It’s been a week of regathering. I have been under the weather lately and it has seriously thrown off my usual hold upon life. So, I am once again looking at all that lies before me with humble scrutiny and trying to find fresh footing that works for today. It might mean second cups of coffee and third helpings of brownies.

Let’s talk about very important things such as Hamburger Helper’s place in American culture and Downton Abbey escapes.

Can we take a few minutes to appreciate this perfectly honest discourse and the recipe which it prefixes? It is the truth of which I am forever reminded. Though I enthusiastically brûlée brie and perfect panna cotta, I still find myself hankering for late-night escapades for dodgy french fries, drive-thru chicken strips, and take-out Chinese. Sure, you could call it rebellion, but I honestly believe that the things we ate as children, though often lackluster and shoddy, are the things our hearts will always long for when the heels are shed and only Netflix is there to judge us. Suddenly, we do not want the best thing we ever ate, we just want something we once ate, perhaps prepared by our father when mom was out and dinner came in a box. I’m feeling nostalgic now…

My heart is seriously breaking at the thought of missing out on this opportunity. Unfortunately, a trip to England wasn’t exactly in our Thanksgiving plans this year.

This little segment provided me with more than a few laughs this week.

I purchased this sweater in “rust” last year and it is still a major favorite. I am seriously considering adding the gray to my wardrobe now too. Give me all the comfy, cozy sweaters, please.

I may have gone a little overboard with my seasonal enthusiasm but our pantry and refrigerator are bursting with love for Trader Joe’s annual pumpkin line-up. Here are a few of the highlights this season.

Happy, happy Friday friends!

Sincerely,

Pedantic Foodie

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