Nat Decants, I Drink

Posted by Jacqueline Church Nov 5, 2007

They're he-e-e-e-e-e-r-re - those "where the heck's my Xanex" moments: THE HOLIDAYS.

Banish your "I'm not Martha Stewart" anxiety with my good, solid recipes, tips and plans. First: our reminders for keeping peace in the family here.

Then, review the index of articles on holiday meals, gift ideas, Thanksgiving recipes including the best sweet potatoes ever, spice rub for your turkey, chocolate truffles, gravy and more. Here's an index to holiday help.

This week I am thrilled to bring you noted wine expert and award winning author Natalie MacLean's top five tips for pairing Thanksgiving food and wine. Her website is stuffed like a turkey with great advice on wine and includes a food and wine pairing tool.

Fall is many things, the snap in the air, the lengthening of the shadows and the love of friends and family - I relish them like a big old sweater. Bake a pie, a simple apple cake, or a Galette. Roast a beautiful squash, toast and spice the seeds. Pomegranates are in season now, enjoy this magnificently healthy, sensuously delicious treat while they last.

We've just begun planning our holidays around here. After my father-in-law's battle with cancer and two other friends' illnesses, I've re-newed my commitment to sharing the true spirit of the holidays. I am hosting my beloved "Procrastinators', Refugees', and Orphans' Thanksgiving". I think I'll buy a local turkey this year.

I'm adopting a "Just Say No" attitude to all the retail pressures. The drumbeat of "buy, buy, buy." Thinking homemade truffles, homemade spice rubs in beautiful little jars, you know gifts of the kitchen are gifts of the heart. I just really like the thought of useful gifts. As Martha says: "It's a Good Thing."