November is a month of transition. The last breath of fall before winter arrives in earnest. It’s a time of preparation, reflection, and connection, and this November has been no exception. As the air grows crisp and the days shorter, we’ve been busy preparing for winter, but also taking the time to enjoy the beauty of the season and cherish the moments with family and friends.
Stacking Firewood and Raking Leaves
One of the first signs of winter is the smell of firewood crackling in the woodstove. It’s time to prepare the house for the colder months, and that starts with stacking firewood. The rhythm of stacking the logs feels grounding—almost like a meditation. The anticipation of cozy evenings around the woodstove makes the hard work worthwhile.
Of course, there's the annual task of raking and blowing leaves. The yard, once filled with the vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges of autumn, is now a carpet of fallen leaves. The leaf blower hums, sending leaves into the woods, or to garden beds as mulch. It’s a satisfying chore, but a reminder that winter is close, and the trees are shedding their final burst of color for the season.
Building a Stick Fence
This November, since the weather has been lovely, another stick fence is created in the rock garden. There’s something so satisfying about using simple materials like branches and sticks to create something functional and rustic. It’s the perfect project for late fall when the air is cool, and you can spend hours outside without overheating. The fence is more than just a practical barrier; it’s a piece of hand-crafted beauty that adds character to the yard, and it’s a project that connects me to the earth in a tangible way. Plus, it's a wonderful reminder that, as the leaves fall, there’s still work to be done to prepare for the colder months ahead.
Birthday Celebration
To celebrate Goose's birthday, we gathered at a cozy local restaurant that has become a favorite for its warm atmosphere and delicious food. The long table was filled with laughter and chatter as we dug into platters of perfectly cooked dishes. Toasts were raised, stories were exchanged, and amidst the clinking of glasses, there was a sense of gratitude for the friendships that bring us together. It was one of those evenings where time seemed to slow down, and we could simply savor the food, the company, and the joy of celebrating another year of life.
Pre-Thanksgiving Travel: Avoiding the Northeast Traffic Chaos
As Thanksgiving approaches, the thought of horrendous traffic jams in the Northeast always looms large. This year, we decided to get ahead of the madness and traveled to New Jersey before the big holiday. It was the right call. The roads were still full of traffic and slowdowns, yet we made the drive with ease, avoiding the nightmare that is the traditional pre-Thanksgiving traffic rush that we endured last year. Plus, arriving early meant we had more time to enjoy the festivities without the stress of being stuck on the road for hours. Despite the amount of time on the road Willy and Bell are champs in the motorhome. They each take their places and don't move around much.
Meeting Up with High School Besties
One of the highlights of the pre-Thanksgiving trip was reconnecting with my high school best friends. It's amazing how time flies, but no matter how much time passes, when we get together, it's like no time has passed at all. We laughed, reminisced, and caught up on each other’s lives. It’s these moments that remind me how important it is to maintain close friendships, no matter how busy life gets.
The Pre-Thanksgiving Feast: Prime Rib Perfection
Our pre-Thanksgiving dinner was nothing short of spectacular. We cooked a prime rib to perfection using a vintage rotisserie. The meat was tender, juicy, and cooked just the right amount of time to achieve that perfect medium-rare doneness. The flavor was enhanced by the slow, steady rotation on the rotisserie, creating a crispy, flavorful crust and a melt-in-your-mouth interior. Paired with twice baked cheesy potatoes and garlicy green beans, the end result was restaurant quality but better because we didn’t have to leave the house. It was the ultimate comfort food, and the perfect way to kick off the holiday season with family.
Classic NJ Bagels!
No trip to New Jersey is truly complete without indulging in a classic New Jersey bagel. There’s something about the dense, chewy texture and the perfectly crispy crust that makes them a must-have. Whether it’s a bagel with a generous spread of butter or something more adventurous like cream cheese with lox the experience is unmatched. New Jersey bagels have a reputation for being some of the best in the country, and every bite reminds you why. NJ bagels never fail to hit the spot, making the trip feel even more special.
Other classic NJ foodie things: Whether you're grabbing the best bagels to start your day, indulging in a classic pork roll * (or Taylor ham, depending on where you're from 😉), or savoring a soft, fresh hard roll – NJ has you covered. 🍕 Don't forget to try the unbeatable pizza and delicious Italian bakery cookies for that perfect sweet ending. 🍪 And, of course, top it all off with a perfectly crafted cocktail to make the experience complete. Cheers to good eats and great vibes in the Garden State!
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Sourdough Bread Baking Continues
If there’s one thing that’s become a constant in my routine, it’s sourdough bread baking. The process of nurturing the starter, kneading the dough, and waiting for it to rise is therapeutic. The smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the house is pure magic, especially as the weather turns cooler. Each loaf is a little different, but each one is delicious—crusty on the outside, soft and airy on the inside. There’s something about homemade bread that brings warmth to the soul. Read about my sourdough beginning here Breaking Bread
Thanksgiving
We were invited to JD and Honey's home for an intimate dinner that promised to be both delicious and memorable. Honey, an expert home chef and baker, had prepared a spread that was nothing short of extraordinary (as usual)—golden-browned turkey, succulent chicken, savory stuffing, and all the fixings that made the meal feel like a cozy embrace. For dessert, there was velvety pumpkin cheesecake, apple pie, and decadent caramel pecan bars that could melt any heart. The evening felt like a warm refuge from the cold outside, filled with laughter, good company, and the joy of sharing a beautiful meal. On the drive there, though, something amusing happened: we encountered a group of wild turkeys crossing the road—an ironic and whimsical touch to an already perfect holiday. It was the kind of night that stays with you, cozy and full of heart, wrapped in the joy of food, friendship, and the unexpected surprises of life.
Here is a link to the Christmas party Honey (and JD😉) hosted last year. Holiday Party Hosted by Honey
The Spirit of November
November is a month that is often overshadowed by the upcoming holiday chaos, but for me, it’s a month of preparation, reflection, and connection. From stacking firewood and finishing yard work to enjoying good food, time with friends and family, and the slow process of bread-making, this month has been a reminder to slow down and appreciate the simple things.
As winter approaches and the holiday season picks up pace, I’m holding on to these small, quiet moments—because, in the end, it’s these moments that truly make this time of year special.
*The "Pork Roll vs. Taylor Ham" debate is a long-standing, friendly rivalry that often pops up in New Jersey, where both terms are used to describe the same beloved breakfast meat. Whether you're in the southern or northern part of the state, or even just visiting, the question of whether to call it pork roll or Taylor ham sparks passionate discussions.
The Origins
The product in question was first created by John Taylor in 1856. He developed a type of processed pork product in Trenton, New Jersey, which was initially marketed under the name Taylor’s Prepared Ham. Over time, it became known colloquially as Taylor Ham, particularly in the northern part of the state.
But in the southern parts of New Jersey, the name "pork roll" took hold. This is likely because, after Taylor’s initial success, other manufacturers started producing similar products, and the term "pork roll" became more generic. In fact, Taylor’s brand is still one of the most popular, but many other companies now produce pork roll, leading to the widespread use of the term.
Regional Divide
Northern New Jersey: The people here typically refer to the product as Taylor Ham, regardless of the brand. This is the term that has been passed down through generations, and locals are deeply attached to it.
Southern New Jersey: Folks here generally call it pork roll, using a more generic term that emerged as other manufacturers entered the market. Pork roll is also what the product is legally called in the state, as it’s classified by the USDA.
The divide isn’t just a matter of vocabulary—it often carries a sense of regional pride. People from each side of the state may feel strongly about their preferred term, and arguments can arise over something as simple as a breakfast sandwich. The debate even extends to restaurants and diners, with some choosing to use one term exclusively to cater to their customers' preferences.
The Taste Test
In terms of flavor, there is little difference between what’s called Taylor Ham and pork roll. The product is made from ground pork, salt, and spices, and is typically smoked. It has a slightly sweet and savory flavor with a distinctive, firm texture. It’s typically sliced thin and fried, often served on a roll with eggs and cheese for a breakfast sandwich or simply enjoyed with a side of potatoes.
However, some die-hard fans of Taylor Ham argue that it’s the superior, original version, while others prefer the more general pork roll, seeing it as a representation of New Jersey's food culture as a whole.
The Sandwich Debate
The iconic New Jersey breakfast sandwich often involves pork roll or Taylor Ham, paired with eggs and cheese. This sandwich is a breakfast staple in the state, and it can be made with a variety of bread options, from a classic roll to a bagel or even a slice of white bread.
However, depending on whether you’re in the north or the south, ordering this sandwich might lead to the inevitable question: "Pork roll or Taylor Ham?" And you can bet that, no matter which you order, someone will have an opinion about the name you chose.
Conclusion
In the end, the "Pork Roll vs. Taylor Ham" debate is more about pride and tradition than about the actual product. While they are technically the same thing, the names reflect the rich regional identity and cultural history of New Jersey. No matter which side of the debate you fall on, there’s no denying that pork roll (or Taylor Ham) is a beloved part of New Jersey's food scene.
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