So, the Marshmallows Caught Fire…
Thanksgiving Day is but a faint memory, as we fast forward into Advent and the season of Christmas.
It was quiet around the Slager home, until the marshmallows caught fire. For the record, our dinner would not make Martha Stewart proud. 
And that’s fine with us.
Our routine goes something like this: I bake two pumpkin pies on Wednesday evening, and we immediately dive into one. I eat a small piece of pie Thanksgiving morning with my breakfast.
Pie is REALLY delicious when you’re not stuffed.
We had a charcoal grilled turkey seasoned with a dry rub, gluten-free and gluten-filled stuffing, mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, sweet potato casserole topped with lightly toasted marshmallows, fresh cranberries and cranberry sauce out of the can.
Mr. Non-Compliant will not eat fresh cranberries, so I have to buy the sauce for him. The trick is cutting it so that the ridges from the can are hidden.
I threw together some gravy made from chicken bone broth at the very last minute.
And about those burnt marshmallows. My helper (who shall remain anonymous and was not Mr. NC) was given instructions to watch them carefully while they were under the broiler.
You can see what happened. (Does this mean we’re leaving a bigger carbon footprint?)
Anyway, I scraped the burnt mess off and we put fresh marshmallows on and tried again. The results were much more acceptable.
At least I didn’t set off the smoke alarm. That usually happens when I make the Christmas brisket. 
Week #22, and baby is the size of a spaghetti squash.
This winter squash is high in fiber and rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Low carb fans like to use this in place of pasta, because the strands resemble spaghetti. Hence, the name.
The easiest way I’ve found to cook one of these: Bake entire squash in 400 degree oven for an hour or more, depending on size. Turn after 30 minutes. Fork to check tenderness. The longer you roast it, the softer the “spaghetti” will be. Allow to cool and cut in half. Remove seeds and scrape out strands with a fork. Top with your choice of seasonings or sauces — such as garlic, parmesan, marinara sauce, meatballs, or veggies. You could also sauté the cooked strands with a bit of oil and your favorite seasonings to serve as a side dish.
This is not one of my favorites, and I’ve tried it various ways. It’s pretty neat though, the way it behaves like spaghetti. If you’ve not tried it, ‘tis the season. You might like it!
Your Special Invitation and My Gift to You
WHAT: The Amazing Cookie Bake with Health Coach Carol
WHERE: ZOOM, so you’re in your own kitchen, and yet we’re together
WHEN: Saturday, December 12, 2020 from 10:00am to 11:30am
HOW: You gather the ingredients you need to make whatever cookie you desire, and we all make cookies
WHY: Creating cookies from scratch is an act of love, and the world could use more love
COST: FREE
This will be similar to those cookie exchanges, except we make our very favorite—or try something new—and enjoy a special treat together. And you know my rule, only eat it if it’s AMAZING! As a result, what may on first glance appear counterintuitive to our health, is not.
While the cookies are baking, I’ll be coaching you on various aspects of health. We learn from one another and share lots of laughs.
To join in the fun, be sure to email me prior to Saturday, December 12 to save your spot. I’ll then email you the event Zoom link, along with any special instructions.
Sending love and joy,
Carol
“Sometimes me think, “What is friend?” And then me say, “Friend is someone to share the last cookie with.”—Cookie Monster