This refreshing salad is great for day or night.

This warm stew is golden with an earthy, rich flavor from the turmeric. It is hearty and filling while being easy to make.

The history of pumpkin pie can be traced back to early Native American and European culinary traditions. Here's a brief overview of how pumpkin pie has evolved over time:

Native American Roots:

Pumpkins and other squashes are native to the Americas, and they were cultivated by Native American tribes for centuries before the arrival of Europeans. Indigenous people cooked pumpkins by roasting or boiling them and used them in a variety of dishes.

European Influence:

When European settlers arrived in North America, they encountered pumpkins and squashes, which were unfamiliar to them. The colonists quickly adopted these foods into their diets, often adapting Native American culinary practices. They began using pumpkins in pies and other dishes.

Early Pies:

Early versions of pumpkin pies in colonial America were quite different from the pies we know today. They were made by hollowing out the pumpkin, filling it with a mixture of milk, spices, and sweeteners, and then baking the whole thing. The resulting dish was more like a custard baked in a pumpkin shell.

Evolution of Ingredients:

Over time, the recipe evolved. The English tradition of making sweet pies using a pastry crust led to the development of the pumpkin pie we are familiar with today. Early recipes used a mixture of pumpkin, spices, and sometimes honey, and they were baked in a pie crust.

Thanksgiving Connection:

Pumpkin pie became associated with Thanksgiving in the 19th century. Sarah Josepha Hale, a prominent editor and writer, campaigned for Thanksgiving to become a national holiday, and she included pumpkin pie in her vision of the feast.

Canned Pumpkin:

In the late 19th century, canned pumpkin became available, making it easier to make pumpkin pie with consistent results.

Modern Pumpkin Pie:

Modern pumpkin pie recipes typically use canned pumpkin puree, which is made from a specific type of pumpkin known as the Dickinson pumpkin. This variety is smoother and has a milder flavor than the pumpkins traditionally used for carving.

Variations:

While the traditional pumpkin pie with its blend of spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves) remains popular, there are now many variations, including adding whipped cream, pecans, or even turning it into a cheesecake-like dessert.

Pumpkin pie has become an iconic dish during the fall and Thanksgiving season in the United States and Canada. Its history reflects the blending of Native American and European culinary traditions and the evolution of ingredients and cooking methods over the centuries.

A holiday mocktail is a non-alcoholic drink that captures the festive spirit of holidays with its flavors, colors, and presentation. It's a great way for everyone to enjoy a special and refreshing drink, whether they don't consume alcohol or simply want a lighter option. Here's a simple and delicious holiday mocktail recipe for you.

Buying a turkey breast saves money, time, and cleanup. It is perfect for a smaller group.

This delicious salad has so many flavors, and it is delicious cold!

Here is how to make overnight oats; all you need is milk, yogurt, flavorings, oatmeal, and fresh fruit. It is great for a snack, breakfast, or dessert.

These carrot muffins are great any day but when you add the carrot ears you have a healthy Easter treat.

The trick to a good stir fry meal is to get everything ready ahead of time and to have a wok cooking over ample heat so the items are crisp-tender.

This red velvet cake uses heart healthy fats, real beets, and chocolatey cocoa for a huge treat that is easy to make and tastes great. It is perfect for celebrations, Valentine’s day or any day.

This veggie burger uses a portabella mushroom with all of its umami taste sensations. It is topped off with crunchy fresh veggies and your favorite condiments.

Jerk Chicken, Caribbean Yellow Rice, Callaloo, and Spicy Okra are all dished up with Bahamian cornbread. This dish illustrates the "African diaspora," or worldwide collection of communities descended from native Africans or people from Africa, predominantly in the Americas. It celebrates the Deep South, Creole, and Caribbean cultures and their delicious dishes in a modern and celebratory way. Diaspora means "dispersed," which was both voluntary and involuntary in history.

Here's a bed of quinoa topped with veggies, winter squash or yams, and sliced roasted chicken. You can make everything ahead of time or use the recipe as a guideline to use up leftovers.