“Sans Pan” Cider Gravy

cider-gravy
This is a great gravy to use when you're grilling a bird and don't have a pan to collect the juices. A quick turkey stock made from the neck and giblets (removed before the turkey roasts) is enhanced by a nutty roux and brightened by a splash of apple cider. As Nickie says, "it's the perfect autumnal gravy."

Lentil Soup with Roasted Pumpkin

Lentils are a staple food in Eritrea, and every time I prepare them I recall my years there. Adding cubed roasted pumpkin lends this soup vibrant color and transforms it into an ideal Thanksgiving starter.

Grandma Friese’s Whole Cranberries

Grandma Friese was famous in our family for writing out recipes that began with things like “Take a bottle of cream…” without any indication, for those of us who grew up in the post-milkman era, what the size of a “bottle” might be. And that’s the way this recipe was originally handed down to me. She used to make these cranberries way ahead of time and let them ferment; they have quite a kick.

Miso- and Herb-Rubbed Applewood Smoked Heritage Turkey

miso-turkey
Heritage turkeys give us a chance to connect to our country's history and the farmers dedicated to preserving their breeds . . . and to some tasty meat. The miso in this rub acts almost like a light brine, only without any of the mess.

Braised Kale Trio

kale
Use a mixture of different kales, if you can get your hands on them. A local farmer, Bibianna Love, opened my eyes to the incredible variety of flavors and textures between them.

Chef Kurt’s Mom’s Wild Rice Dressing

The spirit of the harvest season, the richness of my mother's kitchen and an acknowledgment of my Heartland roots, all brought together in one enameled, cast iron casserole. ~Kurt Friese

Sweet Potato Puree with Honey and Crispy Shallots

sweet-potato-puree
This is an incredibly versatile side dish that shows just how delicious healthy can be. Serve it with a holiday turkey or a simple roast chicken. Or top it with a mushroom sauté for a meatless feast.

Mushroom, White Bean and Sage Soup

mushroom-white-bean-sage-soup
If you have mushroom stems stashed away, make this with homemade Mushroom Stock. This vegan, gluten-free soup is hearty enough to make a meal with nothing more than a hunk of good bread.

Harvest Pasta

There are so many things I love about this pasta. For one, it’s packed with loads of my favorite vegetables. For another, its incredible flavor is the perfect illustration of just how delicious healthy can be. But it also, to me, captures the essence of the change of season: summer’s bounty exuding a homey scent as it roasts in the oven, a portent of the many braises to come. What can I say? This dish truly nourishes me body and soul.

Big City Lamb Souvlaki

big-city-lamb-souvlaki
When I lived on Corfu, souvlaki meant skewered cubes of grilled, marinated pork. But on a trip through Athens seeking out the best street food and mezedhes, we found this lamb version to be utterly addictive; moist and tender with just the right amount of spice.