Never wrapped a slice of persimmon in prosciutto, let alone roasted a 12-pound turkey? You're not alone. Which is why we're getting an early start on another Persian & Mediterranean-inspired holiday feast, for all you novice holiday dinner cooks. And, as always, we're keeping it simple and delicious!

This year Pinch My Saffron is preparing for a Winter Wonderland holiday dinner party with this menu: a juicy Roasted Chicken with Herb Butter, Baghali Polo or Saffron Rice with Lima Beans and Dill, Brioche Herb Stuffing with Dried Sour Cherries, Roasted Herb-Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans with Tarragon Butter, and a Persimmon-Glazed Goat Cheese Cheesecake that will blow your socks off. <--- Blogposts and recipes will be up soon. . . yummmaaaay!

Honey-Saffron Glazed Turkey

It's time to indulge in mouth watering turkey roasts, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin cupcakes! Thanksgiving's just around the corner, which means many of us will try our hand at cooking a turkey in hopes we don't dry it out. My mother passed this recipe on to me and while it changes just a little every year, because we've never written it down before - until now - it always yields a juicy, flavorful turkey. Avoid the dry bird blues and prepare yourself for a whole new turkey taste! Our exciting blend of exotic spices turns an ordinary roast into an extraordinary meal.

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It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving in our home without my family’s favorite rice dish. Zereshk Polo or Saffron Rice with Candied Barberries, Slivered Almonds & Pistachios is a dish for all seasons and one my favorites to cook when entertaining. Although, this traditional dish is served with roasted chicken, it also pairs excellently with turkey.

Did you know that Iran is the largest producer of Zereshk or dried barberries? Barberries or the fruit from Berberis shrubs are generally red, but vary from coral to deep crimson, and they are tangy, tangy, tangy. In this dish their tart flavor is subdued by sautéing them in sugar, butter, and saffron.

You’ll love the bursts of sweet and tangy flavors in your mouth with the creamy rice grains, and the crunchy toasted almonds and pistachios – love at first bite!

Zereshk Polo: Saffron Rice with Candied Barberries, Slivered Almonds & Pistachios

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Fall brings a change in weather and it also brings a change in our baking. Gone are the days of eating slices of juicy watermelon or a bowl of sweet cherries. The fruits that were available during the long hot summer months have disappeared and in their place we have pears, plums, pumpkins, pomegranate, persimmons, and cranberries.  

In the meantime I offer you a shot of nostalgia with this simple, savory stuffing, perfect for those upcoming holiday dinners!

Caramelized Onion & Pomegranate Cornbread Stuffing

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Sweet potato pie just got sweeter with the addition of a buttery, cinnamon streusel, nutty topping! Just about everyone has a favorite sweet potato recipe for Thanksgiving Dinner. One of mine has to be Tyler Florence's Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Pecan and Marshmallow Streusel. These miniature sweet potato "pies" are simple, sinful-tasting, and can be prepared ahead of time and reheated before serving. They're sure to delight your guests and will make a great addition to your Turkey Day repetoire!

Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Pecans & Marshmallow Bliss

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String Beans with Shallots & Toasted Almonds

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Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first. ~Ernestine Ulmer

Dessert has always been one of the most anticipated courses of Thanksgiving dinner. Delicious cakes, tarts, and pies lie at the end of the table just waiting to be tasted!

Thanksgiving desserts can be traditional, gourmet, innovative or kid-friendly. This year I decided to incorporate all four components in our Thanksgiving dessert. The only constant is that there be pumpkin in the recipe. Whether it is pumpkin pie, pumpkin truffles or pumpkin cheesecake—we’re happy!

Sometimes you feel like a nut...

Spiced Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

 Sometimes you don't...

Spiced Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

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