Tis the Season...

My oven has been on a lot more often these day and the scent of cinnamon and apples fills the air... you know what that means!


I'm getting ready to stock up supplies for the Thanksgiving feast: butter, pie crusts, more butter, soup stock... most of the cooking happens the day before and day of. This year I think I want to brine my turkey. I've never tried that method before, but I just saw a recipe for a cranberry brine, maybe that would be lovely?? I usually just slather the thing with butter and fists full of rosemary, thyme and sage....

I have my favorite standard savory dishes: brussel sprouts, carrots, mashed potatoes, pumpkin gratin and cauliflower. Then of course we'll have the hand mixed buttermilk biscuits, orange zesty cranberry sauce and stuffing. I've yet to find my own favorite and simply magical stuffing recipe though. Last year my friend Anne made a brilliant bourbon soaked fruit & nut stuffing which was pretty effing awesome. I'd like to make that but am also on the look out for the bread variety, because it's just so great with gravy and biscuits!

This year I'm excited about the following...

• Finding a great new pie to try along with apple of course!

• Buying grown up wines. I'm planning on going to some tastings soon to pick out some nice simple bottles, even though my guests might not care all that much. Last year a guest brought a great bottle of whiskey that quickly disappeared! It was kinda, no pretty awesome, so I'll be on the lookout for that too.

• Buying groceries with friends at the Farmers Market, always a great part. Picking out your perfect cheese pumpkin right along with famous chefs and every other inspired New Yorker!

• Decorating my home to enhance our eating experience. This usually means moving furniture around and filling the room with Christmas lights to provide a warm glow. The wreath I made for my first Thanksgiving is still hanging on my wall, so perhaps it's time for something new....
  

I'll keep you posted on all developments!!!