scattering inspiration: mayflower centerpieces

Get the how-to and templates for these Mayflower Centerpieces here.

Martha says this is a great activity for kids!

However, be sure you know the Indian perspective of Thanksgiving, too. There is a (somewhat shocking) piece here about the Myths of Thanksgiving, as understood in American Indian realms.

Here is another (much more gentle) link.

Here's my view:

When it comes to history no one really knows what happened or why. History is as much about human experience as the present-- and how easy is it to find unbiased news coverage? There are always (at least) two sides to every story, and the human mind is innately biased, subjective, and personal. So enjoy your Mayflower centerpieces, while knowing that today Thanksgiving is about family, sharing, opportunity, blessings, and nourishment for stomach and soul. Harvest the positive while being aware of the negative.

And please feel free to share your views and/or links in the comments section!

Happy November!

what are you cooking for cinco de mayo?

Try

The Cantina Black Bean Burger

inspired by Big Daddy's Burger Bar in Charlotte, NC.

You will need:

olive oil spray for coating skillet, 2 (15oz) cans of black beans drained, 2 cups dry bread crumbs, 2 cans Mexican corn (canned corn with peppers) drained, 3 large eggs, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, buns or your choice.

Mix all ingredients (except buns, of course) together, form into patties, and pan fry over medium heat until cooked through.

Serve on buns, and (this is the UNIQUE part)

top with:

Avocado, mild green chiles drained from a can, monterey jack cheese, and chipotle ranch dressing.

To make the

Chipotle Ranch Dressing:

Mix together 1 cup fat free sour cream, 2 T light mayo, 1 package dry Ranch dressing mix, 1-3 T pureed Chipotle pepper or Chipotle Chiles in Adobo Sauce (depending on your personal taste).

(p.s. I borrowed the photo here.)