Beautiful moments from our friend’s wedding reception

I woke up early this morning with the butterfly excitement of Thanksgiving and a four day weekend running through my mind. I really REALLY love this holiday and for several good reasons. It brings together family, friends, food and leaves the commercialized aspect of Christmas behind. For me it marks the beginning of what truly feels like the holiday season and always ends up being a time I reflect upon what I’m most thankful for. The list is generally very similar every year but it doesn’t make it any less meaningful because I truly am so thankful. For my health and the health of my friends and family – the moment you or a loved one goes through any sort of health issue is the moment you get it and this one shoots to the top of your list. For the loving, supportive and ridiculously fun family and friends I am blessed with on both mine and my hubby’s side. For careers both my husband and I love and fulfill our passions and interests. For the beautiful food that keeps us healthy and feeds not only my belly but my soul. For a safe home and bed to sleep in – a blessing I’m feeling particularly thankful for this year given the events happening around the world. The list could go on and for THAT, I am thankful as well.

As we head into the holiday weekend I hope everyone is able to take a few quite moments to reflect on the joy in life. It is easy in the day to day to identify the struggles or get caught up in the frustrating moments, but when you pause to think bigger I hope you are able to find your rays of happiness and give thanks and gratitude for what they bring to your life. Here’s wishing you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving, I hope you are surrounded by love and laughter and of course, lots of good food and wine. Cheers!

Below are the two recipes I’m contributing with my sister to this year’s meal. I’ve also listed a few from my foodie soul sister’s pinterest board because she really nailed it with yummy ideas for the table this year. Happy cooking!

My sis and I are serving…
Caramelized Shallots because (well, CARAMELIZED SHALLOTS!) they are so simple with a really short ingredient list to keep it easy.

Turnips with Bacon and Pickled Mustard Seed because my sis is dairy free and we needed to add some more gourmet dishes to the table that she could dig into.

My foodie soul sister has some mouth watering options going too…
Spinach Shiitake Bread Puddings because individual bread puddings are the best way to do stuffing in an easy to serve and prep way. Plus spinach and shiitake, YES PLEASE!

Salted Butter Apple Galette with Maple Whipped Cream because HOLY S*#T this sounds amazing. Also, it can be made a few days ahead (as in today) and reheated before serving.

Cranberry Thyme Gin & Tonic because everyone could use a festive cocktail as they cook up a storm.

Garlic Butter Roasted Mushrooms because they are a cinch to make and will add a great savory vegetable dish (that will actually get eaten) to your spread.

Lemony Smoked Trout Dip because your app game better be on point or don’t even bother.

When your coffee is served with vintage gems it makes your morning that much more special

If you’re looking for a cozy holiday scent this is your candle. Found at Whole Foods and burned 24/7 since I bought it.

San Francisco city hall showing support for Paris

Given the events happening in the world I felt particularly touched by this bus ad, if only everyone thought this way