While not quite as quiet as October was, November promises to be easy on my pocketbook when it comes to movies. I see five or six that might draw me away from my books. So without further ado, here we go. Again, I’m listing a number that sound interesting; well, interesting for some people, anyway.

The Box  : Starring Cameron Diaz, James Marsden and Frank Langella, The Box looks more than a little creepy. And what is with all the scary movies these days? Anyway, this one has Diaz and Marsden as an unhappy couple who are faced with a dilemma: open the box and gain a million bucks while killing someone they don’t know. What to do? Rated PG-13, The Box opens November 6.

Disney’s A Christmas Carol : In the animated style of Polar Express and Beowulf (and adapted for the screen and directed by Robert Zemeckis), this retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic features the voice talents of Jim Carrey (as just about everyone), Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Cary Elwes, Bob Hoskins and Robin Wright Penn. Rated PG, Disney’s A Christmas Carol opens November 6. 

The Fourth Kind : While I love supernatural tales, I may have to wait for The Fourth Kind to come out on DVD. That way I can stop it if I get too scared; I don’t particularly like screaming or jumping out of my seat when I’m in a crowded movie theater. This supposedly-based-on-a-true-story movie stars Milla Jovovich as a psychologist in Nome, Alaska, who treats traumatized patients only to discover they’ve all had close encounters of the fourth kind (abduction). Rated PG-13, The Fourth Kind opens November 6.

The Men Who Stare at Goats : Starring George Clooney, Ewan McGregor, Jeff Bridges and Kevin Spacey, this movie looks like it might be fun. McGregor is Bob Wilton, a reporter who chances upon the story of a U.S. military program that uses ESP during missions. Clooney is Lyn Cassaday, who claims to be a former member of the First Earth Battalion and a man who can kill with his mind. Rated R, The Men Who Stare at Goats opens in limited release November 6. 

Precious : With Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry combining efforts to promote this film, along with numerous awards, Precious looks to be on the fast track to success. It’s the heart-wrenching tale of a Harlem teen – abused, overweight, illiterate and pregnant – who learns her life can go in a different direction when she enrolls in an alternative school, Precious will undoubtedly be difficult to watch. I hear, though, that the performances are outstanding, the story grabs your attention, and you’ll continue to think about this movie long after the final credits. Rated R, Precious opens November 6 in limited release.  

2012 : Don’t let the hype overwhelm you. This is an end-of-the-world view from Roland Emmerich, who has given us such films as Independence Day, 10,000 B.C. and The Day After Tomorrow. John Cusak leads the cast of survivors, and we’ll see a tsunami throwing a battle cruiser into the White House. Rated PG-13, 2012 opens November 13. 

Pirate Radio : Released in April in the United Kingdom as The Boat That Rocked, Pirate Radio tells the tale of how England attempted to outlaw rock ‘n’ roll in the 1960s, only to be thwarted by ingenious disc jockeys spreading the word via a floating radio station. Expect a fun time with Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bill Nighy, Rhys Ifans, Emma Thompson and Kenneth Branagh. Rated R, Pirate Radio opens November 13.

The Messenger : With the war in Iraq as the backdrop, The Messenger follows a U.S. soldier, who on his return home becomes involved with the widow of a fallen comrade. Reviews say it’s a powerful story, and, while it’s slow paced, the performances from Ben Foster and Woody Harrelson are exceptional. The move also stars Samantha Morton, Steve Buscemi, Eamonn Walker and Jena Malone. Rated R, The Messenger opens November 13.

The Blind Side : Michael Oher is a rookie with the Baltimore Ravens. The Blind Side tells his story, from his broken-home roots to his life with the Touhys, a well-to-do white family. Starring Quinton Aaron, Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw and Kathy Bates, The Blind Side looks promising as an inspirational tale, and it may just require a box of tissues. Also, let’s hope this is better than some of Bullock’s latest work. Rated PG-13, The Blind Side opens November 20.

Planet 51 : This movie has been on my radar for a while. An animated view of aliens, Planet 51 looks hilarious, with an underlying important message. What happens when a planet’s inhabitants are faced with a visitor from outer space? And what happens when that visitor is from Earth and the inhabitants are the green beings of Planet 51? Lots of laughs, in my opinion. Voices provided by Dwayne Johnson, Jessica Biel, Justin Long, Gary Oldman, Seann William Scott and John Cleese. Rated PG, Planet 51 opens November 20.

The Twilight Saga: New Moon : A confession is in order: I read the first book and saw the first movie, and I’m now working on New Moon the book. Yes, I adore tales of the supernatural, but …. I’m a bit ambivalent on this series. I’m also a bit leery of movies with two titles. Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner reprise their roles as Edward, Bella and Jacob, as the saga continues. Rated PG-13, New Moon opens November 20. 

Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans : Again with the extra title. This is a retelling/reimagining of the original 1992 Bad Lieutenant starred Harvey Keitel. The movie follows Nicolas Cage as a detective who is more interested in drugs and placing bets than the case of five dead immigrants. Not yet rated, Bad Lieutenant also stars Eva Mendes, Val Kilmer, Shawn Hatosy, Xzibit and Jennifer Coolidge and opens November 20. 

Old Dogs : Robin Williams and John Travolta (who reunites with his Wild Hogs director Walt Becker) star as friends and business partners forced to take some time off when 7-year-old twins appear on the scene. While it might be a bit over-the-top with the humor, Old Dogs looks like it’s full of laughs. And Seth Green may just steal the film from Williams and Travolta. Also starring Matt Dillon and Justin Long, Old Dogs is rated PG and opens November 25. 

The Princess and the Frog : A different twist on the traditional Frog Prince fairy tale, this animated Disney flick takes place during the Jazz Age in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Voices provided by Anika Noni Rose (as Princess Tiana), John Goodman, Keith David, Terrence Howard, Angela Bassett, Oprah Winfrey and Jim Cummings. Not yet rated, The Princess and the Frog opens in limited release November 25 and in wide release December 11. 

The Road : Based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Cormac McCarthy, The Road follows a father and son as they travel across the country after an unknown disaster has left the world in ruins. Lots of buzz around this one, although it’s release date has changed several times. Viggo Mortensen stars as the father and Kodi Smit-McPhee as the son. Charlize Theron, Garret Dillahunt, Robert Duvall and Guy Pearce also star. Rated R, The Road opens November 25.

Me and Orson Welles : Taking a piece of history and adding an unknown character or two to the mix makes for some interesting storytelling, as far as I’m concerned. Richard Samuels is a teen intent on making it big on Broadway. A chance meeting with Orson Welles as the director prepares his 1937 Broadway adaptation of Julius Caesar leads to a role for Richard, as well as a mess of complications. Zac Efron stars as Richard, Christian McKay as Welles, and Claire Danes as aspiring actress Sonja. Rated PG-13, Me and Orson Welles opens November 25. 

I have on my radar The Men Who Stare at Goats, Pirate Radio, The Blind Side, Planet 51 and The Road. Whatta think? Anything that I absolutely need to catch at the local cineplex?

See ya at the movies!

Several years ago, my role as GRIT food editor took me to Baltimore. I was covering the National Chicken Cooking Contest, and that’s another story.

Part of the agenda for media representatives, though, was a trip to the headquarters of McCormick & Co. We heard staff members talk about spices, how they’re gathered, how the company decides which spices to purchase in raw form and sell to us consumers, and about the company in general. It was an informative trip, and one I enjoyed immensely. It didn’t hurt that we each received a great gift bag with bottles of spices, some of which still reside in my cupboard.

I was reminded of the trip today when a press release from McCormick hit my e-mail inbox – an intriguing press release, in my opinion.

McCormick offers an annual forecast to identify emerging flavors, taking a closer look at traditional favorites around the holidays and coming up with new takes on those dishes. According to the press release: “With an extensive network of researchers, trend experts, chefs, home economists, food technologists, and sensory analysts, McCormick & Company, Inc. keeps its finger on the pulse of flavor.”

Founded in 1889 in Baltimore (headquarters are now in Sparks, Maryland, a northern suburb), the company definitely knows its spices. I would guess you can find a McCormick representative or grower in just about every corner of the world.

So, this year, the Flavor Forecast: Holiday Edition lists five pairings for the season. Keep an open mind – these just may be what you’re looking for to spice up (pun intended) that holiday feast you’re already planning.

Again, from the release:

“Here are the top flavor pairings according to the McCormick Flavor Forecast 2009: Holiday Edition.

Ginger & Molasses – The duo behind timeless gingerbread is cleverly reinvented from a childhood classic into contemporary goodies for all ages.

Warm Spices & Pumpkin – The aromatic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and allspice unites with creamy pumpkin to inspire remakes of its namesake pie.

Peppermint & Chocolate – This refreshing yet sweet combination comes together in everything from a festive martini to a chocolate tart.

Vanilla & Red Food Color – The lush, alluring flavor of vanilla and the joyous hue of red transform the show-stopping qualities of red velvet cake into updated indulgences.

Nutmeg & Rum – The unforgettable essence of eggnog comes out of the punch bowl as inspired treats from breakfast to the dessert table.”

I don’t know about you, but I’m heading for the McCormick website to find a few recipes with these combinations. Oh, wait – they included a few recipes with the press release. Hurray!

Enjoy! I know I will!

 

GINGERBREAD WHOOPIE PIES WITH LEMON CRÈME

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Refrigerate: 4 hours

Cook Time: 8 to 10 minutes per batch

3 cups flour

2 teaspoons McCormick® Ground Ginger

1 teaspoon McCormick® Ground Cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Ground Nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened, divided

3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup molasses

1 egg

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow cream

4 ounces (1/2 package) cream cheese, softened

1 teaspoon McCormick® Pure Lemon Extract

1 cup crushed peppermint candies

1. Mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg and salt in large bowl. Beat 3/4 cup of the butter and brown sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add molasses and egg; beat well. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until well mixed. Press dough into a thick flat disk. Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.

2. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in granulated sugar. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.

3. Bake in preheated 350°F oven 8 to 10 minutes or until edges of cookies just begin to brown. Remove to wire racks; cool completely.

4. Mix marshmallow cream, remaining 1/4 cup butter, cream cheese and extract in medium bowl until well blended. Place about 1 tablespoon filling on the flat side of 1 cookie. Top with a second cookie, pressing gently to spread the filling. Repeat with remaining cookies. Roll edge of cookies in crushed candy. Store whoopie pies between layers of wax paper in airtight container in refrigerator up to 5 days.

Yields 2 1/2 dozen.

 

CARAMEL PUMPKIN OATMEAL BARS

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

2 cups flour

2 cups rolled oats

1 1/2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar

1 tablespoon McCormick® Pumpkin Pie Spice

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted

1 cup canned pumpkin

7 ounces (1/2 of 14-ounce package) caramels, unwrapped

2 tablespoons milk

1. Mix flour, oats, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Add butter; stir until mixture is well blended and forms coarse crumbs. Reserve 1/2 (about 2 1/4 cups) for the topping. Add pumpkin to remaining mixture in bowl; stir until well blended. Press evenly into greased foil-lined 13x9-inch baking pan. Set aside.

2. Microwave caramels and milk in medium microwavable bowl on HIGH 2 to 3 minutes or until caramels are completely melted, stirring after every minute. Let stand 1 minute. Pour over pumpkin mixture in pan, spreading to within 1/2-inch of edges. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture.

3. Bake in preheated 350°F oven 30 to 35 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool in pan on wire rack. Lift from pan; remove foil. Cut into 24 bars.

Yields 2 dozen.

 

CHOCOLATE TARTS WITH PEPPERMINT CRÈME

Prep Time: 20 minutes

2 packages (15 shells each) frozen mini phyllo shells

1/3 cup plus 3/4 cup heavy cream, divided

4 ounces bittersweet or semi-sweet baking chocolate, cut into chunks

2 ounces cream cheese, softened

4 tablespoons sugar, divided

1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Pure Peppermint Extract

1. Prepare phyllo shells as directed on package for crisp unfilled tarts. Cool completely.

2. Microwave 1/3 cup of the cream and chocolate in microwavable bowl on HIGH 1 minute, stirring after 30 seconds. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Cool 5 minutes or until chocolate ganache starts to thicken. Spoon a heaping teaspoon ganache into each tart shell. Cool completely.

3. Beat cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of the sugar in large bowl until smooth. Beat remaining 3/4 cup cream, remaining 2 tablespoons sugar and extract in medium bowl with electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Add 1/2 of the whipped cream to cream cheese mixture; stir until well blended. Gently stir in remaining whipped cream.

4. Spoon about 1 tablespoon Peppermint Crème into each tart. Garnish with chocolate shavings, if desired. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Yields 30 tarts.

Test Kitchen Tip: Mini phyllo shells are available in the frozen section of most supermarkets.

Flavor Variations: Crème filling may also be prepared with 1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Raspberry Extract or Pure Orange Extract.

 

RED VELVET CHEESECAKE

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Refrigerate: 3 hours

2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract

2 eggs

2 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate, melted

1 tablespoon McCormick® Red Food Color

1 prepared chocolate crumb crust (6 ounces)

1. Beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating on low speed, just until blended.

2. Measure 1 cup batter into medium bowl. Stir in melted chocolate and food color. Pour into crust. Top with remaining (plain) cheesecake batter.

3. Bake in preheated 350°F oven 40 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool completely on wire rack.

4. Refrigerate 3 hours or overnight.

Yields 8 servings.

Test Kitchen Tip: Drizzle cheesecake with chocolate or hot fudge dessert topping just before serving.

 

EGGNOG TRUFFLES

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Refrigerate: 5 hours

1 pound white baking chocolate, divided

4 ounces (1/2 package) cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar

1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Ground Nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Imitation Rum Extract

McCormick® Ground Nutmeg (for sprinkling)

1. Melt 8 ounces of the chocolate as directed on package. Beat cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, nutmeg and extract in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended and smooth. Add melted chocolate; beat until well mixed. Cover. Refrigerate 4 hours or until firm.

2. Shape into 24 (about 3/4-inch) balls. Place on wax paper-lined tray. Refrigerate until ready to dip.

3. Coat only 12 truffles at a time. Melt 4 ounces of the remaining chocolate in small microwavable bowl on MEDIUM, 1 1/2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute. Using a fork, dip 1 truffle at a time into the chocolate. Place on wax paper-lined tray. Sprinkle truffles with nutmeg. Repeat with remaining 4 ounces chocolate and remaining truffles.

4. Refrigerate 1 hour or until chocolate is set. Store truffles in refrigerator up to 1 week.

Yields 2 dozen.

Test Kitchen Tip: When dipping the truffles, do so in 2 batches (as directed above in Step 3) as the coldness of the truffles may cause the melted chocolate to harden.

When cooler weather hits, many of us cook. I have a few favorite recipes, and this time of year is when they once again make an appearance in my kitchen.

Plus there is a stack of cookbooks on my desk, just waiting for me to look at them, try a recipe or two and review them for you (and me). I particularly am looking forward to checking out The Complete Slow Cooker Cookbook, Mrs. Rowes Little Book of Southern Pies, and The Big Sur Bakery Cookbook. Stay tuned for those reviews.

What’s your favorite cookbook this time of year? What’s the best recipe for autumn’s crisp temps? We'd like to hear what's creating that wonderful aroma in your kitchen, what dishes appear on your dinner table and which foods your family loves. Let us know in the comments section below. Who knows? We just might publish a few of them in a future Recipe Box!

Although it makes me sad, I have to say it: October is going to be a lousy month for movies. I see four or five that may, repeat may, make it to my must-see list, and a whole bunch that I know I won’t even rent. How sad is that!

Since I have so few favorites this month, I’m listing a number of films that might capture your attention, as well as the few I’ll probably see. To tell you the truth, I’m not going to as many movies as I used to; not sure why, probably time and money.

A Serious Man : The latest from the Coen Brothers, A Serious Man looks fairly interesting, although I have to say I’m not a major Coen Bros. fan. Dubbed a black comedy, the film is set in 1967 and follows a Midwestern professor as his life comes apart. Rated R, A Serious Man opens in limited release October 2.

Zombieland : Starring Jesse Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson, Zombieland may be a hoot to watch. The trailers offer some humor, and Harrelson is always fun. I’m just not sure I can handle any entire zombie movie, although I hear those zombies are fairly funny. Rated R (and parts of the website are age restricted as well), Zombieland opens October 2.

Whip It : One of the movies I may try to catch in the theater, Whip It stars Ellen Page and Drew Barrymore. Barrymore also directed and served as executive producer. A coming of age film, this one has a bit of a twist: young Bliss Cavendar (Page) discovers life and happiness while whipping around a roller derby rink. The Texas teen joins the Hurl Scouts, a team already populated by Maggie Mayhem (Kristen Wiig), Bloody Holly (Zoe Bell) and Smashley Simpson (Barrymore). I used to enjoy watching roller derby when I was much younger; we’ll see how this one unfolds. Rated PG-13, Whip It opens October 2.

The Invention of Lying : Set in a world where everyone tells the truth all the time, the movie follows writer Mark Bellison (Ricky Gervais, who also co-wrote and co-directed) through his mundane life and his realization that lying is the way to go. The film also co-stars Jennifer Garner, Jonah Hill, Jeffrey Tambor, Rob Lowe, and the always funny Tina Fey. Rated PG-13, The Invention of Lying opens October 2.

Couples Retreat : While I like both Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau, and I’m doubly impressed that they co-wrote the script, I’m not a huge comedy fan. Couples Retreat also stars Kristen Bell, Jason Bateman, Malin Akerman, Kristin Davis, Faizon Love, Kali Hawk and Jean Reno. Four couples head to a resort, and only one couple knows that therapy sessions are mandatory for this vacation – I’m not sure this will end up be all that humorous. Rated PG-13, Couples Retreat opens October 9.

Where the Wild Things Are : Another of the films I may have to see in the theater, this one is Spike Jonze’s take on the childhood classic written by Maurice Sendak. According to theater trailers, Sendak likes the Jonze interpretation, which, in my mind, gives this movie a major boost. Some familiar voices behind the Wild Things (Chris Cooper, James Gandolfini, Catherine O’Hara, Forest Whitaker, Paul Dano and Lauren Ambrose) and a few familiar faces: Catherine Keener and Mark Ruffalo. Newcomer Max Records plays the main character. One thing, during a few early screenings, children were reportedly upset by some scenes in the film. Rated PG, Where the Wild Things Are opens October 16.

Law Abiding Citizen : Have I mentioned I’m a fan of Gerard Butler? In Law Abiding Citizen, Butler portrays a man devastated by the murders of his wife and daughter. Caught up in a justice system he feels is corrupt, the grieving man waits to exact an imaginative revenge on the district attorney (Jamie Foxx) and others who gave the killers a plea bargain. Rated R, Law Abiding Citizen opens October 16. I’ll be at the theaters that weekend.

New York, I Love You : The second anthology in the Cities of Love series (the first was Paris, Je T’aime, which I enjoyed immensely), this film gathers 12 short vignettes (with 12 directors and 12 separate casts) focused on love in the city that never sleeps. A few of the actors: Bradley Cooper, Natalie Portman, Shia LaBeouf, Robin Wright Penn, Orlando Bloom, Hayden Christensen, Christina Ricci and Ethan Hawke. A few of the directors: Fatih Akin, Wen Jiang, Shekhar Kapur, Mira Nair, Natalie Portman, Brett Ratner and Allen Hughes. Stay tuned for three other anthologies set in Shanghai, Jerusalem and Rio de Janeiro. Rated R, New York, I Love You opens in limited release October 16.

Amelia : Focusing on the relationships in the famed aviator’s life, Amelia stars Hilary Swank, Ewan McGregor, Richard Gere and Chistopher Eccleston. Earhart’s story has always fascinated me, so this is one I’ll probably see in the theater, plus I like everyone involved, including director Mira Nair. Rated PG, Amelia opens in limited release October 23.

While I definitely won’t see these films, I can’t ignore them: Saw VI opens October 23, Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant opens October 23, and Michael Jackson’s This is It opens October 28.

Here’s hoping November’s offerings are a bit better. See ya at the theater!