FULL of thanks.

Being thankful…

Being full of thanks

Being full...

Being stuffed.

What are we really thankful for?

Is it the meal we are thankful for, or are we grateful for our kind mother’s hands that prepare the feast? Are we really celebrating the founding of a new nation, or are we celebrating old family traditions? We know that Thanksgiving is not really about the turkey or America's history. Let's be honest- beyond gluing dried corn on paper fish in the first grade we could care less about Squanto teaching the Pilgrims about how to harvest food. Thanksgiving is really about having a spot at the table-- a place where you belong. It is about the smells and flavors that trigger memories of a Thanksgiving table where everyone was there; even the relatives that look down from heaven today.

What am I thankful for?

I am thankful for my health and the health of my family. Health sits at the head of our dinner table nowadays. Ever since my mom and dad have started working out and watching what they eat, the food on the dinner table has become fresher and more nutritious. This year’s Thanksgiving feast was no exception and Mom did a beautiful job upping the vegetables and lowering the fat that seems to plague holiday food. Scooping seconds without guilt because of clove roasted carrots, oven herb potatoes, and caramelized pistachio brussel sprouts. Of course not all the goodies were eliminated, and the Brie with brown sugar walnuts wrapped in puff pastry was gobbled right up.

Another new thing this year were the cocktails! Nothing says Thanksgiving like… Pomegranate martinis? Of course it just wouldn’t be a swanky sophisticated dinner without them!

Woa! Watch out Edward Cullen! Looks like Pilgrim Boy is bringing sexy back stronger than ever...

Thanksgiving: (n.)- The one day we can rely on to be delicious, lazy, full of family, and naps.

So I guess I better give you guys a Kick-Pilgrim-Ass recipe to share with your family this holiday season. Well here she is... The most decadent-to-die-for appetizer you have ever seen. With melty Brie cheese inside a puff pastry present- oozing with brown sugar and warm walnuts. Oh my gosh I am getting hungry typing this. With no further adieu...

Brie with Brown Sugar Walnut Pastry Pillow

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• What You Need:
• 
  
• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 (8-ounce) wheel Brie
• 1/4 cup brown suga'
• 1 egg, beaten
• Crackers for scarfing!

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees

2. Defrost puff pastry for about 15 to 20 minutes and unfold.

3. In a saucepan, melt the butter and saute the walnuts in the butter until golden brown ( approximately 5 minutes.) Add the cinnamon and stir until walnuts are coated well.

4. Place the walnut mixture on top of the Brie and sprinkle the brown sugar over the mixture.

5. Lay the puff pastry out on a flat surface and plop the brie in the center of the pastry. Gather up the edges of the brie, pressing around the brie and gather at the top. Gently squeeze together the extra pastry to make it look like a pillow.

6. Brush the beaten egg over top and side of your Brie pillow. Place on a cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes until pastry is golden brown.

7. Serve with crackers... And seriously... Save some for your friends and family! It is rude to eat it all!

*** Leave me a comment with the family dish you are most thankful for! ***