Some years, it just feels good to bring something different to the Thanksgiving table—something lighter, deeply nourishing, and still full of those cozy fall flavors. This baked salmon has been one of my children’s favorites for years. It’s simple, flavorful, and wonderfully tender. It’s a beautiful option for a smaller gathering or any holiday meal when you want a meat-free main dish. I love serving this salmon with a bright cranberry sauce. You can use my classic Cranberry Orange Sauce, or try my Raw Cranberry Sauce for an extra-fresh, antioxidant-rich pairing. Both versions complement the richness of the salmon beautifully. In the photo here, I’ve added a quick red quinoa pilaf, which makes an easy and colorful side dish.

Today I have a delicious Cranberry Orange Punch recipe for you!  Today's punch recipe is very simple to prepare and only takes a few minutes. You'll need one 8-ounce bottle of unsweetened cranberry juice concentrate. I buy it from our local food co-op in the juice isle (it is not refrigerated).

Cranberries are one of my favorite fruits. Blame it on growing up in Wisconsin, or maybe their tart and tangy nature, or beautiful ruby color. Whatever the case may be, I love cranberries!

If you are looking for a great alternative to traditional cheesecake for your Holiday celebrations, I’ve got one for you. A dairy-free, egg-free cheesecake with a gluten-free pastry crust….and the filling? Well, fresh baked sugar pie pumpkin to start, then cashews, and maple syrup….but what else? Hint: it is also soy-free!

Somehow soup and stew weather has crept into July; the temperature isn't even 60 degrees right now! I crave warming, soothing cooked foods in cold weather. This rich mushroom soup is perfect! Cremini mushrooms contain high levels of anti-inflammatory polysaccharides. These compounds help to increase levels of secretory IgA in the gut—the immune system's first line of defense against pathogens and other antigens! People with low levels of secretory IgA can develop leaky gut and dysbiosis (gut bacterial imbalance and overgrowth of opportunistic microbes). Cremini mushrooms are also a good source of selenium, manganese, and zinc—all needed for proper immune function and for antioxidant enzymes in the body.

Today was our daughter, Gracie's, 4th Birthday. I can't believe she is four already. Where did 3 go? It just disappeared into sleepless nights and endless days with twin babies.

When it comes time for dessert how about celebrating the day with what's perfectly in season....pumpkins! I have a relatively new recipe to share with you that is super easy to prepare and always a crowd pleaser. A Pumpkin Spice Cake, cooked to perfection in a bundt pan.

The past few years I have made a delicious, savory, gluten-free wild rice stuffing for the big Thanksgiving Day turkey. We always use half of it to stuff the turkey, while the other half gets baked in a casserole dish. I have not had a recipe for this until today; I usually just toss it all together until it tastes just right.

What do you have to be thankful for? Family, friends, a warm house, a cozy fire, delicious food? There is so much to be grateful for; just stop and think about it for a minute.