PUMPKIN SOUP with CHILI CRAN-APPLE RELISH & CITRUS-MARINATED TURKEY BREAST with MEXICAN CRANBERRIES / JOHNNYCAKE / BRANDIED YAMS / GARLIC GREEN BEANS

BREAKING TRADITION

~ time for simplicity

PUMPKIN SOUP with CHILI CRAN-APPLE RELISH

~ delicious recipe courtesy of Rachael Ray

1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

2 Tbsp. butter

1 fresh bay leaf

2 ribs finely chopped celery with greens

1 medium finely chopped yellow onion

salt and pepper

3 Tbsp. flour

2 tsp. thyme

2 tsp. hot sauce taste

6 cups chicken stock

1 (28-ounce) can cooked pumpkin puree

2 cups heavy cream

1/2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg

Relish:

1 crisp apple

1/4 finely chopped red onion

2 Tbsp. lemon juice

1/2 cup dried chopped cranberries

1 tsp. chili powder

2 tsp. honey

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

In medium soup pot heat oil and butter over medium heat. Add bay leaf, celery and onion. Season veggies with salt and pepper. Cook 6-7 minutes until tender. Add flour, thyme and hot sauce. Cook for a minute. Whisk in chicken stock and bring to bubble. Whisk in pumpkin. Simmer soup 10 minutes to thicken then add cream and nutmeg. Reduce heat to low and keep warm until ready to serve.

(8 first course, 4 entree servings)

While soup cooks, assemble relish. Adjust seasonings in soup and serve in shallow bowls with a few spoonfuls of relish.

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CITRUS~MARINATED TURKEY BREAST

~ delicious 10 year old recipe from Southern Living

1 (6-7 pound) boneless turkey breast

1 cup orange juice

1/4 cup lime juice

1/4 cup olive oil

3 Tbsp. cider vinegar

2 tsp. dried oregano

pinch coarse salt

cracked pepper

Combine orange juice and next 6 ingredients in jar. Shake vigorously. Set 1/2 cup marinade aside. Pour remainder over turkey in sealed plastic bag. Chill at least 8 hours, turning occasionally. Grill over hot coals 18 minutes on each side or until meat thermometer registers 170 degrees, brushing with remainder marinade. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

(8 servings)

Note: To cook in oven, place on rack in roasting pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until thermometer registers 170 degrees, brushing with marinade. Garnish with Mexican Cranberries.

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MEXICAN CRANBERRIES

1 (16-ounce) can whole-berry cranberry sauce

1 (10 1/2-ounce) jar jalapeno pepper jelly

2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro

Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring often, until jelly melts. (2 1/2 cups). Serve with a side of Johnnycake and Brandied Yams.

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JOHNNYCAKE

2 cups flour

5 Tbsp. sugar

6 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. coarse salt

2 cups yellow cornmeal

2 beaten eggs

1/2 cup melted butter

2 cups buttermilk

Preheat oven @ 425 degrees. Grease 10 - inch iron skillet. Sift flour with sugar, baking powder and salt. Add cornmeal, mixing well. In medium bowl, combine egg, melted butter and buttermilk. Add flour mixture, stirring only until moistened. Spoon into iron skillet. Bake 25 minutes or until golden-brown. Cut in wedges and slather with sweet butter.

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BRANDIED YAMS

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5 large sweet potatoes

(organic are best)

1/4 cup sugar

1/3 cup brandy

3 Tbsp butter

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. ginger

1/8 tsp. nutmeg

cracked pepper

1 Tbsp. melted butter

1 Tbsp. grated orange rind

Toasted pecans

Garnish: orange slices and toasted pecans

Cook sweet potatoes until tender, about 45 minutes. Peel and mash. Stir in sugar and next 6 ingredients. Spoon into lightly greased baking dish. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with orange rind. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Garnish with orange rind. (serves 8)

... and DON'T forget the Garlic Green Beans!

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GARLIC GREEN BEANS

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2 pounds fresh green beans

1 cup water

1/4 cup butter

4 cloves minced garlic

pinch salt

cracked pepper

1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley

Wash bean and remove ends. Bring water to boil and add bens. Return to boil, cover and simmer 10 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain. While beans are cooking, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic, stirring constantly (don't scorch garlic or it will become bitter). Add seasonings and beans and cook, stirring for 3 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley.(8 servings)

~This is a great EASY meal for an 'untraditional' holiday or when scampering home after the 'traditional' Family Thankgiving outing ...The DETROIT LION HOME 'TURKEY DAY' GAME!