1. There is nothing better than the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I watch it to this day and I love every cheesy second of it!!

2. The only thing better than the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is having a maple custard filled donut in my hand at the same time I watch the above mentioned parade. LOVE!!!

3. The first time I got DRUNK was at the ripe 'ol age of 12 at a family Thanksgiving dinner over grappa...and no I am not related to the Godfather. 

4. I love making turkeys by tracing my hand. That was the only art form I truly excelled at as a child and I still have a mastery of this skill today. 

5. Tofurkey is nasty...being raised as a vegetarian I know this beyond a shadow of a doubt. 

6. I love you Mom, but mashed potatoes should not have skins and half of the potato still in chunk form  or we should just not call them mashed potatoes, we should call them boiled smoooshed potatoes. 

7. It is a family tradition to watch Planes, Trains and Automobiles....don't even ask me how this tradition started it is just what we do....and my family laughs hysterically every single year as if it is their first time seeing it...and they do not have Alzheimers yet. 

8. Pumpkin pie for breakfast the day after Thanksgiving is truly a slice of heaven, pun intended. 

9. Seriously rubbing mayo on the outside of your turkey really makes for an awesome crispy browned exterior...just don't tell anyone that you used mayo.

10.  My family celebrates Thanksgiving for 3 days straight and it includes an Italian pasta dinner on Thanksgiving eve, a multi-course Thanksgiving dinner including antipasto and a recovery meal the next day...oh and we also have entertainment (yes, other than Planes, Trains and Automobiles)....everything from a private fireworks show to a jewelry trunk show to countless other events. 

And not to get all sappy, but I really do have to say I have been incredibly blessed with an amazing family. This Thanksgiving will be one with new traditions and fun filled events. This year I am flying to Atlanta to spend Thanksgiving with some family that I have not seen for a long time and I look forward to creating new memories, running the Atlanta half marathon and toasting those that have mended and warmed my heart. Cheers!!

Plus because this is a food blog, let me share a yummy comfort food recipe with y'all (yes, I am practicing for Atlanta). The other night I made Slow Cooker Chili from Food Network and I have to say that this is one of the best chili recipes I have had in awhile. I love the chunks of meat, rather than ground beef. I also love the spice from the chili pepper, zesty but not overpowering and I love the texture from the crumbled tortilla chips...the oddest ingredient but it does add depth of texture. I also loved that this chili recipe is served over rice. I am always looking for well rounded protein/carb meals especially when I am training for distance runs, like I am now, and this recipe has it all.

So first of all, mix tomato paste and coffee in a small bowl. I love that I made coffee for my chili! And yes, of course I made enough so that I could drink some coffee as well...duh!!

Next make a spice mixture of chili powder, salt and pepper and toss the meat with it. 

Add the meat to the slow cooker and combine with the pinto beans, crushed tortilla chips and coffee mixture. Cook for 8 hours...dang the house smelled awesome!!

Serve over white rice (cooked just for clarification) and topped with shredded cheddar cheese, green onions and avocado. Double Happiness!!

Have a great week!