Thanksgiving Checklist

With The Times Dining section offering Thanksgiving help and tips, it's time to think of the holiday checklist . Despite it being less than a week away , there may be some items big or small that need to be picked up. It's pays to have an actual checklist though, so you know exactly what you have or need to buy.

Of course you have the turkey. Most already have even bought it before Hurricane Sandy struck . However what about those vegans that are in your life? What alternative do you have for them? You can get tofurkey slices or an actual tofurkey loaf.These can go well with mushroom gravy and stuffing. On that note for vegans, have a ready can or packet of brown or mushroom gravy for them. Sides are another think about. Do you have three or four standard ones or introduce new ones for everyone's tastes. Stock up on cans on veggies because you never know if one kind will be popular and get gobbled up. You can always open another can if you run out of the original.

Stock up on basics too. You';ll need flour for thickening your gravy. Any left over can be used for holiday baking a few weeks later. Sugar also is a must to keep. It';s not only used for cooking and baking but for sweetening all those after dinner teas and coffees. Eggs also should be bought.Not only are they used in most dishes like stuffing and breads  but also are needed in those big family breakfasts days after. The most basic staple, bread should also be bought in two or three loaves. You;ll need that amount if you have guests over for a few days. They can be used for sandwiches and of course morning toast.

It's time to get out the checklist  and see what you need to get. Start with a list and think about your needs for the holiday weekend. A well stocked kitchen, after all is an efficient one, and one you need.

Putting Chocolate In Thanksgiving

Chocolate is not your usual Thanksgiving ingredient, unless you count those foil wrapped chocolate turkeys kids receive. However it adds punch to some very sedate traditional desserts.The pies and cakes are no longer boring. They're fun.

The dash of chocolate was Melissa Clark's subject to yesterday's A Good Appetite  in yesterday's Dining section of The New York Times. She decides to create some fun desserts that are part Thanksgiving, part celebration. What is so different is that she takes traditional pies like pecan and adds  chocolate and coconut, It makes this decadent dish even more decadent, with a taste like a candy bar. She also adds bourbon which is standard in Southern pecan pie recipes and rich Dutch chocolate along plus the flaked coconut for chew.

There are other ideas too. Ms. Clark creates a rich custard using rum and bitter dark chocolate .To tie it in to the day she adds rum soaked dried cranberries.For a more G rated version add orange juice or zest so the kids can appreciate it as well.She adds a chocolate souffle cake to the menu as well. She jazzes it up with creme fraiche and for a really big surprise candied cinnamon scented butternut squash.If that's a bit too wild add some salted pecans or walnuts to offset the sweetness.

Chocolate on Thanksgiving? Yes, it does work. The sweet adds richness and fun to traditional yet staid desserts. It livens up a turkey day like nothing else

The Times Turkey Day Guide

With Thanksgiving only a week away, cooks , both experienced chefs and novices panic about cooking for a group. Not only that , but how to you put a spin on one of life's most traditional meals. Luckily the Times Wednesday's Dining section comes to the rescue. It has every kind of help and idea to get anyone through next Thursday's annual feast.

Everyone weighs in , in this week 's section. The great chef, Jacques Pepin gives advice as well as his memories of the holiday There is a deconstructed pumpkin pie (and yes it can be torn apart and rebuilt for a hipper crowd).There is wine advice from Eric Asimov along with how to condiment recipes.

Save this issue if you want as a guide or even a crutch for Thanksgiving. The recipes for the condiments, from Melissa Clark and Julia Moskin are definitely worth cutting out and saving/The squash recipe is also a good one. Steamed turkey is another recipe that's worth saving because it's an alternative to a completely roasted one. There are also a variety of steps for different preps that are very helpful as well. These are worth saving too for also Christmas or New Year's turkeys.

Thanksgiving ushers in a season of cooking. Use this week's Times Dining section as your guide. You;ll not only feel better but cook better too.

Special Diets

Sometimes foodies wind up eating too many good things which lead to a host of problems. Stomach problems abound and the nasty side effects (too vile to even mention here). That's when a trip to the doctor ensues and wiith it special diets. What's a foodie to do? Abide with it but also have fun with it.

At one time or another most will have to modify their eating habits to better suit their health. What that mens is goodbye to fruity cocktails and crunchy snacks. Soda is also taboo in some diets and that puts a huge crimp in everyday drinking habits. However , most diets do allow for iced tea which is easy to switch to along with fruit drinks  such as apple and cranberry. Some doctors will presribe Gatorade which has not only flavor but also the bonus of electrolytes.as far as snacks, think pretzels  and even puffed rice as opposed to potato chips and Doritos.

Meals change too. Instead of those hot dogs and pastrami sandwiches you may want to switch to grilled or even boiled meats . The last may sound gross however you can always it up and mix with mayo to create a salad. Certain egg dishes can be allowed like poached or shirred. These are simply boiled eggs and can be served in fancy egg cups to jazz them up.Served with toast triangles or even squares.Some veggies may be forbidden as are salads.Try to sub in with your doctors suggestions. If you are allowed , then try to grill or sauté them. They'll taste better. Also vary them if you have a choice. A new diet doesn't necessarily mean a bland and unexciting one. It can be just as good and as fun as your old one.The benefit. : feeling better and eating better

A Cookie For A Veteran

Veteran's day was yesterday however it shouldn;t be for just one day. We should honor them year round.There are so many ways to do so, especially food wise Foodies unite and honor those who have fought for your freedom.

Bake sales are always a great way to help anyone.From school kids to church groups, a sale featuring homemade goodies is always a great way to raise money and awareness. You can even make patriotic flag or eagle cookies too, to remind people of why this event is happening. Patriotic cupcakes are also fun, especially if you ice them in the specific colors of our military forces. Candies such as fudge or chocolate dipped pretzel rods can also be on the venue. Set up coffee and hot water for tea urns along with tables and chairs for those who want to eat their treats right away.

Care packages have always fed our troops from the Revolutionary War to our current ones. You can easily make homemade cookies to remind the troops of home but also include gum and candy bars for a quick sugar burst. Sending healthy snacks like sunflower or pumpkin seeds along with fruit leathers can be better. You can have a variety of the last in different flavors. Add some batteries and cologne for some fun. Another idea is helping out at veteran's home whether in the kitchen or just bringing in coffee and cake for our retired servicemen.

Veteran's Day should be extended  to everyday and not just November 11th. Honor them with a bake sale or just hanging out at the veteran's home with some coffee and cake. The old saying of "an army travels on its' stomach "is true. Add to it  with your own spin/

A Night Off

sorry dear readers, there was an emergency today which actually righted itself. we 'll be back Monday with the same food and drink advice.enjoy Veteran's Day. help them and our serving military anyway you can.

Volunteer Meals

Hurricane Sandy has taught us that volunteer work matters a lot. Helping out anywhere is a plus. If you can cook, that's more of a plus . Fire stations and even senior citizen center kitchens always need an extra hand. Even clean up is most appreciated too.

Most volunteers  usually just help set up food tables and ladle out food .However if you can pitch in with food prep do so. Most firehouses have their own chefs with their own favorite recipes. Some will accept another cook with new dishes. You can make dishes at home and bring them in. Lasagna, baked ziti and any casserole is easily made and transported. Also bringing in hot dogs and hamburgers along with turkey and veggie burgers are another good idea,, if local businesses haven't already donated them. You can make potato salad or baked beans if that's the case.

If your oven is working, then think about baking cookies and muffins for volunteers. Although they may not be nutritionally good, they;re still a rush of much needed sugar for energy. Slice and bake chocolate chips are the easiest to bake en masse. They;re also the easiest to transport too. You can also make slice and bake sugar cookies too. Muffins, whether big or small are great too/ These can be eaten for breakfast too with a hot cup of coffee. You can also vary the recipes for  the large and the mini. Try blueberry or chocolate chip  along with corn and cranberry as well. These , too, can be easily brought to any firehouse or center.

Volunteerism is needed during these tough times. Any way you can, contribute your cooking and baking skills.They will be much appreciated and much needed.