Celebrating a Season of Thanksgiving by Nancy Fraser

Ah ... November ... quite possibily my favorite month. November marks the beginning of my most-beloved holiday season. Since I've already finished my holiday shopping (don't hate on me), I can now lean back, relax, and watch the frantic pace with which others scurry around. People-watching during the holiday season is one of my early-winter pasttimes.

My November actually starts on October 30th ... when I post my favorite hybrid music video on Facebook. It's a wonderful crossover between Halloween and Christmas.

Our Canadian Thanksgiving was last month. However, I'm a U.S. citizen and, growing up, my boys were always gifted with two Thanksgivings. My youngest son still celebrates the U.S. Thanksgiving with his family every year. So ... that means ... I still get a turkey dinner AND I still get to make my favorite dessert: Sweet Potato Pie. Here's my mom's traditional recipe:

Grandma Kelley’s Sweet Potato Pie

Ingredients:

• 1 lb sweet potato (1 large or 2 medium)
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• ½ cup milk (preferably whole)
• 2 eggs
• ½ t nutmeg
• ½ t cinnamon
• 1 t vanilla
• 1 pie crust (9”) unbaked (deep dish is best)

Instructions:

1. Boil sweet potatoes in skin for 40-50 minutes or until done. Run cold water over the potato until able to handle and then remove skin.
2. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
3. Break potato apart in large bowl, add butter and mix well with mixer.
4. Stir in remaining ingredients and then beat on medium speed until mixture is smooth.
5. Pour filling into unbaked pie crust.
6. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Pie will puff up and then will sink down when it cools.
7. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream.

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In the spirit of the Season of Thanksgiving, I wanted to share the three of the many things I'm most grateful for in my life:

First and foremost, my family. My oldest son Robb, a 25 year+ member of the Canadian military, his lovely wife, Lesley, who provides optimal healthcare to private clients. And my three oldest grandchildren: Dawson, Mackenzie, and Haley. Then, of course, my youngest son, Kevin, the self-proclaimed world's best house-husband, home chef, and childcare giver! His wonderful wife Theresa, who puts up with his self-proclamations on a daily basis. And my two youngest grandchildren: Anya and William (aka, the six year old spark that keeps grandma going).

Next on the "grateful" list are my friends: fellow authors, former co-workers, extended family. Without them, I'd probably end up a semi-recluse. A special shout-out to the GEMS for keeping me excited about writing.

Finally, my muse: without which I wouldn't be able to do what I love which is write. She doesn't always come out to play as often as I'd like. But, when she does, she's very, very active!

Speaking of "muses" ... you should check out my erotic romance novella, The Muse.

Decadence, freedom and illegal activities…

Everything a sheltered debutante in the mid-1920s could want. When Hyde Park socialite Susan Leland meets up with Evan Forrester for the second time, she makes no excuses for their first meeting—an auto accident in which she broke the young artist’s wrist. She finds the handsome Evan both infuriating and intriguing, yet not quite as intriguing as sultry torch singer Holly Winters, a performer at Susan’s favorite supper club.

A chance to make amends…

By posing nude for Evan to paint. When Susan balks, Evan, not wanting to deal with an innocent, sends her away but not before the arrival of his next model, Holly Winters. As Susan’s preparing to leave, the beautiful and talented singer convinces her to come back the next day—so they can pose together.

Will Susan find happiness in the arms of Evan Forrester—or another?

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While you're here on the site, don't forget to enter our November Rafflecopter draw for a chance at winning one of five gift cards. You can find all the information on our MONTHLY GIVEAWAY page. Or just jump to the ENTRY FORM.

I'm scooting off now to go wrap the last couple of gifts and maybe settle in with a cup of cocoa and a good book. Until next month, stay happy, stay healthy, stay well read.

Nancy