Thanksgiving Treats

It's Thanksgiving next week, so I took a look at some of the last minute preparations that might transform a condo on a California sunny day into something more reminiscent of a Norman Rockwell painting in the fall. For most of my inspiration I turned to Everyday Celebrations: Savoring Food, Family, and Life at Home, the amazing book by Donata Maggipinto, a San Francisco lady who seems to have the answer for most craft or cooking projects for any season or occasion. Here are some of her suggestions:

1. Blanket Bliss
Take a cozy blanket or quilt, in the colors of autumn, to bring the colors of the season into your home. Donata spends her days browsing antique sales for great finds, but if you are like me and find yourself wandering around a shopping mall at 8 p.m., why not buy something from Pottery Barn. They have a great sale on at the moment and have marked down all their soft, plush, furry blankets. These can be thrown over the arm of a chair by the fireplace, across a guestroom bed, or on the sofa. Or for something more traditional, check out a beautiful Swans Island blanket made by the Atlantic Blanket Company.

2. Moss Candlescape

To illuminate an autumn evening, fill a wooden bowl or bucket with soil, top with damp moss, and nestle candles within. Votive candles in glass holder are especially nice. You can also accent the presentation with small branches, rocks and other natural elements. Sound like too much work? Then why not check out the great decorations and centerpieces on offer at Illuminations, Crate and Barrel and Pottery Barn.

3. Walnut Salt and Pepper Cellars
Using a nutcracker, crack a walnut in half. With a nut pick or cocktail fork, hollow out the nut and any detritus that remains. Fill each half with salt and pepper. Allot one set per dinner guest. Everybody will be thrilled with these fun and seasonal holders.

4. Recipe for your own Cinnamon Applesauce

Ingredients
16 unpeeled red-skinned apples such as MacIntosh or Rome Beauty, cored and quarter.
1 1/4 cups fresh lemon juice (about 8 lemons)
1/2 cup sugar
Two 4-inch cinnamon sticks, broken in half
2 cups water

1. Put the apples in a large, heavy saucepan. Sprinkle them with the lemon juice and toss thoroughly to coat. Add the sugar, cinnamon sticks, and water.

2. Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let simmer until the apples break down to applesauce, 30 to 40 minutes.

3. Remove from the heat, uncover, and let the apples cool slightly in the pot. Discard the cinnamon sticks. Using a rubber scraper, gently push the apples through a coarse-mesh sieve or food mill. Discard the peels.

4. Return the applesauce to the pot and heat until it begins to bubble. Transfer to hot, sterilized jars. Seal and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Makes 8 half pints.

Don't have the time for this, then simply buy some cranberry relish from Williams-Sonoma, it goes well with everything on the Thanksgiving table and eliminates all the work.