brining a turkey

A few years ago I continued the tradition of having Thanksgiving in my home.  Previously, this was a holiday spent with both families as our moms regarded this a most special time to have their families together to celebrate togetherness over a home-cooked meal made with love.  Needless to say, we were so full from eating at two places.  It was inevitable that my turn would come to be the one to prepare this coveted meal and when it was time, I made my first dinner thanks to Martha Stewart.  I followed her recipes to the letter.  This is when I discovered brining.  I have fond memories of rising at the crack of dawn with my mom to help prepare her bird, especially the stuffing.  The first time we shared this meal with my brother, John, and his family, he asked if I was brining the turkey. I was proud to know what he was talking about and he was impressed.  He also suggested I initially cook the bird at 425 degrees for the first half hour, then reduce the heat to 325. 

The best way to get flavorful poultry, regardless of how it is prepared, is to start with a brine.  Brining adds moisture and flavor to poultry and helps to keep it from drying out.  A turkey can be a serious investment in time so you want to make sure it is perfect, especially if you are entertaining.  Think National Lampoon's Christmas.  Whether you grill, smoke, fry or roast your turkey, brining is key.

To properly brine a turkey, you need to start the day or night before you plan to cook.  You will need at least 10 - 12 hours (plan on one hour per pound of turkey), a container large enough to hold your turkey and enough brine to cover it.  This was always a challenge for I cook a 22 pound turkey and had a hard time finding something it would fit in with the brining water.  A large stainless steel stock pot or even a 5 gallon clean plastic bucket would make excellent containers.  Whatever container you choose, the turkey needs to have enough room to be turned so it should be big.  At last, I found the perfect pot that Wayne's grandma used to cook soup in.  It is humungous and only gets a work out this time of year.  You will need salt, water, sugar, seasonings, and enough room to refrigerate it.  Again, another challenge, but it is usually so cold this time of year, we put it in the garage.  If your bird is smaller, Reynolds oven roasting bag for turkeys and Ziploc XL storage bags work just as well.

The turkey should be cleaned out, completely thawed, and should not be a self-basting or Kosher turkey, as these turkeys have a salty stock added that will make your brined turkey too salty.  Make sure you check the ingredients on the turkey before you decide to brine.  A fresh, natural turkey works best, but a completely thawed, previously frozen turkey will work be just fine. 

To make the brine, mix 1 cup of table salt in 1 gallon of water.  You will need more than 1 gallon of water but that is the ratio to aim for.  One way of telling if you have enough salt in your brine is that a raw egg will float in it.  Make sure that the salt is completely dissolved before adding the seasonings you like, making sure not to add anything that contains salt.  Brines can be spicy hot with peppers and cayenne, savory with herbs and garlic, or sweet with molasses, honey and brown sugar.  Whatever your tastes are, you can find a large number of brine recipes online.  Sugar is optional to any brine, but works to counteract the flavor of the salt.  While you may choose a brine without sugar, it is recommended that you add sugar to maintain the flavor of the turkey.  Add up to 1 cup of sugar per gallon of brine, making sure it is completely dissolved.  Boil the seasonings in a pot of water and let cool down a little.  Add to the salted water.

Place the turkey in a container and pour in enough brine to completely cover the turkey with an inch or two to spare. You do not want any part of the turkey above the surface of the brine.  Cover with foil if you do not have a big enough pot with a lid.  Remember, the turkey will rise when water is added.  Now put the whole thing in the refrigerator, or a cooler if you do not have refrigerator space.  If the weather is cool, but not freezing, you can put the whole thing outside until you need the turkey.  If the weather is warm, fill a zip top bag with ice and place this in the cooler with the turkey and brine and it will hold down the temperature during the brining process.   The turkey should sit in the brine for about 1 hour per pound of turkey.  Brining too long is much worse than not brining enough so watch the time.  I begin the brine about noon on Wednesday and remove it around 6:00am on Thursday.

When you are ready to start cooking your turkey, remove it from the brine and rinse it off thoroughly in the sink with cold water until all traces of salt are off the surface inside and out.  This is the single, most important step.  If you do not get the brine rinsed thoroughly you could get a very salty bird. You will notice tiny holes throughout the turkey - don't panic, this is what happens when it saltifies.  Safely discard the brine and cook your turkey as normal.  You will notice the second you start to carve your bird that the brining has helped it retain moisture.  The first bite will sell you on brining turkeys forever.  Just ask my nephew, Robert, who has been drooling for my turkey since the beginning of October. 

Hope this helps in your preparations for our upcoming holiday season.  Enjoy! xo



roots

Mielzynski crest

As a maiden, this was my sir name.  Even though I have the honor of being a Wind for 30 years, I will always be a Mielzynski.  My cousin, Ronnie, sent information he found on wikipedia which confirmed what a woman told me a few years ago.  When we were searching for a caretaker for my mother-in-law, the Polish owner of the service mentioned my maiden name was from a noble family in Poland.  Her insight is validated by the following.

The Mielzynski family (Polish pronunciation mjel'zin'ski) originally of Lithuanian and Polish stock in the first millenium, were a noble family within Poland from the 13th century into the 20th.  Part of the Nowina clan, the Mielzynskis were players in politics, the arts and military endeavors.  Their wealth included palaces like Pawlowice and Iwno.  As magnates and members of the szlachta, their dynastic connections to the Royal Houses of Europe were extensive, including lineages to the Kings of France and modern Spain. 

Mielzynski of Nowina, Maximilan, Antoni, Jan (sons of Andrzej) by his wife Anna-Petronella Brinska (1738-1799) obtained the hereditary title of Count from Kaiser Frederick William II of Prussia on September 19, 1786.  His two children, Stanislaw and Mikolaj, appear in the 1824 list of persons authorized to bear the title of Count in the Kingdom of Poland.  Josef (son of Maceij) by his wife Seweryna Lipska (1765-1824) obtained the hereditary title of Count from Kaiser Frederick William III of Prussia on July 12, 1817.

Mielzynski's Wine Bar

The interesting thing about writing blogs is most times I think of a topic and after research and expanding on same, I come up with a few more related ideas to share.  The domino effect is amazing.  I usually don't know what I will write about and suddenly an idea pops in my head and I click away.  This is the most exciting perk about writing - it can be endless and I never know where my thoughts will lead me.  Now I can share a little more heritage information for my sons and their families.

 As I researched my heritage, thanks to Ronnie and the internet, I discovered a quaint wine bar located in Warsaw, Poland.  Mielzynski's Wine Bar is close to Warsaw's main road and one patron described it as being able to hear bird's singing and people laughing over a good meal and wine.  This is one of Warsaw's chic places where you always pop into celebrities.

The wine bar website is in Polish so I could not decipher all its offerings, however, one thing was for certain - the owner bears the same name as my Dad - Robert Mielzynski. 

 Robert Mielzynski (owner)

Can you believe it?  Another testament as to how we are are all connected.  xo

sesame street

What is going on?  For the past month I have urges to watch Sesame Street.  Very strange, but I feel compelled to do this, so I will tape some shows and try to figure out why this is happening.  I was a teenager when it began airing on television and my baby brother, Wally, said his very first word after viewing this kid's program - and believe it or not, the word was agua (Spanish for water.)  I vividly remember watching the movie Follow That Bird with our sons so many times that we knew all the dialogue and lyrics to each song.  I just can't figure out why I keep yearning to watch it now...

Sunny Day

Sweepin' the clouds away

On my way to where the air is sweet

Can you tell me how to get,

How to get to Sesame Street.

Come and play

Everything's A-OK

Friendly neighbors there

That's where we meet

Can you tell me how to get

How to get to Sesame Street

It's a magic carpet ride

Every door will open wide

To Happy people like you --

What a beautiful

Sunny Day

Sweepin' the clouds away

On my way to where the air is sweet

Can you tell me how to get,

How to get to Sesame Street....

very strange... xo



dear mom

Dear Mom,

  It has been three years since you shared your essence with us on earth.  We do our best to cope with not having you here to embrace and share our lives, but you are well aware of everything that transpires down here.  Needless to say, we miss you dearly.  I thought to share some tidbits, just as we used to.

Dad is doing well.  He lost some weight, but he has Ralph to keep him company and cook meals.  Together they are a great team and you would be so happy to see them interact together.  I call it the miracle, for it is heartwarming to know they are exactly where they should be at this point in time.  Dad has his daily rituals; getting up before the crack of dawn, meeting with his cronies at the racetrack for some coffee and conversation, then home to watch The Price is Right while indulging in a bowl of chili with tamales.  He still naps everyday between 11 and 2 and then he bonds with Brother Bo the rest of the day, checking to see if he won the lottery and after the news, Wheel of Fortune.  I stop by every week to give him a massage and at times attempt to organize a few things, and had fun taking care of your garden this year.  I think of how you loved your flowers and bushes and try to apply the same tender loving care as you did.  Sometimes I feel your presence when pulling the weeds.  Giggle here.  Dad and Bo are always appreciative and notice when we do little things to make them more comfortable.  I get a tickle when he sings 'Let the sun shine' when we visit.  Karen and I convinced the boys to purchase a new washer and dryer and it just arrived - Wally took care of making sure it was installed properly and they are so pleased.  Now let's see who actually does the clothes.  Chuckle here.  Next we will try to coerce them to get a new carpet.  Fingers crossed.  Maybe you can nudge him a little to take a trip to Vegas in the not-too-distant future.  :)

Wayne and I are very proud of how our boys are continuing their journey.  They are grown men now and everyday they make good life choices - especially their significant others. 

 Mike has a flourishing career in criminal justice and one more college class before he gets his degree.  He did it the hard way - working full time and attending school at night, but now he is close to achieving another goal.  His condo is refurbished to his liking and he is engaged to be married to Margarita amidst Japanese gardens while nature is in full bloom.  I had fun shopping for an amazing wedding dress and sharing her effervescence for the pretty flower arrangements, and look forward to making more memories with them.   We share a love for gardening and I am thrilled to have her as my daughter. 

Dan continues his college classes at DePaul and should get his bachelor's degree next year.  He does the opposite of Mikey - attends school during the days and bartends at a fabulous restaurant most evenings.  He is still at home with us and has a darling girlfriend.  Darcy fills our home with so much fun and happy energy these days.  It is refreshing to share girlish moments like browsing through Victoria's Secret together.  We share a passion for reading and she read all our Sookie Stackhouse series books in two weeks.  Last night she and I lounged on my bed with both dogs while we watched an adorable movie - How to Train A Dragon.  We lit our candles and bonded beautifully. 

You would like our girls.  Reading and gardening - your pastimes.  They are both inwardly and outwardly beautiful and bring out the best in our boys.

Steve will be 19 next week and has made huge strides the last few years.  We are so proud of how he turned his life around and embraces life to its fullest, and shows the world his many talents.  He should complete his community college classes next year and will focus on getting his bachelor's degree at Columbia College.  His talents know no bounds.  He makes memories with many of his cherished friends and his creative side is booming.  He is wise enough to make the most of his earthly experiences.  Keep whispering in his ear. 

All the boys have the music gene.  I found three accordions in your basement and Dad wants to start playing again.  Mike plays guitar and is learning the bass, just like Wayne.  Dan beats on his drums everyday and Steve plays the piano constantly.  There is never a dull moment in this house, and you know how smooth things are today compared to what transpired the last five years, so this is a gravy train for us now.  We count our blessings, keep an optimistic attitude, enjoy all the simple pleasures and never, ever take anything or anyone for granted. 

Give our love to all our departed loved ones, especially Jim, Kevin and Tasha, who joined you more recently.  I found this picture immediately as I browsed for an angel holding a baby and it depicts you perfectly.  Your greatest gift to us was your nurturing, unconditional love.  We will keep your essence alive in our hearts and continue your life force when our children have children; then Big Daddy can boast being Great Grandpa.  Someday we will meet again when our time comes to join you.  Until that time arrives, know you are loved forever and we will do our best to keep your legacy. 

  I guess I'll see you in my dreams if you need to send a message, just as you have in the past.  I close with a kiss and a hug.  xo

With love,

Your daughter, Robbie



on your mark, set, get ready...

The holiday season is upon us.  LITE-FM radio station is already playing Christmas songs and so are the department stores.   Neighbors are decorating their homes outdoors.  Here we go again...Take a deep breath and begin your journey.  If you wish to make this holiday season a little smoother, allow me to share some tips as to how our beloved planets can guide us in the right direction.

Everything is energy and everything is connected through the metaphysical.  How we use that energy is manifested into our life.  Your actions and life's happenings are not coincidence, but rather what you've created through your own consciousness.  Your future is what you put into action today.  The scientific world has a fancy term for the study of energy - energetics, and it applies to all physical matter.  Knowing that all matter is connected, we can look at celestial bodies, astrology and other metaphysical mediums of learning as energetics because they are all made up of energy, both seen and unseen. 

Astronomy is the science that deals with the material universe beyond the earth's atmosphere (sun, moon, stars.)  Astrology is the study that interprets the influence of those heavenly bodies on human affairs.  These two studies began to converge near the beginning of civilization.  Early men became interested in astronomy when they gazed up at the stars, observing the movement of those heavenly bodies and how they corresponded to the seasons.  The realization that the suns, moons, stars and planets moved in a precise, consistent motion allowed ancient civilizations to keep track of time more easily.  This same realization caused mankind to ponder how the energy from the astronomical movements affected our lives.  Repeated cycles involving the earth, sun, planets and constellations brought on the recognition that when this influence was exerted upon human beings, certain events occurred.  Astrology was born.

Astrology, the rotating seasons and the movement of the stars led these stargazers to realize that there were physical influences taking place between the heavens and the earth.  Since the movement of the stars was consistent, they could put a meaning to their movement through the date, place and time of anything's origin.  That is how we use complex mathematical and astronomical formulas in astrology to forecast future events based upon your birth information.  When we realized that future forecasts could be made for those living on earth through the position of the stars and their influence in various positions, mankind started looking for more answers.  We were created with certain transcendental senses that made us believe that even though we could not see the smallest unit of matter, we perceived that everything was made up of some type of energy and we knew the influence was there. 

Look at the atom.  It is the cornerstone of all matter and in itself is energy personified.  Science has proven our early ancestors' hunches correct and now knows that the atom never dies.  Indeed it transforms and becomes a part of another entity.  It remains constantly in motion.  This is a great example of why transcendental knowledge trumps mere concrete knowledge.  It allows us to perceive the reasons behind everything, something we as human beings have always sought.  Mankind has always looked to the transcendental and metaphysical, the underlying theoretical properties of physics, to give a reasonable explanation to something we don't understand, yet innately feels has to cause a particular physical reaction.  That thought process, supported by quantum physics, explains energy.

The mysteries of astrological and metaphysical activity such as the stars moving through the heavens, a psychic foretelling your life's past and future events, or a medium communicating with your loved ones are spiritual energetics.  Those energies encompass all matter of transcendental learning by using the mystical side of information to understand the physical. 

Our lives as they were yesterday, as they are today, and as they will be tomorrow, are all about energy - the energy we give forth and energy we invite.

Reading your horoscope provides more than just a few assumptions about what might happen for you on that day.  Understanding the connection of spiritual energetics in your life will prepare you to focus your energy on the best outcome that you desire, to make changes today if necessary so that they will manifest tomorrow. 

Here are a few tips as to how our planets will affect us during the holiday season.

Neptune rules dreams, inspiration and creativity and has been withholding its powers since May 31 (retrograde) causing confusion, but has gone direct on November 7, making life brighter and easier.

Jupiter is associated with gifts, happiness, luck, profits, good fortune and even miracles.  It is known as the planet of healing and has been asleep since July 23.  Jupiter will go direct on November 19.

 Venus is the 'love me' planet, providing love and fun of life, romance, leisure, beauty and is linked to profits.  She settled down to get her beauty sleep since October 8 (retrograde) but will move full steam ahead when she goes direct on November 18.

 Since both Jupiter and Venus have been retrograde, it is important not to sign any contracts before November 18 as both planets are weak and not very effective.  After this day, go for it!  A perfect time to purchase items that embellish or beautify (jewels, perfume, expensive clothing) should be acquired between November 18 - 30 for these items are ruled by Venus and she will be direct and in full swing.

Uranus is the planet of all things newly invented and original.  It is the planet that rules unexpected surprises and the Sun will signal Uranus on November 19.  This could be a four star day for many of us.  We also have a full moon on November 21 that may make many dreams come to fruition.  One thing is for sure: this cheery full moon will be one of the most beautiful, tender and enchanting of the year.  All full moons have influence of four days.

Mercury - ah, here we go.  This stinker of a planet will make our December a messy month, for it will go retrograde from December 10 - 30 and we will feel the effects as soon as December 1.  Since this planet rules communication, appliances, electronics, contracts and transportation, it is crucial to refrain from the purchase of new computers, television, or other machines with moving parts, for it will be a disaster.  Your recipient may not like the gift, the item may not function properly, or a drop in price may occur later when a newer model comes out.  When this planet retrogrades, there is a slowdown, delays occur, postponements and miscommunication. This creates confusion and mayhem.  Ugh.  Get a gift certificate instead!




It would be wise to shop for all your holiday presents in November, as well as any expensive items for yourself.  However, there are two days that will be the exception, and believe it or not, they are Black Friday (November 26) and Black Saturday (November 27).  Huge sigh... These are the big days for consumers to do their heavy holiday shopping and give retailers a chance to see their ledgers go into the black.  Unfortunately, on these two days, Mercury, which rules transportation, agreements and commerce, will pick a bad fight with volatile Uranus, which rules unpredictable events, and it is not a favorable day for travel, shopping, signing contracts or starting new ventures.  You can purchase electronics and appliances anytime all through the month of November, excluding 26 and 27.

Not only will Mercury be retrograde, but a major lunar eclipse will occur on December 21 which will surely bring unexpected events, changed agendas, shifting priorities and unforeseen conditions.  Last minute holiday preparations and shoppers will face mounting stress.


The hardest part of holiday shopping is deciding what to get for those on my list.  I knew about the above predictions, so I began brainstorming a few weeks ago and decided to go with three Cs for our boys.  They expect two of the three -  cash and cologne - for it has been a tradition that I provide a new scent each year, but the third will remain my secret.  I must leave something for them to wonder about, even if they are all grown up.  There is something about the element of surprise on Christmas morning that captures the young at heart.  Their parents are planning a romantic getaway at Champagne Lodge (another C) so our holidays should be smooth sailing.

Everything is energy.  Everything touches. 

The true connection is made. xo

lovely days

Steve made this strawberry in his ceramics class and it adorns our kitchen table, reminding us of how talented he is.  We continue to enjoy another lovely day thanks to the blessings Mother Nature bestows on us, however fleeting they may be.  Now it's time to focus on the upcoming holidays, for my nephew, Robert, has been sending me messages about Thanksgiving dinner, put in his menu request and making sure we have our home decorated, for he enjoys looking at our Christmas trees.  Wayne already plans on decorating the weekend prior to Thanksgiving, so we shall be able to make his wishes come true. 

Today I made tacos for the family and Big Daddy's chili which we will deliver tomorrow.  I had a bunch of apples so I decided to make a Nutty Apple Crisp dessert.  I just pulled it out of the oven and the whole house smells good. 

Nutty Apple Crisp

6 cups thinly sliced apples

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/4 cup water

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup steel cut oats

dash of cinnamon

1/2 cup musli mix

1 cup trail mix with nuts

1/2 cup chocolate morsels

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 pinch salt

1 cup butter, softened

1/4 cup orange juice

Preheat oven 350 degrees.  Toss apples with lemon juice and water in a shallow 2 quart baking dish.  In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, sugar, cinnamon and salt.  Mix to blend thoroughly.  Cut in butter until mixture resembles course crumbs.  Mix in trail mix.  Crumble over apples to cover completely.  Drizzle orange juice on top and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until top is lightly browned.  Serve warm or at room temperature.  Enjoy.  xo



a night to cherish

date night on hump day

Yet again we indulged in a delightful dinner at Dao.  This time Mike and Margarita joined us for the first time.  The owner, JoJo, provided a complimentary appetizer with crabmeat and Margarita and I had my all-time favorites, seaweed salad and dragon on fire sushi.  The boys devoured pad thai noodles and chicken teriyaki.  Wayne enjoys his mai tai libation and I sip the cucumber splash.  We discovered that Dan created this famous drink and it is very popular here.

wayne and mikey

Dan was off this night so we sat in a booth instead of dining at the bar which provided for a different experience.  It was heartwarming to share their plans for the future and see how excited they are together.  We are thrilled when they share details of their nuptials and include us in the creation of their wedding.  Life has a way of bringing balance and we continue to celebrate happy times.  

The evening graced us with a gorgeous amber-toned crescent moon and our weather continues to bring  gentle reminders of Indian summer.  The year is almost over and it has been smooth.  That's the best word to describe it. 

crabmeat salad appetizer

seafood salad

dragon on fire sushi

pad thai and noodles

chicken teryiaki

It's fun to break up the week by dining out.  What started out as simple dinner plans turned into a night to remember and cherish forever.  Another moment that takes my breath away.  xo