Chestnut Disaster

It's true - cooking disasters happen to everyone. After literally getting a blister from scoring chestnuts, I popped them in the oven and waited for what I thought would be a nice new holiday tradition. I followed a recipe exactly and experienced the disappointment that a bad recipe can bring. I had never attempted to roast chestnuts before (most Southerners have not) so I thought I would give it a try. How hard could it be?
After just a few minutes, the chestnuts were burned, a few exploded in the oven, and my house smelled awful. After cleaning the oven and opening the windows, I watched even the squirrels pass over the chestnuts that were now scattered in the yard. Nice.

Cooking at Sunrise

My kitchen has been filled with friends and family celebrating the holidays and eating their fill. Morning is my favorite time of day, which means I fired up the oven early each day for holiday cooking.
I hosted a morning party before Christmas for some girlfriends to come over after they dropped off the kids for the last day of school. We sipped on mimosas and relaxed over a breakfast of coffee cake, breakfast souffle, and grits. Every party should be so easy.
Christmas morning brought a new recipe to our family table. I made baked apples that were stuffed with granola and candied ginger. I served them with Greek yogurt and they were truly divine.

Lesson Learned

I learned a lesson over Thanksgiving, and no, it wasn't about turkey. You've heard it before, always pick up a pan as if it's hot. While not thinking, I managed to grab the handle of a cast iron skillet that was at least 350 degrees.
I can easily say it was the worst injury I have had in the kitchen. My right hand was essentially rendered useless for several days and that meant no cooking for me. (Thankfully my family chipped in and made all my recipes beautifully.)
I learned my lesson well - keep an oven mitt close by at all times.