Can it be that it is November already?

I guess with fall coming to a peak and winter lurking in the distance, it must be. In my household, November comes with a tradition that nearly everyone can compare to in one way or another, meaning, November is the month to eat.

Not only is there a national holiday set aside for eating and visiting with family in this month, but have you noticed that as the fall harvest comes in, we tend to cook big meals with heaping portions and extra dessert? I have no idea why we do this, but I do know of one very important food group that can help to make or break this season - the dairy food group.

Look in almost every Thanksgiving or other holiday recipe and 99 percent of the time there is a dairy product used. With eight essential vitamins and nutrients in many dairy products why not add something that tastes good and is even better for your body?

I have found that instead of adding extra salt or other m.s.g loaded spices, to just put a nice scoop of sour cream on my potatoes. Milk can be added to soups to make them thick and creamy. Yogurt can be a healthy substitute for many products in desserts.

All of these are an easy way to cut calories without losing flavor.

So I invite you this season to enjoy the foods, most importantly the dairy ones. Make sure your holidays are loaded with milk, cheese and yogurt to help you get calcium, phosphorous and vitamin D to help you stay strong and active during this busy season.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone and remember to get your 3-A-Day of dairy today.

Emily Young is the current Dairy Princess for Cayuga County

Eggnog

2 cups chilled milk

2 eggs

2 tablespoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Dash of salt

Break eggs into bowl. Add sugar. Beat with egg beater until yellow and creamy. Add milk, vanilla and salt. Beat until well mixed. Serve over ice cubes. Sprinkle with nutmeg if desired.

Holiday biscuits

2 cups sifted flour

3 3/4 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup cooking oil

3/4 cup milk

Measure and sift dry ingredients. Stir in the oil and milk. Knead and roll dough about half an inch thick on flour board. Cut with heart, snowman, Santa, star or other holiday shapes. Cook lightly in a greased frying pan. Heat at low temperature. Let biscuits brown and ride. Turn and cook on other side or bake in oven at 450 degrees for 12-15 minutes.