Happy Friday, gang! Most of us have Thanksgiving on our minds as this holiday arrives next week. Yours truly is hosting the feast, so fingers crossed the upstairs is put back together in time. At the moment, all the bookcase contents and main bath are strewn across the living room. But progress has been made. The tv and speakers have been installed, and the bookcase shelves will be back in play on Sunday. And the bathroom? Well, that’s tricky as I chose a dark color that sometimes needs three coats, and my painter juggles a few jobs in between. It will look gorgeous against white cabinetry, so I’ll be patient with the finished outcome. One thing is clear when my house is a jumbled mess; it spills over into my everyday life. This girl loves organization in every aspect of life, so I’m chomping at the bit to find a place for everything and have everything back in place.
But it’s Friday! Time to kick back and relax. Oscar is joining us today while I whip up a refreshing Moscow Mule and Stuffed Acorn Squash. This is the time of year I love to pull out all the stops and prep for the holiday festivities. Pumpkins, pinecones, and cranberries are abundant this time of year, and l love to put them to good use. Moscow Mules and cranberries go together like wine and cheese, so it’s a no-brainer to serve this tasty cocktail during the fall and winter months.
Outfit of the day
The best part of Friday is the relaxed tone that comes with it. There’s nothing better than a casual outfit, but I still like to look polished. Crewneck sweaters are a favorite of mine as they can fly solo or as a third layer. Dress them up with a statement necklace, or dress them down with a button-up shirt tucked underneath.
One of my favorite cocktails is a Moscow Mule. If you’re willing to add an extra step by making homemade cranberry syrup, then you’ll have a cocktail that’s sure to please. It’s as refreshing as it is delicious. It’s a must-make seasonal cocktail. If you’re more interested in a mocktail, I picked up cranberry ginger sparkling water from Trader Joe’s.
Combine the cranberries, water, and honey in a small saucepan and place over medium-high heat. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce to low and simmer, stirring frequently, until the cranberries soften then fall apart.
Pour the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer, and press on the cranberries with a spatula to release as much syrup as possible. Set aside to cool. If the syrup thickens too much as it cools, add water, a tablespoon at a time until the consistency resembles honey.
To make one cocktail, combine the vodka, cranberry syrup, and lime juice in a copper mug. Stir to combine. Fill the mug halfway with crushed ice. Pour the ginger beer over the ice and stir once more. Top with additional crushed ice and garnish with a sprig of mint, lime wedge, and fresh cranberries. Serve immediately.
Notes
The cranberry syrup makes enough for four cocktails (about half a cup of syrup).
Cut the top and the bottom off of the acorn squash, trying to cut off as little as possible. Carefully slice the acorn squash into 5 rings, cutting the acorn squash from side to side (not from top to bottom).
Scrape the seeds and innards out of the rings and lay them flat on a baking sheet. Brush each ring with olive oil on both sides. Sprinkle sea salt over the top of the rings and place them in the preheated oven. Roast the squash rings for 30-35 minutes, flipping them over halfway through. The squash is done when it’s lightly brown and fork tender.
While the squash rings roast, heat the 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and cook, stirring often until the garlic gets soft and is just starting to brown. Add the dried cranberries and chopped rosemary and cook for about 2 minutes more, until the rosemary is very fragrant and it smells like Christmas up in your kitchen.
Remove the herb-cranberry mixture to a bowl and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook the ground beef just until no pink remains, then drain any excess fat.
Add the herb-cranberry mixture to the ground beef, as well as the 1 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon caraway. Stir to evenly combine.
When the squash rings have finished roasting, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Spoon the beef-cranberry mixture into each ring and place back in the oven. Cook for 4-5 minutes more.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven, top the stuffed squash with shredded parmesan cheese if desired, and enjoy!
is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more.
Beth,
I’ll definitely try your recipes. Thank you. And OSCAR! OMG. When he shakes your hand and gives you kisses. He’s a charmer. Great outfit also. Have a good weekend.
I totally understand about the disorganization. I am an uber organized person. I did a kitchen makeover at the end of August & was living out of boxes for two weeks. I had a wonderful contractor who kept my down time to a minimum, but it was still a challenge. In the end, it was worth it, & I know it will be for you, too! The acorn squash recipe sounds delicious. Have a great weekend & a very Happy Thanksgiving.
You look so pretty in the magenta sweater. Oscar is such a handsome dog! The stuffed acorn squash looks delish. I think I will try to make it. Have a relaxing weekend.
The Cranberry Moscow Mule sounds delish – I have to try. Your outfit is great, bright & trim, but I think the shirt tail hanging out in front would look better on someone much younger than we are. Full tuck would look awesome!
Beth,
I’ll definitely try your recipes. Thank you. And OSCAR! OMG. When he shakes your hand and gives you kisses. He’s a charmer. Great outfit also. Have a good weekend.
I think you will like the recipes! The Moscow Mule is so refreshing!
Happy Thanksgiving!
I totally understand about the disorganization. I am an uber organized person. I did a kitchen makeover at the end of August & was living out of boxes for two weeks. I had a wonderful contractor who kept my down time to a minimum, but it was still a challenge. In the end, it was worth it, & I know it will be for you, too! The acorn squash recipe sounds delicious. Have a great weekend & a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Can NOT wait to try the mule! LOVE Moscow mule, but will try it with the cranberry syrup. YUM!
Great shoes!!
You look so pretty in the magenta sweater. Oscar is such a handsome dog! The stuffed acorn squash looks delish. I think I will try to make it. Have a relaxing weekend.
The Cranberry Moscow Mule sounds delish – I have to try. Your outfit is great, bright & trim, but I think the shirt tail hanging out in front would look better on someone much younger than we are. Full tuck would look awesome!