I'm Annette!

A Fun, Day after Thanksgiving, Visit to the National Air and Space Museum

Posted on December 1, 2016 by oltimetv

December 1, 2016

A Fun, Day after Thanksgiving, Visit to the National Air and Space Museum

Up close ~~and personal~~ with “Neil Armstrong’s space suit”.

Have you seen the Christmas comedy Jingle All the Way (1996)? Dad and husband
Howard Langston (Arnold Schwarzenegger) spends the entire movie in a humorous and constant state of chaos, all in an effort to buy the perfect Christmas gift for his son.

Although, my December to-do list is long, as I am sure yours is, I am determined not to become like harried Howard Langston, and, instead, enjoy the Christmas season. So,
on this first day of December, I will take a moment to chat with you. :o)

Funny Christmas film, Jingle All the Way

The Smithsonian Institution, National Air and Space Museum

Following a day of enjoyable Thanksgiving festivities that included extended family visiting from Ohio, we made the hour+ trek to Virginia to see the Smithsonian’s
National Air and Space Museum. Please join me on a photo tour of some of the highlights of our fun visit.

Thanks to this entrance, we knew that we had found the right place. :o)

Entering the museum, there was aircraft displayed in every direction of the large
two hangar area.

Having a Hollywood connection, this plane, The Excalibur III, peaked my interest. :o) Captain Charles Blair, in his Excalibur III, made the first solo flight across the Arctic in 1951. Blair was married to Irish-born actress Maureen O’Hara from 1968 until his death
in 1978.
To read more about Captain Charles Blair, read here, here, and here.

Seeing the Enola Gay, the plane responsible for dropping the first atomic bomb (in 1945/ WWII) on Hiroshima, Japan was sobering.

I loved the classic lines of this beautifully shining Boeing 307 Stratoliner
“Clipper Flying Cloud”.

The concept of this 1950’s Hiller Flying Platform was intriguing.
Unfortunately, the idea was not feasible, and the idea was dropped.

I found myself daydreaming about what a flight on the Concord must have been like.
Flying from 1976-2003, it had a top speed over twice the speed of sound.

I loved seeing this model used for the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977).
Read more about this display, here.

I remembered seeing this Mobile Quarantine Facility (MQF) on TV when the astronauts returned from their moon flights. It isolated astronauts in the event that they had contracted some contagious disease on the moon.

Check out this 2007 R2D2 Star Wars mailbox!
Commemorating the movie, it was one of 400 used throughout the country.

One of my favorite pieces in the museum was this kitchy space capsule pay phone booth from the late 1960’s. It was once in use at Kennedy Space Center in
Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Any other Disney fans see a “Hidden Mickey” in this Apollo 11 capsule? :o)

The Space Shuttle Discovery was the star of the museum, and with our group. :o)

You can read more about the National Air and Space Museum, here.

Got Turkey Leftovers?

Do you need a tasty recipe to finish up that Thanksgiving turkey now stowed in your freezer? Look no further than my tried and true turkey casserole. It has become a tradition in my family to make this casserole the week after Thanksgiving. French’s Crispy Fried Onions, added at the very end, give this recipe added flavor.

French’s Crispy Fried Onions, added at the very end, give this turkey casserole recipe added flavor.

Annette’s Turkey Casserole

Ingredients
12 ounce package egg noodles, cooked
1 can Campbell’s cream of chicken soup
2/3 cups evaporated milk
1+1/2 cup Velveeta cheese, grated
12 ounce frozen peas, cooked (optional, but suggested)
2 cups diced, cooked turkey (chicken may also be used)
PAM for greasing dish
French’s Crispy Fried Onions

Directions
Preheat oven at 350 degrees.

Combine cooked noodles, soup, evaporated milk, cheese, cooked peas, and cooked turkey in a large bowl.

Pour into greased glass dish. I use a 2.75 quart, as pictured above.

Place in oven for about 25 minutes, or until hot.

Top with French Fried Onions (you determine the amount), and heat in oven for another
5 minutes.

Enjoy!

Thanks for reading,
Annette

Here is a list of past Christmas blogs to peruse at your leisure, filled with movie suggestions and recipes. Click on the blog titles below.

Counting the Days till Christmas
Christmas in Black and White
Procrastination and Merry Christmas

Why not grab a cup of tea/coffee and take a few minutes for yourself, to enjoy these and more past blogs and photos? Click here, or go to imannette.net.

I usually post every other Thursday. Think of Thursday as I’m Annette days. :o)
I plan to post next on December 22.

Thank you, to my faithful blog followers!!!
It is your encouragement that keeps me writing! :o)
I always love to read your positive comments, and enjoy hearing from you!
You can now use the form at the bottom of this post for you kind comments.

To become an “I’m Annette” blog follower,
and receive email, FREE, immediately upon my postings,
sign up today, on the right-hand side of this page, or click here.

While at the museum, I saw several little guys sporting this orange attire.
When leaving, I discovered that this astronaut suit is sold in the museum gift shop,
even in adult sizes! :o)
You can get your own, here.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Annette's Turkey Casserole, Apollo 11 capsule, Captain Charles Blair, children's astronaut suit, Clipper Flying Cloud, Close Encounters of the Third Kind model, Concord, Enola Gay, Hidden Mickey, Hiller Flying Platform, Jingle All the Way, Maureen O'Hara, Mobile Quarantine Facility, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian, Space Capsule pay phone, Space Shuttle Discovery, Star Wars mailbox, The Excalibur III, Turkey Leftovers | 10 Comments

Pumpkin Pie From Scratch, You Say?!

Posted on November 17, 2016 by oltimetv

November 17, 2016

Pumpkin Pie From Scratch, You Say?!

I suppose I will die never knowing what pumpkin pie tastes like when you have room for it.
Robert Breault, author

Today I am here to “talk turkey” about making a pumpkin pie from scratch, as promised in my October 20th post. (You can read that post here). Pumpkin pie is the dessert star of the Thanksgiving feast. It is also a favorite of my husband. A few years ago, on a whim, I prepared a Thanksgiving pumpkin pie from scratch. I have been baking my pumpkin pies from scratch ever since. Pumpkin pie from scratch, you say?! Now, before you click the exit button on your computer, shaking your head in disbelief, bear with me. Cooking a pumpkin is really quite easy! Honest! And the end result is well worth it! Let me show you how!

My “pumpkin pie” pumpkin adorns my entryway table before being cooked.

The cute “BE THANKFUL” printable with a modern flair, (framed above),
came from creative bloggers Alice & Louis. Find their link, here.
You can find this printable, and several other Thanksgiving printables
by this talented duo, here.

Cooking a Pumpkin

Wash off the pumpkin and remove the stem.

Slice the pumpkin in half vertically. This may take a little muscle! :o)

Remove seeds and fiber.
(My friend Suzanne recommended using this tool
used for making jack-o-lanterns.
Thanks Suzanne, it works great!)

Place pumpkin, in a baking dish with the cut side facing up.
Pour water, about 1/2 inch deep, into dish around pumpkin.

Cover (if no lid, use foil) and bake until tender/until fork pierces easily, about 1 hour.

Cool slightly.
Peel shell, or scoop pumpkin from shell.

Mash pumpkin until smooth and no lumps remain.

I usually store the pumpkin pie filling in the refrigerator,covering once cool,
and bake the pie the following day .

My Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Pumpkin Pie Filling from Scratch

Ingredients:

1 small cooking pumpkin (About 4 lbs.)

Water

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Wash off the pumpkin and remove the stem.

Cut pumpkin into halves, vertically.

Remove the pumpkin’s seeds and fiber.

Place pumpkin, in a baking dish with the cut sides facing up.

Pour water, about 1/2 inch deep, into dish around pumpkin.

Cover (if no lid, use foil) and bake until tender/until fork pierces easily, about 1 hour.

Cool slightly.

Peel shell, or scoop pumpkin from shell.

Mash pumpkin until smooth and no lumps remain.

This makes about 4 cups of mashed cooked pumpkin.
(I usually have enough for two pumpkin pies.)

I usually store the pumpkin pie filling in the refrigerator, covering once cool,
and bake the pie the following day, .

Note: 1 pound pared fresh pumpkin yields about 1 cup mashed cooked pumpkin.

Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients

1+1/4-1+1/2 cooked pumpkin(
(Canned pumpkin can be used, if desired)

¾ cup sugar

¼ teaspoon or less salt

Scant 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3 slightly beaten eggs

1+1/4-cup milk, (whole milk works best, but skim may be used)

1-6 oz can evaporated milk (2/3 cup)

1 -9 inch unbaked pie crust

Whipping cream

Directions:

Combine pumpkin, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. (I use a hand disc blender.)

Blend in eggs, milk, and evaporated milk.

Pour into pastry shell, having edges crimped high due to amount of filling.
(Note-This recipe usually makes enough for one pie, plus one greased ramekin of baked pumpkin pie filling.)

Bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes.

Leaving the pie in the oven, turn the temperature down to 350 degree, and
continue baking for an additional 40-50 minutes.
Bake until knife inserted halfway between center and edge comes out clean.

Cool.

Serve with whipping cream.

To Store-Refrigerate cooled homemade pumpkin pie,
(not allowing pumpkin pie to sit at room temperature for more than two hours),
covering pie loosely using aluminum foil, or plastic wrap.
Pumpkin pie will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

For more information on refrigerating pumpkin pie, click here.

My fun pumpkin pie-themed tea towel comes out of storage each Thanksgiving. :o)

My Thanksgiving Menu

To view my Thanksgiving menu, click here.

More of My Thanksgiving Recipes

Hot Apple Cider, click here.

Cranberries from scratch, click here.

Morning Monkey Bread, click here.

Peanut Clusters, click here.

Pumpkin Cake, click here.

Thanksgiving Eve/Christmas Eve Stew, click here.

Thanksgiving Morning/Christmas Morning Bacon and Eggs Casserole, click here.

Thanksgiving Trash, click here

Turkey Cookies, click here.

Thanksgiving Movies and TV Shows to Enjoy

For a list of my favorite Thanksgiving movies and TV shows, click here.

Pumpkin Pie and the First Thanksgiving

My pilgrim couple presides over my kitchen table this Thanksgiving.

Just in case you were wondering, pumpkin pie was NOT served at the First Thanksgiving. According to History.com, although the Pilgrims and Native Americans had a variety of pumpkins and squashes available to them, they would not have had butter, or flour, to make pie crusts, nor ovens to bake pie in. Also, there were no mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, or turkey dressing at that First Thanksgiving, and probably no turkey. :o(

For more interesting facts about The First Thanksgiving’s menu, click here and here.

Enjoy These Free Thanksgiving Printables

What is your favorite dish at the Thanksgiving Table: the turkey, the turkey dressing,
the mashed potatoes, the pumpkin pie? My own personal favorite is the turkey dressing*. YUM! In honor of this feast of Thanksgiving, I have made a fun printable to frame, or put on the fridge during the Thanksgiving festivities. Just copy, paste, and print.

( *Dressing is called stuffing in some parts of the U.S. You can delve into the dressing versus stuffing debate here.)

I would love to hear about your favorite part of the Thanksgiving meal, and your Thanksgiving traditions! Please, share them in the comments section below.

Prefer a humorous printable inspired by the classic Thanksgiving TV episode of
WKRP in Cincinnati? Click here.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanks for reading,
Annette

Grab a cup of tea/coffee and take a few minutes for yourself, and view my past blogs and photos by clicking here, or go to imannette.net.

Normally, I plan (or at least, plan to try) to post every other Thursday.
Think of Thursday as I’m Annette days. :o)
For December, due to the fun and busyness of the season, I plan to post only on December 15th.

Thank you, my faithful blog followers!!!
It is your encouragement that keeps me writing! :o)
I always love to read your positive comments, and enjoy hearing from you!
You can now use the form at the bottom of this post for you kind comments.

To become an “I’m Annette” blog follower,
and receive email, FREE, immediately upon my postings.
Sign up today, on the right-hand side of this page, or click here.

Wishing you and your family a Happy Harvest and Blessed Thanksgiving!

Being brought safe to land, they fell upon their knees and blessed the God of Heaven, who had brought them over the vast and furious Ocean, and delivered them from many perils and miseries.
William Bradford
Referring to when The Pilgrims first reached America.
History of Plymouth Plantation, c. 1650

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Alice & Louis, First Thanksgiving menu, pumpkin pie from scratch, Thanksgiving Menu, Thanksgiving printable, Thanksgiving recipes | 10 Comments

Movies To Vote By

Posted on November 8, 2016 by oltimetv

November 8, 2016

Movies To Vote By

Today is Election Day! While periodically tuning into election results this evening, I will enjoy a movie, or two, that are apropos for the occasion. The difficult part is choosing which ones to watch. :o) Here are a few of my favorite movies for election time.

Election Night calls for a few election-themed films.

Kisses for My President
(1964)

This fun comedy stars Fred MacMurray
and Polly Bergen. Bergen is the first female U.S. president, and Mac Murray plays her husband, who struggles to fit into his role as America’s “First Husband”.

The Farmer’s Daughter
(1947)

Loretta Young is the Farmer’s Daughter in this humorous film about a hard-working Swedish farm girl, turned maid, for a bachelor congressman (Joseph Cotten) and his mother.

Dave
(1993)
PG-13

Kevin Kline stars in this fun movie as a temp agency owner Dave, who is a dead ringer for the president (also played by Kline) of the United States. When the president is taken ill, Dave is asked to substitute.

My Fellow Americans
(1996)
PG-13

Jack Lemmon and James Garner star in this comedy about two former presidents, that despite being political enemies, must team up, staying one step ahead of a team of assassins.

Meet Me in St. Louis
(1944)

Judy Garland’s classic musical is my sentimental entry into this category. It was on election night in the 1970’s, on PBS, that I first saw this film. I became an instant fan!

Cook book

I love cookbooks. Although, I have pared down my cookbook collection significantly over the past couple of years, this one is a keeper. This souvenir purchased on a visit to
Washington D.C. years ago, it not only supplies one cookie recipe per president, but it has interesting historical stories to match. The George Bush Cookie, with a bit of tweaking on my part, has become a favorite of mine. I include my recipe below. ( I will add a photo soon.)

Recipe

Texas Governor’s Mansion Cowboy Cookies
Makes a lot!

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon baking soda
Dash ground cinnamon (optional)
Dash teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups (3 sticks) butter, at room temperature
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 ½ cups packed light-brown sugar
3 eggs
1/2-1 tablespoon vanilla
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (I like Ghirardelli 60 % cocoa)
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
2 cups usweetened flake coconut (optional)
1 cups chopped pecans (8 ounces)

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a very large bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth and creamy.

Gradually beat in sugars, and combine for 2 minutes.

Add eggs one at a time, beating after each.

Beat in vanilla.

Stir in flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt until just combined.

Stir in chocolate chips, oats, coconut and pecans.

For each cookie, drop 1/4 cup dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing 3 inches apart. (I use a cookie scoop.)

Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, until edges are lightly browned; rotate sheets halfway through.

Remove cookies from rack to cool.

Enjoy!

Happy Election Day!
Thanks for reading,

Annette

If you wish to grab a cup of tea/coffee and take a few minutes to view my past blogs and photos, click here, or go to imannette.net.

I plan (or at least, plan to try) to post every other Thursday.
Think of Thursday as I’m Annette days. :o)
Look for my next post on November 17.

Thank you my faithful blog followers!!!
It truly is your encouragement that keeps me writing! :o)
I always love your positive comments, and enjoy hearing from you!
You can now use the form at the bottom of this post for you kind comments.

To become an “I’m Annette” blog follower,
and receive email, FREE, immediately upon my postings.
Sign up today, on the right-hand side of this page, or click here.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged bev young, dave, election day, George Bush cookie recipe, kisses for my president, meet me in st louis, Movies to Vote by, presidential cookies cookbook, Texas Governor's Mansion Cowboy Cookies, the farmer's daughter | 6 Comments

A Halloween Movie/TV Show Checklist

Posted on October 25, 2016 by oltimetv

October 25, 2016

A Halloween Movie/TV Show Checklist

I do my best “Samantha”(Bewitched) imitation, getting ready for Halloween in 2014.

Don’t you love watching the movies of the season? My family and I have certain movies that we watch each year during each season. Below is my not-so-scary checklist for my favorite Halloween movies and tv shows. I hope that in-between your World Series watching, that you will find the time to squeeze in a few of these fun Halloween flicks. Print off this checklist of Halloween film fun. Enjoy!

Halloween movie checklist.

Click here for film details and for even more fun Halloween films.

On a World Series Note-Go Cleveland Indians!!!!

Thanks for reading!

Annette

Note-Due to a technical error (more accurately, mine), most of the photos from past blog posts were accidently deleted awhile back. I have been slowly working to replace them, and most are now back in place. If you wish to grab a cup of tea/coffee and take a few minutes to view my past blogs and photos, click here, or go to imannette.net.

In an effort to establish a more reliable blog posting schedule, I plan (or at least, plan to try) to post every other Thursday. Think of Thursday as I’m Annette days. :o)
Look for my next post on November 10.

To become an “I’m Annette” blog follower,
and receive “I’m Annette holloween-movie-checklist holloween-movie-checklist”via email, FREE, immediately upon my postings.
Sign up today, on the right-hand side of this page, or click here.

Kali and I wish you a Happy and Safe Halloween!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Halloween Movie Checklist printable, Halloween Movie/TV Show Checklist | 9 Comments

Autumn in October: Young Frankenstein, a Not-So-Scary Halloween, and Pumpkin Cake…

Posted on October 20, 2016 by oltimetv

October 20, 2016

Autumn in October:
Young Frankenstein, a Not-So-Scary Halloween,
and Pumpkin Cake…
My daughter and I enjoy Disney’s non-frightening approach to Halloween with
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party!

Autumn in October

Leaves

The beauteous colors of the season are all around. As trees turn autumn’s vivid jewel tones, and temperatures begin to cool, fall pulls us in, wrapping its cozy arms around us.

I spotted these colorful scenes on my neighbor walk this week.

Version 2 I still love making wax paper leaf crafts each fall.

Young Frankenstein and Other Not-Too-Scary Halloween Shows

I have a few movies and shows that are on my “must watch” list each year in October.
(I love my DVDs!) Among my favorites is Young Frankenstein (1974).Having seen this now classic film (while in high school), when it was first released, it still makes me giggle. So when I heard that there would be a one-time showing this October 5th in select theaters, I was in! Introduced by Mel Brooks, this large screen showing did not disappoint!

Screen Shot 2016-10-20 at 8.20.40 PM.png
Young Frankenstein was shown in select theaters on October 5th.

Young Frankenstein trivia entertained the audience prior to the movie.

Young Frankenstein is a true comedy classic.
Seeing it on the big screen again was a real treat.

A few other of my “must watch” Halloween programs are shown above.
To see a my complete Halloween Watch List click, here.

A Not-So-Scary Halloween, like Disney

Mickey Mouse is just not scary.:o) I have had the pleasure of seeing, first hand, how Disney celebrates Halloween with their Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. I was impressed at how Disney embraced the fun of the holiday, while keeping the fear factor at bay.

Disney’s Halloween decorations are happy and often mouse-shaped.

Among the fun activities is the colorful and light-filled Boo to You Halloween Parade.

Even the Disney hotel “ghosts” are friendly.

This year I purchased online (DisneyStore.com) this cute light up
Mickey Mouse Trick or Treat Bucket, allowing me to have a little bit of
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at home.

Treats not Tricks

Brownie Pumpkins!

Part of the fun of Halloween is the availability of holiday-themed treats in the stores.
Aren’t these pumpkin-shaped brownies by Little Debbie cute? They taste yummy, too!

Little Debbie’s Pumpkin Brownies are a fun Halloween treat.

Annette’s Pumpkin Cake

This time of year there is a cornucopia of pumpkin-flavored options available to purchase. To be honest, I am usually not a big pumpkin fan, or I should say not a big fan of all the various pumpkin spices. ( I do make Thanksgiving pumpkin pie from scratch, though, with a real pumpkin. Look for my recipe next month.) Over the years I have tweaked the following pumpkin cake recipe to my liking, and autumn begs me to bake it each year. This dense, moist, but not overly spiced, not overly sweet cake is perfect with a large cup of hot tea.

Gather up the items needed for this yummy pumpkin cake.
October 2019

My pumpkin cake just put in the oven to bake.
October 2019

Pumpkin Cake fresh out of the oven.
October 2016

Recipe

Annette’s Pumpkin Cake

Ingredients

PAM to grease pan

4 eggs

2 cups sugar
1+1/4 cup wesson vegetable oil

1 -15 oz. can of pumpkin

2 cups flour

2 teaspoon baking soda

scant 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Dash of salt

Whipped Cream, or Cool Whip

Directions
Preheat oven at 350 degrees.

Grease (I use PAM), 13 x 9 pan. (I use glass.)

In mixer, beat eggs well.
Add sugar, and then oil. Mix.
Add pumpkin.
Add dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt)
Beat all together, just until mixed.

Pour into greased 13 x 9 pan.

Bake on center rack in preheated 350 degrees oven for 30-40 minutes,
or until toothpick comes out clean when stuck into middle of cake.

Serve warm, or cool, with Whipped Cream, or Cool Whip.

Enjoy!

This Pumpkin Cake recipe takes one 15-ounce can of pumpkin.

For my previous post with my hot cider recipe, click here.
For my previous post with my caramel corn recipe, click here

**Free FALL Printable**

I love free printables for my “printable frame” in our entry hallway.
I change out the printable in my frame frequently; a simple way to change the look.
Recently, I was inspired by a Pinterest post for crafting a wooden sign,
and created this printable for you to use.
Click on the blue link below the FALL sign to copy and print.
I would love to hear how you use my printable in your home decor!

Check out my Pinterest boards, here.

I change out my “printable frame” often in my hall entryway.

Screen Shot 2016-10-20 at 12.51.51 PM.png fall-printable

Thanks for reading!

Annette

To become an “I’m Annette” blog follower,
and receive “I’m Annette”via email, FREE, immediately upon my postings.
Sign up today, on the right-hand side of this page, or click here.

photo – Version 2 Happy Autumn!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Disney Halloween, FALL free printable, Mickey's not so scary Halloween Party, not too scary halloween, pumpkin cake recipe, wax paper leaf craft, Young Frankenstein | 14 Comments

Disney is Always a Good Idea!

Posted on October 12, 2016 by oltimetv

October 12, 2016

Disney is Always a Good Idea!

I always enjoy a visit to the Disney parks!

To paraphrase Audrey Hepburn’s “Paris is always a good idea.” I have made this fun printable Disney is always a good idea for you to frame, hang, or magnet. Click on the link below to print it . Enjoy!

https://imannette.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/disney-is-always-a-good-idea.pdf

To read my Disney blog from last week, please click here.

Thanks for reading!

Annette

Note-Due to a technical error (more accurately, mine), most of the photos from past blog posts were accidently deleted awhile back. I have been slowly working to replace them, and most are now back in place. If you wish to view my past blogs and photos,
click here, or go to imannette.net.

In an effort to establish a more reliable blog posting schedule, I plan (or at least, plan to try) to post every other Wednesday. Think of Wednesday as I’m Annette days. :o)
Look for my next post on October 19.

Thank you to my faithful blog followers!!!
It is your encouragement that keeps me writing! :o)
I love your positive comments, and enjoy hearing from you!

To become an “I’m Annette” blog follower,
and receive “I’m Annette”via email, FREE, immediately upon my postings.
Sign up today, on the right-hand side of this page, or click here.

mommickey

I pose in front of Annette’s at Disneyland Paris is 2013.

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

This Foodies Fun Foto/Photo Tour from Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival

Posted on October 6, 2016 by oltimetv

October 5, 2016

This Foodies Fun ~~Foto~~ Photo Tour from Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival I am happy to be at Walt Disney World’s Food & Wine Festival

Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival embodies two of my favorite things: Disney and Food! What a pleasure to stroll “around the world” in Epcot, while sampling authentic global cuisine. Everything I ate was yummy! I share with you, photos of my gastronomical journey. Beware, you may experience hunger pangs while viewing this “foodie photo album”!

img_5697-1 Adorned as chefs, Disney’s The Jammitors welcome visitors to
Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival, making rhythm with trash cans .

Armed with Food & Wine Festival Center goodies,
I am ready to taste my way through the world.

Ghirardelli Drinking Chocolate
The menu proclaims, “It’s like a liquid Candy Bar”!
At The Chocolate Experience: from the Bean to the Bar

Taco de Camaron
My favorite non-dessert of this Food & Wine Festival!
Mexico

Chicken Pot Stickers
China

Schinkennudelin (top)
Roast Bratwurst in a hard roll (middle)
Werther’s Carmel Popcorn, available all year (bottom)
Germany

Cannoli al Cioccolato
Italy

New England Lobster Roll
America

In France, I decided to bypass the offerings at the Food & Wine stands, instead dining at Chefs De France, followed by treats from Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie, the French bakery.

Chefs De France

The restaurant’s decor had the feel of a cozy Paris restaurant.

Love my Perrier!

Soupe à Poignon Gratinée (French Onion Soup)

Poulet fermier à la Layonnaise, pomme puree (Lyon-style roasted chicken)

img_3239-1 Cygne au chocolat (Swan cream puff filled with chocolate mousse)

img_3240-1 Meringue aux fruits rouges (Meringue Basket with fresh Berries)

Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie

img_3104-1 The bakery was filled with an array of beautiful pastries to chose from.

The Macarons not only came in various tasty flavors, but were colorful, too.

img_3106-1 Duo au Chocolat (White and Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake)
My favorite dessert of this Food & Wine Festival! Yum-o!!!

I bought one to take back to the hotel to devour later,
but the dessert did not fare well in the Florida heat

Seafood Fisherman’s Pie
Ireland

Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup served with a Pretzel Roll (top)
“Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle-Butter Sauce (bottom)

Pineapple Dole Whip Soft-Serve Ice Cream is always a delicious Disney classic!
Refreshment Port near the Islands of the Caribbean

Grilled Sweet and Spicy Bush Berry Shrimp with Pineapple, Pepper, Onion,
and Snap Peas
Australia

Not exclusive to the the Food & Wine Festival, Club Cool is a permanent attraction offering free samples of soft drinks around the world, always perfect for a hot day.

Also, not exclusive to the the Food & Wine Festival, but new to me,
was this Buffalo Bleu Cheese Popcorn. It was”the bomb”!
Available at the popcorn cart across from Epcot’s Journey into Imagination .

It was a fun and delicious visit to the Food & Wine Festival!

To read about another of my food & wine journeys, click here.

Thanks for reading!
Annette

Note-Due to a technical error (more accurately, mine), most of the photos from past blog posts were accidently deleted awhile back. I have been slowly working to replace them, and most are now back in place. If you wish to view my past blogs and photos,
click here, or go to imannette.net.

Thank you to my faithful blog followers!!!
It is your encouragement that keeps me writing! :o)
I love your positive comments, and enjoy hearing from you!

To become an “I’m Annette” blog follower,
and receive “I’m Annette”via email, FREE, immediately upon my postings.
Sign up today, on the right-hand side of this page, or click here.

I headed home happy with my Disney cookbook souvenirs.

Posted in Uncategorized | 8 Comments

Quick Apple Dumplings, revised

Posted on September 23, 2016 by oltimetv

Quick Apple Dumplings

Ingredients

1 and 1/2 cups sugar
2 cups water
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup butter

2/3 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 -15 ounce packages of refrigerated pie crusts
(read package directions for removing the dough from the refrigerator for handling)
8 medium apples (Granny Smith), peeled and cored
(I used our old apple peeler that also slices while it peels and cores.)
3 Tablespoons butter

Vanilla ice cream-recommended

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Syrup
Bring 1 and 1/2 cups sugar, 2 cups water, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
to boil in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly;
reduce heat and simmer stirring occasionally for 10 minutes.
Remove from heat, stirring in 1/4 cup butter.

Apples
Combine 2/3 cup sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon.
Cut pie crusts in half.
Form dough into an 8-inch circles by pressing with fingers.
Place one apple in center of each circle.
Sprinkle evenly with sugar mixture.
Dot evenly with 3 Tablespoons of butter.

Fold dough over apples, pinching to seal.
Place in lightly greased (or use PAM) 13 x 9 baking dish.
Drizzle with syrup.

Bake at 375 degrees for 40-45 minutes.

Serve with vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Enjoy!

Our old apple peeler that prepared our apples for dumpling readiness.

Dumplings ready for the oven.

Dumplings fresh out of the oven.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Quick Apple Dumplings recipe | Leave a comment

Hello, First Day of Autumn!

Posted on September 21, 2016 by oltimetv

September 21, 2016

Hello, First Day of Autumn!

Version 3

What is your favorite season? Mine is unequivocally autumn, and tomorrow,
September 22, is the first day of autumn! I adore the glorious array of warm colors,
as this season wraps itself around me in its cozy hominess. (Hominess IS a word! I looked it up!:o))
Allow me to share a few of my autumn photos, taken near my Maryland home over the years, below.

Autumn in Maryland

2012-10-24-13-28-03 dscf0069 dscf0060 2012-10-24-13-27-21 To view colorful autumn photos from an earlier post, please click here.

Apple Picking =Apple Dumplings

Autumn means apple picking time in this part of the country. With a bounty of apples available this time of year, apple treat ideas abound. My daughter-in-law introduced me to her favorite apple dumpling recipe several years ago. I revised it just a bit, and share it with you, below. The cinnamon flavored syrup makes this recipe stand out!

2012-09-16-12-40-45 Apple picking at Larriland with my youngest son.
September 2012.

For Larriland’s yummy apple cider recipe, click here.

Quick Apple Dumplings

Ingredients

1 and 1/2 cups sugar
2 cups water
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup butter

Vanilla ice cream-recommended

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Fold dough over apples, pinching to seal.
Place in lightly greased (or use PAM) 13 x 9 baking dish.
Drizzle with syrup.

Bake at 375 degrees for 40-45 minutes.

Serve with vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Enjoy!

Our old apple peeler that prepared our apples for dumpling readiness.

Dumplings ready for the oven.

Dumplings fresh out of the oven.

Thanks for reading!
Annette

Note-Due to a technical error (more accurately, mine), most of the photos from past blog posts were accidently deleted awhile back. I have been slowly working to replace them, and most are now back in place. If you wish to view my past blogs and photos,
click here, or go to imannette.net.

Thank you to all of my blog followers!!!
I appreciate you!!!
It is your encouragement that keeps me writing! :o)
I love your positive comments, and enjoy hearing from you!

To become an “I’m Annette” blog follower, and receive “I’m Annette”via email,
FREE, immediately upon my postings.
Sign up today, on the right-hand side of this page, or click here.

Version 2 Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.-Emily Bronte

Posted in Uncategorized | 6 Comments

Bon Appetit !

Posted on September 7, 2016 by oltimetv

September 7, 2016

Bon Appetit!

Enjoying my little piece of France at Petit Louis Bistro, in my own neighborhood.
September 2, 2016

Date– social or romantic appointment or engagement
as defined by Oxford Dictionaries here.

Our house, when our four kiddies were younger, was one happy, busy, noisy place! Just thinking of that time brings a smile to this mom’s face. :o) Now with our youngest taking his last semester of college, things are a bit quieter. With more time available, Dale and I have incorporated a weekly date night. Most times it is nothing fancy, just a nice quiet meal out and some uninterupted conversation. This week, on a whim, Dale and I decided to try something different…

Our four fun kiddies in a light-hearted photo.
1999?

Petit Louis Bistro

The weather was beautiful. We wanted to dine outside, and we wanted somewhere different from the norm. We chose Petit Louis Bistro on Lake Kittamaqundi.
Seated on the patio, we eyed the varied French menu while being served by an attentive and entertaining waiter who hailed from Martinique! It was a leisurely meal,
an event really, an experience where patrons are encouraged to relax in an unhurried environment, and enjoy the gastronomic pleasures that abound here.

You can view the menu here.

TheAppetizers
hors d’œuvre

I enjoyed this delicious SOUPE à L’OIGNON GRATINÉE /Louis’ Famous Onion Soup.

Dale had this appetizer du jour with various goodies. It was good, too!
Of course, I sampled a little. :o)

The Entree
principaux

The QUICHE LORRAINE Lardon, Comté, Salade Verte was wonderful.
The quiche was light and fluffy.

Dale chose the OMELETTE du JOUR with ratatouille filling.
He was very happy with his choice!
It was good. I sampled this, too!

The Dessert
desserts

The Piece de Resistance (the best part of all) was this MOUSSE au CHOCOLAT Valrhona/ Chocolate Mousse, Espresso, Grand Marnier, Chantilly Cream.
This mousse was the best that I have EVER had!
The orange flavor of the Grand Marnier was the perfect compliment.

Yes, I also snuck a small bite of Dale’s CRÈME BRÛLÉE TahitianVanilla,Caramelized Sugar,Chantilly Cream. Yum!

Free Printable

This glorious meal inspired me to create this somewhat whimsical printable, perfect for the refrigerator.
I hope that you enjoy it.

Bon Appetit (Good Appetite)!

screen-shot-2016-09-06-at-8-53-34-pm

Click on this to get your copy.
bon-appetit

Do you have a planned night out each week with a spouse, family, or friends? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

Thanks for reading!
Annette

Note-Due to a technical error (more accurately, mine), most of the photos from past blog posts were accidently deleted awhile back. I have been slowly working to replace them, and most are now back in place. If you wish to view my past blogs and photos,
click here, or go to imannette.net.

In an effort to establish a more reliable blog posting schedule, I plan to post every other Wednesday. Think of Wednesday as I’m Annette days. :o)
Look for my next post on September 21.

Thank you to all of my blog followers!!!
I appreciate you!!!
It is your encouragement that keeps me writing! :o)
I love your positive comments, and enjoy hearing from you!

To become an “I’m Annette” blog follower, and receive “I’m Annette”via email,
FREE, immediately upon my postings.
Sign up today, on the right-hand side of this page, or click here.

We departed Petit Louis Bistro, after enjoying an unhurried dinner of almost two hours. :o)
Columbia on the Lake, Maryland

“People who love to eat are always the best people.”
Julia Child

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged bon appétit free printable, Bon Appetit, date night, Petit Louis Bistro | 2 Comments

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I'm Annette!

A Fun, Day after Thanksgiving, Visit to the National Air and Space Museum

Pumpkin Pie From Scratch, You Say?!

A Halloween Movie/TV Show Checklist

Autumn in October: Young Frankenstein, a Not-So-Scary Halloween, and Pumpkin Cake…

Autumn in October:
Young Frankenstein, a Not-So-Scary Halloween,
and Pumpkin Cake…
My daughter and I enjoy Disney’s non-frightening approach to Halloween with
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party!

Autumn in October

Leaves

Young Frankenstein and Other Not-Too-Scary Halloween Shows

A Not-So-Scary Halloween, like Disney

Treats not Tricks

Recipe

Annette’s Pumpkin Cake

**Free FALL Printable**

Disney is Always a Good Idea!

This Foodies Fun Foto/Photo Tour from Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival

Quick Apple Dumplings, revised

Hello, First Day of Autumn!

Bon Appetit !

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Autumn in October: Young Frankenstein, a Not-So-Scary Halloween, and Pumpkin Cake… My daughter and I enjoy Disney’s non-frightening approach to Halloween with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party!

Autumn in October

Leaves

Young Frankenstein and Other Not-Too-Scary Halloween Shows

A Not-So-Scary Halloween, like Disney

Treats not Tricks

Recipe

Annette’s Pumpkin Cake

Free FALL Printable

Share this:

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pinterest

Recent Posts

Archives

Recent Comments

Follow Blog via Email

Categories

Meta

Autumn in October:
Young Frankenstein, a Not-So-Scary Halloween,
and Pumpkin Cake…
My daughter and I enjoy Disney’s non-frightening approach to Halloween with
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party!

**Free FALL Printable**