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FoodLifestyleRecipesSeasonal

10 Thanksgiving Appetizers To Kick Off Your Holiday Feast

by Amber King
written by Amber King

Mmmm, it’s almost Thanksgiving, and we can already smell the turkey. That bird will always be the star of your Thanksgiving feast, but a superb holiday dinner can’t survive on turkey alone. There are the sides to think about, and of course, the desserts. But you’re still missing one very important step in your annual food coma. The appetizer!

The keys to a good Thanksgiving appetizer are making something that’s festive, delicious, and still leaves room for the main meal. Dishes earn bonus points if they’re easy to make and don’t require a lot of extra time spent in your already busy kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a few or the entire family is headed to your house this holiday, these 10 Thanksgiving appetizers will kick off your main meal in all the right ways.

1. Cranberry Brie Bites

 

Cranberries are a Thanksgiving must-have, and these cranberry brie bites are both easy to make and super delicious. They’re made with crescent rolls, and they cook in only 15 minutes. 

Get the recipe with Delish.

2. Sweet Potato Skins

Sweet potatoes are another Thanksgiving staple you can’t do without. And if you want to mix it up and step away from the traditional sweet potato casserole, why not try this healthy Thanksgiving appetizer? These sweet potatoes skins have chickpeas and shallot along with just the right amount of cheese. 

Pinch of Yum has the recipe. 

3. Wrapped Asparagus with Balsamic Dipping Sauce

Not everyone is a fan of asparagus, but to be fair, not everyone has tried these yummy asparagus wrapped in fluffy pastry and then dipped in balsamic sauce. This recipe is healthy, easy to make, and you might even trick your kids into eating a vegetable on Thanksgiving. 

We found the recipe from CountryLiving.

4. Mac and Cheese Bites

If you have your doubts about kids reaching for the vegetable Thanksgiving appetizers, these mac and cheese bites are sure to win them over. They’re the perfect finger food, and you can even make them ahead of time. You’ll need a mini muffin pan and about 30 minutes to make these.

Chef in Training has the recipe.

5. Crock Pot Cranberry BBQ Meatballs

Any Thanksgiving appetizer that you can make in the crockpot is a winner, and these meatballs are no exception. They’re sweet and tangy and oh so tasty. Kids and adults both like them, and the recipe couldn’t be any simpler. You can use homemade meatballs if you want, but frozen meatballs are a lot easier when you’re juggling the other dishes in your multi-course meal.

Tastes Better From Scratch has a good recipe to follow. 

6. Cranberry Pomegranate Bruschetta

Bruschetta is a great appetizer no matter the occasion, and this festive take on the classic recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving. It’s different enough to be an exciting addition to your meal yet familiar enough for the picky eaters at the table. Better yet, it only takes a few minutes to put together.

Get the recipe from The Cafe Sucre Farine.

7. Pumpkin Hummus

Hummus is healthy, versatile, and it won’t fill you up before the main course. You can pair it with pita chips, vegetables, and you can even use it for deviled eggs and salads. There are countless different types of hummus, but for a Thanksgiving appetizer, we recommend a smooth and creamy pumpkin recipe. The pumpkin flavor is perfect for fall.

We found a great recipe from Kim’s Cravings. 

8. Simple Salmon Dip

Dips are great for appetizers. People can casually munch without filling up too fast, and you can get creative with providing crackers, vegetables, or crostini. This simple salmon dip won’t add a lot of extra work to your already busy cooking schedule, and you can even make it the day before. 

Snag the recipe from Once Upon a Chef

9. Spicy Pumpkin Seeds

Perfect for munching, spicy pumpkin seeds are always a welcome addition to a Thanksgiving feast. They don’t take long to make, they’re healthy, and they definitely won’t ruin anyone’s meal. As the kids are carving their fall-themed pumpkins, you can collect the seeds and turn them into a tasty treat. If you know your kids won’t appreciate a lot of spice, you can adjust the recipe with your favorite seasonings.

She Wears Many Hats has a good recipe you can use for a Thanksgiving appetizer. 

10. Sweet Potato Crostini

Who doesn’t love crostini? They’re little toasts you can pile up with whatever you want, and this sweet potato version is perfect for a Thanksgiving appetizer. They’re not hard to make, so you can assign your junior chefs the job of putting together this festive finger food.

We found a good recipe with Taste of Home.

Is there a Thanksgiving appetizer that you make every year? Let us know in the comments!

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RecipesSeasonal

11 Delicious Fall Recipes Perfect For The Whole Family

by Amber King
written by Amber King

Leaves crunching under your boots, no humidity, a PSL or two (or twelve)—fall is finally here! It’s the best time of the year, if you ask me. It means kids are in school and the AC stops running. And as much as I’ll miss munching on a farm-fresh watermelon, there’s something to be said about fall flavors. The fall harvest brings so much to the table (literally). There are apples, pumpkins, squash, cranberries, sweet potatoes, grains, and a lot more. We’ve scoured the Internet looking for the best fall recipes that everyone in your family will love. From dinner to dessert and breakfast the next morning, try out these seasonal recipes to really get yourself in the fall mood.

1. Apple Cider Glazed Roasted Chicken

Apples aren’t only for dessert when it comes to enjoying fall foods. Apple cider glazed chicken is perfect for a chilly night in with the family. The subtle apple taste blends with the natural flavor of the chicken. You can use the apple cider you just bought at the orchard or pick up your favorite brand from the grocery store. Pair this fall recipe with fresh beans and rice to pull it all together.

Check out the recipe from Spicy Southern Kitchen

2. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Your family’s pickiest eaters don’t have to miss out on all the best fall flavors. Everyone loves mac and cheese, and this recipe using butternut squash is perfect for kids and adults alike. The addition of the squash adds a healthy kick to this creamy, melt-in-your-mouth side dish. You can use a fresh-picked butternut squash or find frozen cubes at the grocery store. It won’t take long to whip this up.

The Comfort of Cooking has the full recipe.

3. Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Chili

You can never have too much pumpkin in your life. This pumpkin chicken chili will definitely warm you up once the temperature starts to drop and leaves start to fall. It has a creamy texture and uses just the right amount of spice. Amy from Wholesomelicious has the recipe, and she even has two options to choose from. There’s the extra creamy version using cream cheese, and there’s also a dairy-free alternative using coconut oil. Why not try them both and see which one you like best?

Snag the full recipe here.

4. Pumpkin Soup

It can’t be fall without pumpkin soup. It’s good for you, deliciously creamy, and it’ll keep you and the family cozy for both lunch and dinner. Best yet, having this meal on the menu will give you yet another excuse to hit up that pumpkin patch/corn maze. Pick your favorite type of pumpkin or squash and get cooking!

We found this great recipe from Delish.

 5. Pumpkin Alfredo Pasta

We seriously can’t get enough pumpkin this fall. This fall recipe combines the pumpkin taste you love with a dish that’s already a family favorite. Alfredo pasta is what you make when you have mouths to feed and not a lot of time to prepare. And pumpkin Alfredo pasta is what you make when it’s finally chilly outside and you want to celebrate those fall feelings.

Check out this tasty recipe from Delish.

6. Chicken Stew

There is no better comfort food than chicken stew. This fall recipe includes fresh carrots, potatoes, celery, and thyme. It’ll cheer you up if the change in season gives you the sniffles, and it’ll fill everyone’s belly for multiple days in a row. I love making chicken stew for days I know the whole family won’t be sitting down at once. You can leave it warming up on the stove, and everyone can grab a bowl when they have the time. It’ll stay delicious, and the leftovers are always the best. 

You can get a great chicken stew recipe from Delish.

7. Acorn Squash

Not only does acorn squash scream fall, it’s also packed full of flavor and nutrition. Your first step will be buying your produce. Search through the bins to find an acorn squash that is deep green in color. Put it back if it’s too light or if it has cracks or soft spots. Once you have the perfect specimen, roasting an acorn squash takes less than an hour. And then you can scoop out the middle to serve. Your vegetarian and vegan friends will be especially pleased.

Spend With Pennies has a great recipe.

8. Apple Cranberry Bread

This fall recipe combines two of the season’s best fruits—apples and cranberries. You don’t even need a mixer to make this quick bread. It’s great for your holiday feast or bring it to dinner with your spouse’s new boss. It’s sweet in all the right ways and has a hint of spice.

Try out this recipe from Julie’s Eats and Treats.

9. Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Muffins

Sometimes you just need something sweet and tasty to get you through the day. That’s where this fall recipe comes in. Pumpkin cheesecake is already a classic fall favorite. Putting that flavor into muffin form makes it even better. You can grab one of these tasty little muffins on your way to work or bring them as a dessert to a friend’s party. We have to warn you though, these aren’t your healthiest option when it comes to pumpkin-flavored foods. But with bathing suit season behind us, it’s okay to indulge every now and then.

Get the full recipe from The Busy Baker.

10. Pumpkin Spice Krispie Treats

Pumpkin spice can be added to just about anything these days. It’s in your coffee and your cereal, so why not put it in your rice krispie treats? You and your kids already love this simple treat, and a little fall flavor makes them the perfect way to celebrate the changing of the season. As always, there’s no baking involved, and it only takes about 10 minutes to whip up this family-favorite fall recipe.

Visit Mom Makes Joy for the recipe.

11. Spiced Pumpkin Apple Pancakes

Last but not least, we can’t forget about the most important meal of the day. Fall weekends are full of leaf piles, pumpkin carving, and apple picking, and you can kick off the day with these spiced pumpkin apple pancakes. Once you have your apples grated, it doesn’t take long to put together this pancake mix. And if you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can add toppings like nuts or more chopped apples. Your kids will never want to eat cereal again.

Baked Broiled and Basted has the full recipe.

Which one of these fall recipes is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

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carrot cake recipe
EasterFamily RecipesFoodLifestyle

The Perfect Carrot Cake Recipe For Your Family’s Easter

by Grandma Penny
written by Grandma Penny

If you’re going to have dessert at your family Easter celebration, why not make it carrot cake? It’s the Easter Bunny’s favorite, and it’s a cake that both kids and adults will love. There are so many different ways you can make carrot cake, but this recipe is definitely my favorite.

The cake is nice and moist, and the cream cheese frosting is rich and delicious. If you’re feeling ambitious, why not try decorating your cake with some frosting carrots or Easter eggs? You can also make your life easier by whipping up this cake the day before Easter–it’ll still taste great on day two.

Check out this simple recipe that your family will be sure to love down to the very last bite!

Once you have the cake completely cool, whip up this simple frosting recipe and spread on the cake layers. 

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EasterRecipesSeasonal

Make Mornings Special With A Peaches and Cream Brunch Casserole

by Grandma Penny
written by Grandma Penny

 

Eggs, pancakes, French toast–do you ever feel like you’re rotating between the same tired old brunch options? Those traditional breakfast dishes are okay, but every now and then I like to mix it up with a delicious brunch casserole. One of my favorite brunch casserole recipes is this heavenly peaches and cream strata. It’s perfect for holiday mornings, birthday breakfasts, and any other day deserving of something special.

Consider this casserole a better version of typical French toast. It uses stale bread so you don’t have to throw away those uneaten loaves, and the peaches and cream cheese make a refreshingly sweet combination. I prefer to use fresh peaches, but if you can’t get your hands on any quality fruit, a large can of peaches in syrup will also work.

peaches and cream brunch casserole

Brunch casseroles are a favorite in my family not only because they’re so delicious, but also because they’re easy to make and can be made the night before. When I’m planning a special morning, I make this casserole ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator overnight, and then bake it in the morning so I can serve it hot. It’s great because I don’t have to run around trying to get everything done before my morning coffee. 

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Easter bread
EasterFoodRecipes

Fun And Festive Easter Bread For Your Family Gathering

by Grandma Penny
written by Grandma Penny

 

Easter is one of only a few times a year when entire families get the chance to sit down together and enjoy a delicious meal. Whether your family sticks to tradition by serving baked ham or has a different go-to Easter meal, this festive Easter bread will make the perfect addition to your buffet table. It looks almost too pretty to eat, but trust me, it’s so tasty you won’t want to miss a bite.

My Easter bread recipe is a family favorite. I make it every year, and every year there’s nothing but crumbs left on the plate. This bread is soft and sweet, and our tradition is to have it for Easter breakfast. I make sure I put in enough colored eggs so everyone can have one. It would also go well with baked ham if you want to save your festive-looking bread for your main Easter meal.

Easter bread

One of the best things about this recipe is that you don’t need to be a bread-making professional to get it right. The trickiest part will be braiding the bread into a long log and then curling it into a round pie plate. But even if your braid isn’t quite even, the dyed raw eggs will help cover up any mistakes and attract everyone’s attention. Besides, it tastes so good, no one will mind if your braid is a little lopsided.

Here’s my recipe for this fun Easter bread.

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left over easter ham
EasterFoodRecipesSeasonal

5 Recipes To Use Up That Leftover Easter Ham

by Grandma Penny
written by Grandma Penny

We always serve the traditional baked ham for Easter. It smells good, it tastes good, and it reminds us of all the family holidays from our past. But then there is the problem of what to do with the bone and all the scraps? The first thing I recommend to do with your leftover Easter ham is make stock.

How to Make Basic Ham Stock

First, you’ll want to trim any big chunks of meat off the bone and reserve those scraps for the following recipes. Next, add the ham bone to your largest pot and cover with water. (A crock pot would be ideal, but I’ve yet to find one big enough for my massive ham bones.) Add parsley, thyme, bay leaves, and peppercorns, and cover with water about 1″ above the top of the bone. Slowly simmer, uncovered, for about 3-4 hours.

When you’re done simmering, strain the stock through a fine-mesh sieve and into a large bowl. And that’s it—easy as pie. Now you have stock from which to make your favorite smoky delicious split pea soup, white bean soup, and/or to simmer with your collards. You can keep the stock in the fridge for a few days or freeze for a few months.

After you make your ham stock, try out these ideas on how to use your Easter leftovers to feed your family.

1. Split Pea Soup With Ham

Split pea is a very simple soup. It freezes well and is very welcome after a few weeks of chicken dinners. Just add the “Holy Trinity of Soup” (celery, carrots and onions) to your basic ham stock. Next you’ll need to add the leftover diced ham and spices, stir occasionally, and then simmer until it’s a delicious soup.

2. White Bean and Ham Bone Soup

This soup is rich, filling, comforting and can feed a large family on a small budget. You can simplify this recipe by using canned beans, but it’s much cheaper, has far less sodium, and has a better texture when you use the dry beans. It’s a great way to use up your leftover Easter ham. 

3. Southern Style Collards

These collard greens may take a few hours to simmer, but they only require a few minutes of hands-on cooking time. And they can be made ahead and reheat beautifully—in fact, they taste even better on the second or third day.

4. Spinach Dip With Ham

This spinach dip recipe is great for regular snacking, and you can also make it for parties or as an appetizer for a nice dinner. It’ll use up your leftover Easter ham so you don’t need to throw anything away. Pair it with homemade crostini for a really delicious combination that will leave everyone satisfied.

5. Sunday Morning Denver Strata

Everyone in my family loves a Denver omelet, but there’s no way I can whip up omelets fast enough so we can all eat at the same time. The same goes for toast. By the time I make four servings of toast, the first slices are cold. There is just too much running around to enjoy the meal. This beautiful and delicious take on the Denver omelet can be made the night before and refrigerated until you are ready to bake. Then you can all sit down and enjoy a hot, fresh breakfast without all the jumping around. 

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