Hi Cooking Moms, Dads & Friends,

Thanksgiving is almost here! I wanted to take a minute to say a big THANK YOU to all of you. I can't thank you enough for enjoying my website, my cookbooks, and all my recipes, secrets and stories. I am feeling so blessed this holiday season!

I just got back from what’s I’m calling Turkey Tour 2019. I was on TV in San Francisco, Sacramento, and Santa Barbara, sharing my tips for a stress-free delicious Thanksgiving. Click San Francisco to watch me give turkey tips and make my recipe for my new Cheesy Corn and Green Chili Casserole!

Thanksgiving is such a special holiday. My son Riley and my daughter Ireland will both be home! I can hardly wait to be in the kitchen cooking up a storm with my daughter Ireland. She peels the potatoes. I mash them. Together we cook up some serious memories! Arlo, the dog gets in on the act too. He follows us around the kitchen, hoping we drop a thing or two.

We always start off the morning with my Streusel Bundt Coffee Cake for breakfast. It’s a family FAVE! Click Breakfast & Brunch for more delicious holiday breakfast and brunch recipes.

Then, we try to get some exercise. Normally, we take Arlo on a nice long walk. It’s a great way to burn some calories and work up an appetite. When we get home we’re usually starving. Time for board games with the kiddos, football and some pre-Thanksgiving dinner munchies! Instead of putting cheese and sausage and olives out on a plate, why not have some fun with them and put together my Gobble Up Appetizer Platter? How cute is this? Super easy too. Makes a great centerpiece for your buffet too. Take a picture quick because it’s going to get gobbled up in no time!

During the holidays I'd be in the dog house if I didn't make my Ranch Deviled Eggs! Ireland came up with the idea of using Ranch dressing instead of mayo. You may want to double the recipe because these are always a hit!

My Cranberry Crostini are also super delicious and easy. Just 3 ingredients. Great way to use leftover cranberry sauce too! Click Appetizers for more of my favorite holiday snacks.

Okay, time to talk turkey. If you're stressed about cooking the bird this year, don't be! Roasting a turkey is easy! If it's been a while and you need a quick refresher on how to do it, just click Perfect Roast Turkey to see how I make it!

Gravy can be kind of tricky too. No worries, I can help! My No Lump Gravy is the way to go. Turns out perfect every time! Promise, no lumps! Speaking of lumps. I do like a few lumps in my mashed potatoes. That way everybody knows they're homemade. What I don't like are sticky, gluey mashers! Click Perfect Mashed Potatoes to read my secret to making them great every time!

By now, I hope I've talked you into using your slow cooker this holiday season. My Slow Cooker Stuffing is the way to go! Click Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes to read how to make potatoes in your slow cooker too. It's a great way to get them done ahead and keep them nice and warm. Not to mention it frees up oven space! Love that! Click Slow Cooker for more slow cooker recipes.

Speaking of sides, my Green Beans with Red Pepper and Almonds are always a HUGE hit. They are so fresh and colorful. LOVE THAT!

My Crunchy Green Bean Bake is twist on the classic. The crunchy noodles and water chestnuts make this dish really fun!

Forget the canned cranberry stuff. My Cranberry Orange Sauce is so easy and delicious! Mix the leftovers with cream cheese to make a fabulous spread for bagels!

I love serving a salad at Thanksgiving, like my Waldorf or my Nice ’n Lite Grape Walnut and Bleu Cheese Salad. Click Salads, Nice ’n Lite, and Sides for more recipe ideas.

For dessert why not do a dessert buffet? It’s super on trend! Besides pie, why not make a few different bite-sized desserts like my Cranberry Orange Cupcakes? They are to die for!

Get the kids in the kitchen to help make Pilgrim Hat Cupcakes. So cute! No time to bake? Try my Pumpkin Mousse! It’s a winner and looks so cool served in pretty glasses.

Click Desserts for more ideas for sweet treats.

Want to make the house smell really nice on Thanksgiving? Make my Mulled Apple Cranberry Cider. It looks so pretty served in holiday mugs with cinnamon sticks and fresh cranberries. Tastes delicious too! Perfect for sipping next to the fire after that big Thanksgiving meal! Click Drinks for more holiday sipping satisfaction.

Join me Tomorrow, November 23, 2019 for a Holiday Cooking Class and More in Bowler, WI!

Are you a deer hunter's widow or just looking to do something fun with your girlfriends? I’ve got an idea. Join me for the Fearless and Fabulous Women’s Expo at North Star Mohican Casino Resort! It’s on Saturday, November 23rd. The event is filled with great motivational speakers and workshops. I’ll be doing a live cooking demo at 12:30pm. I’ll be dishing out lots of kitchen tips and tricks and making some of my favorite holiday recipes. You’ll even get to taste them. Plus I hear they’ll be serving free mimosas! Click Fearless and Fabulous Women’s Expo for more information.

Please Invite Me

I’d love to come to your town and meet you! Tell your library about me. I’ll come do a cooking demo for your company or event too. Click Hire Amy for more ideas for how we can spend time together!

My Cookbooks Make Great Holiday Gifts!

If you like my recipes, I think you'll love my cookbooks! They make a great holiday gifts! Both cookbooks are filled with nearly 200 unique recipes. They're available on Amazon. Click Amy's Books on Amazon to order. If you would like an autographed, cookbook stay tuned. I’ll be doing a few holiday cookbook signings in Wisconsin. I’ll post more details soon.

Gotta run. It’s going to be a busy weekend. I’ve got to load up at the grocery store and we may even get the Christmas tree! You can always see what I’m up to on Facebook and Instagram. Follow me!

I hope you have a great weekend and a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving! Cook up some memories!

Take care,
Amy, The Cooking Mom

Mulled Apple Cranberry Cider