Thanksgiving Recipes
Quick Russian Dressing
Five minutes is all you need to prepare creamy, tangy Russian dressing that will elevate Reubens, Rachels, burgers, and more. The first time I prepared this sauce, I was making Rachels and Reubens and realized as the meal was underway that I had no Russian dressing, a necessity in the classic deli fare. Thousand Island…
Baked Tomato Bruschetta
Canned tomatoes work beautifully in this fresh-tasting, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to whip up any time of year. I’ve been making these tasty bites for more than 20 years, and they still haven’t lost their luster. A simple tomato mixture (which may be prepared in advance) is scooped onto toasted baguette slices (which may…
Cold Pan Seared Pork Chops
No more tough, dry pork chops! A clever technique guarantees tender, juicy meat every time, and you won’t believe how easy it is. When cooked properly, a thick, lean pork chop can be juicy and so full of flavor. All of us, however, have likely been served more than one pork chop that’s dry…
Homemade Crostini
Crisp, golden crostini are easy to make and form the perfect base for a wide variety of hors d’oeuvres. Delicious for general snacking too! The day I prepared this easy recipe for a photo shoot was “one of those days.” I woke up to no heat and a 59℉ (brrrr!!!) house. Outside temps, by…
Baked Havarti with Dill
A crisp, golden crust and gooey cheese are the hallmarks of this irresistible appetizer – and you won’t believe how easy it is to prepare! I have a stash of stained and tattered recipe cards (always a good sign!), which I consistently return to when I need something quick, foolproof, and guaranteed to please. Baked…
Cranberry Simple Syrup (and bonus cocktail recipe)
This easy-to-make syrup adds festive color and seasonal flavor to a variety of cocktails and mocktails. Makes a lovely gift too! Taking a few minutes to prepare an infused simple syrup is an easy way to create the type of cocktail that garners big bucks at trendy restaurants. And while I most often use…
Green Beans Almondine
Nutty, buttery, and bright, this perfectly seasoned dish can be partially prepped in advance. Easy enough for a weeknight dinner but 100% worthy of a holiday meal. Truly so much more than the sum of its parts! Somehow, I managed to graduate college before ever tasting the traditional green bean casserole. The classic holiday…
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you don’t have a pumpkin cookie recipe (or even if you do!) this one will be the new standard in your household. Lightly spiced, chocolatey, and chock full of pumpkin and oats, this cookie hits all the right notes. And the best part is that it doesn’t have to be perfect to taste great!…
Roasted Potato Bites
Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these flavor-packed bites take minutes to prepare and may just be the star of your dinner plate! I’ve mentioned recipes that don’t always make it to the dinner plates. This is one of them! Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and expertly seasoned…
Favorite Brussels Sprouts Salad
A healthy, go-to salad for busy nights, parties, potlucks and holiday tables, this super-satisfying salad can be made in advance and the dressing is a versatile keeper! This salad could be described as an overachiever. The ingredients are fairly ordinary, yet they come together in a way that’s somewhat extraordinary. The recipe earns early points…
Classic Butternut Squash Soup (with options)
Smooth and luxuriously creamy (but with no cream in sight), a big pot of this satisfying soup comes together easily with minimal ingredients. Plus there’s a list of recipe adjustments to suit every preference. Every fall, I look forward to my first bowl of butternut squash soup. For years I made the soup without…
Cranberry Mimosas
Quick, festive, and colorful, this twist on the traditional mimosa is an easy choice for holiday breakfasts and brunches throughout the year. A merry looking drink that offers easy prep and broad appeal, my family has given this drink a variety of names over the years. Christmas and holiday mimosas are the more straightforward…
