Make Ahead Gravy

Three days left until the big Thanksgiving feast so let's talk about food stresses. For me, for many years, it was the gravy. I was taught that I need to take the turkey out of the roasting pan and keep it warm while I strain the boiling hot pan, de-glaze it with stock and scrape the good bits up from the bottom. Then pour it into a gravy separator to get off the layer of fat, then make a butter and flour mixture and whisk it in until the gravy thickens.

Mustard Coated Crispy Potato Balls

My favorite thing about this time of year is the focus on gathering. Whether it's family or friends or even new friends like the great group I recently met at a book club meeting, the get-togethers make me feel connected.

Autumn Harvest Bourbon Ginger Fizz

The countdown to Thanksgiving is on and I love this time of year so much. The air is crisp and the weather cool but not cold. Autumn is showing off her colors outside my window, magazines and newspapers are filled with pie and side dish recipes and most of us are placing our turkey orders. But let's not forget the cocktails.

Bacon Cheddar Cornbread and Sausage Stuffing

Let's talk about the best part of the Thanksgiving feast: stuffing! Or, in this case, dressing. Because when you stuff it inside the bird it's called stuffing and when you make it on the side it's called dressing. In my family we call it stuffing no matter what because dressing is the stuff you pour on salad. But that's not important right now. What is important is: stuffing!