The best example this season was a traditional turkey dinner with all of the down-home elements you'd expect only used in unique ways. From savory bread puddings with leeks and pancetta as a replacement for a traditional stuffing, to a frozen piece of molasses and balsamic vinegar ice cream (that's right, a savory ice cream) served at the bottom of a bowl of butternut squash soup, to two versions of homemade butterscotch pudding. It didn't need truffles, foie gras or gold leaf; it was the height of no-frills fancy and deeply soul-satisfying.

Perhaps all of the present and predicted economic turmoil means that we all have to creatively use what we have on hand right now. I'm especially encouraged if this means that more people either take the step and start cooking, or continue stretching the limits of their kitchen for their families and friends. After all, sharing food is one of the best ways to continue to stay close, tough times or not.