My assignment for Thanksgiving is “dessert” (the menu is a bit further down). There is a company in Southern California that makes the best pies. Better than I can make…so we are picking them up there since we will be celebrating in San Diego.
Julian Pies
YOU can order them frozen online (delicious) but they are already sold out for Thanksgiving so consider buying or sending one as a gift for Christmas.
Yes, I am getting off easily 🙂 I will serve the fruit pies with a premium French Vanilla ice cream (or a slice of good cheddar on the apple pie–like my dad used to like). And, I will make fresh whipped cream for the pumpkin pie.
I’ve made this easy Apple Galette if you are looking for something a little different.
Thanksgiving Menu Planning
Here are Howard’s preliminary Thanksgiving menu/delegation assignments.
Howard made a delicious dinner on Sunday for our friend, Debbie who was making a quick visit from Hawaii. You can see how casually I set the table #reallife when it’s not for a blog post like here. Debbie asked for the recipe which made me think that you may like it, too. It’s great as it’s light as we approach the heavy eating season.
Vietnamese Marinated Flank Steak with Noodles and Fresh Herbs
You tear up the fresh herbs and mix them in…smells great! Howard got the recipe from the New York Times. But in case you don’t have a subscription…
- 1 tbs lime zest
- 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tbs dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup fish sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large jalapeno minced (seeds removed)
- 1 1 1/2 lb flank steak
- 1 small seedless English cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 large bunch of radishes, thinly sliced.
- 4 4 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp vegetable, peanut or olive oil (optional)
- Cooked rice noodles or rice, for serving
- Sesame seeds or crushed roasted peanuts, for serving
- Fresh mint leaves, cilantro and basil for serving
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In a small bowl, combine the fish sauce, lime zest, lime juice, brown sugar, garlic, and jalapeño. Pour 1/2 of the mixture over the flank steak and let marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes (or refrigerate for up to 24 hours). Let meat come to room temperature before cooking if necessary.
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Combine the cucumber, radishes, and scallions. Pour in just enough of the marinade sauce to coat. Save some marinade to serve as a sauce.
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Light the grill or heat the broiler to high. Pat steak dry with paper towels.
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If grilling, cook until done to taste, about 3 minutes per side for rare. If broiling, heat a 10-inch skillet over high heat for 5 minutes. Add oil to the pan and sear the meat for 2 minutes. Flip meat and immediately transfer pan directly to top shelf of the oven and broil for 2 to 3 minutes for rare, or longer for more well-done meat. Transfer steak to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes covered in foil.
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Thinly slice steak and serve over cooked rice noodles or rice if desired, and top with the cucumber salad. Garnish with sesame seeds and plenty of herbs if using and serve with remaining marinade as a sauce.
FYI… I was in Target on Tuesday and this vase is half price in the store.
They had a lot of them but they are sold out online. Or, you could buy this size which is cool, too.
It’s nice…BUT I cannot figure out why this post is getting so many likes on Instagram ?!!
Must be a fluke/algorithm. I really should organize the dishes in there a little better.
Hope you are winding down your week and enjoying a little “me” time when you can.
Take care,
Mary Ann
PS. I would love for you to subscribe to my posts by email.
It’s not a fluke, you’re just a cutie!! I always love your look & style.
That’s so sweet, Angie. But that shirt is at least five or six years old from Banana Republic. I guess it’s good to buy denim. But funny as I take a lot of time with most of my photos and they never get as many likes. You may be seeing more of me on Instagram if my husband will cooperate 🙂
I agree with Gail, the best thing on your delicious sounding menu was Tommy and Howard! Have a lovely holiday.
ps I forgot to post to books to read list and thought you might enjoy Sourdough. It’s set in SF and lives at the intersection of Foodie & Technology. In the end it’s all about the power of love. A great read!
Thank you!! I will read it.
First, you deserve every one of those likes on Instagram because we all love your beauty and style. And I love the dishes in your buffet, casual is good!
Sounds like you’ll have a terrific and delicious Thanksgiving. Are Howard and Tommy really in charge of the whole meal? Boy, that would be a dream come true to have a husband and son who cooks.
We’re going to Pismo Beach with family for the holiday. Only 8 of us but I know we’ll have a wonderful time. 2 years ago we did the same thing at Cindy’s Paso Robles house.
Have a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Yes, and Howard will do the grocery shopping too (all around football on tv). I will be on dish detail but I’m not complaining.
Have a great time with your wonderful, Gail!!
My family had a second home in Julian for 30+ years. Unfortunately, it burned during the Cedar Fire of 2003. Such a devastating los for all of us. I can personally attest to the deliciousness of the Julian Pie Company. Your post made me homesick for Julian, but I just ordered a pie for Christmas. Thank you!
Oh, sorry to hear that about your home in Julian! BUT I know you will enjoy your Christmas dessert 🙂
Thanks for sharing so many sources, but I really like that runner! Can I ask where you got it?
It’s from West Elm a few years ago…so I bet they don’t have it anymore but you could check!
There was a little Vietnamese restaurant near the Holland Tunnel that I used to go to, and I would always order a dish similar to this. The mix of cold, crunchy cucumber with the smooth noodles and the spicy meat was perfect. You’ve brought back a great memory, and now I’m going to make this. Thanks!
Your friend Howard sounds like a gem!
Howard is my friend and husband 🙂 It’s a tasty salad!
Thanks so much for the recipe for the Asian Steak salad…think I will make it this weekend!