The Season of Gratitude

Now that the weather is cooler and the season has changed, we are seeing more and more people cooking at home. Squash is one of the more popular items to enjoy cooked or used as holiday décor.

This month, we celebrate two important holidays:

The first is Veteran's Day, which is celebrated on November 11. This year Veteran's Day falls on a Friday. Some will celebrate the whole weekend, while others may enjoy going to gatherings. We all know that means loads of FOOD! Creating delicious menu items is a breeze with all our fall fruits and vegetables. Check out our Fall Harvest items to get your party started. And a big THANK YOU to all the amazing Vets out there.

November is also time to give thanks for everything around us. We enjoy our families and friends and show our appreciation on Thanksgiving. This annual tradition brings families and friends together on the fourth Thursday of November (this year, November 24) for a feast of thanks. Originally, it was a three-day feast, giving thanks to God by the Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony, who safely survived a brutal winter. It provided food for 53 pilgrims and 90 Native Americans. Today's Thanksgiving feast has many similarities in the foods served: berries, fruit, pumpkin and squash.

Melissa's wants to celebrate with you by offering some serving suggestions to enhance your current Thanksgiving Day feast. Trends are leaning toward healthier gatherings, and new items such as fresh jackfruit, legumes and grains are making their way into kitchens nationwide. Try mixing grains with your favorite stuffing recipe to add fiber and nutrition; add fresh or dried cranberries, and you have a delicious healthy side. Other fun appetizers are dragon fruit slices placed on top of a starfruit slice, then topped with a Greek yogurt dollop. Try simple Melba toast rounds topped with Melissa's Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto mixed with cream cheese. Everyone will love it, and it is fast and simple to make.

Planning is vital for a successful holiday meal. Prepare your turkey early in the morning and cook it all day to get the aroma in the air. Use a turkey "bag" to ensure a moist turkey; it takes care of itself (no basting). You can even toss your veggies into the bag with the turkey. Use plenty of baby fingerlings, baby carrots, and peeled pearl or boiler onions to serve as a tasty side dish. Melissa's Steamed Line is a fast and delicious answer for side dishes. Our brussels sprouts are popular for any holiday meal; cook and toss with some crispy onions for a real treat. Organic baby yams are always a hit served casserole-style and topped with marshmallows. Fresh cranberry sauce and roasted Baby Dutch Yellow® Potatoes will be perfect sides, along with the green bean casserole that everyone loves and looks forward to every holiday season. Make it simple and easy, but tasty and filling.

Another hot trend is grazing boards, cheese platters and charcuterie boards. Fill these with fresh cheeses and meats, and add fresh grapes, dried fruits and nuts. These make a perfect appetizer station, along with fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, to take the edge off your appetite. Your guests will thank you!