It’s amazing what a difference a year can make
I have had this post open for hours. Multiple times over the past few days. Every time I try to put to words how I feel about 11/17/13, I get teary-eyed and can’t quite get the words out. But I’m sticking through it and writing this post. More for me, than for you guys, so thanks for reading along.
The frame around my mom’s front door stayed standing.
November 17 started like any other Sunday in the Beantown Baker household. Hubby and I were up to our eyeballs in Thanksgiving preparations, but we slept in and then made breakfast together. I had a massage scheduled for 2pm. I went to my massage for an hour of blissfully relaxing ignorance.
When I got home, I didn’t catch on right away that something was wrong. Hubby met me at the door, which was rare, and once I got close enough to him, I could tell something was wrong. He spoke very deliberately and calmly telling me there had been a tornado in Washington and my mom’s house was flattened. Then he said “Andrew was at her house and he’s in the hospital”. My heart sank as a million horrible things raced through my mind about my baby brother.
This was the second day after going through rubble. Believe it or not, we had made a lot of progress.
I instantly called my sister to get the scoop and she was a mess too. Come to find out, I really had enjoyed pure ignorance during my hour long massage. During that time, various members of my family had gone through agonizing minutes of terror in various forms.
My dad, who lives 45 minutes away from my mom’s house, had driven frantically to her house since Andrew wasn’t answering his phone. My mom had been out of town and missed the whole ordeal. When my dad, stepmom and step siblings got close to mom’s neighborhood, many of the roads were closed. They parked about a mile away and ran through a field. The field had clothes, furniture, and other debris scattered throughout and it was muddy. It was a tough run. There was more confusion once they got to my mom’s house because Andrew was no where to be found, even though his car was parked in mom’s garage.
While this was going on, my other siblings were in contact trying to figure out how to help. They posted on Facebook in hopes that one of Andrew’s friends knew where he was.
The bathroom where Andrew took cover. Nothing was left of it…
And of course there’s Andrew’s side of this story. He had been sleeping on my mom’s couch in the living room after a night out. He doesn’t remember all the details and it all happened so fast. For whatever reason, when Andrew woke up to the sounds of a tornado, looking outside to see a tree flying straight towards him snapped him in to motion. He ran to the bathroom to take cover. Everything around him was blown away. The bathroom vanity and sink literally rolled right over him, leaving deep cuts in his back on their way. I’m not at all a religious person but it’s a pure miracle he survived that tornado.
The diagrams posted later on the news showed that the center of the tornado went right through my mom’s kitchen, about fifteen feet from the bathroom where Andrew took cover. All of this happened while I was getting my massage. Once I got caught up on what had happened from my family, my instinct was to jump in the car and get there as soon as possible.
But, of course, the tornados were moving our way and it wouldn’t have been safe to leave. Waiting the 5 hours for our tornado warnings and watches to go away so we could leave was agonizing. Then we had a 5 hour drive to get there.
Looking across the street from the front door.
The next week was a blur to me, as I’m sure it was to my mom and Andrew and everyone else touched by any sort of disaster like this. We went through as much of the rubble as we could at my mom’s. Some of the things from her basement were salvageable, but due to a broken pipe, a lot of it got ruined anyways.
Today is the anniversary of the tornado that ripped through my mom’s neighborhood. We were very lucky that Andrew survived with only some cuts and bruises. A year later, my mom has moved in to a new house with her new husband. Andrew has some pretty gnarly scars. I haven’t been back to Washington since last year but many of the houses have been rebuilt.
My dad helped to organize the Tree Recovery Washington Facebook page and a tree planting day a couple weeks ago. Hundreds of trees were donated by nurseries and volunteers planted them for anyone who lost trees due to the tornado (insurance doesn’t cover landscaping costs). The town of Washington is moving on. I think people are dealing with it in their own ways. While my sister Lindsey wasn’t there when the tornado hit, she did lose her home too. She got a tattoo of the key to the house to help cope with her pain. My entire family is completely changed because of this tornado and the aftermath. Some relationships are stronger than ever.
Lindsey’s new tattoo
As for me, I decided to write and post this as a sort of therapy. This is one of those things you never think will happen to your family until it does. And somehow, someway, you get through it. Thanks for listening and thanks again to everyone who donated to my mom last year right after the tornado.
Here’s a video that shows some footage of the tornado, recovering, and Washington today.
I am Jen the Beantown Baker. Engineer by day and baking maven by night. Hubby serves as my #1 fan and official taste tester. We got hitched back in 2006. Barefoot. In the sand. With the waves crashing behind us. It was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. 
MY FAVE holiday brie recipe!
http://partyboxdesign.blogspot.com/2010/03/recipe-archive-baked-brie-w-candied.html
blog follower!!!
info@partyboxdesign.com
just subscribed. Those white chocolate cranberry cupcakes look so delicious!
pam2899@msn.com
It’s an oldie but goodie, but one of my favorite holiday dishes is green bean casserole!
I’m a blog subscriber!
aimee@bakingjunkie.com
I’m also a Facebook follower!
aimee@bakingjunkie.com
And now I’m a follower on Twitter!
(are you sick of me yet??)
aimee@bakingjunkie.com
WOW! What an awesome trip!! That’s so cool that they wanted YOU to be a part of it. You’re a big deal 😉
On thing that always reminds me of the holidays are Rum Logs.
My favorite holiday recipe is gingerbread cake
I follow your blog as well!
I also follow you on twitter (homemadeholman)
I’m already a blog follower!
jfalksen at gmail dot com
I love sweet potato casserole– with marshmallows!
I’m a follower!
My favorite holiday recipe is rice pudding (with frozen raspberries.. )!
jfalksen at gmail dot com
I follow your blog
I already follow you on facebook
Holiday pie! http://www.localinseason.com/early-winter/70-a-classic-revisited-qpumpkinq-pie.html
I follow on twitter (@goodcookdoris)
One of my favorite fall dishes is butternut squash casserole http://kmarkners.blogspot.com/2008/04/butternut-squash-casserole.html
I ‘liked’ you on Facebook!
jfalksen at gmail dot com
Pecan pie!
Favorite holiday recipe is ice cream pie
I’m a blog subscriber
Facebook follower too
I “like” you on Facebook!
I follow you on twitter!
Besides a delicious Honey Baked Ham, I can’t go through a holiday without cheesy potatoes!
my favorite is pumpkin pie!
And, last but not least…I follow your blog!
Almond marshmallow craisin bark – it’s a mouthful, but easy and tasty!
http://www.lifeandkitchen.com/almond-marshmallow-craisin-bark/
Good luck in the bake-off! 🙂
My fave recipe is pecan pie!
I also follow your blog and on Twitter.
I also follow you on twitter now 🙂
Favorite holiday recipe is my mothers Christmas RIbbon Jellow!!
Follow on twitter!!
Tweeted
My favorite recipe is sweet potatoe casserole with marshmallows– and pumpkin pie of course
I am a subscriber
I’m sure these are fabulous. The cranberry mouse is so pretty. Looking forward to seeing you soon.
My favorite holiday dish http://barbarabakes.com/2008/12/cinnamon-apple-candy-cane-kolache-with/
Sugar cookies, shortbread cookies and nanaimo bars! Those come around every year at this house. Along with a tourtierre, this year 🙂
Blog follower toooooo 🙂
My favorite holiday food is turkey and mashed potatoes. So comforting and good.
I am a follower
AND I liked you on facebook ages ago 😉
I also follow/like you on facebook
My favorite holiday dish is stuffing! No real recipe, but you must include sausage, mushrooms, onions and lots of butter.
It’s not a holiday unless there is green bean casserole on the table.
I am a blog follower.
I’ve been following your blog for a long time how and love it!
I already follow you on Twitter (@jhgive)
This time of the year I love anything that is baked or roasted. I think that one of my favoriate this to make is a prime rib roast with roasted potatoes and veggies!
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This comment has been removed by the author.
I followed you on twitter (@mungersmurf)
I follow you on facebook!
I subscribe to your blog via blogger
These sauteed carrots with sage are one of my favorite holiday recipes:
http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000001932668
I love sugar cookies during the holidays.
I love sweet potato pie!
google reader subscriber
Rum truffles!
I liked you on Facebook.
This comment has been removed by the author.
I just subscibed to your blog.
This comment has been removed by the author.
One of my fave dishes is Potato Casserole with Honey Glazed Ham.
I like you on facebook!
i follow already:)
My grandma’s dressing is a favorite of every holiday!
Awesome giveaway Jen! I love baking pecan tarts for Thanksgiving. I have to make at least 5 to 7 dozen for that day!
I am a subscriber. Thanks!
I already follow you because you’re awesome (on GR).
Good luck on the bakeoff! I hope you kick some butt!
I love your peppermint brownies (with Trader Joe’s mint jo-jo bits). I plan on making them again this holiday season!
I subscribe to your blog on Google Reader =)
One of my favorite holiday recipes are these Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies. I make them every year, and they always make it into the gift baskets I hand out.
http://readit-and-eat.blogspot.com/2009/12/chocolate-covered-cherry-cookies.html
Ashley (smartash1218@yahoo.com)
I already subscribe to your blog. =)
Ashley (smartash1218@yahoo.com)
I “like” you on Facebook.
Ashley (smartash1218@yahoo.com)
I love making gingerbread cookies.
I’m following you on Twitter (ps152).
I tweeted – http://twitter.com/ps152/status/1703863061057536
I “liked” you on Facebook.
I love this White Chocolate Pecan and Cranberry Tart.
http://preview.tinyurl.com/25beeat
Like you on FB (SusanBenegas)
I just love sweet potato casserole – with a delicious topping of brown sugar, pecans and marshmallows!
my favorite holiday dish is a classic pumpkin pie. simple, but delicious. i love cranberry sauce too, i could eat it by the spoonful!
I love my mom’s cornbread, roasted chestnut and leek stuffing at the holidays!
jcickay@gmail.com
I love sugar cookies. I make lots of them every year. Thanks for this giveaway.
entry #1 – I love broccoli cheese casserole at Thanksgiving time.
entry #2 – I am a follower
My favorite holiday recipe is my Grandma’s Breakfast Bake. We have it every year on Christmas morning 🙂
I liked you on facebook 🙂
I love mint brownies! Your cupcakes look delish!
I’m a blog follower
I love holiday cooking, my favorite is my apple-cranberry dessert lasagna!
http://thegrowingfoodie.blogspot.com/2010/11/sassy-sweets-apple-cranberry-dessert.html
I’m a facebook follower!
What an awesome giveaway! I always look forward to the holiday dessert…especially my mom’s array of cookies! I’ll have to post some of the recipes, like her peanut butter chocolate cookies and classic sugar cutout cookies : )
I don’t have a favorite holiday recipe, but I love certain ingredients this time of year: pumpkin, sweet potatos, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger.
I love sugar cookies and muddy buddies at the holidays. Simple and yummy.
ljyoung85 at gmail.com
I’m a follower
ljyoung85 at gmail.com
I’ve liked you on facebook.
mmmm I love xmas honey baked ham. Not to much of a turkey person though! And of course all the cookies pies and other random desserts are always a fav!
I liked you on fb!
I am following you on twitter
What a fun giveaway. My favorite Holiday recipe would have to be Pumpkin Bars, mainly for the cream cheese frosting. 🙂
I subscribe to your blog.
I am also a facebook follower.
One of my favorite holiday dishes is sweet potato casserole, with lots of sugar and pecans of course!
I subscribe to your blog. Wish I had found it earlier when I was living in beantown!
total awesomeness! I just became a follower!
Like you on FB too!
My new favorite holiday recipe is the william’s sonoma pumpkin cheesecake. It is so good!
I follow your blog!
I liked you on facebook!
favorite holiday dishes is turkey & all the fixins!!!!
s_laubach @ yahoo.com
My favorite holiday dish is sweet potatoes with bourbon, from epicurious. Ooh la la!
karenreichmann@hotmail.com
My favorite holiday dish is cranberry relish! Yum!
I follow your blog!
I love all of the holiday food, but my favorite dish is probably the stuffing! 🙂
I follow you on Twitter! (@mels_kitchen)
madeinmelskitchen@gmail.com
I am subscribed to your blog.
madeinmelskitchen@gmail.com
I lov emaking sweet potato casserole!
www.clothedmuch.com
I am following your blog and I am so glad that I do!! 🙂
gogirl001us@yahoo.com
I think that my favorite holiday recipe would be the recipe for my mom’s secret family recipe for chocolate chip cookies and Fudge!! 🙂
gogirl001us@yahoo.com
I am a facebook follower!!
gogirl001us@yahoo.com
I am a twitter follower!!
gogirl001us@yahoo.com
Blog follower!
Blog follower!
My favorite holiday dish is a recipe from my aunt for Pineapple Cheese Pie. It’s a cream cheese topping (not quite cheesecake but similar) over crushed pineapple and a homemade crust. It’s amazing!!
My favorite holiday dish is a crock pot hot fudge cake, the hot fudge forms as a layer on the bottom.
carrie@carriespear.com
I already subscribe to your blog!
I subscribe to your blog!
carrie@carriespear.com
I also follow you on Facebook.
I follow you on Twitter too!
I also follow you on Facebook!
carrie@carriespear.com
I follow you on Twitter
carrie@carriespear.com
I’m simple. My fave Thanksgiving Day food is mashed carrots and turnips:
3lb turnips (or rutabegas)
1 lb carrots
Boil, Mash, and Add butter and a splash of OJ.
I posted a tweet about the giveaway.
I posted on Facebook about the giveaway.
I tweeted about the giveaway.
carrie@carriespear.com
My favorite holiday recipe is chocolate chip meringue cookies.
I subscribe
FB fan!
kellmck8@msn.com
Buckeyes! Love them! I don’t have them on my blog…yet! Make sure to check soon thought 🙂
BTW what an awesome opportunity! Lucky you 🙂
I follow you on Twitter.
I like you on FB!
My fave holiday dish is tiramisu
(http://judyskitchen.blogspot.com/2010/01/really-good-traditional-tiramisu.html).
I am following your blog.
I love a good green bean casserole.
rrudnick@netnet.net
I follow your blog.
rrudnick@netnet.net
Pumpkin anything! Pumpkin and apple bars, pumpkin bread, pumpkin cookies, muffins 🙂
I love roasted caulifower as a side dish for the holidays, and of course pumpkin pie as a dessert.
urchiken at gmail dot com
Well, I’m Polish, so my favorite holiday dish by default is Red Borscht with wild muschroom dumplings!
i love pumpkin flavored or spiced anything during the holiday season!
i follow your blog with my google reader!
I can’t technically enter but just wanted to say Good Luck!
How could I have forgotten buckeyes! My mom made them every Christmas season and I made them last year and remembered how much I loved them. I’m going to make sure to carry on the tradition again this year.
ljyoung85 at gmail.com
I’m a blog follower!
I’m a follower/liker on facebook.
Nut roll and homemade break always reminds me of the holidays.
Still love that breakfast bake 🙂
i like you on facebook 🙂
Chocolate chip cheeseball!!!
Following you through Google Reader!
Like you on FB too!
My favorite holiday dish is french toast casserole. I love to make it the night before and have it on Christmas morning.
I follow you on fb
I am a fan of your blog
Another favorite fall recipe slow cooker vanilla pear sauce, http://kmarkners.blogspot.com/2010/10/slow-cooker-vanilla-pear-sauce.html
another favorite recipe we have for the holidays is egg bake for breakfast/brunch
http://kitchenfail.blogspot.com/2010/05/egg-bake.html
Blog follower
Facebook fan/follower
My favorite holiday recipe is the pumpkin pie recipe on the can of Libby’s pumpkin.
I follow you in Google reader
I LOVE pie at Thanksgiving. Any pie, I’m not picky!!
I subscribed. Yep, I’m a subscriber now.
Fun times!! 🙂
Totally like you on FB.
We are in “like” now. 🙂
Following you on Twitter!! Tweet Tweet!!
Pavochon is my favorite holiday recipe. It’s Puerto Rican style Thanksgiving turkey made to and taste like roasted pork picnic.
It’s so delicious!!
bellebracero at gmail dot com
My favorite holiday dish is my grandmas giblet gravy with mashed potatoes. It is delicious!
O M G! I just discovered your website. I am starving looking at the gorgeous creations. Hook me up!
my fave holiday treat is simple- hot chocolate!
follow on twitter @HavensTwit
like on fb Tee Jay
email subscriber ducks.are.people.too at gmail dot com
creamed spinach for me! also, i love my mom’s oatmeal bread wreath, but since i won’t be home for the holidays, i won’t be having it this year…
and now i like you on facebook!
What a fun trip you have going on!!!
One of my favorite holiday dishes is apple pie!
I am a blog subscriber
I like you on Facebook
I follow you on Twitter!
I love my famous pecan pie! (Ok so it’s only famous to me…)
I liked you on Facebook=)
I subscribe to you!
Favorite holiday recipe? Wow– Id’ say Chocolate Cream Cheese Sandwich Cookies!
Another favorite recipe is the classic pumpkin roll. yum!
i’m a subscriber!
My mom’s sweet potato pie!
I love sweet potato casserole with a yummy pecan & brown sugar topping.
I subscribe to the blog.
I like you on FB.
I follow on Twitter.
Tweet!
Facebook post.
I follow you on twitter!
I suscribe to your blog!
I follow you on facebook!
I love my husband’s stuffing–Betty Crocker recipe with some changes via Mother-in-Law.
It’s a good thing we can comment multiple times, because I don’t think I could choose just one favorite holiday recipe. Right now, I’m loving the cranberry cake we just made for Tuesdays with Dorie.
http://www.crumblycookie.net/2010/11/08/cranberry-shortbread-cake/
Ginger molasses cookies!
Just subscribed!
If I had to pick my favorite Thanksgiving recipe among many,it would be my Daddy’s turkey! He stuffs it with “mofongo” which is deep fried green plantains that are then mashed with olive oil, garlic salt and sometimes fried pork. It is to die for!
I’m a blog subscriber as well as a Facebook follower.
adaortiz80@yahoo.com
my favorite holiday food is pumpkin pie.
I also follow you on twitter
and subscribe on google reader 🙂
I love gingerbread!!
I’m a blog follower!
I like you on FB!
My favorite holiday dessert would be my aunt’s butter nut cake. it’s delicious!
Day 2 Entries: I’m also a fan of peppermint bark brownies. YUM
Day 2 Entries: I’m a subscriber
Day 2 Entries: I Like you on Facebook!
Day 2 Entries: I follow you on Twitter!
ginger molasses cookies. SO GOOD!!! http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2010/10/chewy-ginger-chocolate-cookies/
My favorite holiday dessert is apple cranberry pie!
I am a new follower of your blog!
i follow you on twitter!
i love gingerbread cake with cream cheese icing and candied orange peel
Another holiday favorite is pecan pie!
madeinmelskitchen@gmail.com
I am a subscriber! 🙂
madeinmelskitchen@gmail.com
I follow you on Twitter! 🙂
madeinmelskitchen@gmail.com
My favorite is turkey with gravy. It’s just something you don’t eat everyday.
I like you on facebook!
Thanksgiving just isn’t complete without my grammie’s oyster stuffing!
I follow via GFC
I also love peppermint bark for the holidays
I subscribe to your RSS feed!
Blog follower/subscriber
FB fan
Fav holiday recipe is egg bake
Baked sweet potatoe fries.
Just subscribed! Different email…hope that’s ok. I like to keep my subscriptions organized. 🙂
One of my favorite holiday recipes is Caramel Apple Pecan Pie. It was a big hit at our house last year and easy enough so I think it will be on the menu again this year. 🙂
I’m a follower too.
And I follow on Twitter too.
I like you on FB!
I already subscribe to your blog! 🙂
My favorite holiday dish are the mashed potatoes we have on Thanksgiving.
Blogged about your giveaway
Subscribe to you
I follow your blog
I follow you on facebook
Another fall favorite is baked apple dumplings, http://kmarkners.blogspot.com/2010/06/baked-apple-dumplings.html
My favorite Christmas cookie recipe:
http://www.whatmegansmaking.com/2009/12/fudge-kiss-cookies.html
So good and festive!
I follow you on twitter!
Mmm, homemade egg nog is our holiday tradition.
I “liked” you on Facebook!
scarlettxv at aol dot com
I love this pumpkin flan I make for Thanksgiving. http://www.kitchycooking.com/?p=697
It’s always a big hit.
I follow you on Twitter, too.
Mmmm.. anything with chocolate!
just subscribed
meagan247@gmail.com
My favorite holiday dish sweeet potatoe casserole!
Aklready a facebook fan JjKing
Jen, I’m so excited for you! Can;t wait to hear how it goes. One of my favorite holiday dishes is tzimmes, a sweet stew of root vegetables, winter squash and fresh and dried fruits.
http://carascravings.blogspot.com/2010/09/tzimmes-for-sweet-new-year.html
I already subscribe 🙂
and I like you on FB!
annnnd I follow you on twitter
One of my favorite things to bake is rum bake – my son loves it!
I love cornbread stuffing!
Like you on fb.
Great blog! I hope you host some more Boston events….plan to attend one someday.
Favorite holiday dessert is squash chiffon pie–yum!
Oh, and I already like you on FB.
A great holiday dish I love is an appetizer my mom always makes with puff pastry that’s stuffed with curry ground chicken.
still a subscriber!
My fav holiday recipe is probably a crunchy pumpkin cake
I’m a GFC follower
I’m a subscriber through GFC
I like you on facebook
Blog follower-love corn casserole at the holidays!
also a facebook friend!!
I follow you on twitter
I suscribe to your blog
I like you on facebook
A favorite holiday recipe of mine is green beans sauteed with bacon and onions
I’m thinking those white chocolate cranberry cupcakes might be nice for our Christmas celebration!
I’m a follower on FB, by the way
And I love your blog – I’m always telling friends and acquaintances about it!
My favorite – my Mom’s recipe for stuffing – the best ever!
Those white chocolate cranberry cupcakes are amazing! Thanks Jen!
Jen, good luck with contest. One of my favorites is Raspberry pie.
can we plan a Ho;iday bake off between you and Lindsey Loo-Loo?
Already like you on FB! Yum Cranberry cupcakes!!
Already like you on FB! Yum Cranberry!
When are you bringing these to RR?
Posted about giveaway on Facebook!
One of my favorite holiday recipes is probably apple pie, but I also have to have some fudge during the holidays.
I alreayd subscribe to your blog.
Love your recipes. Totally not appealing to my work, but I’m a complete foodie. My fav is Punpkin Spice Cheesecake brownies.
I’m a DIE-HARD follower on Facebook. You ROCK Beantown Baker!!!!
Day 3 Entry: Love peppermint hot chocolate!
Day 3 Entry: Follow on Facebook
Day 3 Entry: Follow on Twitter!
At the holidays I love to make peanut butter kiss cookies- they are my husband’s favorite so he waits all year for them.
“like” you on FB!
Oh and I also love ethnic holiday favorites! My family does a pasta course, artichoke course and anitpasti course too!
I’m dreaming about all of these great holiday desserts now, anything chocolatey and I’m game
My favorite holiday dish is sweet potato casserole!
Blog follower/subscriber
And, I’m a subscriber!
Facebook fan
Sweet Potato Casserole with brown sugar topping
I follow on facebook
I subscribe
pumpkin pie is wonderful too! can’t have Thanksgiving without it!
I subscribe to the blog
I like you on FB
Hi! I “like” you on Facebook.
And one of my favorite recipes is this Butternut Squash and Hazelnut Lasagna from epicurious.com. http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Butternut-Squash-and-Hazelnut-Lasagne-105911
And now I’m following yo on Twitter.
AND I subscribe to your blog.
Good luck, Jen!! My fav holiday food is stuffing, and that could just be because it’s the only time you see it…
My favorite holiday recipe is an appetizer: Mushroom crescents
Ok, I posted on FB about the giveaway. I don’t really ever use Twitter (shameful, I know), but hopefully I can figure that one out.
Posted on facebook too!
Well, I’m actually a subscriber now too. I guess before I just always visited via google reader. Go rock NYC!
I like u on FB
And I just tweeted about you (as Guava6982)
I subscribe to your blog
Ok, last thing, I’ve also Liked the blog in facebook. 🙂
Looks delicious!!! Good luck in New York!!!
Good luck! Don’t let the bed bugs bite in NYC. –Benji
I love warm dutch apple pie with vanilla ice cream.
julie (at) thelittlekitchen (dot) net
I already like you on fb.
julie (at) thelittlekitchen (dot) net
I follow you on twitter, I’m @thelittlekitchn
julie (at) thelittlekitchen (dot) net
I subscribe to your RSS feed via Google Reader
julie (at) thelittlekitchen (dot) net
Delicious.
yum, yum, yum, yum, yum! thanks for the tips!
Grandma’s roasted potatoes.
ljyoung85 at gmail.com
good luck at the Bake-Off today, Jen! And say HI to Amanda (Fake Ginger) for me – she’s my PPQ buddy. 🙂
I subscribe to your blog.
I’m a facebook follower.
Good luck Jen! Just “liked” you on Facebook.. not sure why I hadn’t done that before! 🙂
nire342@yahoo.com
I also officially subscribed to your blog!
nire342@yahoo.com
And my favorite holiday dish is pumpkin pie!
nire342@yahoo.com
Another favorite holiday recipe is cinnamon sugared pecans (Hubby likes almonds). I just found a recipe to make them in the crockpot and now they’re even easier!
I subscribe to the blog.
I like you on FB.
I follow you on Twitter.
I posted on FB.
I Tweeted!
I have a gluten sensitivity so my favorite Thanksgiving recipe comes from gluten free easily – it’s like a pumpkin pecan pie (http://glutenfreeeasily.com/pumpkin-butter-and-cushaw-pecan-pie/), really the best of both worlds!
I already “like” you on Facebook, hehe (Ashley So).
I follow you on Twitter (@cupcakes_mmm).
I just posted about this giveaway on Twitter (@cupcakes_mmm)!
I already like u on fb-Julie Scott Laws good luck and thanks for the giveaway
aunteegem@yahoo.com
My favorite holiday dessert is my mom’s frosted sugar cookies
aunteegem@yahoo.com
feed sub through Google
aunteegem@yahoo.com
shared on fb-Julie Scott Laws
aunteegem@yahoo.com
I am now a follower!
Too many holiday favorites to name just one!
like you on FB
Now a follower…
gosh, there are too many. Pumpkin cheesecake is on my mind lately – yum!
Like you on facebook!
I subscribe to your blog too!
I’m a follower, and a consumer of said food.
DEEEEEELISH!!
I like you on Facebook all the time! 🙂
This HAS to win, looks SO good!
Your blog is amazing! I want you to move back to the nati so we can cook all the time together! 🙂
i’d follow you on twitter if i followed twitter. 🙂
i made your pumpkin pasta dish the other day! mmmmmmmmmmm pumpkin in the fall!!
Mine is simple, but new fangled and we have it at every holiday. It’s a deep fried turkey with homemade gravy.
So many yummy things on your site! I’m eager to visit again and check it all out.
My favorite holiday dessert is iced sugar cookies, but really, I’ll sample anything sweet (or anything savory for that matter).
Good luck in the bakeoff!
I’m a subscriber to your blog (yay RSS!)
Generally for the holidays I make pumpkin bread! Mmmm so delicious…
One of your favorite holiday dishes- pumpkin pie
FB liker@tcarolinep JessieKatie S
@tcarolinep twitter follower
http://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/2777362571722752
Posted on FB@tcarolinep JessieKatie S
After my grandmother used to burn the rolls all the time, I know love nice, buttery, soft, warm dinner rolls.
Thanksgiving involves the whole family now that there are meat alternatives that taste yummy. Maybe you could write about some of those on your blog?
Chocolate mousse is a big holiday favorite!
So is John’s pumpkin pie…
My favorite holiday recipe is pumpkin pie!
I like you on Facebook 🙂
And I subscribe to your blog.
You’re recipes are the bomb.com! Thank you Beantown Baker! My favorite holiday baked good is definitely homemade Spicy Fruit Loaf!
http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=15612.0
I love my grandmother’s bread pudding. It’s my fave!f
My fave holiday recipe are peanut clusters: peanut butter, chocolate, peanuts, sea salt. Melt, mix, chill, eat. MMMM.
–Brandy
fosterbrandy(at)msn(dot)com
following you on twitter
–Brandy
fosterbrandy(at)msn(dot)com
GO Jen!!!! Kick some butt in your competition!
Looking through your blog for other holiday ideas…great resource!
Hope all goes well in NYC
There are some great free museums in NYC to visit, let me know if you need a few names.
Have fun!
And be careful!
I’ll have to figure out twitter…one of these days, so I can follow you on it.
I like to make sweet breads for easy breakfasts.
Sometimes I make banana bread from an old family recipe
Or substitute 1 cup of applesauce (preferably homemade) for the 3 bananas and make apple bread!
I have always loved your baking, Jen, and I just made it Facebook official. Good luck this weekend! I will be in NYC tomorrow night also and am available for taste testing if you need me. 🙂
You can’t beat sugar cookies as the best holiday dish. Yummy!
I just subscribed to your blog and it’s awesome!
I “love” your facebook page!
Just followed you on Twitter and can’t wait for those tweets.
How could one narrow it down to a single holiday recipe?
favorite holiday recipe-
pecan pie!! yumm
http://www.beantownbaker.com/2009/12/week-of-family-favorites-pecan-pie.html
i’m subscribed to beantownbaker.com!
i’ve already like beantownbaker.com on facebook, it’s official!
I’m officially a follower of beantownbaker.com on twitter! love it
I made my first ever tweet about beantownbaker and ICBINotButter!
i’m a fan of our traditional taiwanese steamed brown rice.
still a subscriber!
I posted about this giveaway on my facebook wall! Hopefully my friends listen to it and vote for you too! (:
Ok, here’s another holiday favorite for all the little kids in the family: on the appetizer side, I always made pinwheel sandwiches for the kids – pb&j; cream cheese and jelly; tuna; whatever. They were always a big hit with the kids and I’d make them for school parties too. You know, the ones where there are 4 different kinds of brownies, about a dozen dozen of cookies, and all sweets. The teachers appreciated the fact that they had some real food to serve the kids.
And my Mom always made Swedish spritz cookies with a cookie press. They were the most elaborate thing she ever made, with sprinkles of different colors, or those silver balls. They were great. I can’t make them without remembering her, that’s what makes them special.
My favorite holiday dishes include green bean casserole, pumpkin pie and sour cream raisin pie!
Good Luck in NY!
kerriekg@yahoo.com
I follow you on Twitter @36momma
kerriekg@yahoo.com
Hey I know your sister Jen! Goob! Okay so i’d say my favotite holiday recipie are those reindeer cookies. They look delicious!
I’m also a follower on Facebook
facebook follower! nom!
– Krista
I like you on facebook, and in real life.
I subscribe and I eat all of your posts 🙂
our favorite is a pepper jelly cheese tart that MH’s family has been maing for years.
I posted on facebook! Sorry it took so long!
I’m a long time subscriber!
I like you on Facebook!
You make the best sugar cookies in the world!
Favorite holiday dish….giant overnight cinnamon rolls. My mom always makes them on Christmas Eve.
My favorite holiday recipe is whatever the most recent Holiday treat the Beantown baker has made for me.
I love gingerbread cookies! Those white chocolate cranberry cupcakes look very inviting though!
Chanticlear1atgmaildotcom
I’m a subscriber, too! Thanks for a wonderful recipe & fantabulous giveaway!
Chanticlear1atgmaildotcom
two holiday favs – cornbread dressing and mirliton/chayote squash stuffed with shrimp
Daily Entry: I just found this new awesome recipe for hot spiced tea. great for the cold weather!
Daily Entry: I’m a blog follower
I follow on Twitter!
I like ya on FB!
Making Christmas sugar cookies with small children is a real holiday event.
Pecan Pie is also a holiday fav
Good luck Jen, your the best.
I like the meat best
Almost any food is great at the holidays…the best is getting family together
I like you on FB
I follow you on Twitter
I am a follower
I tweeted your giveaway!
I posted on FB about it too
Homemade Peanut Brittle is a holiday fav.
Green bean casserole. Yum!
I like you on FB
I am a follower
I linked on FB. Good luck today
We look forward to Gooey Bars. We only make them for the holiday!!
I follow on Twitter
I tweeted this too
already subscribed
One of my favorite dishes – apple pie! I can’t get enough of it.
Already following on twitter (@rachelcurrier)
hey one of my favorite holiday recipes is green bean casserole!
I liked beantown baker on facebook! (:
i subscribed to beantown baker on blogger!
I recently made a post with beantown baker and ICBINotButter on facebook!
I’m a follower of beantown baker on twitter!
my last tweet was all about beantown baker and ICBINotButter!
Green bean casserole with a twist. We have a family secret ingredient that makes it special.
Love, love, love praline sweet potatoe casserole. The original has 900 calories per serving; we have cut that down with some alterations to the recipe.
This is the best blog eeevvverrrr!
7-Layer Bars are a must at Christmas!
Party potatoes round out the meal!
I suscribe to your blog
We make a quiche on Christmas morning; always a great family tradition.
During the holidays, I like to to make these brownies, but I sub mint M&Ms for the nuts:
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Best-Cocoa-Brownies-108346
MMMMM, love my mom’s fudge and divinity!
I follow you on twitter (I don’t think this posted the first time)
I subscribe to your blog; love the appetizers.
Grandma Joy’s Cut Out Cookies are the best. Love the frosting.
I like you facebook (again, I don’t think this posted the first time)
Grandma Joy’s Cut Out Cookies are the best. Love the frosting.
Everyone loves Christmas cookies: sesame crisps are an adult favorite
The kids like lumberjack cookieso
The guys like coconut peaks.
Seven layer bars are something everyone loves!
Peanut butter squares are also good – for those allergic to p.b. I make them out of soybean butter.
Fudge rounds out the cookie tray