2 Suggestions for a Better Thanksgiving

I have a couple of hot takes to share with you in prep for Thanksgiving:

1. Must-Try Pumpkin Pie Recipe

   This is an incredible pumpkin pie recipe. I don’t know about you, but at times when a recipe turns out too well, I basically vow never to make it again. I know that sounds crazy but the last thing I need is too much of a good thing, tempting me to binge eat. However, on occasions where others may partake in the helpful processes of consumption, such things can come out of retirement! Case in point? This pumpkin pie recipe from Fork Knife Swoon. It really is the best! And the secret weapon? A gingersnap crust! The only adjustment I made was using a fresh sugar pumpkin instead of the canned stuff. Do whatever you want; canned or fresh, but prepare yourself for the knowing that is the deliciousness of this pie. You’ll face some hard choices around the number of slices to hoard but that’s why I encourage you to consume with friends and family. There is safety in numbers!

2. A Song for the Season

   Speaking of friends and family… below is song by The Highwomen for your holiday playlist. Growing-up my family was not one to sit around the table and enjoy a meal together. Neither of my parents cooked much which is probably why both my brother and I cook now. We craved more than food. We craved that sense of community and the adult version of me is making up for lost time. This song gives me all the feels, idealizing the holidays with the importance of “gathering”. I covet a good gather. That’s why I like cooking on ships! Everyone comes together to eat and break bread, reminding us that a community is what you make of it regardless of how we are related. So have a listen and add this song to your holiday mix.

No matter where you find yourself this Thanksgiving, whether at home or at sea, at a Friendsgiving or with family, I hope there is a crowded table awaiting you, loaded high with gingersnap pumpkin pie and other seasonal delights!

Get prepping and good luck, and of course, let me know what you’ll be putting out on your table.

Holiday Dinner For One

A good number of folks are celebrating the holidays alone this year as Covid-19 asks that we remain vigilant about social distancing. That means no big holiday dinners with lots of family members and that extra table leaf. Speaking as a former caregiver, I can tell you that I know about lonesome holidays. Never were they the Hallmark fantasy events, projected on TVs across America. Instead they were more likely a meal of one because my dad was a Scrooge and never one to partake in anything other than his beloved peanut butter and jelly. I’d go to great lengths to bring the holiday vibe into our home only to feel defeated by his disinterest. Over the years, this pattern became predicable and I realized that any effort to make things festive was personal. I was the one that wanted to live out the “most wonderful time of year” while my dad and his dementia could care less. In his eyes, the effort was a hassle but for me, engaging with the holiday spirit offered a sense of “normalcy”.

This year has been anything but normal which is why I’m sharing this recipe with you. You might find yourself alone be it as a caregiver or just Covid complainant. But don’t let that stand in the way from feeling celebratory. This one pan chicken dinner, roasted with avocados, and tossed with spinach and whole grains is nothing short of festive. Add the pomegranate-lime vinaigrette and the whole dish is covered in holiday bling! Skip the turkey and the endless sides and opt instead for simplicity. It’s been a tough year so what better gift can you give yourself than less stress?

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breast
• 2 avocados, cut in half with the pitts removed
• 1 bag of baby spinach
• 1 large pomegranate
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper
• 6 tbsp olive oil + more for the chicken.
• 2 limes,juiced
• 1/3 cup chopped mint leaves
• 1 cup whole grain like brown rice, quinoa, barley or combo.
• Salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Make the grains according to the instructions on the packaging.
2. Preheat your oven to 400F degrees.
3. In a roasting pan, add the chicken breasts and the halved avocados cut side up.
4. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle the crushed red pepper on top.
5. Toss it slighlty so the chicken and avocados are coated, and then sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper on top.
6. Place the pan in the oven and cook for 25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
7. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the vinaigrette by combining the olive oil, lime juice, pomegranate seeds,and mint adding a touch of salt and pepper to taste.
8. When the chicken is finished cooking, transfer the breasts and avocados to a plate temporarily.
9. Add the cookend grain to the pan with handfuls of the spinach, mixing in half of the pomegranate-lime vinaigrette.
10. Stir it around in the pan combining all the juices adding more spinach as it wilts from the heat until you have your desired grains to greens ration. I used about 3/4 of the bag of spinach.
11. Slice the chicken and avocado and return them both to the pan.
12. Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette across the top and serve it straight from the pan.

The good news is you’ll most definitely have some leftovers so its kinda like the gift that keeps on giving. And if you need a festive dessert for the occasion try the Skillet Baked Pear Custard from a few posts back. ‘Tis the season!