The tree is up, dripping with twinkling lights.  Cheerfully wrapped packages add a splash of color at its base. Pumpkin and pecan pies are cooling on the counter, and I’ve got plans which will keep me and the Unicyclist busy in the kitchen for a good part of the day.

Merry Christmas!

No, we’re not temporally confused—November just happens to be when all the kids could get their patoots home to mom, and we’re willing to rewrite tradition.  In honor of our personal holiday, I’m experimenting with my take on several holiday recipes that have made me drool in anticipation over the last few weeks.  I’ve got mushroom and celery gravy with garden herbs made for Fat Free Vegan’s green bean casserole, diabetic-friendly twists on traditional pumpkin pie and Pioneer Woman’s pecan pie, plans for an unfussy salad with cranberries, pecans, and cheese, a tureen of our favorite daal awaiting, and our amazing garlic mashed potatoes still in the lineup.  I’ll let you know how it all turns out tomorrow, so you’ll have plenty of time to think about any recipes you’ll want to include for Thanksgiving or your other holiday celebrations.

Stay tuned.