Stephen George, Editor

What Steve's Eating Pumpkin Cake Roll This is one of those recipes that looks hard but is secretly easy—and perfect for the season too! Get recipe»

Dear ##firstname[Friend]##,

##\keycode.IntroCopyContentHTML####\keycode.DonorContentGiftSubHTML##

As the editor of a magazine devoted to healthy cooking, it's hard to say this without sounding like a complete hypocrite, but boy, do I love getting swept into the holiday-food vortex that starts with Halloween and doesn't let up until the end of the year.

Halloween treats are my Achilles' heel: caramel apples, candy snuck from my kids' bags, trays of cookies and bars heaped on tables at various parties and potlucks. I can't say no to any of it, as my dentist can happily attest.

That's just the warm-up for the main event, Thanksgiving, where I not only get to indulge my sweet tooth some more (I never met a pie I didn’t like) but I get to add in a plate (maybe two) of gravy-smothered turkey and stuffing and casseroles beyond counting. All this, and it's not even Christmas yet!

I guess I would feel like a total sham if I didn't remind myself—and you—of one simple fact: living a healthy lifestyle does not mean depriving yourself of the food you love, at least not all of the time. I feel absolutely no guilt about my Halloween and Thanksgiving excesses because I know that the rest of year, I behave myself.

If that sounds like you, too, then I say: go on! Sneak an extra treat off the tray, give yourself a little second helping of a favorite buffet offering. After all, knowing when to indulge is part of a healthy lifestyle too.

Happy Halloween!

Steve

	• p. 23 Thanksgiving Recipes • p. 25 Chili Recipes • p. 57 Potato Recipes • New Contest: Everything but the Turkey

Pumpkin Recipes A jack-o'-lantern's not the only thing you can make with a pumpkin at Halloween. Enjoy the flavor of the fall harvest with one of these pumpkin recipes. Get Recipes»

Healthy Halloween These treats maximize the spirit of autumn and Halloween, but minimize the guilt! . Get Recipes»

Halloween Recipes Halloween ghouls that you can eat are not scary at all! Try one of these Halloween recipes that are sure to enchant your party guests. Get Recipes»

Main Dish Makeover Recipes As the seasons change, our taste buds begin to crave comfort food. Try one of these healthier versions of classic family recipes. Get Recipes»

Cooks Who Care: Care Package Tips Blogger Christine Hofmann-Bourque gives her best tips for packing the perfect care package to send to the troops. Watch Video»

Ask Peggy Registered dietitian and food editor Peggy Woodward answers questions on cooking and nutrition. Is there a homemade substitute for canned soup? What is the best way to store pumpkins?

LIGHT DESSERT: Pumpkin Pie Custard Instead of pumpkin pie, try this light holiday dessert. My husband's aunt shared the recipe. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, NJ Get Recipe»