Good morning! Thursday is that day I post random stuff from the week, so without further ado:

I’m sad about Leonard Cohen‘s death, so I’ve been cooking my feelings. Sad as I am to see him go, I’m also comforted by all the wonderful music he left us with. You guys know I’m a big music nerd.

I found out this weekend that I know how to bake after all. No more excuses. Did you see my recipe Monday? You’re going to love this one.

Here’s some other stuff I have to share today.

*Did you check out my grain-free wild blueberry coconut cake? I love microwave-friendly recipes, and this one is perfect for breakfast!

*For my friends in the States, are you getting into Thanksgiving planning? Cauliflower is one of my favorite vegetable side dishes. My latest post for Azumio on 4 Healthy Cauliflower Recipes to enjoy this season.

*One of my recipes was also included in this round-up on Amy Gorin Nutrition. Lots of delicious ideas from fellow dietitians!

*Speaking of cooking for groups, I enjoyed another lovely potluck/friendsgiving with some RD friends over the weekend. It was my turn to host, and we enjoyed a mix of wild salmon, seasonal veggies, freekeh, beet hummus, salad, eggplant stew, Grainful’s homestyle cheddar steel cut oats (yes, way—kind of like mac & cheese but with oats instead of pasta). It was fun to catch up. It’s crazy to think that once upon a time we were students together and now we all have this careers and passions and, in some cases, families, we had no idea were in our future back when we first met.

*For many of us, holidays often involve meals out with family. Chain restaurants often provide oversized portions of high-calorie dishes. How to deal? I recently spoke with Women’s Health about how to keep things real at the Olive Garden.

I can’t believe Thanksgiving is only a week away. I’m looking forward to a few days off to see family and friends.

What are you up to for Thanksgiving? What’s your favorite dish to contribute to a holiday meal? 

This has been another installment of the Running with Spoons Thinking Out Loud link party, where randomness is the name of the game. Thanks to Amanda for hosting.

Disclosure: Though I was not compensated monetarily, I received free samples of Grainful’s steel cut oats meal kits. Opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.