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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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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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Create a Restorative Mealtime Ritual
Recently I introduced a class, Cooking as Creative Meditation, in which I share ways that home cooking can be a meditative practice supportive of our well-being. We take a new look at the entire cooking process from meal planning to experiencing a beautiful meal. We also explore gratitude for the many hands that make it possible for us to access and prepare food, a practice to carry out throughout the year. From the farmers who grew the baby potatoes we will roast in the oven to those who harvested them, there are many to thank for the dishes we make. There are those who laid out the vegetables at the…
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Roasted Honeynut Squash with Sage and Pepitas
Sweeter and tinier than the butternut variety, honeynut squash begins appearing at the market around late September. A petite winter squash with concentrated flavor, its natural sweetness turns more caramel and malt-like with the heat of the oven. For that reason, I roast it simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Additional flavor comes from crisp sage leaves, lightly toasted pepitas, and just a touch of maple added after the slices leave the oven. Where some squash benefits from roasting in a maple glaze, honeynut squash develops a rich flavor on its own. In this recipe, maple dressing is lightly brushed on to lend a different note of sweetness rather…
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Tastier Thanksgiving Stuffing
Until you’ve had truly delicious bread stuffing, you might wonder why many of us consider it an essential layer of our Thanksgiving leftover sandwiches. When cooked just right, the stuffing on your holiday table will be so tasty that you’ll give it a prominent spot on your plate during dinner and beyond. A beautifully browned turkey may take center stage, but stuffing with crusty edges, plenty of aromatics, and a few choice add-ins will have everyone going back for more. Start with Good Bread Pieces of stuffing bread will soak up aromatics, butter, and all the other ingredients in your stuffing, but they also make up the bulk of the…
cooking classes + wholesome recipes + mindful living
