What Are You Thankful for This Year?

Has Sandy changed your perspective?

During this season when we feel inclined to take stock of our blessings, it's usually the big things that top that list: good health, family, and friends. But this year, more so than others, I find I'm grateful for all the little things as well. If there is one positive that can be taken away from the nightmarish aftermath of Superstorm Sandy it is a newfound appreciation for all the conveniences we take for granted: heat, light at the flick of a switch, a home-brewed cup of coffee. Even paying almost $4 a gallon for gasoline doesn't sting like it used to when you don't have to wait four hours to fill up the tank. So, I'd like to take a moment to share what I'm thankful for this year in addition to the items above and I hope you'll do the …

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Looking For A Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe?

If you need a new recipe for your Thanksgiving turkey, give one of these non-traditional twists a try.

There are many ways to cook everyone’s favorite holiday bird. Each family has its own special technique for cooking a turkey, whether it's using an old family recipe, adding a secret ingredient or shopping at a certain store in town that helps make the turkey taste all the better. If you're hosting Thanksgiving this year, you can try any of the recipes below to add a new kick to your feast. If you're attending someone else’s dinner, hopefully their turkey will taste as good as one of these! Just the name of this recipe makes my mouth water. An Allrecipes.com user contributes this Greek take on turkey, which combines ground beef and pork with tangerine juice, rice and other ingredients for an in-bird stuffing. This one requires no pre-made …

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AAA: Plan Ahead for Thanksgiving Driving

AAA offers "Safe tow" service for drivers in Union County.

The following is a release from AAA  ----------------- Thanksgiving plans often include getting together with friends and family to celebrate and catch up. Before going out, AAA strongly encourages arranging a safe ride home beforepartaking in any festivities.   AAA works year round to educate motorists about driving practices that will help keep them safe and reduce traffic-related crashes and the injuries that can result.  PreventDUI.AAA.com is an online resource offering impaired driving facts, transportation alternatives and expert advice.  Once there, AAA encourages visitors toTake the Pledge to drive drug and alcohol-free.  AAA encourages everyone to plan ahead.  Make sure that you can ride with a sober friend, call a cab, or spend …

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What's Open on Thanksgiving Day in Westfield?

Let someone else do the cooking

If your idea of celebrating Thanksgiving means not lifting a finger, the following local businesses are ready to cater to you on turkey day.  Jeffrey's of Westfield will get in the spirit early this year. The Central Avenue eatery invites patrons to kick off the holiday weekend on Thanksgiving Eve with $3 draft beers and $6 assorted cosmos. Chez Catherine will serve Thanksgiving dinner, with seatings from 12 to 7 pm. Reservations, guaranteed by credit card, are required.  Acquaviva delle Fonti is offering a four-course dinner featuring an appetizer, soup or salad, an entree and dessert from noon to 6 p.m. The fixed price is $48.00 per person, which does not including tax and gratuity. For reservations call 908-301-0700. The Office will be …

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AAA: New Jersey Travel Projected to Remain Stable, Sandy’s Impact Unknown

AAA projections made before Sandy; impact of extreme weather on holiday travel unclear.

The following is a press release from the New Jersey branch of the American Automobile Association. ------------- The AAA projects over one million New Jerseyans will journey 50 miles or more from home during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. While the 43.3 million traveling nationwide represents a small but continued increase, New Jersey numbers have remained stable. The 2012 Thanksgiving holiday travel period is defined as Wednesday, Nov. 21 to Sunday, Nov. 25. AAA’s survey was conducted prior to Hurricane Sandy and actual travel numbers may end up varying greatly. “The true impact that Sandy has had on travel in New Jersey and the Northeast is difficult to predict, while many residents may cancel travel plans, many others may change …

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Local Flavor

Company's Coming? Here's an Hors D'oeuvre for That

Parmesan puffs for now and to freeze for later

As we bid farewell to Thanksgiving, we welcome with open arms the "silly season." You know, a few weeks of mad shopping, parties and revelry followed by Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year's Eve.  It's the party season at full tilt and it's fun as long as you're organized.   Taking that first step to managing all the silliness is having an hors d'oeuvre in the freezer that's ready to go. We're not talking pigs-in-a-blanket from Costco. Don't waste your freezer space unless it's catering-quality homemade yet easy, unfussy and tasty. Parmesan puffs are just the ticket. It's amazing what a few well chosen ingredients can do: Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, a small onion and thin sandwich bread. These four flavors create an addicting little bite. …

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[Video] Shoppers Snap Up Overnight Deals During Black Friday

From Union to Watchung, shoppers in New Jersey took advantage of hundreds of dollars in savings on items from Target and Best Buy.

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Local Flavor

A Last-Minute Recipe for the Thanksgiving Rush

This orange and spice cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving will brighten up your table.

Too busy to read this because you're too busy cooking? No worries. This quickie recipe for homemade cranberry sauce can be made in 10 or 15 minutes with minimal fuss and absolutely no hassle. Given to me years ago by my good friend Lorraine Bowyer, I now make a double batch every year at Thanksgiving. The combination of the tart cranberries and orange rind with the warm spices of cinnamon and cloves makes for a very popular dish at the table.   Last minute cooking has its benefits too. Since they are home from school, get the kids involved in the kitchen. They can measure the ingredients, peel the orange and stick the whole cloves in the peel (and snack on the orange while they work). Fresh cranberry sauce is a fast fix and it's done …

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