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Cranberry Curd Tarts
A vibrant filling surrounded by a festive wreath of pastry crust make these individual cranberry curd tarts destined for the holiday table. Since the braided edges and hand-cut leaves are unique to each tart, they make a beautiful presentation with details we celebrate even more this time of year. Sprinkle on some raw sugar for a bit of holiday sparkle. Certainly these tarts can be made without a decorative crust, and they will be just as delicious. If you would like to make ones similar to those pictured, I have included tips below. As with the crust details, the size of the individual desserts can be adjusted based on the…
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Maple Pear Sparkler
A sparkling pear drink complements the dishes of fall, offering a refreshing accompaniment to warm spices and hearty meals. This sparkler combines pear juice, maple simple syrup, and a touch of fresh pomegranate and lemon for a festive drink fit for the Thanksgiving table. Bubbles are contributed by mineral water though sparkling white wine such as Prosecco does the trick as well, making this a drink that easily transforms from non-alcoholic to full-on cocktail. Slip a thinly sliced pear into the glass as a garnish, and for an even more festive touch, brûlée it first. Along with garnishes and drink recipes, I discuss mixology according to the seasons in my…
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Cozy Winter
Whether winter brings to mind the peace of a snowy woodland or pine branches brought inside as festive decoration, this is the season of coziness. A walk through the woods is an opportunity to bundle up with chunky mittens and knits. There may be no better time to wear a fluffy pom-pom. Inside there is coziness to be found in a cup of rich hot chocolate and, for a while, the garlands and ornaments that surround us. I’ve always loved winter for the way it calls us to be a little more still, more warm, perhaps even more thoughtful about things we might take for granted in other seasons. Heading…
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Savory Wild Rice and Cornbread Stuffing
A savory accompaniment to roasted chicken or Thanksgiving turkey, this stuffing combines nutty-flavored wild rice with crumbled skillet cornbread, sausage, and plenty of fresh herbs. Baking the cornbread in a skillet ensures a buttery, toasted bottom crust. Rather than cube the bread, I crumble it before mixing with the rest of the ingredients. Wild rice adds even more texture. Since I will make this recipe many times during the holiday season, I keep fresh herbs on the windowsill for easy clipping. Whether you serve it for a holiday or cozy weeknight dinner, classic Thanksgiving sides like cranberry sauce and roasted vegetables round out the plate. The scent of fresh sage,…
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Pumpkin and Flower Centerpiece
Now is the time of year when my garden blooms with the most beautiful autumn flowers, and the pumpkins at the market are irresistible, so I decided to turn gathered stems into this seasonal centerpiece. Overflowing with lavender, snapdragons, marigolds, chrysanthemums, and more, it’s lush enough to make a vibrant Thanksgiving centerpiece, particularly if made in multiples. As we head deeper into fall, my home will be filled with differently colored heirloom pumpkins, particularly those that tend toward blue and gray – though I also have my eyes on a gorgeous pinky-peach Galeux d’Eysines. Traditional varieties like the sugar pumpkin will certainly make their way into the mix as well…
food + love + creativity
