By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
What's Cooking in Bryan County: November is a time for giving thanks
Libby Hires
Libby Hires

Libby Hires

Cooking columnist

November is a time that we give thanks for all that we have now and have had in the past. It’s a time of reflection and a time for counting blessings. I think that it’s quite appropriate that Veteran’s Day falls during November because the military deserves so much gratitude from all of us. It was because of our forefathers deciding to create this wonderful country that we have Thanksgiving. It is because of their first military that decided to fight for America that we still understand those values. Our nation must realize that it is due to veterans past and present that we can give so much thanks today.

My father served in the Army and his father served in the Air Force.

As a young girl, I loved listening to their stories of military life. My grandfather once told me about driving a motorcycle with a sidecar down the road while stationed overseas.

They were shot at, and the sidecar separated from the motorcycle. It went down one road, and he went down the next. He was able to catch up to it to save the guy and they laughed about it later when they were all safe and sound. The younger me roared with laughter whenever he would tell the story. The older me was so thankful he made it back home to tell it.

Since we live so close to military families and personnel that must be away during the holidays this year, I would like to encourage our community to make a difference.

Let’s try to show our appreciation to those that are overseas by sending a card letting them know their service is not in vain. If you see a person in uniform (even if it’s a first responder), let them know how much you care about what they are doing for us. Buy a gift card or two and give it away. Make a few goodies and send it over to the military family next door or down the street.

Have a co-worker that has a spouse overseas? Invite them over for a movie night or babysit so they can go shopping.

Want to make those goodies? Here are a few recipes to get you started!

These are worth making and sharing!

Chocolate Chip Craisin Cookies

Ingredients 8 tablespoons butter, softened 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed 2 tablespoons orange juice 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 large egg 1 1/4 cups self-rising flour 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks or milk chocolate chips ¾ cup chopped pecans 1 cup craisins Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Line 2 baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease. Beat together butter, sugar, orange juice and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Beat in egg, being sure to scrape the sides and bottom of bowl. Add in flour. Mix until smooth. Stir in chocolate, pecans, and craisins. Drop dough by the tablespoonful onto prepared sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 14 minutes or until lightly golden on sides. Remove from oven and allow to cool on pan. Store in an airtight container.

Oatmeal Chocolate Cookies 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark) 1/2 cup sugar 2 large eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 1/2 cup all-purpose

flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 cups old fashioned oats 1 12-ounce bag semisweet chocolate chips sea salt Directions Heat oven to 350 degrees. Using a mixer, beat together the butter and sugar until creamy and fluffy, about 4 minutes Add the eggs, one at a time, and vanilla until thoroughly combined.

Stir the flour, baking soda and (regular) salt in a separate mixing bowl.

Slowly add the flour to the butter/sugar mixture until combined. Stir in oats and chocolate chips mixing well until combined. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto parchment lined cookie sheet. Press down each cookie and top with a few flakes of sea salt. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool and serve. Store in an airtight container.

Hires is a famous local cooking columnist. Her columns are known to make people hungry.

Sign up for our E-Newsletters