Love love love this and am sharing it with all my girlfriends who are quickly becoming new mothers.

Interesting take on the economical gourmet issue. I can’t help but think, however, you’re being a bit harsh on Reed. I am so thankful to have a pantry lined with occasional food splurges -- usually jams, oils and vinegars, and spices purchased as a special treat on vacations or a luxurious afternoon out. Yes, they up the average of my weekly food budget (which is lean), but isn’t that the point of stocking up? Buy some great treats when times are good so you can eat well when they aren’t? Or is that just my philosophy?

Loved this. Perfect for the day & week.

Don’t get antsy and over do it on the appetizers! It seems we always get hungry and start munching while we are waiting for the turkey to finish. Then I find myself full before we’ve started!
A post dinner walk in the crisp air always helps with this, though.

This is really interesting. Any thoughts out there about how this might relate to the idea of “comfort food?” For example, when we are dealing with grief or other emotional issues we may not feel like cooking and crave foods that are comforting but may not be nutritionally balanced. Are we supposed to follow our emotional stomach or eat our veggies?