A personal Thanksgiving reflection from me—along with the chef-approved prep tips and mise en place habits that help me make the holiday easier, calmer, and a little more joyful.

Fifty years ago today, the Queen of the Lake — the Edmund Fitzgerald — went down in the icy waters of Lake Superior, taking twenty-nine men with her. The tragedy left ripples that still reach families, friends, and all who feel the pull of the Great Lakes.
This year, I had the honor of joining the Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Swim …

I refused to stop my open swimming or turn on my heat until today. This morning, wrapped in a robe and slippers, I counted how many more months I would have to endure the cold. Sometimes it’s warm in March, so really just four months, I thought to myself. Not very Zen. Then it hit me …

Today, my taste buds are calling for Vermont Cheese soup. I make this with a dark beer, and I use bread flour in the roux. It is thick, flavorful and keeps you warm.