Long Time & Thanksgiving x3

Well this was a bit of a hiatus. Actually it wasn't as long as it felt! My last post was a mere 16 days ago, but quite a lot has happened in those last 16 days.

So I guess I left off with a bit of a cliffhanger..I did make a good dinner all those 16 days ago, but it wasn't what I was planning. I planned to tackle the buttercup squash that's [still] sitting in my fruit bowl, but decided to make my very first batch of homemade chicken soup! From scratch!

My recipe was SUPER simple:
- 1 large chicken breast w/ bone (cut up by butcher)
- pot of water
- carrots and celery, sliced into chunks
- Israeli cous cous
- salt, pepper, oregano and garlic powder

I boiled the chicken and vegetables for a while until they were cooked through. When everything was done I strained the broth, shredded the chicken and cut up the carrots and celery into small bites. While chopping I added the cous cous for a few minutes until it was cooked through. The soup came out really well, but I put in way too much cous cous and it sucked up most of the broth. Boo. At least I know for next time!

So, Thanksgiving has come and gone, which is sad because it's one of my favorite holidays! I went home to NY and spent Thursday feasting with my family. I'm terrible and didn't take too many pictures, but of course couldn't forget the antipasta!! It's hands down my favorite part of Thanksgiving and I look forward to it all year.

Before

And after

On Friday I headed to New Jersey for Thanksgiving round 2 with Tom's family. Unlike my Italian family, Tom's family's meal was meat heavy and full of delicious Polish treats. My plate:

We came back to Boston on Saturday and spent some time relaxing. I knew I had a crazy week of work ahead of me because my biggest event of the year was coming up. I try to steer clear of talking about work on here, but I will say the event was a success! I'm also happy it's over. I'm excited for my "slow season" at work during January-February. These last few months have been super stressful and it will be nice to have a break (and nights free of work-dreams)!

Thanksgiving didn't end in New Jersey. Last weekend I celebrated #3 with my friends at a belated Friendsgiving party. This was legit! We had a real turkey and everything (thanks Ms. Cara!)

Once again I forgot to take a bunch of photos but did snag a picture of my dinner and dessert plates:

I made candied sweet potatoes, which was a bit risky since I've never even eaten them before. I think they came out pretty well, if I do say so myself! I simply boiled the potatoes, layered them in a pan, covered them in brown sugar, butter, cinnamon and mini marshmallows and baked it until all was melted and gooey.

Now I'm just trying to get back into the groove of normal life. I haven't run in 2 weeks :( Things were just too busy with Thanksgiving and then my event. I've been exhausted all of this week but I'm hoping to make it on to the treadmill tonight. 5:30 yet??