A Hem Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is done and over for another year.  Want to know what we had?  Here's the BNB menu for A HEM Family Thanksgiving 2011:

Tom Colicchio's Herb Turkey
Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Herb Stuffing
Pan Gravy with Neck Stock
Spiral Ham
Whole Berry Cranberries
Thyme and Orange Juiced Roasted Carrots
Potato Salad
Green Bean Casserole
Green Salad (which no one ate)

Prawn Cocktail
Veggies and Chips with Dill and Chipotle Dip
Costco Pumpkin & Apple Pies with FRESH whipped cream

What didn't get made was:
Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Balsamic Glazed Pearl Onions

We had enough leftovers for everyone to take home, as this year there was only 7 of us (about 12 people couldn't make it this year).   This was the second thanksgiving that I was the "chef". I broke in a new apron and found out I need cooking shoes.  The ones I wore were not meant to stand around for hours.

Our day was pretty perfect.  The menu was built around tradition and fresh ingredients. The gravy was made with homemade turkey stock (neck + onion, carrot, celery & boiled for 2 hours until rich and hearty), the stuffing with FRESH herbs, and the carrots were roasted with a low acid orange juice.  We had a few smoke-outs in the kitchen (forgot to clean the family oven before the bird went in).  But all in all, it was a GREAT day!!

So the question is, do we stay traditional and do Lasagna for Christmas Eve, or do we spice it up and do a Prime Rib Roast?  I'm not sure.  We spent a few $$ on this holiday.  My birthday comes next.  THEN I will worry about Christmas.

Unfortunately, this year I did not get any images of our meal.  All I have is full bellies and warm smiles.  That's all this home-cook needs!

Happy Monday!

The end of an era. . . and the start of a new Adventure

So it's Official.  I have a new job.  After 12 years of working with Ventura products, I'm moving onto new challenges and adventures!

Many of you who may view this may not know me well.  But those of you that do know me, you understand that this decision was not made lightly.   I started with Ventura products in 1999 under Hoppe & Associates.  Mr. Hoppe gave me a chance and to this day, he still credits me with keeping the product afloat in North America.

It has been an honor to be the customer service person for Ventura products and Avon Tyres.  While it's been two years since I worked with Avon Tyres, they are as much apart of me as Ventura is.  Working with both products, I've traveled around the USA, made lots of friends, and created tons of memories!!  Come on, who remembers my crazy summer campaign of "Show us Your Rack"??  That was a good one!  I still wanted one for Gryyp Products that say "Get Screwed!!"  But no such luck as of yet.

So what's going to happen with me?  I'm getting married next year and I want to live with my soon to be husband, and I'm not willing to commute to Lynnwood daily.  So I've found a new job, and it's not in motorcycles.  I won't say who my new employer is, just that it's in the medical field.  I'm really excited for this new opportunity!

What's going to happen with Ventura MCA?  Max and Jesse have been in "Amy Training" since late August.  While they won't need to don the blonde wig and proclaim "I'm the Amy Now!", I'm fully confident that they will continue to provide the best in customer service, product support, and give awesome technical advice!!

I wanted to say Thank you to my friends and customers.  It's you who have made me into the woman that I am today.   My wonderful motorcycle family, I will always cherish our great memories.  From IMS shows, to the races at Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway to hanging out on the porch at Deals Gap to drinking wine at Rally Week in the Gorge and getting kicked off the docks in New York.  We've had great fun!!

Thank you to everyone at Dold Industries, Avon Tyres, Kenma AU, Motohaus, Ventura MCA, IXIL, Sound Rider, Dave Preston, Advanstar, and so many other companies and friends I've made over the years!


Wish me luck on my next adventure!

Happy Trails, and remember my friends, keep the rubber side down!!

Amy