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A Life From Scratch.

A Life You Adore Around A Table You Love.

Happy Thanksgiving Break

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I’m going to be honest here, I had full intentions of writing more this week and getting things set up before the holiday break but it just didn’t happen. Instead lots of fun with the boys and family and friends did. And I’m ok with that. So, updates on ALFS will return after the Thanksgiving break with a lot more cooking and holiday fun. Can’t wait!

Until then, I hope you enjoy what matters most to you.

C

P.S. Don’t worry – we are always messing along on Instagram stories. Follow us along there, if you’d like! 

C’s picks – week of November 19th

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Happy Sunday everyone! Can you believe next week is Thanksgiving? Oh my goodness. We have a short week here but still sitting down this morning to get things planned out for all the festive fun ahead and of course, our menu plan for it all. Hope you have a moment to do the same!

Sunday night we are having some lovely friends by for an early Sunday dinner, which is one of my favorite times to entertain. Love slow cooking something all day in the cold and waiting for friends to arrive. I’m trying out Ina’s slow roasted spiced pork and serving it with sour cream corn bread and a winter slaw. YUM!

Monday night we have a family dinner in the city, can’t wait!

Back to entertaining Tuesday, my oldest friend who now lives in Denver is back in town for the holiday. I can’t WAIT to see her and to have her and her husband by for dinner. I’m thinking homemade chicken enchiladas and a salad with cilantro lime dressing will be perfect.

Wednesday we head to our dear friends for Friendsgiving, YIPPEE! I’m in charge of dessert and plan to whip up a brown bag apple pie and a batch of Gaia cookies. SO GOOD. 

Thursday is Thanksgiving! Per usual I have it easy this year and am only in charge of two pecan pies. Done.

And if we haven’t had enough fun so far this week, Friday we get to fly away to Florida. Thank the good Lord. This time is extra special as we are bringing along the boys bestie, Ryder. Can’t wait! 

That’s a wrap – happy cooking everyone, and a very happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
C

Gift Guide: For the hostess with the mostess

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Yippee! The holiday season is officially right around the corner. Which means wonderful gatherings of family and friends. I can not wait. I thought I would start the gift guide series off with ideas for the hostess with the mostess. Hopefully something catches your eye to bring to your next gathering! 

  1. Can’t go wrong with a classic Christmas candle. This one is simple and elegant and will work for any party you attend.
  2. Ok, these reindeer nose candies from Sugarfina are just plain darling. Perfect for little ones (or big ones).
  3. A special wine or bubbly is always an easy go to, but how about dress it up with a festive wine bag? Love this one from Minted.
  4. A simple star catch all for all her pretty little things. Love this.
  5. For the chef, truffle salt is always a really special and appreciated gift.
  6. Every year Williams Sonoma comes out with a line of decorated spatulas. This year they even have ones designed by children at St Jude’s hospital. 25% of the proceeds go right back to the hospital. What better gift to give.
  7. Fell in love with these beautifully painted mason jars. How pretty would they look with a little poinsettia? 
  8. And for the cheese lover, which is pretty much everyone am I right? These floral printed cheese knives could not be more cute. Tie it up with a gold ribbon and you are good to go! 

Ho ho ho – happy partying!
C

Slow cooker Italian tortellini soup

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Another week, another soup. Anyone getting tired of them? I so hope not, as I have no intention on stopping. Soup is my jam on cold days and I’m convinced nothing is better than a homemade bowl of soup to warm you up.

This week I bring you a slow cooker Italian tortellini soup. It’s got all the right things: good, basic ingredients that slow cook all day to yield a satisfying yet healthy dinner. In the end you stir in some fresh tortellini and spinach to give it a little more heartiness and brightness. So. Good. 

Get this in your meal rotation this week. I’m writing out the original version for you. I ended up doubling mine for leftovers and to share with friends, although the original version belows makes a really good amount as well. Enjoy!

SLOW COOKER TORTELLINI SOUP
Recipe from ALFS

INGREDIENTS:

olive oil
2 lbs italian sausage (I used chicken)
1 onion, diced
1 zucchini, diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp Italian seasing
salt & pepper
red pepper flakes
1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 14 ounce can diced tomatoes
2 TBS tomato pasta
2 quarts chicken stock
package of fresh tortellini
bag of fresh spinach
parmesan, for topping

DIRECTIONS:

Heat a saute pan on the stove with a little olive oil over medium heat. Add in your sausage, breaking it up as you go. Cook a few minutes until roughly browned and add in the onion and zucchini to soften a bit. Then add in garlic for another minute or so. Season with Italian seasoning, salt & pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Remove from store and pour into slow cooker. Add in all remaining ingredients, up until the tortellini. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4. Near the last half hour or so, add in the tortellini. Five minutes or so before serving, chop up the spinach roughly and stir in. Serve in deep bowls topped with lots of fresh parmesan. Enjoy!

C’s picks – week of November 12th

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Another Sunday is upon us. And a chilly one at that! I hope you have had some cozy time in with friends and family and of course, good food. Spending a few moments this morning to go over this week’s menu plan. Always makes Monday that much easier. (Especially when on Monday I have to report to jury duty). Let’s do this!

Sunday sounds like a great day to get a soup going on the stove, while wearing pajamas of course. Have had my eye on this chicken, white bean, and kale soup. So healthy! 

Monday night the big boys are out which means I can eat whatever I want, yippee! Totally going to devour a salmon power bowl. Talk about healthy.

Tuesday night let’s get a little Mexican in our life. These baked creamy chicken taquitos are so ridiciously good. (Wow, that photo needs a serious update). Serve them up with a salad mixed with a cilantro lime dressing and you’ve got yourself a dinner.

I am off to see Jen Hatmaker (omg omg omg) Wednesday night with some friends so I will be getting some Italian sausages and peppers in the slow cooker earlier in the day because heaven forbid the boys have to fed for themselves. Ha. I am convinced Jen Hatmaker is my soulmate. In her latest book she admitted to stalking a referee in her son’s football game, like actually waiting by his car after the game. I die. (Not that I have done this………(ish)). 

Tomato, chicken, and spinach spaghetti? Yes please for a Thursday night!

And that brings us to Friday, ahhhhh. I have an amazing girls night in planned for my dear friend who is adopting her FOURTH baby! I KNOW! I can’t wait to be together with her closest friends to celebrate. 

That’s a wrap – happy cooking!
C

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