Surprise! I didn’t think there would be wireless internet where we are staying – but there is! In fact, this place is pretty sweet. Especially the kitchen. More on that later.

“This place” that I am referring to is in a little town called Glorieta, New Mexico. It belongs to the church that my uncle works at – and is made to accommodate large groups of people for retreats and such – but my family of 18 is really enjoying the space.

There has been a lot of this…

Puzzle working and football watching.

And take a look at this kitchen…

Cousins, sister-in-law, aunt, and nice (on the shoulders in the background)

The kitchen has five ovens, three stoves, two refrigerators, two dishwashers, and endless cabinet space, pots, pans and utensils. A foodie’s dream.

I started this morning out with the shred while my family was watching and cousins were mocking. But, it felt good to be moving after the long car ride yesterday. Then I sat down to a hilariously small breakfast.

My daddy’s homemade bread with jam.

My aunt stuck her hand in here to show how small it really was.

Peanuts and a fudge baby. I didn’t feel hungry at all…I think my stomach was subconsciously saving up for the meal that was to come.

After nibbling like a mouse for breakfast, I started on my sweet potato dish.

I enlisted my dad’s help to thinly slice the ‘taters, then layered them in a pan with goat cheese and parmesan cheese.

This is pre-cooking.

I also took a big risk and tried out a new recipe for roasted Brussels sprouts.

I soaked them to get the dirt off.

Then chopped and drizzled with evoo and balsamic vinegar.

And then roasted them for about 30 minutes at 400* before adding toasted almonds and parmesan cheese. Delish. The family responded fairly well – they all told me they were “good” – but honestly, they weren’t the best things ever. I liked them too, but I probably wouldn’t make the recipe again.

I also took lots of “action in the kitchen shots”

My mom, brother and nephew…and a lot of other cooks in the background.

A local BLUE egg.

Mom, niece and Meeker, creating a beautiful salad…

My sister-in-law plating her ah-maze-ing fudge creations.

From the outside in: white chocolate cinnamon, chocolate peanut butter and pumpkin spice fudge. They are all my favorites.

After a glorious few hours in the kitchen, cooking and laughing with my family, it was time to feast!

A table for 18

The spread…

My thirteen year old cousin’s nutritious plate…

The family starting to chow…

My plate…

Classy Styrofoam cups with my name. (My family calls me “Kate”)

I ate most of this, then went for a smaller dessert sampler.

Pretzel pudding, chocolate cake, bread pudding, and some fudge. A bite of each.

And some coffee to wash it all down.

Then the family went for an hour long walk to digest and chat. I’m so thankful my family likes moving as much as I do.

After tackling the dishes (not a small task), I was hungry again.

My second plate…

Stuffing, cranberry relish and Brussels sprouts.

Now it’s off to do more football watching (go Broncos!) and I think a new puzzle (the 3rd in two days) was just put out on a table.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

Pin It!