Time to start thinking turkey.

Its coming….Thanksgiving. I’m starting to make lists, gather recipes, and get the guest bedroom shined. Thanksgiving is so exciting…its kind of like a “kick-off party” for the holidays. The last time to sit with family & friends and relax before the holiday madness starts. My holidays are really crazy up due to the fact that Riley has her birthday on December 17th and Maddie will be turning 13 (ahhhh, a teenager) on January 12th. Busy, Busy, Busy! I have begun to gather my essentials for Thanksgiving…

On my list is a visit to Trader Joe’s. My Thanksgiving is so much better thanks to them! I always make certain to have 3 boxes of their stock on hand. It really is the best! I also have plenty of jars of Pumpkin Butter from them…not only is this one of our holiday favorites (like pumpkin pie in a jar), I love to keep it on hand for hostess gifts. Okay, I can’t forget the three buck chuck. I seem to always underestimate how much of this I need. But hey, for only $3 per bottle of wine….no problem! Don’t worry Loretta…I’ll buy enough for myself this year What is your favorite must have Thanksgiving food purchase?

Now I am not really into baking – it’s to exact for me. I looove to cook…leave the baking to someone else. I am so intrigued by the Thanksgiving shortbread cookies that I found on Etsy. With flavors like Pumpkin Pie Harvest, Creme Brulee, and Triple Chocolate Chip Walnut I will be certain to please everyone! They are so pretty too – they look like little scoops of icecream.

Another great way to please everyone is with the Dean & DeLuca Mini Pie Sampler. How adorable are these little guys?

I usually do bake a cranberry cake during the holidays…guess what? I’m not this year. I found this amazing Maple Pumpkin Cranberry Cake from one of my favorite companies…Dancing Deer. This looks like another crowd pleaser.

Want to add a little celebrity chef to your Thanksgiving table? Order this Paula Deen double chocolate gooey butter cake.

Now I am totally starving! I think I am going to go crack open my pumpkin butter…..

November 12, 2007. food, shopping.