fall celebrations

This time of year in San Diego the weather is beautiful and often, like today, we get hot, sunny days and then beautiful sunsets like the one shown here. It didn't seem like November, but then as I walked through the shopping mall this evening I really knew fall was here and the holidays creeping up on us when I went into Willams-Sonoma and they were holding their Turkey 101 class.

The whole store was filled with turkey-cooking novices and that familiar turkey cooking smell. The class had only just begun, but there was a turkey there which I guess they had prepared earlier. I missed this class, but they are holding other classes right up to Thanksgiving in San Diego, Palm Desert, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Brea and Costa Mesa. There is one on November 19th and 20th on how to roast the perfect turkey and another on November 19th and 20th for perfect gravy making and sides. If you do not live in these areas check with your local Williams-Sonoma for classes near you.

Also, don't forget to check out their 50th Anniversary Thanksgiving Menu which includes:

Cream of Mushroom Soup
Herbes de Provence Roast Turkey
Sausages, Corn Bread and Chestnut Dressing
Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Chestnuts
Molded Cranberry Sauce
Classic Pumpkin Pie

Another great find I had for the holidays was the book Everyday Celebrations: Savoring Food, Family, and Life at Home by Donata Maggipinto.

This is a great book for anyone who enjoys fabulous food, and it also shows you how to create seasonal decorations with flair and style for any formal or informal gathering at home with friends and family. Any occasion you can think of is covered here - all the seasons and holiday occasions, plus birthdays, anniversaries, parties and impromptu get-togethers.