a camcorder!

Baking venture of the day: Honey Muffins

Why eat muffins with honey-butter, if you can just incorporate the butter and the honey in the muffin?

2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
1 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup honey

In small bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. In another bowl whisk together the egg, milk, butter and honey. Add dry ingredients and mix until moistened. Fill paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake at 400 F for 15-18 min. Serve warm.

Another project finished

Give me some fabric, yarn and a needle and that's what I will do

the apple doesn't fall far from the tree

Brushing

Getting the rider ready

And more brushing, and brushing and brushing...

Is it bad to REALLY encourage your child's interest in your own favorite hobby?

How to make Marzipan

So simple, so good.

200g ground almonds
200g powdered sugar
about 1 tbsp water (or Rosenwasser, if you want to be fancy)
a little bit of almond extract (Bittermandel -Aroma)

Mix it all together and knead until it is smooth and easy to shape. Roll in cacao for Marzipan-potatoes or use as a filling for Stollen/Christmas cookies. (or just eat it pure) If you want your Marzipan to be super smooth, make sure you peel you almonds first before grinding them.