When I was growing up, the silky sounds of Nat King Cole crooning, ‘chestnuts roasting on an open fire…’ was the hallmark of the holidays for me.  Every time I would hear it, I’d get that rush of childlike exuberance that encapsulates the magic of the season, and makes you feel like anything is possible.  

Yet, despite the fact that inordinate amounts of food were also synonymous with the holidays in my family (6 courses and 3 hours worth of dishes to be exact, by hand), we never had one dish with a chestnut in it.  Not a one.  For shame.

So, as I got older, and began to nurture my inner chef, I decided to remedy that travesty by starting a new tradition of savory chestnut soup to begin the descent into our annual colossal feast, much to my Grandmother’s chagrin who quite religiously served Italian Escarole soup.  (And by religiously, I mean had served Escarole for 30+ years prior to my first course usurping; or usouping, as it were. OK, bad joke.)

But my soup was a big hit, and each year I’d add or change the ingredients, perfecting my chestnut prowess with new and interesting pairings.  Needless to say, some years were better than others.  The addition of raisins, for example.  Disaster.  Cranberries, however.  Surprisingly delicious.  And those tart little buggers are still the perfect complement to the soup.  The cranberries, that is — not my family!

And now for the first time ever outside the hallowed halls of the Snowfield residence, I am sharing my coveted recipe for you to share, which now includes honey glazed grilled salmon, making it a hearty first — or even second — course for your own foray into holiday gorging and merriment.

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1. A Green and Affordable Thanksgiving

NBC11 recorded a segment on how to have a sustainable Thanksgiving as part of their Green Week coverage. I got to spend the morning with them talking about heritage turkeys, organic vegetables and ways to create a natural Thanksgiving Centerpiece.

To view the segment click here.

2. How To Get The Kids Involved in Helping You Create a Green Thanksgiving

Do you want to get the kids involved in your green Thanksgiving plans? Watch this video to see how these kids helped out.

For full story go here.

3. Thanks, Earth

SustainLane, a green living company provides 5 top tips for a Green Thanksgiving.

Read here for full story.

4. Handmade Holidays: Thanksgiving Craft Ideas to Share with the Family

The talented crafters at Etsy have some very special holiday how-to tutorials to share this season. Earlier this week they featured this adorable “patchwork trivet for your table. You can spice up your home decor, whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or a potluck with friends!”

For full story go here

5. How Local Will Your Thanksgiving Be?

A local Thanksgiving is a green Thanksgiving. It is not hard to eat local during the Holiday. Beth Bader tells you how.

For full story go here

6. Beyond Pie: 10 Great Savory Pumpkin Recipes

Nothing like pumpkin at the Thanksgiving table. Here are 10 pumpkin recipes to satisfy your savory side and take advantage of the current farmers market bounty.

For full story go here.

7. Green Gorilla: Create a Natural Thanksgiving Centerpiece

Have the kids help you create a natural Thanksgiving centerpiece.  The folks at Green Gorilla show you how.

For full story go here.

Did you know that traditional store bought marshmallows contain ingredients like blue dye, tetrasodium pyrophospate and artificial flavor? Ick. Not for my kids.

Our house is chemical free, which means nothing artificial in our food either! We also avoid corn syrup and cook with a lot of vegan ingredients.

These are the best ever marshmallows, perfect for topping hot cocoa (or adult beverage of choice) or whipping up in sweet potatoes and krisp rice treats.

Corn Syrup Free (Vegan Option) Marshmallows

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