Thanksgiving Sides - Love 'Em or Hate 'Em?

There are two vegetables that people have very strong feelings about at their Thanksgiving tables – sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts. My family loves Brussels sprouts so that's not a problem for us. However, sweet potatoes are a different story. Some of us like our traditional dish of candied sweet potatoes. Some hate them. Maybe your family feels the same.

There are different ways to cook these two vegetables that might make you feel differently about them. We will explore some of these new recipes today.

SWEET POTATOES

Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
Serves 8

3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
4 tablespoons butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium shallot , finely diced
1 teaspoon sea salt
black pepper
2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup Parmesan cheese, sh...

How to Be a Great Hostess or Guest

So, you've been invited to an event. What do you do now?
First and foremost......
RSVP:
Confirm your attendance or regrets and communicate any plans or potential changes clearly to avoid inconveniencing your host. This is so important because in many cases people have to pay per person and when you don't show up, it costs them money.
For more casual events (other than weddings) -
Before You Arrive:
1. Ask if you can bring something.
2. Be on time!
3. Bring a small hostess gift for dinner parties, wine, flowers, or a homemade treat, is a thoughtful gesture.
While You Are There:
1. Follow the rules. Pay attention to and respect your host's house rules, such as taking off your shoes, and be mindful of their routines. 
2. Be helpful. Offer to help with chores, like doing dishes, or with setting up and cleaning up.
3. Clean up after yourself. Keep your personal space tidy,...

Vegetable Fritters

A fritter is a portion of meat, seafood, fruit, or vegetables that has been battered or breaded and deep-fried. You can eat them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, as a side dish or dessert.
You can fritter that! Apples, pears, bananas, corn, carrots, crab, onions, cheese, apples, pumpkin, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, lobster, squash — sweet or savory, it doesn't matter — you can make fritters from them all.

ZUCCHINI FRITTERS

Barefoot Contessa
Makes 10

2 medium zucchini (3/4 pound)
2 tablespoons red onion, grated
2 eggs, lightly beaten
6-8 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
butter and olive oil

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.
Grate the zucchini into a bowl using the large grating side of a box grater.
Immediately stir in the onion and eggs.
Stir in 6 tablespoons of the flour, the baking powder, salt, and pepper. (If th...

'Tis the Season for Hot Chocolate

HOT CHOCOLATE MIX

Makes 10 cups of mix

2 (9.6 ounce) boxes powdered milk
1 (1 pound) bag powdered sugar
1 (8 ounce) container unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt

Whisk together all ingredients in a large bowl. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
To make a single serving of hot chocolate, place 1/3 cup mix into a mug. Heat 2/3 cup milk or water. Add just enough liquid to the mug to cover the mix and whisk vigorously until smooth. Whisk in remaining liquid.

HOT CHOCOLATE STIRRERS

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Toppings:
Candy canes, crushed
Mini marshmallows
Sprinkles

Heat the heavy whipping cream on stove top, stirring so that it doesn't burn.

Meanwhile, pour the chocolate chips into a microwave safe bow...