Michelle Miles: Who's ready for fall?

I don't know about you but Labor Day, for me, is the official end of summer. The kids are back in school, high school football is in full swing, the hockey season is on the horizon and cooler temps are on their way. All the stores have fall décor out and I LOVE IT. It's by far my favorite time of year.

It's also the time of year I lament I live in North Texas and it's still hot until like September 30. It's rare we get cooler temps around here until at least October. Or rain. Or the fall colors that I love so much in nature.

Prepping for the Holidays!!!

Fall is in the air – that lovely little nip at your nose and toes. The way the air swirls in your lungs, colder than normal and invigorating. I love fall and the promise of the coming holidays--holidays and meals and parties. Since my house is frequently hosting said meals, I thought I’d share two of my absolute favorite holiday staples.

One is Sweet… and so loved that it inspired one super sexy scene in my holiday romance Hollywood Holiday!

Gingerbread Men Cookies1 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup shortening
1 ½ cups dark molasses
2/3 cup water
6 cups Gold Medal flour
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground allspice
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground cinnamon

You can (my mother has) burn up your mixer with this, so please:
Mix brown sugar, shortening, water & molasses together. STIR in remaining ingredients. Refrigerate at least 2 hours.