Matrimony in Manchester
We traveled to Manchester, Ohio for my niece Emily and her husband Justin’s wedding. More on that beautiful event later. This past week would have not have been as enjoyable as it was if it wasn’t for Gayle’s organization. Work was no picnic and she took care of reservations, planning pick up times, making sure everyone had the clothes they needed, items to pack, and much more. Yes, I did help, but Gayle picked up the bulk of it. I was asked to and I drove. And what an exciting drive it was.
Our first stop was picking up Aaron. The drive to his place at John Carroll is always a nice drive through Shaker Heights and University Heights. This time of year makes it especially picturesque. The leaves were showing off the whole drive there. John Carroll University is a lovely suburban campus with beautiful buildings and very green open areas. With Aaron picked up and his bags loaded, we were off to pick up Maggie at Ohio State. It occurred to me that we were going to be arriving at our final destination, Maysville, Kentucky, around 8:00. No biggie. We had a nice drive to Ohio State. I am still perplexed how the students managed the roads off OSU’s campus in the 1970’s and 80’s. The narrow roads today barely leave enough room for a car to pass with parking on both sides of the street. That and dodging potholes, etc. I can’t imagine how they did it with a big 1970’s ford LTD. The enormous campus still leaves me in awe. I am also in awe how little from the sports programs goes to reduce tuition for the students who are not athletes. I don’t get as upset like I used to anymore when they lose their football games.
Maggie brought her bags out, hugs all around, and we headed off to Maysville. I assumed incorrectly that we would be taking I-71 to Cincinnati the whole way down. No. We did take 71 for a bit but I was told by Gayle and Dame Google Maps that we needed to take a different route. A very rural route. God’s country…at night. There was sunlight for the first 45 minutes or so but it got dark really quickly. The signs, road paint, and guard rails were all kept up so they acted as our yellow nosed Rudolph. The road was loaded with short hills and shallow valleys. There were also turns left and right at the top of the hills and valleys. Tight country roads. There were plenty of gasps and shrieks all around. Luckily no deer or other animals darted out into the road. The bridge to Maysville then came into view and we then knew we could breathe easy.
We arrived just in time for hellos and a smattering of conversation before Emily and Justin’s ceremony started. The wedding and reception were held at The Ville. The ceremony was outside a barn where the reception was. Emily looked beautiful! The weather was perfect and everyone had a great time. It was wonderful to see everyone!
Thanksgiving ham
When this spiced baked ham recipe is baking it takes me back to the holiday ham recipe we had when I was young. The warm spices mixed with orange juice are amazing. It is a very easy recipe to put together. We started making this ham recipe about 20 years ago. I found that scoring the ham added to the look and flavor of the baked ham. This with the basting liquid made from the ham juices and orange juice. My pineapple pretzel fluff recipe, cuban bread, or roasted potato recipe goes great with this. This semi boneless ham or spiral sliced recipe can be prepared ahead of time and baked just in time for your dinner. A holiday ham recipe that your guests will love. As my father in law would say, “There's nothing wrong with ham!” I personally can eat ham on a regular basis.
Here is a link for more on my ham recipe! Info on scoring, picking out a ham, and basting.
Spiced Baked Ham Recipe
Ingredients
1 9-12 pound ham
4 tablespoons of brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup of orange juice
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F
Combine brown sugar through orange juice in a bowl.
Pour mixture over ham and rub in.
Bake for 10 minutes per pound. Baste every 15 minutes or so. If you run out of basting liquid just add a
Ok! More Thanksgiving recipes in two weeks! I hope everyone has a great two weeks and stays safe!