Thanksgiving Countdown: episode 8.

If you asked me for a list of go-to foodies that I know in real life, Janessa would be right at the top of the list.

When she and I were roommates, Janessa always actually cooked meals, and when her mom visited, our apartment practically transformed into a Food Network test kitchen.

So anything she says about good food, I take as the absolute gospel truth. Here's your chance to do the same.

Welcome, Janessa!

I am mildly obsessed with fall. And it’s not just because I love sassy scarves and boots, or because the colors on the trees make me all giddy inside (I can’t help it. I grew up in California. I'm not used to seasons). No, my little heart goes into hyper-drive because to this part-Italian part-Armenian gal raised with a healthy dose of Mexican influence, fall equals food.

It starts with scones and citrusy apply cider in October, but the real fun begins when Halloween’s ended. With the first of November comes The Great Recipe Hunt. You see, in my family, Thanksgiving is never the same meal twice. Sure, there are a few classic characters on the table every year: the cider and Chardonnay brined turkey, Grandpa Mike’s Italian sausage-water chestnut-corn stuffing, and Mom’s ginger-pear cranberry sauce. But the starches and sides and desserts, oh my – we rarely indulge in the same dish twice. There are a few rules:

1. Butter makes everything better. So does cream. We’re big fans of cream.

2. There must be at least four vegetables on the table at all times. Recent favorites: Brussels sprouts with pearl onions, prosciutto, parmesan and cream; roasted carrots drizzled with olive oil and fresh dill; and broiled stuffed acorn squash.

3. Pumpkin pie is not an acceptable dessert. Pumpkin cake, cranberry upside-down cake, apple tart, pumpkin pecan cheesecake – now you’re talkin’.

Inspiration can come from any source, from Barefoot Contessa to my mom’s co-workers at the elementary school cafeteria. Sometimes we just make things up and see if they work. The point is to be creative. Celebrate the harvest by trying new things this year. Your taste buds will thank you, even if your Buckle jeans won’t.