Dessert round up, the morning after...

In order of deliciousness and success, I'd say:

• First place: Pecan Pie, as determined by both my brother-in-laws! One said it was the best pecan pie he'd ever had (!), and the other, the master chef, likened the filling to a "kind of baklava!" Will definitely make again!

• Tied for second place: Gingerbread and Pumpkin Pie. The gingerbread was both a bit dry around the pan edge pieces, and a bit too moist toward the middle (could blame it on my difficult and cheap oven, but still, must learn how to work with it). The pumpkin pie filling had great flavor, but aesthetically, the pie lost its looks as the night progressed, and the filling kept pulling away from the crust. Ugh.

• Fourth place: My beautiful Coconut Chiffon Cake! My go-to item was not up to par! I'd spilled the coconut milk just before applying to the cake, and when I then replaced the measurement, don't think I mixed up the milk enough, and so what I used was a bit watery I guess. End result was that the cake was dense with water, but not moist with the richness of coconut milk. An embarrassment! Though the icing was excellent.

Overall Grade: B.

Minis

Mini Pecan Pie

Mini Pumpkin Pie

What dessert are you making for Thanksgiving 2?

Now that I've finished the 12 mini Sour Cream Apple Pies for Court Street Grocery, I can concentrate on making:

• Gingerbread, in squares. My daughter's favorite. Good to eat throughout the day while hanging in the kitchen watching others attend to the savory part of the meal. Also excellent with sharp Cheddar Cheese, or my neighbor's incredible homemade Chai tea, or even a bit of champagne! (Will make tonight or tomorrow a.m.)

• 2 mini Pecan Pies, mostly for one of my brother-in-laws. He was going to buy one, for God's sake! (Will make dough tonight, then prep, make up, and bake tomorrow a.m.)

• 1 Coconut Cake, soaked in coconut milk, with Cream Cheese Frosting. Dedicated to my Berkeley, CA, nieces and nephews. (Will make tonight and refrigerate.)

• possible: 1 or 2 mini Pumpkin Pies, if I have the time and can find the cardamon. My daughter's second favorite. (Will make dough tonight; filling and baking tomorrow a.m.)

• possible though not likely: NOTHCCC, if my daughter feels like making them! (Tonight, if at all.)

• Chocolate turkeys, for all my nieces, nephews, and second cousins once removed. Store-bought and beautiful. (Done!)

From your oven to the T-giving dinner table...

Texted question from LMR: "I am making pumpkin pies and have to carry them to New Jersey. Any ideas how to pack them?"

JBT: "Hey, either a bakery box which u can get at Chelsea Market at that supply store -- make sure u buy the round bottom insert that makes it sturdy -- or a plastic carry case. Or make ur own w a cardboard box and foil."

LMR: "Kk."

I should add that tying it all together with any kind of (clean) string makes for easy carrying.

P.S. Plastic carry cases are great, reusable, impressive, and fun. Approximately $25, maybe cheaper.

Another Thanksgiving Prep Tip...

If you're having a large Thanksgiving dinner, and the whole world wants to bring the same thing you've planned on making, i.e., an apple pie...then let them do it! Bring something else -- and I'm trying to figure out what that is right now!

I would make the Maple Pumpkin Pots de Creme, but they don't travel well by train.

Hot Water Bath, for your Pots de Creme, and other baking needs

Regarding the "Maple Pumpkin Pots de Creme" hot water bath: place your filled ramekins in a baking dish with high sides (2 brownie pans will do). Carefully pour in boiling water around the ramekins, until water reaches about halfway up the sides of the ramekins, taking care not to get water in your custard. Cover tightly with foil, and be mindful again when moving pans in and out of the oven.

Also, when baking time is done, open foil on corner away from you, so you don't get a steam burn! It's hot in there!

Thanksgiving prep, brainstorming stage

I'm not a pumpkin pie person, but I am a "Maple Pumpkin Pots de Creme" enthusiast. Thank you Gourmet, November 2002!

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Maple-Pumpkin-Pots-de-Creme-107388

Despite the fantastic, impressive results here, pay no attention to the photo on the recipe link -- the desserts are far more attractive than that! Do need mini ramekins though, and a fine mesh sieve.