Original Pecan Pralines
2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup water
2 1/2 cups mixed pecan halves and pieces
1 tbsp. butter

Combine sugar and water in saucepan. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Stir in pecans; cook until mixture reaches the soft ball stage. Remove from heat and stir in butter. Immediately drop by tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper; let stand until firm. 

Though a big bird looming in the center of the table sums up a holiday meal for many people, side dishes are just as important to the festive atmosphere.

We tend to stick to classic dishes that we’ve served time and time again during the holidays, but it’s nice to tweak them now and then.

Give way to your creative side with this pumpkin trifle. Consider the recipe just a guide for making your own patterns and designs as you layer pumpkin pudding, pound cake and whipped cream. This recipe takes a little time, but you could easily make a similar trifle with a quick pudding (whip pumpkin pie filling into prepared tapioca pudding) and purchased whipped topping.

The holidays can be one of the most wonderful times of the year. They are a time to appreciate all we have and to spend time with our loved ones. Unfortunately, the holidays can also be one of the most stressful times of the year. Nutrition-wise, for those trying to manage their weight, this season of parties and get-togethers can present many challenges. 

With the holidays approaching and the preparing of food and special dishes, cooking fires are more likely to happen on Thanksgiving Day than any other day of the year, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

In 2005, cooking fires were involved in approximately 1,300 reported home fires on Thanksgiving, almost three times the daily average, says the NFPA.

Enterprise Fire Chief Byron Herring said at times involving more preparation of food in the kitchen, fires can become a hazard.

“People just need to be aware of what they’ve got on the stove and in the oven at all times. With company coming in, sometimes it gets easy to overlook something on the stove that is boiling, especially anything with grease,” he said. “Grease overheating is often the cause of fires.”

Turkey. Check.

Stuffing. Check.

Green bean casserole. Check.

Cranberry sauce. Check.

Wine. Wine? 

This time of year, cooking magazines, the Food Network and food columns abound with recipes for Thanksgiving. Rachel Ray is promoting Zucchini Muffin Stuffin’ and Chipotle Gravy, Giada De Laurentis wants you to make turkey and cranberry ravioli, and Paula Deen, bless her heart, thinks deep-fried turkey is the ticket.

The pressure is on. Everyone wants a home-cooked meal for Thanksgiving, and even if you haven’t cooked for your family in six months, chances are you feel obliged to venture into the kitchen for Thanksgiving.

“My friends and family love this cheesecake variation and beg me for the recipe!”

This magical treat will help guide Santa’s reindeer to your house on Christmas Eve.

Chiles add an extra kick to that you don’t usually get in holiday meals.