About.com Local Foods

The Farmer's Garden - Such a Cool Idea

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 08:49:59 +0000

A reader let me know about her totally clever web site: The Farmer's Garden. It's the perfect antidote to Thanksgiving overindulgence - a source of local produce fresh from other people's gardens! Enter your ZIP code, what you're looking for (or what you have to offer) and find sources (or takers) for free, bartered, or bargain super-fresh produce.

The Farmer's Garden - Such a Cool Idea originally appeared on About.com Local Foods on Friday, November 27th, 2009 at 08:49:59.

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 07:26:16 +0000

I'm a bit concerned that you're here, on the internet, instead of cooking or eating or watching football or playing football or taking a walk or seeing a movie. You're either killing time or frantically looking for help. Either way, I've gathered some key cooking tips that may come in handy today:

Happy Thanksgiving! originally appeared on About.com Local Foods on Thursday, November 26th, 2009 at 07:26:16.

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Thanksgiving Countdown: Thanksgiving Salads

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:40:29 +0000

Sure, a great tossed green salad is perfect alongside the turkey and gravy. If you want something a bit different, or a way to add more fresh vegetables to the feast, check out these 10 Great Thanksgiving Salads to brighten (and lighten) your feast.

Thanksgiving Countdown: Thanksgiving Salads originally appeared on About.com Local Foods on Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 at 08:40:29.

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Thanksgiving Countdown: Everything Pie

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:25:00 +0000

"Easy as pie" is a phrase for a reason, and yet many people seem to have anxiety around making pie. If you hate to bake, go ahead and just buy a tasty pie from a bakery. If pie crust seriously freaks you out, go ahead and just buy the crust. But if you think a truly homemade pie on Thanksgiving sounds delicious or fun, give it a try. If you've never made pie crust before, see this extensive All About Pie Crust guide I've pulled together.

If you've tried making pie crust and been disappointed in the results or didn't know what to look for, I took some pictures of the process so you can see how the dough is supposed to look at each step of a pie crust recipe in this step-by-step guide to How to Make Homemade Pie Crust.

Made pie crust before but it's been awhile? Remember what to do with these 10 Tips to Perfect Pie Crust.

Once you have the crust made and ready to bake, make sure to doll it up with a pretty edge. See how in How to Crimp Pie Crust. Or, get really fancy and make a truly weaved top with this guide to How to Make a Lattice Pie Crust.

Ready to get started? Try Perfectly Flaky Pie Crust or Buttery Pie & Tart Crust.

Thanksgiving Countdown: Everything Pie originally appeared on About.com Local Foods on Tuesday, November 24th, 2009 at 08:25:00.

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Thanksgiving Countdown: Thanksgiving Soups

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:23:20 +0000

I love to serve soup at Thanksgiving. I used to start the meal with a soup course, but as the gatherings have grown and become more casual, I have the soup ready earlier in the day and offer mugs of smooth, warming soup as much as an appetizer as a soup. Try one of these 10 Delicious Thanksgiving Soups to get your feast started right.

Thanksgiving Countdown: Thanksgiving Soups originally appeared on About.com Local Foods on Monday, November 23rd, 2009 at 08:23:20.

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Thanksgiving Countdown: Side Dishes That Travel

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 09:01:49 +0000

These Great Thanksgiving Side Dishes are not only delicious and made from seasonal ingredients, they are a snap to make and can be served either gently reheated or simply at a slightly warm room temperature (set the covered dish on the stove or in the warmest place in the kitchen) - making them perfect for bringing to a potluck Thanksgiving celebration.

Thanksgiving Countdown: Side Dishes That Travel originally appeared on About.com Local Foods on Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 at 09:01:49.

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Thanksgiving Countdown: Thanksgiving Appetizers

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:17:30 +0000

I like to keep the apps (that's restaurant lingo for "appetizers") simple on Thanksgiving. A relish tray, perhaps a simple cheese plate, and always a platter of crudites to make sure everyone gets some veggies in them before drinking pints of gravy. This collection of 10 Simple Thanksgiving Appetizers is vegetable-based, seasonal, and delightfully delicious. Many of them travel just fine, so if you pulled "just bring an appetizer" duty, you're sure to find something to fit the bill.

Thanksgiving Countdown: Thanksgiving Appetizers originally appeared on About.com Local Foods on Saturday, November 21st, 2009 at 09:17:30.

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Thanksgiving Countdown: Thanksgiving Cocktails

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:35:51 +0000

Classic Manhattans aren't particular to Thanksgiving, but their rich but balanced flavor hits me as just right for starting the celebration right.

For a less intense jump into the fun, try adding a nice bit of seasonal color and flavor to a glass of champagne, sparkling wine, or sparkling cider by dropping in a few pomegranate seeds (see other great ideas for using pomegranates).

Thanksgiving Countdown: Thanksgiving Cocktails originally appeared on About.com Local Foods on Friday, November 20th, 2009 at 08:35:51.

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Thanksgiving Countdown: Mashed Potatoes & More

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:55:25 +0000

Mashed potatoes are delicious, and I am in no way suggesting that you not make mashed potatoes this Thanksgiving. If, however, you were thinking of trying something a little different, think about making Smashed Potatoes, with plenty of garlic and parsley. A cheesy savory Potato Leek Gratin or Potato Cabbage Casserole fits the Thanksgiving meal nicely, too.

Roasted Potatoes are an incredibly easy option (just throw them in the oven with the bird), as are Grilled Potatoes if you happen to be grilling the turkey this year. Potatoes In Cilantro Sauce are one even less traditional option, or try this Spicy Potatoes, Cabbage & Carrots.

Or keep with tradition, just make sure to make the Best Mashed Potatoes possible.

Thanksgiving Countdown: Mashed Potatoes & More originally appeared on About.com Local Foods on Thursday, November 19th, 2009 at 08:55:25.

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Thanksgiving Countdown (Wordless Wednesday Edition): Creamy Spicy Spaghetti Squash

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:46:00 +0000

Thanksgiving Countdown (Wordless Wednesday Edition): Creamy Spicy Spaghetti Squash originally appeared on About.com Local Foods on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 08:46:00.

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