Happy Thanksgiving!

Wow, yesterday nearly did me in at work!
The degree of business and mayhem has steadily increased since Saturday.  Monday afternoon I simply couldn't fight the crowd to do my own shopping when I got off work.  I finally got it done last night.  I came home so tired, but got a second wind and made two desserts last night.  I baked a pie pumpkin for the first time and used it for Pumpkin Cheesecake.  I used this recipe because I liked the proportions of crust to cheesecake.  It isn't a rated recipe so I'm a little nervous how it will taste. 





It sure looks yummy.


I also made Millionaire's Shortbread, sort of a super indulgent and rich homemade Twix bar.  I used the Salted Caramel and Chocolate Ganache that was left from my birthday cake.  I made the shortbread layer and then just melted and spread the caramel and chocolate.  I chilled it in the fridge freezer because I had to taste it last night.  You don't need much, and this filled a 9 x 13 pan, so we will be sharing with friends.  The inspiration and shortbread recipe came from this recipe in my Baked book.  Though I'm sure the results are different since I used Martha's caramel and chocolate ganache.
Either way it's delicious!


My friends know how much I love to cook and bestowed me with some seriously awesome cooks tools for my birthday.  I got these gorgeous handmade cutting boards, made by family friend Justin, a Cast Iron Grill Pan, an Enameled Cast Iron Skillet, and not pictured, new measuring cups and spoons.  I love cooking tools and gadgets! 


My birthday flowers.  The sunflowers outlasted everything else, so this was actually the second arrangement that I made with them. 


I still plan to make a Lemon Almond Meringue Tart from the Baked cookbook.  I have to get my act together and do that before work.  Tomorrow I will also make that Scalloped Sweet Potato and Sweet Onions with Cheddar Cheese thing that I mentioned before, yum. Then I relax, eat, hang with Karlie, etc.  I have almost survived my first holiday at Central Market, but I feel like I need a few days of sleep to recover and that is not going to happen.

I'm a bit scared to go to work today, only slightly kidding.  I close tonight.  Yesterday there were employees from all over the store and even from the district offices in to help bag groceries.  I was on a busy register most of the day and it was just non-stop.  If you have to shop today I would go early (too late) or late.  Wish me luck!

Happy Thanksgiving to you. 
I hope you are spending the day with people you love. 
I am thankful that my entire family will be together for the holiday. 
It is and always has been my favorite holiday and I don't think the mayhem at work can ruin that for me.
xoxo
Ashley