A Pinch of Joy

Eat Healthy, Do it Yourself, Live Well, Have Fun.

Thanksgiving

The Benefits of Gratitude with free printable conversation starters

November begins the holiday season with high expectations for a cozy and festive time of year. However, for many this time of year is tinged with sadness or  anxiety.   Research (and common sense) suggests one aspect of  Thanksgiving  can lift our spirits, and it’s built right into the holiday — expressing gratitude.  Gratitude is thankful […]

Today I choose Gratitude

Thanksgiving makes us think about things we appreciate – family, friends, a roof overhead, food on the table.  This feeling of gratitude is so important and not just during the holiday season. Gratitude is about being mindful of the abundance in our lives.   Feeling grateful about what you have in your life can lead to […]

Cranberry Pineapple Salad

Cranberry Pineapple Salad is a kid friendly addition to holiday dinners.  The addition of crushed pineapple and diced apples in raspberry gelatin take away the signature tartness of the cranberry.  Easier for kids and people who aren’t into tart – like me – to eat.  I have a tart reflex.  One bite and my face […]

Filed Under: Salads

What Shall I Make for Holiday Dinner?

Searching for holiday dinner recipes?  Me too!  We’re unexpectedly hosting festivities since the originally scheduled host can’t.  If you’re in the same boat – vs my usual boat of waiting till the last minute — here’s a helpful list of some ideas from past A Pinch of Joy posts.  You can find more ideas in […]

Four Secrets to Roasting a Moist and Tender Turkey

Turkey — tender and moist.  Crispy and golden on the platter.  A twelve to fourteen pound bird that roasts in 2 and a half hours instead of 4.  What creates this magic?    Mayonnaise makes the turkey moist and tender.  And no, there is no mayo taste — just tender turkey.  The bird turns out a […]

Wicked Good Unusual Baked Corn Chowder

Last spring, my niece graduated college so we did the family thing and threw a day of eating to celebrate.  Her dad (my brother) Gene, and wife Deb drove all the way from North Carolina to the middle of the Great Plains where we live.  Deb dashed out to the local store and grabbed a […]