Watching November, Thanks 📺

Christmas movies get all the attention, but Thanksgiving movies have all the heart for the holiday season. It is no secret that I am no fan of celebrating Christmas before Thanksgiving. Not until after I see Santa at the end of the Macy's Day Parade do I want to hear & enjoy This Christmas by Donny Hathaway aka the Best Secular Christmas song. I prefer entertainment that tells tales about the Holiday of Gratefulness. There are many, many songs about giving thanks but what about films. Oh, they exist. And I have a few favorites.

Tower Heist So, while the Macy's Day Parade is going on, a luxury condo manager leads a staff of employees to seek revenge on the Wall Street swindler who cheated them. What could go wrong? It's hilarious to find out.

What’s Cooking? This movie moves around to four different Thanksgiving meals, all thrown by families from diverse backgrounds(Black, Jewish, Latinx, & Vietnamese) who think they have a few things in common: stress, food, and stressing over food. But they find out they are tied to one another in ways never seen.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles This is the most known Thanksgiving film. All Steve Martin's character wants to do is make it home for the holiday. But along comes the late, great John Candy's character and shenanigans ensue.

Pieces of April On Thanksgiving night, this is what I watch. I love this movie. Quirky & former rebel, April lives with her boyfriend in a low-rent New York City apartment away from her emotionally distant family. When finding out her mother has a fatal form of breast cancer, she invites the family over for Thanksgiving. But while her family travels into the city, April, a beginning cook runs into kitchen problems and must ask neighbors for help. All I have to say is come for dinner but stay for the cooking.

There are a couple of small-screen gems I like also, A Royal Family Holiday on TV One & Friendsgiving on Netflix. 

But entertainment media act as though there is no value in Thanksgiving movies. I wish they would change their minds. They act like Holly Robinson-Peete & Candace Cameron-Bure only like turkey dinners with a side of Jingle Bells and not with a Cornucopia. Oh well, until November is filled with Thanksgiving movies, I'm bucking the system & watching what I prefer. And I'll do with gratefulness in my heart.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms

 

Best of Restaurant Bias: The Fish & Seafood List

I'm not a major fan of most "Best of" lists, especially when it comes to restaurants. It took me a while to do this list. It is no secret fried catfish is on my personal "burned out" list and only eat it occasionally. And there are many fried catfish establishments in the area. But they aren't the only non-meat protein game in town. So, these restaurants were picked out weeks ago. Truthfully the hold-up was, I had to decide the direction I wanted to tell why I dislike Best List for this topic.

I think too many Best of Seafood list perpetuates the incorrect belief that all protein that comes out of the water are seafood.

Don't believe me, ask the average person about their favorite seafood & listen to freshwater fish get named. Hence why I classified my list in the way I did, Fish & Seafood. Freshwater places aka rivers & lakes are not the sea aka oceans & gulfs. So, places that only sell catfish, trout, bass, etc., should not be on the Seafood list. Stop allowing consumers to be stupid. Let them be properly educated.

My Top 3 Dallas Area Fish & Seafood

Top Cat: One of the few Fried Catfish eateries that aren't using lab & farm-raised Swai & Tilapia as replacements. (Yes, I said it. Fish should be flaky and not meaty in texture.) It is fried golden & it is seasoned nicely.

Bucky Moonshine's:  Want some delicious crawfish or shrimp etoufée this side of the TX/LA border. This is the place to be. They have nice land items but their seafood & fish dishes are so tasty.

Hook, Line, & Sinker: A "catfish place" that knows it can be made in other ways than fried. Yes, there are shrimp & fries. But there are Grilled catfish, trout, & salmon, and kabobs also. And they taste lovely. I really wish the others would catch on. But until then, Hook, Line, & Sinker is #1 in my book.

Let's remember! All fish is not from the sea. So, that's not seafood. It's just fish. Outspoken_Diva doesn't want you guys speaking foolishly. Especially because these "food insiders" are leading you to. When you know you better, you do better. (I Love That Quote.) Now, I want a few shrimp & veggie kabobs. Oh, Hook, Line...

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

I Just Wish Y'all Would Talk to One Another (Answering Questions)

Communication has to be a base for any relationship. But for some odd reason, it's still an issue. Maybe this is why I am single. Because I still attract non-communicators. Have to find out why and work on that.

Q: I saw this and thought about what your response would be. So, what is it?

A: I would be a tad bit offended. Because though I don't want to settle for courthouse or pastor study nuptials (They seem very rushed & desperate), he should know I don't fancy a big wedding. I prefer a 25-50 guest wedding & glad-hour style reception with line dancing in a hall. But I'll let my proposed plan go and have a color-themed housewarming with a surprise wedding with our closest loved ones. My only request would be that we must have a house found or built at the same timeframe it would be to plan a "Big" wedding. I hope my future husband is taking notes somewhere. LoL

Q: I saw this question on TV. Does a Sexless relationship give you grounds to cheat?

A: Heck No! Two "Sexless" relationships come to my mind. There is the one where the sex life of the relationship fell off at some point. The other kind is where sex was never had in the relationship. If there are others, let me know. Either way, a discussion needs to be had.  Cheating is so Immature & Foolish. Open your mouth and talk about your want and needs with your partner. There is already a problem. Communication stops it from becoming more than you want to deal with. Or at least be like Donnell Jones in his song "Where I Want To Be" & Break up before you commit Infidelity.

This Post's Video Question(s)

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Don't forget, if you have any questions, email them to C.OUT.SPOKEN.DIVA@gmail.com or leave them in the comment section below or on the social media site where you see this post. I will answer them.

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As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

The Hodge Podge (Answering Questions)

Yeah, I let the questions stack up & there's a bit of a backlog. But I'm here now.

Q: I want you to answer this. Please!

A: Such an unfortunate picture. As a clumsy person, I feel their pain. Child...As Much as Chicken, Heck Food Costs, I am saving & rinsing the chicken. And putting it back on the grill.

Q: Even though you give people blog names, has anyone you've talked about ever been offended by a post (ie Weeble-Wobble, JMac, Barracuda Stumps)?

A: Not that I am aware of. No one has said anything about being offended. I've sent JMac the links to posts he was mentioned in and he has given me kudos. I don't talk to Barracuda Stumps aka Worst Boyfriend Ever. I wish he would read my blog & confront me. I typed that sentence while thinking about unloading the clip that is my mind on him. Pray for me. LoL Weeble-Wobble is a Facebook friend. Who knows if she read this. But the comments & discussions are always welcomed.

This Post's Video Question(s)

Can't See the Video, Click HERE

Don't forget, if you have any questions, email them to C.OUT.SPOKEN.DIVA@gmail.com or leave them in the comment section below or on the social media site where you see this post. I will answer them.

Subscribe to the Youtube Channel!!

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

A Butternut Nut (OUTSPOKEN_Diva's Favorite Recipes)

If you can't see the video, Click HERE

This recipe could be for Breakfast or Brunch

Butternut Breakfast Hash

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground sausage
• 3 cups butternut squash, cubed (I use frozen, it cubed already)
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 tsp oregano
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup broth or stock
• 2 cups spinach
• Fried Egg (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat a large skillet to medium-high heat and add the sausage. Break the meat into small pieces with a spatula. Brown until fully cooked.
2. Add the butternut, onions, oregano, black pepper, and sauté for about 2 minutes.
3. Add broth and then place a lid on the pan but leave it tilted open some. Let cook for 5-7 minutes or until butternut is softened.
4. Add the spinach leaves and cook until they are reduced down for 2-3 minutes.
5. Serve immediately while hot.
6. Add a fried egg to the top.

Most people know I love a good meatless meal. Make this on a lazy & slow day and enjoy.

Shrimp & Rice Stew

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain rice
• 1 tablespoon butter (do not use margarine)
• 1 cup of water
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning (preferably salt-free)
• 2 Tblsp apple juice
• 1 small onion, chopped (1/4 cup)
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup frozen carrots
• 1/2 cup frozen butternut squash
• 1/2 cup frozen spinach
• 2 cup cups reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 3/4 lb cooked deveined peeled large (21 to 26 count) shrimp, thawed if frozen, tail shells removed

Directions:

1. In a 10-inch skillet, cook rice in butter over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until rice is golden.
2. Stir in water and Italian seasoning. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover; simmer until rice is almost tender.
3. Meanwhile, in a 2-quart saucepan, cook apple juice, onion,n, and garlic over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Stir in frozen vegetables. Let cook until warm for 5-10 minutes Add remaining ingredients.
5. Cook about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until hot.
6. Stir cooked rice into shrimp mixture. Cook about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender

Making a quick meal never hurts anyone.

Chicken with Brussels Sprouts & Butternut Squash Skillet Meal

Ingredients: 

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup diced butternut squash
• 1 cup halved Brussels sprouts
• 1 (5.6 ounces) package Knorr® Rice Sides™ - Chicken

Directions:

1. Season chicken, if desired, with salt-free Italian seasoning or salt & pepper. 
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken, stirring occasionally, until chicken is thoroughly cooked & brown, about 5-10 minutes, adding garlic during last 30 seconds cook time. Remove and set aside.
3. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in the same skillet and cook onion, squash, and Brussels sprouts until vegetables begin to soften and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in Knorr® Rice Sides™ - Chicken flavor and prepare according to package directions.
5. Stir in cooked chicken.
6. Serve Hot.

I have so much fun making these dishes. If you try them, let me know.

As Always Talking to You Adult Terms!

 

Boil? No! Sautée! (OUTSPOKEN_Diva's Favorite Recipes)

If you don't see a video, click HERE

Easy Skillet Turnip Greens

(For Mustard & Collards also)

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1/2 medium sweet onion diced
• 1 garlic clove minced
• 1 pound turnip greens, rinsed well, and roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until soft.
2. Add garlic and cook for one minute.
3. Add turnip greens, vinegar, sugar, and pepper and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

What? You don't consider Spinach a leafy green? LoL 

Easy Sautéed Spinach

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds baby spinach leaves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped garlic (6 cloves)
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 Lemon

Directions:

1. Rinse the spinach well in cold water to make sure it's very clean. Spin it dry in a salad spinner, leaving just a little water clinging to the leaves.
2. In a very large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and saute the garlic over medium heat for about 1 minute, but not until it's browned. Add all the spinach, pepper to the pot, toss it with the garlic and oil, cover the pot, and cook it for 2 minutes.
3. Uncover the pot, turn the heat on high, and cook the spinach for another minute, stirring with a wooden spoon, until all the spinach is wilted. Using a slotted spoon, lift the spinach to a serving bowl and top with the butter, a squeeze of lemon. Serve hot. 

And for good measure, let's share a good Cabbage recipe

Slaw Sautée

Ingredients:

• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion chopped
• 1 package of coleslaw mix
• 2 Tablespoons butter, cut into 2 pieces
• Red pepper flakes

Directions:

1. Heat a 12" skillet with olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until the onion is softened about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and stir, cooking an additional 30 seconds.
2. Turn heat up to medium-high heat and add about 1/3 of the coleslaw mix. Stir to mix onions and garlic with the coleslaw mix. Now leave it alone and let the mix start to brown, but be careful not to let it burn. Using a spatula, turn the mix over and let other side brown slightly. Season lightly with a dash of salt.
3. Add another 1/3 of the coleslaw mix and 1 tablespoon butter. Flip mix again after a couple of minutes.
4. Finish with remaining coleslaw mix and last tablespoon of butter. Once the mix is browned to your liking, add salt to taste and pepper, if desired.
5. Remove from heat, season with red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve.

Alright, that's how I sautée leafy greens. Were you already making greens in this manner? If so, do you do anything differently? Please share! And if this is your first time, when you make any or all these dishes let me know.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

At Some Point... (October Awareness)

We need to talk about Breast Cancer & Domestic Violence. But I don't know if we know how to. Every October we jump up with our awareness ribbons & facts. Every October we are off to our marathons. Every October we tell our stories. But what did we do from November through September? 

How many "Get Out That Relationship" conversations are we actually having?

When will a man having Breast Cancer stop being shocking?

Are we even paying attention to the colors anymore?

At some point, we have to look at these grand performances once a year and take this time to do the work on what can be done all year long in the real lives of people suffering from Domestic Violence & Breast Cancer. 

I say "We". I had this post written out in July because one of those social media advice-givers said he didn't know any women that had been abused but only women abusing men. I also recently saw the daughter of a man I know died from breast cancer. I remember the vile ways he was talked about because he had "titty cancer" (Yeah, a term a woman used in the gossip back then.). I remember being shocked & yet silent. That had to have hurt him & his family back then.

And have I done anything of substance about those things? *sigh* All I did was say "Hey Girl" to the daughter. Didn't even ask how her mom & siblings were doing. Yeah if drag y'all, I have to side-eye myself, also.

We got another year to do & talk about things differently.

Hopefully & Prayerfully, We Will!!!

Until then...

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

FYI

For anonymous, confidential help, 24/7, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or  1-800-787-3224 (TTY). If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

The Komen Breast Care Helpline

1-877-465-6636 or email helpline@komen.org