Spring Recipe and Grilling Ideas

For us, winter isn’t all bad, especially amid the chilly air in December. The change of season feels fun and comfy as we don our cozy scarfs and other early winter wears.

However, as we push through the first and second months of the year, things get nasty with the random snowstorms and the freezing temperatures. All you wish is for the shorter days and the weather they bring with them to be all gone.

All you can think about is an outdoor weekend behind the grill when spring kicks in. In this write-up, we’ve rounded up some of the best spring recipes and grilling ideas that will keep you outdoors and on a budget.

Fresh Grilled Corn on the Cob

For those who are yet to know the hallmarks of the spring and summer seasons, grilled corn on the cob is one of them. You can pair grilled corn with grilled vegetables, or if you want to take the budget a little higher occasionally, you can have smoked pork or grilled hamburgers.

You can pull back the husks to form a handle that you can hold while grilling or use it to hang the corn on the grill. Add on to the smoky flavor using flavor twists or pepper to take the sweetness to the next level.

Spring Onion Risotto and Fresh Peas

Frozen peas are an excellent recipe for any season, but the sweetness and firm tenderness that comes with fresh peas make them the best specialty for spring, and there is no better way than to accompany them with risotto.

Risotto can come with Parmesan cheese and Arborio rice, but you can add any other gems from the farm just to have a more comprehensive capture of the season on a plate. Substitutions can also be made based on what your local market offers.

Asparagus and Pizza

Asparagus is a perfect guest at your grill all spring long if you love veggies. It’s a quintessential vegetable for the spring, and welcoming pizza on the ingredients makes it a great spring recipe combination for the grill.

You can add to the spring pizza and fresh grilled asparagus’ crispness and sweetness with a mix of chives, garlic, and savory cheese.

Rigatoni with Grilled Veggies and Mozzarella

This vegetarian dish is among the summertime pasta dishes that are sure to keep you on your toes in the spring. You can use veggies like tomatoes or eggplant to bring the smoky note or even grilled herbs and cheese.

It is excellent for any time in spring and still feels perfect even when served cold.

Spring Salad and Potatoes

With so many delicacies ready for harvesting in spring, it’s always easy to create an entire green market-rich salad at the lowest budget. For this recipe, you can use the seasonal fresh potatoes for the better part then supplement them with aromatic ingredients like peas, onions, and radishes.

You can always substitute the veggies for anything your local market offers, including asparagus.

Sweet Potatoes with Chimichurri

If your pantry has some sweet potatoes left by spring, the grilled sweet potatoes with chimichurri recipe will provide you with a simple way to waste away a weekend behind the grill.

All you need is to wrap the sweet potatoes in packets of foil, and you can even grill them alongside the main dish. You will love how quickly and tender they cook up and will not even mess up your grill or dishes.

Curry Roasted Carrots

If you are more concerned about enjoying an outdoor grilling inexpensively, there is no better way to go than opt for roasted carrots. The little finessing you need is coating your carrots with a blend of spices and roasting them just enough to bring out the natural flavor.

Grilled Mushroom Skewers

Try grilled mushrooms on skewers, and you will deal with the cravings for the rest of the grilling season. You can serve them with grilled fish or meat for the main dish or an appetizer with grilled bread.

To add to the smoked mushroom flavor, you can add three cloves of chopped garlic for two pounds of mushroom and a little thyme, parsley, and red chili pepper flakes.

Grilled Brussels Sprouts

Bacon and Brussels form a great combination that you can always take to the next level by grilling. The mixture on the grill introduces an added savory feel to the sprouts and a whole new smoky flavor to the dish.

Pkhali

Pkhali is walnut and Georgian spinach dip that provides you with a pretty unique and cheap grilling recipe when you have plenty of spinach. However, you may not find it cheap considering the pricey walnuts, which is why sunflower or pumpkin seeds are still great options.

The fresh spinach pulls an excellent smoky aromatic, and you can still add some supporting spices like parsley, coriander, and garlic just for the flavor and aroma.

Grilled Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

You don’t have to spend an entire weekend afternoon behind the grill to enjoy this sophisticated grill recipe.  You can typically have it ready in a flash after tucking shrimp, veggies, and cilantro into lettuce leaves. However, it requires several ingredients, including shrimp, lettuce leaves, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar marinade, sugar, salt, radishes, and carrots.

Once everything gets set, it can take as little as 20 minutes, and you can have it as an appetizer or light lunch. The carrots and radishes may feel a little crunchy, but this adds to the charred flavor of the shrimp from the grill.

Lemon Pasta with Arugula

Lemon pasta is an excellent idea to lighten and brighten your spring on the grill. The pasta will get a fresh spicing kick from arugula. The larger the arugula leaf, the spicier your pasta feels. Most stores pack up arugula all year round, so you can still smoke some even beyond spring.

Grilling is always fun when you have your favorite ingredients and the time to do it all spring long. However, it’s easy to go out of options if not your pantry stock, and that’s why we prepared the above spring recipe and grilling ideas. They will help you try something different next spring and keep your grilling budget low. 

Winter Recipes

Cold winter nights make everyone want to feel cozy with full tummies. Far too often, our favorite winter recipes are time-consuming, and it can feel impossible to muster up the energy to make our go-to comfort foods. Luckily, we’re here to help! Keep reading to find your new staples for winter—without the hours spent laboring over the stove or oven.

Super Easy Meatloaf

This meatloaf will make everyone want the recipe.

Ingredients

  • 2 Pounds Ground Beef
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 Onion, Chopped
  • 1 c. Milk
  • 1 c. Crackers, Smashed
  • 2 Tbsp. Brown Sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. Dijon Mustard
  • 1/3 c. Ketchup
  • Salt and Pepper to Taste

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  2. Combine beef, egg, onion, milk, cracker crumbs, salt and pepper into a bowl. Mix until just combined. Place in loaf pan.
  3. Combine brown sugar, mustard and ketchup in a small bowl. Mix well and pour over meatloaf.
  4. Bake for one hour. Let rest for 20 minutes once done.

Weeknight Meatball Soup

No one will know you made this soup in 30 minutes!

Ingredients

  • 3 c. Water
  • 2 (14 oz) Cans Diced Tomatoes
  • 5 Garlic Cloves, Minced
  • 1 Onion, Finely Chopped
  • 2 (14 oz) Cans Beef Broth
  • 1 Tbsp. Italian Seasoning
  • 1 lb. Frozen Mini-Meatballs (Italian-Style Preferred)
  • 1 lb. Frozen Italian-Blend Vegetables
  • 1 c. Elbow Pasta
  • ½ c. Parmesan Cheese, Grated

Directions

  1. Lightly saute onions and garlic in a large pot until onions are transparent.
  2. Stir in water, tomatoes, beef broth and Italian seasoning; bring to a boil.
  3. Add meatballs, vegetables and pasta; return to boil.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for ten minutes or until pasts is tender.
  5. Garnish each serving with Parmesan cheese.

Quick and Easy Pumpkin Soup

Leftover pumpkin? Think outside pies and try this soup.

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
  • 1 Medium Onion, finely chopped
  • 3 Garlic Cloves, Minced
  • 1 Can Pumpkin Puree (15 oz.)
  • 2 Tbsp. Fresh Thyme
  • 1 tsp. Kosher Salt
  • ½ tsp. Ground Cumin
  • ½ tsp. Black Pepper
  • 1/8 tsp. Ground Ginger
  • 1/8 tsp. Cayenne Pepper
  • 2 c. Chicken or Vegetable Broth
  • 4 tbsp. Heavy Cream
  • Toasted Pumpkin Seeds for Garnish

Directions

  1. Heat olive oil in a dutch oven. Add onion and garlic, sauteing about 4 minutes or until fragrant.
  2. Add pumpkin, thyme, salt, cumin, black pepper, ginger, and cayenne pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes or until steaming and fragrant.
  3. Add chicken or vegetable broth, cooking for 3-4 minutes, continuously stirring.
  4. Remove soup from heat, add cream.
  5. Garnish with pumpkin seeds and serve.

Irish Coddle

This traditional Irish dish is perfect for cold winter nights.

Ingredients

  • ½ lb. Thick Cut Bacon
  • 1 lb. Sausage (use a high-quality sausage, preferably bangers)
  • 2 Large Onions
  • 2 Garlic Cloves
  • 2 lbs. Potatoes (Yukon Gold or Red)
  • 1 (32 oz) Carton Chicken Stock
  • 1 Bunch Parsley, Chopped
  • Salt and Pepper to Taste

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 300 F.
  2. In a dutch oven, cook bacon until crispy and golden brown. Remove and place on paper towel.
  3. Brown sausage on all sides. Remove.
  4. Saute onions until carmelized. Add garlic and saute until fragrant (about 2 minutes). Remove.
  5. Remove pot. Add half of the potatoes to bottom of pot. Season with salt, pepper and ¼ parsley.
  6. Add half of onion/garlic mixture and bacon.
  7. Repeat layers.
  8. Place whole sausages on top.
  9. Add chicken broth. Place pot back on stove and bring to a boil.
  10. Cover pot; place in oven and cook for 2-4 hours. Check every hour to ensure an inch of liquid is at the bottom of the pot while cooking. Add more liquid if necessary.
  11. Remove from heat; season with salt and pepper to taste; add remaining parsley for garnish.

Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

Don’t worry about slaving over the perfect pie crust for this one! Instead, the flaky crescent roll dough creates a melt-in-your-mouth crust everyone will love.

Ingredients

  • ½ c. Mayonnaise
  • 2 Tbsp. All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 Chicken Bouillon Cube
  • 1 tsp. Pepper
  • ¾ c. Milk
  • 10 oz. Mixed Vegetables, Thawed
  • 1 ½ c. Cooked Chicken (Cubed or Shredded)
  • 8 oz. Crescent Roll Dough

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease 8×8 baking dish.
  2. In a large saucepan, whisk mayo, flour, bouillon and pepper together until smooth. Slowly pour in milk. Bring mixture to a boil. Cook and stir until thickened.
  3. Add vegetables and chicken to mixture; cook and stir until heated. Transfer to baking dish.
  4. Unroll crescent dough; separate triangles; arrange dough over chicken mixture.
  5. Bake until topping is golden brown (15-20 minutes).

Easy, Peasy Shepherd’s Pie

You’ll fall in love with this pie made with instant mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp. Olive Oil
  • 1 Yellow Onion, Chopped
  • 1 lb. Ground Beef or Lamb
  • 2 tsp. Dried Parsley
  • 1 tsp. Dried Rosemary
  • 1 tsp. Dried Thyme
  • 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce
  • 2 Garlic Cloves, Minced
  • 2 tbsp. All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 tbsp. Tomato Paste
  • 1 c. Beef Broth
  • 1 c. Frozen Peas and Carrots
  • ½ c. Frozen Corn Kernels
  • 5 c. Mashed Potatoes (made from instant boxed potatoes)
  • ½ c. Parmesan Cheese
  • Salt and Pepper to Taste

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
  2. Add oil to a skillet and heat on high for 2 minutes. Add onions and saute for 5 minutes.
  3. Add ground meat to skillet, breaking apart with spoon; add parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper. Stir well. Cook meat until browned.
  4. Add Worcestershire and garlic. Cook for 1 minute.
  5. Add flour and tomato paste. Stir until fully incorporated.
  6. Add broth and frozen vegetables. Bring mixture to a boil and reduce heat. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  7. Place meat mixture into 9×9 inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
  8. Add parmesan cheese to mashed potatoes.
  9. Placed mashed potatoes on top of meat mixture, spreading evenly.
  10. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes.
  11. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.

These quick and easy recipes are sure to keep you feeling warm and fuzzy all winter long. Which one is your favorite? What’s your winter recipe staple? Let us know below!

The Most Common and Do-Able New Year’s Resolutions

As you write out your New Year’s resolutions, you know you’re going to complete every single item on this year’s list. Unfortunately, most people tend to write the same things every single year, hoping that this year will be the one. Luckily, we’re here to help. Keep reading to learn how to complete people’s most common New Year’s resolutions and make 2022 your year.

What Do You Want to Do This Year?

Before we begin, let’s take a look at the ten most common New Year’s resolutions:

  1. Lose Weight/Get Fit/Diet
  2. Quit Smoking/Drinking
  3. Eliminate Debt
  4. Get Organized
  5. Learn a New Language/Skill/Hobby
  6. Spend Time with Family
  7. Travel
  8. Read More
  9. Reduce Stress
  10. Volunteer

Most likely, you’re looking to accomplish at least one thing on this list. Take the time to narrow what you want to do into a couple of goals. For example, a lot of people will create ungodly long lists in the hopes of living up to the “New Year, New Me” motto. When they do this, they’re setting themselves up for failure, creating a list of goals they’ll quickly feel overwhelmed by. By selecting 2-3, you’re more likely to accomplish what you want and won’t feel like you’ve “failed” within a few weeks.

Set S.M.A.R.T. Goals

If you work in the business world, you’ve probably heard of S.M.A.R.T. goals. S.M.A.R.T. goals are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and occur within a specific timeframe. So, what does this look like in action? Let’s say your goal is to “lose weight.” This is vague and can mean 100 different things to 100 different people. When we set a S.M.A.R.T. weight loss goal, it becomes something like, “I want to lose 50 pounds over the next year by working out three times a week, making healthier eating decisions and aiming to lose 5 pounds a month.”

Make Sure Goals Motivate

Another problem we frequently see with New Year’s resolutions are goals that really don’t motivate. Non-motivational goals fall into two camps: too hard and too easy. If your goal is to travel more, you’re probably not going to hit all seven continents in seven weeks (if you can, seriously, please take us with you). On the flip side, you’re likely not going to find a lot of satisfaction traveling to the same vacation spot you’ve had for seven years. Look for something in-between. So, if your goal is to travel to a foreign country, look to include a couple of different cities/states/countries while you’re there. For example, if you want to go to Spain, why not include a few days in Portugal or France as well? By including a few bonus stops that won’t break the bank, you’ve created a more motivating goal.

Write Your Goals Down

Break Down Goals

Your New Year’s resolutions are likely pretty big goals, and this can quickly overwhelm just about anyone. Instead of putting something monumental and getting lost in the process of completing it, break your goal down into measurable steps. How does this work in action? Let’s say you want to quit smoking, and right now you smoke a pack a day. In the first month, aim to get your smoking down to about 10-15 cigarettes a day by the end of the month. You’re already halfway there! The following month, look to cut your smoking down by a third to a half again. By the end of the year, you’ll have quit smoking entirely, and you’ll have been able to do it by slowly weaning yourself off through small stepping stone goals.

Write Goals Down

Writing down your goals may seem passe, but there are plenty of reasons to bring out the pen and paper, including:

  • You’re more likely to remember things you write versus typing them out.
  • Your goals will be clearer and more concise.
  • You can easily post them anywhere. A lot of people find putting their goals someplace they see every day, whether on their bathroom mirror or on the fridge, keeps them on track and make better decisions every day.
  • If you regularly review them, they can become a great motivating tool to see how far you’ve come on your journey.

While it’s perfectly fine to put your goals on your phone, most people find writing them down gives them regular motivation; however, typing them out and making them your lock screen or wallpaper is also perfectly fine as well.

Tell Your Friends Your Resolutions

Your friends likely have a lot of the same goals as you, so now is the perfect time to connect with them. When you tell others your goals, you’re more likely to complete them due to the instant accountability telling someone about the goal establishes. If you find someone who has the same goal, look to partner up with them. For example, if you want to read more, the two (or more) of you can start a book club, meeting once a month to discuss your latest book.

Don’t Beat Yourself Up

 Look, making a major life change is difficult, and you will slip up. Whether it’s a piece of cake on your diet or splurging on something for yourself, you’re going to have hiccups as you work to meet your goal. If an oopsie happens, make sure you:

  • Take a breath. There’s nothing stopping you from working towards your goal for the rest of the day.
  • Don’t beat yourself up. Far too often, people put themselves through a guilt trip that actually dissuades them from pursuing their goal.
  • Reevaluate your goals. Sometimes we set ourselves for failure by making huge goals no one can complete. Look to see if your goals are achievable and make adjustments as needed.

Setting New Year’s resolutions can be fun, and reaching your goals will feel rewarding once you’re done. Take the time to create S.M.A.R.T. resolutions, regularly reevaluate as necessary, enlist a friend and don’t beat yourself up when you have a setback. By following the above tips, you’ll reach your goals in no time.

Fun and Exciting Winter Treats

Winter is the perfect time to get cozy in your bed and devour scrumptious desserts and treats.

From delicious apple pies to mouth-watering cinnamon rolls, what are some other winter treats to enjoy with a good mug of coffee? You can read here to learn how to make some of the best winter treats.

Cinnamon Rolls

Nothing feels better than latching your hand around freshly brewed coffee and gulping it down with sweet cinnamon rolls. This irresistible sweet treat is made from warm dough, cinnamon, and cream cheese.

You can easily make cinnamon rolls at home by using our simple recipe. Plus, you only need a few of the following ingredients.

Ingredients

DOUGH

  • 2 cups whole milk (warm)
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons dry yeast
  • 5 cups all-purpose flour (600g)
  • 1-2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

FILLING

  • 12 tablespoon softened unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons cinnamon (ground)
  • ¾ cup brown sugar (160g)

FROSTING

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
  • 4 tablespoons milk
  • 4 oz cream cheese (120 g)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Recipe

  1. To prepare the dough, warm the milk and mix all the ingredients in a large bowl. This should prepare a warm mixture. The temperature should register around 37-43˚C. If it is warmer than this, allow it to cool down.
  2. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk mixture. Stir it and keep it in a warm place for ten minutes until the yeast blooms.
  3. Add four cups of flour to your milk mixture. Stir well until all it combines well.
  4. Cover the bowl with the plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about one hour. The dough should rise nearly double in size.
  5. To prepare the filling, mix brown sugar, ground, cinnamon, and butter. Mix well and set aside.
  6. Remove the plastic wrap from the dough to add the remaining flour. Add baking powder and salt. Mix well to set aside.
  7. Place the dough on a neat surface to knead it for ten minutes. Add flour if needed. When the dough loses its stickiness, roll it into a large rectangle with 1 cm thickness.
  8. Spread the filling evenly over the dough. Roll the dough into a log.
  9. Pinch the seam to close it. Trim the ends to make it even.
  10. Use a thread to cut the log into pieces. You can cut it about 7-8 cm thick.
  11. Butter a baking tray. Place the cinnamon rolls in the glazed tray.
  12. Cover the tray with a towel for 45 minutes to let it rise.
  13. Preheat your oven to 180˚C
  14. Bake the rolls for about 30 minutes until they become golden brown.
  15. In a separate bowl, whisk the cream cheese, milk, vanilla extract with melted butter, gradually add baking sugar to form a homogenous mixture.
  16. When the cinnamon rolls are baked, drizzle the frosting over them.

Enjoy it with hot coffee.

Eggnog Doughnuts

The eggnog glazed doughnuts are ideal for winters. You can serve them as a dessert with coffee or tea.

This easy-to-make winter treat requires eggnog, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.

Ingredients

DOUGH

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (ground)
  • ⅔ cup eggnog
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg
  • ⅓ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

GLAZE

  • 2 tablespoons eggnog
  • Ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup confectioners sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

RECIPE

  1. Combine the flour, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, salt, and baking powder. Whisk the mixture to blend well.
  2. In another bowl, whisk ⅔ cup eggnog with egg, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add the flour mixture and stir well.
  3. Grease a doughnut pan with cooking spray or melted butter.
  4. Take a doughnut pan and spoon the batter into it, filling about two-thirds full. You can also use a plastic storage bag to pipe out the batter into the doughnut pan.
  5. Preheat the oven to 190˚C
  6. Bake the doughnuts for ten minutes.
  7. Insert a toothpick into the doughnut to check if it is well-baked. The toothpick should come out clean.
  8. Let the doughnuts cool for ten minutes.
  9. Add powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons eggnog, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, and nutmeg in a separate bowl. Mix well.
  10. Dunk the top of the doughnuts into the glaze and enjoy!

Apple Crisp

Apple crisp is a quick-to-make winter treat. An apple cinnamon pie is something that sticks with us every winter.

But sometimes, we don’t have the time to prepare a whole pie. Well, here is a quick recipe to help you enjoy the perfect combination of apples and cinnamon!

Ingredients

  • 2-3 whole apples
  • 60 grams sugar
  • Cinnamon powder
  • Lemon juice

TOPPING

  • 3-4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
  • Flour 2 tablespoons
  • Oats for topping
  • Brown sugar to sprinkle

Recipe

  1. To prepare the warm and fruity apple crisp, slice up the apples. Keep them in a small bowl. Add the sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon to the sliced apples.
  2. Heat the oven to 190˚C.
  3. Grease a baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
  4. Spread the apple mixture into the pan.
  5. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
  6. Whisk flour, brown sugar, and unsalted butter. Top it over the cooked apple crisp. Add oats and bake for five minutes.

You can leave out the oats, but they add a good texture to the apple crisp. This delicious and quick apple crisp gets ready in no time!

We hope that you like our winter treat ideas that are sure to cheer you up on a dull winter day.

Top Thanksgiving Dishes!

Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and we’re looking forward to the food we’ll devour during our annual dinner. From scrumptious turkey to decadent pies, Thanksgiving brings all the goodies directly to us. Keep reading to learn about our top ten dishes for the season and the recipes to make them.

  1. Turkey
    It’s a standby for a reason; it’s just so darn good, and this turkey recipe is sure to make everyone at your table wanting seconds. Just remember to use fresh herbs for the best culinary experience!


Ingredients:
– 12-14 Pound Turkey, giblets discarded and neck to the side
– 2 Sprigs plus 1 Tbsp. Chopped Thyme
– 2 Sprigs plus 1 Tbsp. Chopped Sage
– 6 Tbsp. Unsalted, Room Temperature Butter
– 2 Carrots, Halved
– 2 Celery Ribs, Halved
– 1 Onion, Quartered

Directions:
– Preheat Oven to 350. The key to a great turkey is longer roasting at a lower temperature.
– Combine butter and chopped herbs in a bowl. Add salt and pepper as you see fit.
– Place veggies and herb sprigs at the bottom of a roasting pan with 2 cups of water; top with roasting rack.
– Rub butter mixture underneath the breast skin; season turkey and cavity with salt and pepper; place on roasting rack and tie the bird’s legs, folding wings under; place in oven.
– Baste every 30 minutes, adding more water if vegetables begin to burn.
– Remove turkey when thermometer reads 165 when inserted in the thickest part of the thigh; place chicken on counter or platter to rest for 30 minutes, saving cavity juices, turkey neck and any drippings in bowl for gravy.

2. Gravy
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without gravy, and this one is sure to become a favorite!


Ingredients:
– Turkey Drippings
– Turkey neck
– ½ c. White Wine or Chicken Stock
– 4 c. Chicken Stock
– ¼ c. Flour
– Salt and Pepper
– 1 tsp. Thyme
– 1 tsp. Sage


Directions:
– Place neck and drippings in a sauce pan; cook until thickened and brown.
– Add wine or chicken stock; cook for 6-8 minutes until syrupy
– Add flour and fresh herbs; stir 30 seconds.
– Slowly add chicken stock; allow to thicken, stirring often for roughly 15 minutes.

3 Candied Yams
Who doesn’t love the world’s most delectable side dish? These candied yams are perfect for picky eaters as well as those who just want a sweet treat.


Ingredients:
– 1 (29 oz) can of Sweet Potatoes
– ¼ c. Butter
– ½ c. Brown Sugar
– 1 ½ c. Mini Marshmallows


Directions:
– Preheat oven to 400 degrees
– Drain sweet potatoes; place in baking dish; place butter evenly on top of sweet potatoes; sprinkle with brown sugar; place marshmallows on top.
– Bake for 25 minutes; Sweet potatoes will be tender and marshmallows melted.

4. Stuffing
While we don’t recommend putting stuffing in your bird, you’re more than welcome to! This recipe is easy, breezy and oh so yummy.


Ingredients:
– 1 ½ Loaves of French Bread (day old)
– 3 c. Chicken Stock
– 2 Sticks of Butter
– 1 Onion
– 4 Celery Stalks
– 1 ½ Tbsp. Poultry Seasoning
– 1 Tbsp. Fresh Oregano
– 2 tsp. Fresh Rosemary
– Salt and Pepper to Taste


Directions:
– Cut bread the day before; store in paper bags.
– Preheat oven to 350 degrees; Grease casserole dish with softened butter.
– Dice onion and celery.
– Melt butter in saucepan; add diced veggies; cook veggies for 8-10 minutes; add spices and stir over low heat until spices and herbs become fragrant.
– Add 2 cups of stock to pan; heat for one minute; remove pan from heat.
– Place bread in mixing bowl; add stock/butter mixture in one cup at a time.
– Add additional stock as needed.
– Place in casserole dish; bake for 30 minutes with foil on top; remove foil and bake an additional 30 minutes.

5. Green Bean Casserole
This is by far the easiest recipe on our list, but that doesn’t mean your guests won’t be impressed!


Ingredients:
– 4 (14.5 oz) cans of Cut Green Beans, drained (do not get the French cut green beans!)
– 2 (14 oz) cans of Cream of Mushroom Soup
– 1 Can of French’s Fried Onions


Directions:
– Preheat oven to 350 degrees
– Mix green beans, soup and 2/3 of a can of fried onions; Place in baking dish; bake for 45 minutes; add remaining onions and bake an additional 5 minutes.

6. Cranberry Sauce
We know the stuff you get out of the can is great, but trust us when we say homemade is SO much better. You’ll want these babies all year long.


Ingredients:
– 1 lb. Fresh Cranberries
– 2 c. Water
– 2 c. Sugar


Directions:
– Heat water and sugar until boiling; allow to boil for an additional five minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
– Stir in cranberries; boil for 5 minutes (cranberries will begin to pop); place in serving dish and cool for at least three hours.

7. Mashed Potatoes
Is any Thanksgiving complete if it doesn’t have mashed potatoes? We don’t think so either. Trust us when we say these potatoes are heavenly and scrumptious.


Ingredients:
– 3 Pounds of Potatoes, peeled and quartered
– 1 Tbsp. Salt
– 4 Tbsp. Unsalted Butter
– ½ c. Cream
– Pepper to Taste


Directions:
– Place potatoes and a tsp of salt in a pot; cover with water; bring to a boil and allow to gently boil for 20-25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender; Drain.
– Place potatoes back in the pot and let sit for up to two minutes to remove moisture.
– Mash potatoes to the consistently you like; add remaining ingredients; mash ingredients together, adding more cream as you see fit.

8. Yorkshire Pudding
Okay, we know this comes from our British cousins, but trust us when we say these rolls are so much better for Thanksgiving.


Ingredients:
– 3 Eggs
– 1 c. Milk
– 1 c. Flour
– 2 Tbsp. Butter

Directions:
– Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
– Beat eggs and milk together; add flour; set aside
– Butter a muffin tin with roughly ½ tsp. of butter per cup by placing butter in tin and melting in hot oven; add batter to cups.
– Bake in oven for 5 minutes; reduce heat to 350 and bake an additional 25 minutes.

9. Brussels Sprouts
The time to hate brussels sprouts is long gone, and these delicious little morsels will quickly become a staple in most households.


Ingredients:
– 1 Tbsp Butter
– 2 tsp. Olive Oil
– 24 Brussels Sprouts, Trimmed and Thinly Sliced
– 2 Tbsp. Lemon Juice
– Salt and Pepper to Taste


Directions:
– Heat butter and olive oil in a sauté pan over high heat for 1-2 minutes.

– Add Brussels Sprouts and lemon juice into butter/olive oil mixture; stir constantly until sprouts start to soften, usually about a minute.
– Season with salt and pepper and serve.

10. Pumpkin Pie
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without pumpkin pie, and this recipe is sure to be a standout that makes everyone salivate.


Ingredients:
– 1 unbaked pie crust
– 1 Tbsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice
– 1 (14 oz) can Sweetened Condensed Milk
– 1 (16 oz) can Pumpkin Puree
– 2 Eggs


Directions:
– Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
– Combine all ingredients, except pie crust, in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
– Place crust in a pie dish; poor pumpkin mixture into crust.
– Bake for 15 minutes; reduce oven to 350 degrees; bake pie an additional 35-40 minutes, placing foil on crust if it begins to burn.

We hope you enjoyed these easy recipes that are sure to make any Thanksgiving the best your family has ever had. With adequate help and some planning, you can easily get this feast on the table with as little work as possible. We hope you have a marvelous Thanksgiving, Happy eating!

Thanksgiving on a Budget: Tips and Recipes

A no-stress, low-cost guide to hosting a classic Thanksgiving –

Thanksgiving can be such a refreshing holiday; time spent with loved ones without the pressure of gifts, no events, or mandatory activities. It’s a break from all of that: a reprieve before the true chaos begins. But for a Thanksgiving host, well it’s a different story entirely. Hosting Thanksgiving can be very overwhelming and extremely costly. Feeding so many people so many different dishes—it’s a big ask. But we’ve compiled a few tips and easy recipes that will help take some of the pressure off. After all, you deserve to enjoy Thanksgiving just as much as Uncle Frank who’s usually taking his post-meal snooze before you’ve even made your plate!

Thanksgiving Tips

  1. Easy Does It

The beauty of a Thanksgiving meal is in its simplicity. These dishes are tried and true. They work for a reason. Stick to the basics. Don’t feel pressure to impress or outshine. The stuffing that’s been passed down throughout generations is more than good enough. Don’t try to fancy it up with new recipes or new ingredients. Your guests came for the nostalgia.

  • Bulk Buying

Shopping at big box stores will save you time and money. Everything is cheaper in bulk and there’s no better time to take advantage of that fact than Thanksgiving. For many of your recipes, you’ll need the same things: eggs, flour, sugar, butter. Even potatoes and herbs can be purchased in bulk! You can freeze leftover herbs in olive oil (see this fancy little trick here!) and as for the other items, plan ahead of time to split your purchases with a friend who is also hosting their own Thanksgiving. You’ll both save money and have more than enough ingredients.

  • Shop Generic

For those items that can’t be purchased in bulk, opt for generic brands. Generic or store brands are way less expensive in the long run and honestly, no one will know the difference. Add enough herbs and spices and nothing on your Thanksgiving table will taste generic, guaranteed.

  • Plan Ahead

Don’t wait until the last minute to do your grocery shopping. You’ll be surprised how quickly stores will run out of the cheaper items, leaving you to spend more than you initially planned. Additionally, most stores run specials or discounts on Thanksgiving items a week or two before the holiday. These sales are great opportunities to grab all your canned items or frozen foods.

  • Frozen Foods

Speaking of frozen foods…frozen ingredients cost a lot less than fresh ones, especially when you have to buy a lot. Considering most Thanksgiving dishes are some variant of a casserole, it’s unlikely that your guests will notice what was fresh and what was frozen. Save yourself some money (and time since most frozen veggies come pre-chopped!) and buy frozen.

  • Make a List

Make a list well before you head to the store. Going in without a list will only make it a more stressful experience. You’re likely to buy too much or too little of something, eventually costing yourself more money. Once you have a list, stick to it! Impulse purchases can add up. Trust that the list you prepared ahead of time covers everything.

  • Share the Burden

No rule says the host must provide every single dish at Thanksgiving. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself! If you know there are a few dishes that are just completely out of your purview, ask a few people to pitch in and bring a dish. Most people will be happy to help. Ask around; some folks may already have a dish in mind that they consider their specialty! They’ll probably be thrilled to prepare it for Thanksgiving.

Easy Recipes

  1. Old Fashioned Stuffing

The main ingredient in this recipe is an entire loaf of bread. But once again, no need to go fresh! Start saving stale bread, or the end pieces that no one ever eats. Freeze them until you are ready to make the stuffing. Then they just need a quick thaw. Chop them into cubes and use them just as you would fresh bread! Although, this does require you to plan ahead!

Most folks have their own tried and true recipe for stuffing, but just in case, you can find a reliable one here.  You’ll need butter, onion, celery, chicken broth, and sage. Hopefully, those are all items you already bought when you shopped EARLY with your fully prepared list.

  • Candied Yams

This is one circumstance where you might want to go fresh. Fresh yams are relatively cheap this time of year and tend to be less expensive than canned yams. This casserole calls for (more) butter, brown sugar, and marshmallows. You can also substitute yams for sweet potatoes.

Find the specifics here.

  • Mac & Cheese

Not much can beat classic mac & cheese. This is another one of those dishes that doesn’t need anything fancy. Making mac & cheese from scratch couldn’t be simpler, and when cooking for a crowd, it ends up being cheaper than boxed options.

You just need the basics: pasta, milk, cheese, butter, and flour.

  • Mashed Potatoes

If you have the ingredients for mac & cheese, then chances are you can make mashed potatoes. Even without gravy, mashed potatoes are perfect alongside turkey and stuffing. It’s what comfort food is all about!

For easy mashed potatoes you just need potatoes, milk, and lots of butter! If you want to make them extra creamy, consider adding sour cream. Estimate approximately one potato per person.

  • Pumpkin Sheet Cake

Instead of several pumpkin pies, consider making one giant pumpkin sheet cake! You’ll save yourself so much tedium and you’ll satisfy all the pumpkin cravings. Sheet cakes are so much more convenient for large crowds, not just in the preparation but also in the serving. Cut up a few squares, add a dollop of whipped cream to each, and dessert is served! It’s a delicious win-win.

Find an easy-to-follow recipe here.

Unfortunately, the most wonderful time of the year can also be the most expensive. But it doesn’t have to be that way. By following these tips and recipes, you can take some stress off yourself and your wallet. Remember to stick to the classics and you’ll be fine. Yes, Thanksgiving is about food. But it’s also about friends, family, and gratitude. Your guests will be grateful to you for hosting and won’t care whether the turkey was fresh or store-bought. (By the way—buying from a store brand is another way to save!)

Follow these guidelines and you’ll be post-meal snoozing with Uncle Frank in no time.

8 Easy Fall Recipes, That You’ll Love!

As the weather turns cooler and the leaves begin to change, it’s clear fall is just around the corner. With the changing season comes the savory and sweet flavors introducing the holiday season. From delicious pumpkin treats to savory warm stews, it’s time to welcome all the goodness back into your life!

These top 8 easy fall recipes are great to make with kids or for a quick comfort food fix. When you need something to warm you up on cold nights this season, these recipes get the job done right. Toasty cookies, slow cooker favorites, and of course, pumpkin. There is so much to love about these tasty fall recipes!

Enjoy making treasured memories with the family over these incredible recipes this fall. You won’t regret it! Each one is special in its own way and made to fill your home with sights, smells, and tastes of fall. Quick, easy, and delicious – here are the top 8 easy fall recipes for you to try this season!

1.   Cheese Chicken Soup

Cheesy chickeny veggie soup is the perfect easy warm-up that your family will love. Your little ones won’t even flinch at all the healthy veggies! All the best flavors combined to make this fall recipe a winner. Simple wholesome ingredients and a whole lot of yum!

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
  • 3-1/2 cups water
  • 2 cans (10-3/4 ounces each) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
  • 1 package (16 ounces) frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
  • 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced potatoes, drained
  • 1 lb. Velveeta, cubed
  • Minced chives, optional

2.   Easy Pumpkin Pancakes

Infuse your breakfast (or dinner!) with the sweet pumpkiny flavors of fall. These easy pumpkin pancakes are a hit with kids and grownups alike. Perfect for a weekend breakfast before hitting the trails or for a brunch date with your friends. Every bite is bursting with fall flavors that everyone will adore!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup 1% milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

3.   Sausage Florentine Shepherd’s Pie

Nothing says fall like shepherd’s pie. This classic recipe with a twist is simple and super tasty too! Savory sausage and vegetables covered in creamy garlic mashed potatoes and baked to perfection. The best parts of shepherd’s pie are elevated with the delightful new ingredients in this effortless recipe!

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound bulk mild Italian sausage
  • 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) Italian diced tomatoes, lightly drained
  • 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 3 cups shredded Italian cheese blend, divided
  • 1 package (24 ounces) refrigerated garlic mashed potatoes

4.   Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

Quick and foolproof, this chocolate chip pumpkin bread is great for breakfast, an after-school snack, or a late-night treat. Pumpkin, allspice, and smooth chocolate take this pumpkin bread to the next level. You can’t go wrong with carbs! Make this recipe as a family for wonderful memories and a tasty treat you can enjoy all week long.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups white sugar
  • 2 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 cups canned pumpkin
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 eggs
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

5.   3 Ingredient Vegan Caramel

Caramel is a staple of the fall season. Whether it’s covering a sweet red apple or drizzled over an iced coffee, the rich sugary profile of caramel has the holiday season written all over. This vegan caramel dip is excellent for those with dairy allergies and it’s as easy as 1-2-3, literally! Just 3 ingredients and you’ll have a caramel you want to smother everything with.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup coconut cream
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • optional: pinch of salt

6.   Ultimate Slow Cooker Pot Roast

There is nothing more comforting than a slow-cooked pot roast. Tender juicy meat, potatoes, carrots, and more, stewed all day long for deeply aromatic flavors. Serve with a hearty loaf of bread and you’ve got yourself a hug in a bowl! Just put everything in and go! Simple and heavenly.

Ingredients:

  • 4-5 pound chuck roast
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 pound carrots peeled and cut into 2″ chunks
  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cut into large chunks
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • minced parsley optional, to garnish

7.   Famous No Coffee Pumpkin Latte

Winding down for the evening doesn’t have to mean you can’t have a latte. This recipe is a no coffee pumpkin latte that even the kiddos can enjoy! Snuggle up for a movie night with a delectable cinnamony pumpkiny drink the whole family will love. Easy to make and goes great with a warm slice of pumpkin bread!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1-quart milk
  • ¼ cup white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

8.   Easy Apple Crisp

Apples and fall are a notorious coupling. You can’t go without trying this easy apple crisp! Sweet apples paired with cinnamon, sugar, and crunchy crispy topping. This is a recipe that will bring the whole family together. So yummy and simple, you’ll be making this recipe more than once this season!

For the Apple Filling:

  • 8 Granny Smith apples sliced (8 cups, sliced)
  • Juice from 1 lemon
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1¼ teaspoon apple pie spice

For the Crumble Topping:

  • ½ cup butter room temperature
  • ½ cup light brown sugar
  • 1 cup flour
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon apple pie spice
  • ¼ cup quick oats
  • ¼ cup slivered almonds or chopped pecans optional

Best Thanksgiving Dishes

Thanksgiving is widely regarded as one of everyone’s favorite holidays. There are many reasons why it is peoples’ favorites, including the day off from work, spending time with family, football all day long and of course… THE FOOD! In this article we will discuss some of the best/most delicious dishes that can be served on Thanksgiving.

TURKEY: This is the staple of the Thanksgiving meal. Everyone loves turkey, and here is a recipe for “The Perfect Roast Turkey” https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/perfect-roast-turkey-recipe4-1943576

Macaroni & Cheese: Mac n Cheese doesn’t make it to everyone’s Thanksgiving, but when there it is one of the best options. Here is a good Macaroni & Cheese recipe: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/macaroni-and-cheese-recipe-1952854

Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Most Thanksgiving meals include either yams, sweet potatoes or both! Here is an awesome recipe for “Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Honey & Cinnamon”: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/roasted-sweet-potatoes-with-honey-butter-recipe-1946538

Stuffing: You can’t go wrong with some good ole fashioned stuffing. This recipe is for your basic stuffing, which is sure to be a hit! https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/basic-stuffing-3361773

Apple Pie: You can’t beat an apple pie for dessert. The worst part of the Thanksgiving meal is that you can’t eat the pie right away. Here is a great recipe: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/apple-pie-recipe-2011423

Everyone has their own version of the Thanksgiving meal, but the previous items are some of the most common ones to be featured at everyone’s tables. We hope everyone has a happy & healthy Thanksgiving!

Here is a list of 50 recipes from Food Network: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/photos/top-50-thanksgiving-recipes

Seasonal September Recipes

Fall foods can be some of the best, and you can start making them as early as September! Whether it’s dinners, sweets, lunches or meats, this article will help you fund some of the best things to cook this Fall.

Pumpkin Gingerbread: Can you say delicious? This might be one of the best tasting foods in the world. It only takes an hour to prepare, and this recipe makes 24 servings! https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/23822/pumpkin-gingerbread/?internalSource=streams&referringId=631&referringContentType=Recipe%20Hub&clickId=st_trending_b

Creamy Roasted Pepper Dip: This is a great appetizer option when watching a football game or having a family get together. It doesn’t take very much at all to prepare, and the entire group will love it. https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/259806/creamy-roasted-hatch-pepper-dip/?internalSource=rotd&referringId=17211&referringContentType=Recipe%20Hub

Apricot & Amond Tart: This is a tasty and very easy dessert to make. The almonds and apricots are perfect together, but you’re doing it wrong if you don’t toss some whip cream on top! https://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/recipes/apricot-almond-tart/

Chicken with pumpkin, pancetta and chickpea stir-fry: This meal is quick and very easy. Ready in 20 minutes or less, it is a healthy yet delicious option for lunch or dinner. https://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/recipes/chicken-with-pumpkin-pancetta-and-chickpea-stir-fry/

We hope these recipes are helpful!

The Best Summer Treats!

Summer time means being outdoors and enjoying the hot summer weather! Every time it gets hot, there are a bunch of treats that seem to just taste a little better than usual! Here are a list of some of them:

Ice Cream: With countless flavors, you could argue that ice cream is the most versatile dessert. No matter what your favorite flavor is, the summer time makes it even better!

S’mores: S’mores are best enjoyed when made over a hot bonfire outside. The summer is the best time of year to do that.

Popsicle: Popsicles are so easy and simple, and you can even make them on your own! Who doesn’t love a good Popsicle? Popsicle Recipes: https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g830/popsicle-recipes-0709/

Ice Cream Sandwich: While there is ice cream involved, this is a completely different treat. These come with ice cream in between two biscuits, wafers or cookies.

Frozen Yogurt: Frozen Yogurt is a great option, if you are trying to be “healthier”. It is similar to ice cream, but you won’t feel as guilty about it later!

Want to create your own desserts this summer? Here are some ideas and recipes to choose from: https://www.olivemagazine.com/guides/best-ever/best-ever-summer-desserts/