The Hot Buttered Rum Cocktail

Allspice dram adds extra depth to this classic recipe

Looking to jump start the holiday cheer? Look no further than the Hot Buttered Rum, a drink that probably fortified US colonists during their war for independence (more history in the Notes).

Our version is a mix of dark rum, spicy allspice dram, sugar, boiling water – and butter, of course. Mix and serve in a heatproof mug.

It’s an elixir that will warm your heart (and maybe even redden your nose). What could be more cheery than that? 

Cornmeal Drop Biscuits

Terrific flavor, easy to make

American-style biscuits are a great addition to any festive dinner – like Thanksgiving. They’re also wonderful for breakfast.

These biscuits include cornmeal for extra goodness and flavor. And because they’re drop biscuits (rather than ones you roll and cut), they’re very simple to make.

We find that appealing. Because simple are us.

Pumpkin Pancakes

Top with butter and maple syrup for a breakfast blowout

Looking to feed a breakfast crowd on Thanksgiving morning? Or maybe the day after? We’ve got you covered.

Canned pumpkin purée provides the base flavor for these Pumpkin Pancakes. Then we add pumpkin-pie spices for extra zest. It all makes for an exceptionally tasty treat.

So maybe prepare an extra big batch? Because these will go like, well, hotcakes.

Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake Bars

 

An autumn-appropriate dessert that’s rich, creamy – and totally company worthy

November means peak cranberry in the US. Cranberry sauce, relish, and salads are staples on Thanksgiving tables.

But cranberries like dessert, too. As in these Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake Bars.

Because why should pumpkin pie have all the fun?

The Rusty Nail Cocktail

This mix of Scotch and Drambuie makes a great pre- or post-dinner drink

The Rusty Nail Cocktail was a big hit in the mid-20th century. Not so much in the 21st.

That’s too bad, because the drink has lively, pleasant flavor – and color perfectly suited to autumn. It’s somewhat sweet, which makes it an ideal after-dinner drink. But not so sweet that you wouldn’t want to sip it before the prandial phase.

Or while cooking that Thanksgiving turkey.

Curried Sweet Potato and Chickpea Soup

Hearty, healthy, tasty – perfect for a quick weeknight dinner

Autumn is soup weather! Yeah, we always say that, don’t we? Doesn’t make it any less true though.

For this soup, we combine peak-season sweet potatoes with chickpeas and warming curry spices. Then we add red bell pepper and sweet green peas for an extra pop of flavor and color.

Looks good, tastes better. Our kind of food.

Pumpkin and Ricotta Gnocchi

A lighter version of a traditional Italian favorite with full fall flavor

Dumplings! We’ve never met one we didn’t love. And gnocchi top our list of faves.

Since it’s autumn, we’re making these plump little pillows of goodness with pumpkin. And we’re pairing that with ricotta cheese (rather than the more traditional potato) to make for a lighter dish.

Because lighter means we can eat more. And when it comes to dumplings, more is always better.