Oh, So Thankful...

Via marthastewart.com

The day after Thanksgiving is always a swirl of relief (made it through another holiday!), guilt (shouldn't have had that second glass of wine!) and pure joy :)

My family is the result of that joy, I am so very lucky to be surrounded by the most loving, caring, happy, funny, sweet, intelligent and just plain fabulous people!

I "co-host" the holiday with my mom and while it's a bit of an undertaking, it is so wonderful to welcome the family and watch as they enjoy the festivities!

We usually have a set menu with familiar favorites on it, however this year...we added two NEW favorites! Please try these...you'll be glad you did!

1. Crunchy Baked Fennel.

This crispy and delicious recipe comes from Food & Wine Magazine. Roasted sliced fennel is topped with crunchy Japanese Panko Crumbs that have been toasted and mixed with sauteed garlic, shallots and fresh tyme and olive oil. I added chicken broth instead of white wine before baking but either way would be so delicious!

2. Ciabatta Stuffing.

My clever mother adapted her recipe from Giada DeLaurentiis' Ciabatta Stuffing with Chestnuts and Pancetta. What'd she do different? Nixed the chestnuts (not a fan) and pancetta (too salty for our crowd) and instead, pumped up the autumn flavors with Craisins and pine nuts. This stuffing is so moist and the Ciabatta bread just soaks up the flavors! Yum.

I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving holiday!