Prompt: “It’s hard to escape the escalation of the holidays at this time of year, but one of the great things about the season is the food! I challenge you to draw five random cards, and decide what seasonal treats (different for each card) that you think fits each of the cards you pulled. Show off your cards! Share the food you matched with them, and why you made those choices.“

The Moon – Cranberry Sauce – For the majority of my youth, I was scared to try cranberry Saudi. I was sure it was going to be the grossest, most vomit inducing thing ever. I finally tried it in my late teens, and although I’m still not a fan? It’s not as bad as I was so very positive that it would be.

Seven of Pentacles – The Giant Turkey – It takes forever to cook. Hours upon hours of waiting and basting. Put it in the oven in the morning and it’ll eventually be done by supper… but worth every moment when it’s finally ready to eat.

Eight of Pentacles – Old Fashioned Divinity – Made correctly, this sweet treat is light and airy. A cloud of sweetness on the tongue. But, it’s persnickety. The ingredients have to be fresh and measured perfectly or it doesn’t turn out. Nor will it turn out if it’s raining outside or the humidity is too high. It takes a lot of work to get this treat right, but when you do? It truly is divine.

The Empress – Stove Top Stuffing – When I was homeless, this was something that was often offered in the food bank boxes, and its flavor has somehow come to represent a warm comfort to me. Something that was there to nurture me when I was at my most desperate.

Knight of Wands – Deviled Eggs – Oh my god. I could easily pass on the turkey, the stuffing, even the desserts… but not the deviled eggs. I can eat them all day and still come back for more. So good.

DECK USED: THE RIDER WAITE SMITH TAROT