Thankfulness. I can think of so many things to be thankful for, on this day after Thanksgiving! It has been such fun, following this blog and getting to know all of you–though I have to admit I’m now a bit behind. We had a snowstorm and then didn’t have any cable service for a week–Internet, Cable TV or phone. One doesn’t always fully appreciate these services until they are gone! :) But I’m finally back online, just in time to extend best wishes to everyone here as we continue through the Thanksgiving weekend and head on toward the Christmas season!
Being together with a house full of family yesterday has also made me feel so blessed. Our oldest son and his family came from Wisconsin, our daughter Emily and her husband drove up from the Mississippi Gulf Coast with their two dogs, our other son and his family are just an hour away, and we were happy to have other relatives here as well. Were you able to be with family or friends for Thanksgiving?
As much as I love to cook, I have to admit that I was very grateful for Emily’s tireless help with the meal. I couldn’t have done it without her. I want to share a recipe she brought–one that I plan to use again and again, and probably even this Christmas along with our traditional Swedish fare.
And speaking of Christmas–I can’t wait to start decorating this weekend! With the decorating, Christmas cards and baking, the coming weeks will speed by way too fast. When do you start your holiday preparations?
Wishing you all the best,
Roxanne Rustand
CITRUS HAM
HAM: Fully-cooked, bone-in spiral cut ham 9-10 pounds
GLAZE: mix the following ingredients and bring to boil, then simmer for 5 – 10 minutes:
1 1/3 cups packed dark brown sugar
1/3 cup pineapple juice
1/3 cup honey
1 orange, juice and zest
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
GARNISH: Pineapple rings, cherries, toothpicks
Line bottom of electric roaster’s insert pan with foil, shiny side up. (Or, bake in regular oven)
Place rack on top of foil, add ham, cut side down. Set roaster at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
Bake for two hours in roaster. Then, brush with glaze and continue baking for an extra 45 minutes—brushing on more glaze every ten minutes. At time of last glaze addition, decorate with pineapple rings and cherries (place a cherry in the center of each ring and hold in place with a toothpick through each cherry) Let the ham rest 15 minutes before serving.
A whole week without internet, cable, or phone! In this day and age, that must have felt like quite a throwback. I’m glad you were able to have power at least. Isn’t it great when the whole family can get together? Yesterday was just another day in Canada, as we celebrate Thanksgiving in October. Yes, my family was together for a celebration then, but yesterday was potluck with my Bible study group, and we had a great time with way too much food and a lot of laughter.
I think that sometimes when the power goes out, it may be God’s way of saying, “Hey, slow down and enjoy the quiet.” :-) We have already started putting up Christmas decorations. I started playing Christmas music in October. Yes, I am a kid at heart. :-) We are enjoying a wonderful visit with son and daughter-in-love. God provides many blessings for us and we are thankful.
My family is visiting from KS (I’m in SC) and we will decorate for Christmas today and celebrate tomorrow. First we’re going to go enjoy the beautiful day!
Funny you mention Christmas cards, Roxanne…I have the cards and I purchased stamps the other day. Now, to sit down and write them. I know with computers and the internet, many no longer send cards, but I’m a big card and letter person. I love the feeling when someone takes the time to handwrite a note or card to me, so I like to pass that feeling along.
I decorated our house the first weekend in November. I had the autumn decorations up since September 1st, so I was ready.
Enjoy the holiday season!
I find if I am without Internet, I get a lot more done.
I don’t do much decorating for Christmas, so I will wait for a few weeks.
I agree with Jill about sending cards. I don’t think I’ve ever had a year where I haven’t sent at least a few cards to those I love!
I will be moving in the next couple of weeks so I will postpone Christmas decorating until after the move.
We have family visiting from several states away. Our youngest daughter , who is home from college, is decorating the tree with our grand children and son . My wonderful son in law is fixing dry wall in the basement and my oldest daughter is napping. It’s fun, the house is totaled with decorations and building supplies, but it’s nice being all together!
My mom, brother and his two girls came to visit from Wisconsin as well. The recipe sounds yummy but we had a turkey for thanksgiving and plan to have a ham for Christmas. We had 60-70 degree weather this year for the holidays. My family didn’t want to go home to 30 degree weather. (Hehe). I can imagine being without phones, power, Internet , social media and having no heat. We’ve experienced a bad ice/snow storm in 09 and it was horrible plus throw in the stomach flue for good measure. Nasty is all I got to say. Thanks Roxanne for sharing your holiday with us. Jenny
jennydtipton at gmail dot com