I just LOVE Thanksgiving!! My favorite holiday and right around my birthday. This year, my birthday is the day before. My boys with their girls and my husband always plan something great (no pressure guys, if you’re reading this). And this year, once again we get to have all of them at our home in the country along with a dad of one the girls. We are all so excited!!

The turkey has been ordered and cranberries have been bought but that’s it. Ever since I wrote the cookbook, that has a schedule, process and my favorite recipes for the big day, I can relax, because honestly I have it all written down now and can just follow my own e-cookbook! It’s really great. You can download it to your Kindle here. I’m super excited for the cornbread apple stuffing I make, as well as the cranberry ginger sauce and the giblet gravy, all surrounding the big bird.

I was recently invited to a special lunch at Bill Telepan’s new Telepan Local restaurant. It was all about encouraging folks to eat vegetables, especially local vegetables. Just take a look at this centerpiece.

You too can make this – especially a fun project if you have younger kids! Cut 2 flat sides perpendicular to each other on an acorn squash and use toothpicks to put in the other vegetables. Use cloves for the eyes. Enjoy!!