Thanksgiving Delights: Culinary Tips and Delectable Recipes

Welcome to the festive edition of What Ya' Got Cookin'? An enduring tradition here on Midday, dating back to 2016. Join Tom as he engages in a flavorful conversation with culinary maestros John Shields, owner of Gertrude’s at the Baltimore Museum of Art, and Damian Mosely from Blacksauce Kitchen.

In this lively discussion, Tom and the Midday callers dive into essential cooking tips and navigate the pitfalls of culinary mishaps as everyone gears up for tomorrow's grand Thanksgiving feast.

Special greetings come your way from Tom's mom, Rosemary Hall, adding a personal touch to the occasion.

Thelma’s Crowd-Pleasing Crab and Artichoke Dip

* Serves 8 to 10

Ingredients:

- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

- 1 cup mayonnaise

- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature

- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

- Juice of 1 lemon

- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne

- Freshly ground black pepper

- 1 jar (16 ounces) artichoke hearts, drained and cut into small pieces

- 1 pound Maryland lump crabmeat, picked over

- ½ cup chopped parsley

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 6-cup casserole dish.

2. Combine the cheese, mayonnaise, cream cheese, mustard, Worcestershire, lemon juice, cayenne, and black pepper in a large bowl. Stir until well mixed.

3. Gently fold in the artichoke hearts, crabmeat, and parsley.

4. Pour the mixture into the casserole dish.

5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Serve warm.

*Adapted from Chesapeake Bay Cooking with John Shields, Johns Hopkins University Press.*

Rosemary Hall’s Irresistible Baked Apricots

Ingredients:

- 2 one-pound cans of apricots, drained

- 2 cups crushed pretzels

- 6 TBL melted butter

- 2 TBL brown sugar

Directions:

1. Mix pretzels with the butter and brown sugar.

2. Grease a casserole dish and coat the bottom with most (not all) of the pretzel mixture.

3. Pour the drained apricots on top of the pretzel mixture.

4. Sprinkle the remaining pretzel mixture on top of the apricots.

5. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

Transform your Thanksgiving spread with these delightful recipes, ensuring a memorable and delicious holiday gathering. Happy cooking!