Giving Thanks

Of all of the seasons, and all of the calendar months, November is my favorite. If we could bottle the kindness that comes with a month dedicated to being thankful, oh what a world we would live in.

While it’s easy to feel thankful when gathered with friends and family surrounded by food while enjoying Thanksgiving dinner, I find that the month of November is also the perfect time to express thankfulness outside of your usual family and friendship circle.

In fact, several years ago I joined the “Tie One On Day” movement. Founded by a woman named EllynAnne Geisel, Tie One On Day occurs on Thanksgiving Eve each year. The premise is to “give from the heart today for what we give thanks for tomorrow.” You buy (or create handmade) an apron, bake something, tuck a note of encouragement or prayer inside the pocket of the apron, then set out to find someone worthy of such a kind gesture. A neighbor. A coworker. A person in the community. The options are endless.

My go-to Tie One On Day treat of choice has been homemade bread recipes. You really can’t go wrong with anything baked in a loaf pan. It  travels easy and wraps up nicely in the apron (or seasonal dish towel if aprons aren’t your thing) while providing something than can be enjoyed practically any time of the day.

This year I’m going with a Pecan Streusel Pumpkin Bread, an Apple Cinnamon Swirl Bread and some Cinnamon Cream Cheese Banana Bread Squares that may or may not make it outside of my own kitchen.

However you choose to participate in this year’s season of thankfulness, I hope you’ll find these recipes perfect for the occasion.