Gobble Gobble! Turkey Cookies!

Gotcha, didn't I?  They are turkey cookies, but they are not made with turkey.  These sugar cookies are a hallmark contribution of mine to Thanksgiving dinners past, present and future.  You may be wondering why I didn't highlight a pumpkin pie, pumpkin roll or pumpkin cookie recipe as my Thanksgiving post.  I'll tell you why:  because everyone makes or writes about those.  Yes, pumpkin this and that deserves a proper place at the Thanksgiving table, but sometimes it's just too much.  Pumpkin pie is a great, timeless staple.  Pumpkin rolls nauseate me because they're a dense lump of fat upon fat, and I can practically hear my arteries closing while I'm eating it (PS that's a challenge to those of you reading this...comment with a pumpkin roll recipe that's light and I'll try it out and publish it here if it lives up to the hype).  Pumpkin cookies are a refreshing change of pace, but sometimes it's nice to see something that's not orange or brown on the dessert table. Cue my Turkey Cookies!


These cookies are always a crowd pleaser, they're festive, they're tasty, they keep well, and they make for a great host/hostess gift should you need one. Make sure you set aside plenty of time though as the dough needs to chill for a few hours before baking. I usually make the dough the night before or early in the day and then bake them that evening.

Mom's Apple Crisp

Yesterday I realized that apple season is drawing to a close and I have not made a single apple crisp (the horror!).  I blame the weather. We've had a particularly warm fall around here which has prevented even the faint thought of stews, roasts, soups and other cold weather foods from crossing my mind. As if on cue, last night a storm rolled in and I woke up this morning to 36 degrees of brisk, damp air.  Mind you, I don't care much for the cold, but it sure gets me motivated to cook all things fall so here comes my Mom's apple crisp recipe with just a few modifications (I couldn't help myself, plus I was one apple shy of the required amount). For a real treat, serve it fresh out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream!