It's almost time for that one day a year that we can stuff our faces (actually, it might even be the law in some states) and indulge in the delight of food, glorious food.

If you are a regular to my blog you will know I love to eat but I'm not really an accomplished cook.  I hate to think of how high my weight would have gotten if I would be a good cook.  440 pounds was high enough.

In the spirit of trying NEW things, this year I'm going to be making a few changes in the family recipes I have done each year.

My baby carrots which had been loaded with brown sugar and butter are going on a diet by being steamed with a special glaze I make to pour over them.  The glaze will consist of sugar free syrup, honey and walnuts.  Hopefully it will be not just edible but delicious!

My stuffing which has always been my best thing and had been done with white bread will be replaced with a lovely and healthy textured whole grains bread mixture, the butter that I've put in it in the past with be olive oil butter-like cooking stick (there are several to choose from out there) and I'm going to load it up with celery, bit of onion and of course egg.

Dessert of pumpkin pie is also going on a healthy diet.  I'm going to make individual pumpkin pies that have no crust, basically the same recipe only minus all the extra calories that a shortening crust adds.

My alternative desser is going to be my very own creation of Stuffed Naked Apple Dumplings!  It is going to consist of stripping the apple of the crusty and calorie filled wrap and instead going with something a little different.  I cut the apple in two, scoop out the core and fill with mixture to taste.  Some things I have put in are cranberries & raisins, nuts & one single carmel (a little taste goes a long way) or a bit of cheddar cheese.  Then I put it in a oven safe glass bowl, sprinkle with cinnamon and then put a TINY bit of pastry dough on top.  You can make your own or buy it ready made in the refrigerator section.  The real star of this treat is the lovely apple, that has been baked at 350 F for 35 minutes and allowed to stew in it's own juice.  Delicious!

Of course the star of the show is the turkey, which this year I PLEDGE to not eat any skin.  My naughty confession is that I could really eat a plate of crispy skin, but I know it is oh-so bad for you.  I'm going to opt for breast meat, minus the skin and use a special cranberry sauce to really make it special.

The cranberry sauce is something I never ate as a child or an adult.  I never liked the way it looked, wiggling out of the can.  I just couldn't bring myself to try that kind.  Then a few years ago I discovered REAL cranberry sauce that you make in your own kitchen just as the turkey is finishing!  It is so quick and easy, just take fresh cranberries in a pan, about a half cup of water, simmer until the berries pop open.  You can add whatever you like to this, think CRANBERRY SALSA...nuts, diced orange, diced mango...really experiment with tastes and above all else, DO NOT just save this low-cal and super healthy treat for Thanksgiving.  Have it anytime of the year.  You will be able to create through delicious experimenting, a blend that is perfect for you.

Remember to keep the key word in mind this year.  Being THANKFUL for our wonderful lives, the people in our lives and the joy of being alive.  Smile, eat, enjoy and why not start a wonderful tradition of the post-turkey walk?  Your big meal with digest better and you will get to enjoy this fabulous world we live in.

If you have a friend or neighbor that is alone for the holidays, INVITE them to share a meal with you.  Extend a hand of friendship and you will never regret it.  It will make the holiday that much more authentic and you will discover one more thing to be thankful about.

Off to shop, wisely and with my heart in mind.

Priscilla