Now that it is mid-October, my thoughts are turning to the upcoming holidays. One of my favorite holidays happens to be Thanksgiving. This is probably because it's all about food, family and friends. Since I've been a registered dietitian for many years, this is not too surprising. Today I've been planning the Thanksgiving dinner at my home. I plan to cook the traditional foods using recipes that have been in the family for years. One of my favorite items is my grandmother's pumpkin pie recipe. Here it is and it makes two pies.

6 eggs
1 cup +2 tbsp sugar
1 can pumpkin
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 small can evaporated milk
2 cups skim milk
2 unbaked pie shells

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Beat eggs in large bowl. Add sugar, pumpkin, salt, cinnamon and ginger. Stir in skim milk and evaportated milk. Pour into two unbaked pie shells. Bake for 45 minutes.

I know that many people are concerned about overeating during the holidays. So, I thought I would share what I plan to do. I will eat all my favorite foods, but keep the portions small so that I can enjoy everything. Sometimes I don't have the roll so I can eat something else. But, in all honesty, I plan to enjoy all my favorite foods. After all, the holidays only come around once a year. For most of us, the foods we eat the rest of the year have a greater impact on our overall health than these few special days.