For most of my childhood, we spent Thanksgiving with my family in Arkansas. It was always a big, loud, boisterous gathering of family we didn’t see nearly enough. For many of these years, my brother and I were the oldest of the kids, so we got to sit at the grown-up table, which made us feel very special. After the meal, the men would go watch the ball game and the women … [Read more...] about Sweet Potato Casserole with Cider, Orange and Maple
Thanksgiving Popcorn
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
Classic Corn Pudding with Cheddar and Chives
Now that the countdown to Thanksgiving has begun, I surveyed some friends about their favorite Thanksgiving dishes. Most answers were sweets – rich and decadent ones at that, like coconut cake and pumpkin squares. No one answered turkey. My personal favorite is corn pudding. It may seem like an unnecessary addition to an already laden Thanksgiving table, but I … [Read more...] about Classic Corn Pudding with Cheddar and Chives
Oven Vegetable Soup
First off, let me say that this is not my recipe – I don’t think. I read about this, or someone told me about it, I don’t know. But it has stuck in my mind for years. It’s one of those easy ones that you memorize without really meaning to, and then remember when you are wandering aimlessly through the grocery store or farmer’s market wondering what to buy. This recipe is … [Read more...] about Oven Vegetable Soup
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
