Recipes inspired by the Thanksgiving movie, What's Cooking? | #FoodnFlix

There are tons of movies out there centered around Christmas, but there aren't a whole lot that feature that infamous Thanksgiving gathering. Forget the presents, this get-together is all about being thankful for the simple fact that we are all alive and together. But that also means differences; cultural, generational, political, moral - it all comes out of the woodwork in between jostling for oven space and rooting for your favorite football team.

Smoked Gouda & Sage Roasted Polenta | What's Cooking? #FoodnFlix

Thanksgiving is THE biggest food holiday in my family. It's such a huge part of what brings my family together with the menu planning and "passing out" assignments (not that it ever really changes - everybody has their specialty) and timing that never quite goes as planned, but works out anyway. It's about food and family and coming together and putting aside the things that make us different, keeping us distant and busy for much of the year...instead remembering our shared upbringing, memories both happy and painful...and celebrating the similarities and diversities that make us a family.

Crackling Pancake with Caramel-Clustered Blueberries | The Art of Escapism Cooking

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I'm happy to be hosting today's TLC Book Tours stop for the recently released cookbook by Mandy Lee (of Lady and Pups blog) called The Art of Escapism Cooking: A Survival Story, with Intensely Good Flavors. I'll start by saying that this book is not for the weak. It's thick and meaty; it dares you to spend time getting to know yourself, your kitchen, and some ingredients and methods that you may not be familiar with.

In the kitchen with What's Cooking? | #FoodnFlix

Well, it's officially November - my favorite month. It's my birthday month. And it's Thanksgiving for us here in the states, and that just happens to be my favorite meal of the entire year. Our family Thanksgiving meals are the stuff of legends (seriously, people tell stories of all the amazing food we make and serve that day). We, and especially me, spend weeks dreaming, planning, and preparing.

So, this month I'm combining that passion with my other passion - creating food based on movies (or tv or books or music). I'm hosting the November edition of our "food and a movie" club Food 'n Flix with a Thanksgiving-centric film called What's Cooking?!