Growing up I proudly professed the unique fact that my parents, brother, and I all had birthdays that fell on holidays. Each year I celebrate my birthday on July 4th, my brother was born on Mother’s day, and my father’s birthday occasionally lands on Thanksgiving. As this story came up at dinner parties my mother would proudly finish the story by saying “and my birthday often falls on election day!” (Below is a throwback pic of the four of us from 2006!)
And yes, I agree with her. Election day is an essential part of our democracy and one that we must treat with the same level of awareness and respect as other holidays across the year. This is a day when we must take local and national races seriously, do our part to research, and then show up to make sure our votes and voices are counted.
Today is my mother’s birthday and while it doesn’t fall exactly on election day I know that if she were here she would be passionately debating the ballot questions and encouraging us all to get out the vote.
Her birthday is also a reflective day and I spent the morning reading through posts from previous years. This post describes how my parents celebrated their birthdays early in their marriage, this one describes how they then adapted and shared their traditions with my brother and me as children, and this meatloaf recipe was one of her signature dishes.
This year I am posting a recipe I threw together after work. In many ways I think she would be proud as this reflects the confidence I’ve gained over the years and comfort in using a ‘flexible recipe’. Note: the recipe below was not measured but I’ll do my best to write out my process and will update it in the future after I make it again.
This dish was great that night and even better the next day for lunch! Sharing over at Fiesta Friday which is hosted this week by Judi @ cookingwithauntjuju.com and Alex @ Turks Who Eat.
Weeknight dinners don't have to be bland. These pantry staples come together to make this rich and healthy dish!Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs with Roasted Brussels Sprouts over Farro
Ingredients
Steps & Notes
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The Pantry Portfolio 
Another really nice post. It definitely captured a little of the fun side of Mom
On Sat, Nov 3, 2018, 11:57 AM The Pantry Portfolio PantryPortfolio posted: “Growing up I proudly professed the unique fact > that my parents, brother, and I all had birthdays that fell on holidays. > Each year I celebrate my birthday on July 4th, my brother was born on > Mother’s day, and my father’s birthday occasionally lands on Tha” >
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Great post. I’m going to try to make this in PA this week.
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I love the flavor of honey mustard and I bet it’s delicious on your chicken. I’m trying to “love” brussel sprouts too but I can’t seem to get there. How interesting about so many birthdays falling on holidays. All the more reason to celebrate! Thanks for sharing with Fiesta Friday Deb.
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Thanks for the notes! We’ve always had such fun with the holiday birthday theme. I’d suggest roasting brussels as a start – they get so crispy and even are great with just salt and pepper.
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I concur with the thoughts on all important Election Day!
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Love brussel sprouts!
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Me too! Such a yummy fall veggie.
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I was born on Father’s Day…but we only got to celebrate together once every seven years. Your chicken thighs roasted with honey mustard must be very tasty.
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