Thanksgiving is coming up, and every time I go into a store, my eyes feast on shelves stacked with heaps of my favorite fall treats--pumpkin and apple pies, stuffing mixes, fresh baked bread, and egg nog. Yes, food is on my mind. Maybe that's why Sam Stern caught my eye when I was putting together the November/December issue of Writing.

   Although he’s only 14, Sam Stern may be well on his way to becoming the next Iron Chef! The British teenager is the author of Cooking Up a Storm: The Teen Survival Cookbook .   

   "I wrote this book for kids like me who enjoy cooking or who want to learn to cook. It’s full of simple tasty recipes—the kinds of things that my friends and I like to eat,” writes Sam in the introduction to the book. It features well-written recipes that range from blueberry and apricot muffins and chocolate mousse to sweet potato fries, party pizza slices, and chili con carne.

With chapters such as “When Friends Stop By,” “Impress a Crowd,” and “Exam Survival,” this book is sure to please the eye, the mind, and the stomach!

Read an interview with Sam Stern and then, click here to download his favorite guacamole recipe (courtesy of Candlewick Press). Maybe you can whip up this guacamole for your family this holiday season.

Then, post your favorite recipe in the comments section below. 

Happy Thanksgiving!