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As we enter October I start to mentally catalogue the season's celebrations and all the excuses to eat to excess. I'm a foodie and any opportunity I get to roll out some cookies or whip up some cupcakes, is one I like to take.

In the upcoming months Canada has its Thanksgiving the 2nd Monday of Oct.

American Thanksgiving the 4th Thursday of November and then we have the much recognized Halloween on Oct 31st. Living in Peru means we can also acknowledge Oct 8th Battle of Angamos and Nov 1st All Saints Day. I am unsure as to what these Peruvian occasions require in the form of partying but I am willing to make cupcakes in their honor!

I am sure each of us can recall one of the above with memories of celebrations past and family traditions. What comes to mind when you think about what you are thankful for?

There is a French Proverb: Gratitude is the hearts memory. Don't you love what that says? Think back to your childhood and that special stuffing grandma made or Aunty Betty's famous pie, the effort your parents made to have all the family together. Squeezing in extra chairs and tables so everyone could be seated to give thanks as one. Do you try to replicate these at your own family gatherings? Did Grandma pass on her recipes once you were old enough to appreciate them or do her recipes remain a secret? Maybe now is the year to ask for that recipe and make it using Peruvian ingredients, start your own traditions.

What better way to show your family you care than by providing sustenance while gathered at home.

Food for me has always represented the offering of love.

I have to confess I am a bit of a kleptomaniac when it comes to traditions. Having lived in many countries where I was exposed to a variety of festivals and food I know how to absorb, pilfer and put them to good use!

Returning to proverbs again my all time favorite is an old Russian one, “A house is beautiful not because of its walls but because of its cakes.” This phrase speaks volumes to me. I read that line and I see a Babushka with a bowl wedged into the crook of her arm beating some vanilla confection for her grandchildren. Nothing fancy, a few simple ingredients but made with love. I see my own grandmother bustling in her tiny kitchen and me waiting to lick the bowl. Yes I know raw egg but I lived to tell the tale!

So this season as you plan to gather for whatever reason, think of the Bard and his line.

O' Lord that lends me life, lend me a heart replete with thankfulness” William Shakespeare.

So go ahead and give thanks and share with others over the coming months and if not, there is always Christmas. That alone needs a whole chapter better start organizing my menu now!