classy bamako turnkey

Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to 
succeed is always to try just one more time.   Thomas Edison 

Fascinating self-portrait documentation of a descent into Alzheimers. 

When William Utermohlen learned in 1995 that he had Alzheimer's disease, the artist embarked on an artistic project unlike any other he'd done before: Over a period of 8 years, he drew a series of self-portraits where he adapted his artistic style to the growing limitation of his perception and motor skills.  I find it amazing how the vertical line and similar color pallet has remained throughout.

Although you are tempted to run off and play, you may have to roll up your sleeves and get ready for hard work today. Organizing your schedule in advance is a more a more successful strategy. Be as resourceful as possible, for this is not a time to act like a diva. What's most important when facing your chores now is to be humble and just do the best you can.  Yup, that's today's Horror. 

 Looks like I'm right on target, except I've been organizing my refrigerator instead of my schedule!  I left early this morning and dragged home my turkey, but to fit him in I had to remove stuff to an old cooler.  I threw in some packaged frozen stuff to keep the cooler cold, will replenish now and then until tomorrow when I have access to another refrigerator.  No time to act like a diva-  now when did you ever see ME as a diva?  

Just a little note that I probably wont be blogging much in the coming week with all the kids here.  My place is at the stove, not the computer, for a few days but I'll be happy to post what I'm up to once in awhile if I remember to take pictures.  Today I start out with making my cornbread stuffing.  It was a wonderful old James Beard recipe that I've been using since the beginning of time.  It makes the best ever cornbread, but if you cut it in cubes and just let it dry in the air for a day or two (or stick it in a low oven to lightly toast if pressed for time) out morphs into the best stuffing ever!  This will be 

Cubeing it up so it dries out.  STOP me from snacking!

Stuffing #1:

2 c. yellow cornmeal
1 15 oz. can creamed corn
2 sticks butter
2 c. shredded cheddar
1 c. buttermilk
small can chopped chills (James uses a can of jalapeños-  I use 2 or 3 fresh chopped)
4 eggs
2 tsp. baking soda

Preheat oven to 375.  Mix well and pour into a buttered half sheet pan (cookie sheet with sides) or a 9x13 pan if you're going for cornbread, not stuffing.  Bake for 45 minutes, remove from oven and let cool before cutting into 1" squares for stuffing.  Toss the squares around occasionally so they dry evenly.  Put in ziplock bag and refrigerate up to a few days before making stuffing casserole.  Optional, add cooked sausage (I use choric a and prefer the Portugese version, sautéed onion and celery, and chicken broth to moisten.  Reheat casserole in 350 oven about 35 minutes before serving.

Hearty wheat with raisins

Stuffing #2- vegetarian version

1 loaf of When-Pigs-Fly Harvest bread cut into cubes and left to air dry thoroughly or dried out in low oven
Cooked and chopped parsnips-  about 2 c.
sauteed onions and celery to taste
handful of dried cranberries
handful of nuts of your choice
2 c. of prepared chestnuts
Fresh parsley or other mixed herbs- about a half cup
Vegetable broth to moisten

Mix well, add into buttered casserole and bake about 35 minutes until crispy on top.

 Here is my stalk of Brussel Sprouts, haven't quite figured this out yet because I want to roast it whole.  Just because, dammit, just because.

Pine nuts, toasted and ready, absolutely necessary for my cranberry sauce and for pilaf!  I think this year since I don't have a tableful of real Armenians I will use the pilaf at a meal other than Thanksgiving.  

A couple of friends have been continuing to send along squirrel things they think I need-  here was today's:

MEANWHILE, back in the ranch, Pepper has developed a squirrel obsession too.  We found him walking on his hind legs across the yard with his nose pointing to a squirrel that handily escaped up a tree.  So perhaps *I* am not the one who really is crazed by the critters.  The other day he was convinced he could actually climb the tree if he only got enough momentum-  he tried for 20 minutes doubling back further and further and taking runs at the tree trunk.  His cranium took a beating, the tree lost bark and leaves, but the squirrel chattered away taunting at him the whole time.  He's not the brightest dog under the tree...  but damn, he is the funniest.  And with that, I am setting off to work.  Will check in later.