When I was a kid, my favorite holiday TV special was always A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. Back in those days, there was no DVR, DVD or even tapes. When the special was on, you watched it and that was it. No second chances. Maybe my love of Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, even more than the Great Pumpkin, was a precursor to my future in the kitchen. Maybe it foreshadowed my … [Read more...] about Thanksgiving Popcorn
Snacks And Starters
Maple Spice Crinkles
Maple Madness Maple is one of those ingredients that always makes me look. If I come a recipe in a magazine or cookbook for maple anything, I just have to read it, then usually cut it out or mark it with a post-it. Of course, sometimes I end up disappointed that these recipes only call for “maple flavoring,” which appeals to me not at all. It seems like cheating or faking. … [Read more...] about Maple Spice Crinkles
Hearty Pumpkin Cookies
My favorite time of year is finally here – pumpkin time! I love pumpkin - in cake, soup, risotto, muffins, bread and, of course, cookies. I am sure over the next few months my pumpkin obsession will manifest itself with a host of recipes, so be prepared! We’ve just had our first cool days here and I couldn’t resist whipping up an early batch of these soft, hearty and delicious … [Read more...] about Hearty Pumpkin Cookies
Glazed Kielbasa
There are certain activities that anyone in any particular town, city, state or region is expected to have participated in. Wouldn’t you be surprised by someone living in Hawaii who had never been to the beach? Or shocked by a resident of Paris who had never even seen the Eiffel Tower? Well, I have one of those surprising confessions. I have never been to an SEC football … [Read more...] about Glazed Kielbasa
Apple Pie Bars
Once upon a time there was a beautiful apple tree. When I was maybe 10, my dad took me to the plant nursery and let me choose whatever kind of tree I wanted to plant in the backyard, to replace one that had died. My family had just enjoyed some magnificent apples, bright red with little red capillary-like veins running through the creamy white flesh. At the market, they were … [Read more...] about Apple Pie Bars
