Tomorrow is my birthday, and as a surprise, Loren made me these wonderful cupcakes!

A modified version of the Real Cajun Chicken & Sausage Gumbo from: http://www.recipezaar.com/127197

• 2 pounds asparagus, tough ends trimmed, rinsed and patted
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

Yield: Makes 6 servings
2 artichoke halves per serving

• 6 medium Ocean Mist Farms artichokes
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 to 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup lemon juice or balsamic vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary, mint, basil or tarragon
• 1/8 teaspoon each salt and pepper

I’ve used this recipe a couple times over the past year or two, and it’s super yummy. I made it for a Seder we hosted, and just omitted the bacon.  

Enjoy!
(reprinted from food tv.com)

For How To turkey videos (including instructions on how truss a turkey, see: http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/et_hd_thanksgiving/text/0,1972,FOOD_9845_38050,00.html)