29th[and]3rd

The holidays are upon us. Thanksgiving is literally 11 days away which for me, and perhaps many of you means a road trip to grandmothers house, and no doubt a few edible contributions to the table.

Over the last few weeks I’ve become newly acquainted with StumbleUpon – don’t judge me – and with some luck I’ve come across plenty good recipe blogs along the way. Below are a few recipes (and the blogs they came from) I intend to test taste within the next week or so.

Smitten Kitchen – If I had to guess I’d say that chocolate chip cookies are the number one treats made during the holidays. They’re quick, easy and a no brainer home run. But – chocolate chip cookies are round yet these are square. I immediately had to find out why and realized that these are not just chocolate chip cookies. No people, these are espresso-chocolate shortbread cookies. I don’t even really know what that means but I do know that included in today’s grocery purchases was a bottle of instant espresso and semi-sweet chocolate chips.

a farmgirl’s dabbels- For Thanksgiving each year I contribute with some sort of dessert. Usually red velvet cupcakes and or a pumpkin mouse. I do a pumpkin mouse instead of a pie because while a pie is more traditional it’s also more work. While it’s an easy compromise between that pumpkin pie flavor and a quick-to-whip dessert It’s getting a little old. Enter the layered pumpkin pie – in a jar. The presentation of this pumpkin cheesecake is too cute so I’ve decided to add it to my repertoire and the no-bake method means I can handle it – stop judging me.

Mama Foodie – The infamous frozen hot chocolate. As many times as I’ve been to New York I’ve never been to Serendipity 3 which means I’ve never had the frozen hot chocolate. I don’t know what to expect but I do know that this is perfect for a Cali girl like myself. The “winter” season for us is often filled with warm days while the cooler days only litter the months of November and December. It seems easy enough to put together but I’ll have to take care not to make this an everyday treat. Unless of course I plan on expanding my wardrobe to include the next two sizes UP.

Sprouted Kitchen – Now like I said, I usually contribute desserts to the Thanksgiving feast however, when I saw this crusted butternut squash recipe I immediately decided it should be sitting along side the turkey and rolls. We usually have yams/sweet potatoes and they are truly sweet. coated in a layer of sugar and marshmallows. I’m thinking that this more savory option is a good one for all those who typically pass up the yams dish. Again – I made sure to pick up both a butternut squash and some Parmesan cheese. With luck this will a new favorite.

Beecher’s Handmade Cheese – Now for what is sure to be the HIT of Thanksgiving this year. See my mom usually makes the mac & cheese, not just for the holidays but always. Up until now she’s had the best recipe in the family. She lives in Canada now so getting a bite to eat that tastes like home is next to impossible. Last weekend I was craving some mac & cheese but have never made it. Then I came across Beecher’s World’s Best Mac & Cheese recipe! Now I’ve visited Seattle several times and I always try to get a serving of this stuff when I’m there, it’s addictive. This recipe is super easy, cheese substitutes are just as easy to make so you can use your fav’s and that’s a good thing since my mom won’t be home for the holidays.

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