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
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
Chicken Enchiladas with Pumpkin Sauce
I don’t do Halloween. Of course, as a kid it was my favorite time of year, what with the candy and all. I used to spend weeks thinking about my costume, and they were almost always homemade. I was Darth Vadar one year in a navy blue blanket and German helmet a neighbor kid’s grandfather brought back from World War II. One year I had chicken pox and my … [Read more...] about Chicken Enchiladas with Pumpkin Sauce
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