

I actually used a mix of pumpkin from the freezer and leftover butternut squash that I had roasted for dinner the night before.

Risotto is so easy - don't listen to chefs who tell you otherwise.

Salmon, Avocado, New Potato Salad on a bed of fresh lettuce with a cream Yogurt Dressing

Carrot Pecan Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and finished with whole pecans

Verrine of Red Beet and Creamy Cheese, a small taste to start your dinner, topped with a dollop of soft cheese

Old-Fashioned Gingerbread Cake, Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting, serve with vanilla ice cream for a great fall dessert.

Coquilles Saint-Jacques - my favorite decadent holiday treat, with scallops, white wine, cream and cheese

Caramel Apple Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting, serve with Salted Caramel Ice Cream

Asparagus and Green Garlic Pastries, nestled on a base of Tarragon Cream

Cream of Celery Soup with Sherry, a great way to use leftover celery

Chard Pimiento Gratin, made with a pimiento sauce rather than the usual cheese or cream

Ultra Lemony, Gooey Lemon Bars - the topping is like a cream lemon curd, made extra lemony with freshly grated peel

Once again I am reminded that one should never take things for granted.