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Monday, November 30, 2015

Silky Parsnip-Potato Soup with Bacon

Silky Parsnip-Potato Soup with Bacon
Although I'm a year-round soup kinda girl, I'm especially happy to enjoy a bowl of warm comfort during the seasons when my fingers and toes never seem to lose their chill entirely. In other words, right now. After a month-long flurry of planning, prepping, and eventually enjoying my favorite meal of the year, all I really want to do is make a big pot of soup and relax with a good book (or movie or tv series).

Today I want to share not only a perfect bowl of soup, but also the perfect pot in which to make it. I've mentioned the fact that, as a whole, All-Clad makes my favorite pots and pans. If my kitchen could be stocked with them, life would be so much easier. I'm working towards that goal. While I did receive the soup pot that I'm sharing with you today at no cost, I would buy it in a heartbeat.
Sunday, November 29, 2015

Masala Omelette inspired by The Hundred-Foot Journey #FoodnFlix

Masala Omelette inspired by The Hundred-Foot Journey
This month's edition of Food 'n Flix features a movie that both starts and ends with food-laden scenes (not mention everything in the middle)—The Hundred-Foot Journey. Based on the novel of the same name by Richard C. Morais, the story begins in India with the Kaddam family restaurant. We see a young Hassan Kadam, already exploring food with his senses under the tutelage of his beloved mother. When tragedy strikes and the family is displaced from their home, they eventually make their way to a small French village by way of fate since sometimes "brakes break for a reason".

As fate would have it, there is an abandoned restaurant for sale in this quaint town...but it happens to be a mere hundred feet across the street from Madame Mallory's acclaimed Michelin 1-star classical French restaurant. And she's none to happy to welcome the competition or the "life" that comes with it.
Friday, November 27, 2015

Cranberry Apple Crumb Pie #FridayPieDay

Cranberry Apple Crumb Pie
Not only is today FridayPieDay, it's also the day after Thanksgiving, a holiday with a dessert table that centers around pie in my family. This year we had a mid-size gathering at my mom's house—just mom, her kids, and our kids which makes 15 people total. And yet, we still wound up with 5 pies. 3 people to a pie.

It's funny because there was only 1 pie and 1 cake scheduled in the initial "plan". We'd all volunteered to bring certain dishes and apparently all decided, individually, that 1 pie just wasn't going to cut it. And who knows what happened to the cake because it wound up being a no-show.
Thursday, November 26, 2015

More than 400 Recipes Ideas for your Thanksgiving Table

More than 400 Recipes Ideas for your Thanksgiving Table
I had such a blast rounding up more than 400 recipes this month for my favorite "food day" of the entire year - Thanksgiving! I hope that you were able to find some ideas and inspiration in the roundups and side posts. I know that our table was overflowing this year, and for that I am thankful.

I've gathered the links to all of these wonderful Thanksgiving posts in one spot so that you can click through easily if you're looking for anything in particular, either this year or in years to come. By clicking on any of the photos below, you'll go directly to the page that lists the 25 recipes in that category. Be sure to scroll down to find links to a few other relevant posts that I featured this month.
Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Poultry Roasting Chart = Less Holiday Cooking Stress!

Poultry Roasting Chart
It seems like Halloween just ended and people are already beginning to plan out the rest of the season. For those celebrating Thanksgiving, sometimes planning and decor start pretty early.

Should we cook more food this year since many folks brought plus ones last year? Shall we cut back on the beer since the wine was such a hit? And for many families Turkey is a given so the question is "how big of a bird do we need?"
Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Stylish On-The-Go Thermos Choice, a Libre Tea Glass Review

Libre Tea Glass with Infused Water
Last month I introduced you to the Libre Tea Glass, a pretty, practical, and convenient on-the-go glass with a removable filter for leaf tea. It's 100% BPA free, has a glass interior, and keeps drinks hot or cold. Today I'm going to share my thoughts on the glass after using it for a couple of weeks.

Appearance: It's definitely a looker. I ordered their 14-ounce Classic Glass Tea Infuser. It's very sleek and sophisticated with shades of tan, gold, and silver. The outer material is a durable poly, while the inside is glass.

Feel: Substantial...and this is a good thing. The glass has a bit of weight to it, which in my mind means that it's not going to flip over or blow away if I'm outside in the park, at a ball game, etc.

Stovetop Green Bean Casserole

Stovetop Green Bean Casserole
When I sit down to plan our Thanksgiving menu, I start out by making a list of dishes down the left side of my paper. Most are very distinct, so I only leave room for the name of one dish to be written beside it. Others are more a category than a dish, so I leave room for two or three options. Without fail, this is how my menu planning begins:

  • Turkey
  • Gravy
  • Stuffing
  • Potato
  • Sweet Potato
  • Cranberry Sauce
  • Side Dishes
  • Bread/Rolls
  • Desserts
  • Drinks

A KitchenAid Stand Mixer Holiday Giveaway!

Kitchenaid Giveaway!

We have a super special treat for you just in time for the holidays! I've banded together with Angie over at My So-Called Chaos, her sponsors, and some other wonderful bloggers and people to offer all of you lucky readers a KitchenaAid Stand Mixer. Do you want to win a KitchenAid Mixer? I thought you might.

Angie asked the wonderful people participating in this giveaway with me to share their favorite holiday treats with you. Maybe our answers will inspire you, and if you win, you can make those treats in your brand new kitchen baby. Swoon!
Monday, November 23, 2015

25 Ways to Use Up your Thanksgiving Leftovers!

25 Ways to Use Up your Thanksgiving Leftovers
Thanksgiving week has finally arrived! I've had such a delicious time sharing Thanksgiving recipes and recipe roundups with you this month, and I hope that you've found some inspiration on the pages. I have a couple more recipes coming up between now and Thursday, so don't forget to check back!

Today I'm sharing some ideas for ways to use up those leftovers, because let's admit it—sometimes the leftovers are more enjoyable than the meal itself when it comes to Thanksgiving. If you're anything like me, you actually plan for leftovers by cooking a little extra of a few choice menu items. So, here's to a successful week of planning, prepping, cooking, and gathering. Happy Thanksgiving!
Sunday, November 22, 2015

The History of (and 18 Variations on) the Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe

18 Variations on the Classic Green Bean Casserole
Did you know that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the classic Green Bean Casserole? It was originally developed in 1955 in the Campell's Kitchens by Dorcas Reilly and a team of home economists as an "easy recipe featuring a few simple ingredients", and known as Green Bean Bake. Apparently it caught on, because today, over 20 million households make green bean casserole and Campbell's receives over 10,000 requests for the recipe every year.

Given that fact, it probably doesn't come as much of a surprise to hear that 25-30% of all Campbell's Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup is sold in the month of November. Last year, the green bean casserole page on the Campell's website received 722,052 page views on Thanksgiving day alone!
Saturday, November 21, 2015

25 Desserts (that aren't Pie) for your Thanksgiving Table

25 Desserts (that aren't Pie) for your Thanksgiving Table
It's no secret that I love pie...and our Thanksgiving dessert spread reflects that love. But while I'm satisfied with (eventually) making my way through three or four kinds of pie, I hear tell that there are people who don't feel the same. I mean, apparently there are people who don't even serve a single pie, but instead turn to cake, cookies, cheesecake, or another sweet treat. I know—MIND. BLOWN.

Dramatic? Me? 

But seriously, if you're looking for a couple of dessert options that aren't pie, I've gathered 25 absolutely tempting dessert recipes below, all of which have a "fall feel" and would fit perfectly at your Thanksgiving table this year. And guess what? I even have one non-pie dessert option planned to serve alongside my pie. Madness!
Friday, November 20, 2015

25 Drinks for your Thanksgiving Table

25 Drinks for your Thanksgiving Table
Although there's absolutely nothing wrong with serving milk, juice, cider, wine, or even water as the beverage options at your Thanksgiving table, sometimes it's fun to mix things up. Literally. Today I'm sharing 25 fall-inspired drink ideas for sipping alongside your turkey, stuffing, and pie. While the majority of them are cocktails, I've also included some non-alcoholic ideas for kids and adults who aren't imbibing.

Why not add a little pizzazz to your Thanksgiving spread this year with a custom drink? I think it would make a fun holiday tradition to set out some fruit, spice, herb, alcohol, juice, and sparkling water options and ask your friends and family to create their own inspired drink, as well. I hope the fantastic drinks below will inspire you!
Thursday, November 19, 2015

Cranberry Port Ring (Jellied Cranberry Sauce)

Cranberry Port Ring
I've mentioned my fear of the jiggly cylinder that had a prime spot on the Thanksgiving tables of my youth before, but recently I decided to look at it in a new light. I know some pretty diehard fans of jellied cranberry sauce. Like my grandma, they have special serving dishes made specifically to fit that "can" shape when laid down on its side. They slice it ever just so, stacking a disk or two lovingly on their plate.

I decided that it was time to reevaluate my position on the stuff. After all, I didn't think that I liked cranberries at all as a kid unless they were in the form of juice or chewy dried bits, but it turns out that I actually can't get enough of them. For the past 20 years, that bowl of glistening ruby goodness that is whole-berry cranberry sauce is one of my favorite things on the table. And yet, I've seen the faces on some of my older family members when they realize that, once again, there is no can-shaped sauce to be found.

Travel Safer this Holiday Season: BubbleBum and $100 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

Can you believe that the holiday season is already upon us? It seems like just yesterday that the kids were splashing around in the pool while I soaked up some sun on the raft. But alas, it's the time of year when families are hitting the highways to visit family and friends to celebrate the season.

I grew up hopping into the car on Thanksgiving and Christmas to drive to my grandparent's houses. Some years we'd take turns visiting one side of the family, other years we'd make it to both in the same year. Let's just say that I've been roadtripping since a very young age. While this might sway some the other way, I actually love a good roadtrip. There's something satisfying about packing crates with food and arranging them in the trunk before tucking the gifts between them, the blankets, the jumper cables, and the jack.

I know a lot of you are gearing up to do the same, making sure that not only do you have everything you're bringing, but that the kids are snuggled safely into the back seat—with entertainment and snacks.
Wednesday, November 18, 2015

25 Bread, Roll, and Biscuit Recipes for your Thanksgiving Table

25 Bread, Roll, and Biscuit Recipes for your Thanksgiving Table
One of the most important things on our Thanksgiving table is the bread basket. I like to fill it with at least three types of bread, rolls, and/or biscuits so that everybody can find something they like. While the majority of my family prefers soft, fluffy rolls along the lines of buttermilk, buttery pull-aparts, and Hawaiian rolls...or hard white crusty rolls...I think it's fun to include some options with whole grains, nuts, seeds, or vegetable purees in them, as well.

My biggest problem is narrowing it down and deciding which three to make. If my kitchen was bigger (and my oven), I'd probably make enough bread to feed the entire neighborhood! Today I've gathered a variety of options from some of my food blogging friends to help you get ideas for your own bread basket this year.
Tuesday, November 17, 2015

The Bastille Apple Sour and a #ParisCocktails Book Tour Stop

The Bastille Apple Sour
"...we must stand together and raise a glass to our beloved Paris, may she ever shine bright."
-Doni Belau

As I pondered how to go about sharing my thoughts on a book based in a city so recently shaken to the core by loss and tragedy, I read the latest newsletter from Girls Guide to Paris founder, Francophile, and author of said book, Doni Belau. In a world where I, as an individual, can feel easily overwhelmed and helpless in the midst of something so heavy, her words reminded me that the best thing I can do is hold on to hope, and to light, to practice kindness towards myself and others, and to keep raising my glass—or darkness wins.

With that, I'm happy to introduce you to the newly released book by Doni Belau, Paris Cocktails. Part cookbook (in the sense that it shares 100+ recipes...only they are for cocktails, not food), part Paris Bar guide, this book quenches my thirst for both knowledge and a proper beverage.
Monday, November 16, 2015

Lightened-Up Thanksgiving Menu Options and Food Swaps to Save Calories

I'll admit that I don't normally think about calories when it comes to Thanksgiving. It has always been my favorite meal of the year. I look forward to it from the moment the leftovers from the current year are polished off. I've always figured, as long as I'm conscientious of my choices for the rest of the year, I can go hog wild on that single Thursday.

I'll admit that this might not be the best strategy and that planning my menu with an eye towards health is probably a good idea. So, maybe I'll start with one dish this year. One is better than none, right? Our friends over at My Fitness Pal offered to share this handy infographic on Thanksgiving food swap ideas to help me...and you, if you want to...start thinking about saving calories.

I've also included 25 Lightened-Up menu options after the infographic, so be sure to scroll down for lots of delicious (and healthy!) recipe ideas.
Lightened-Up Thanksgiving Menu Options
Lightened-Up Thanksgiving Menu Options
Lightened-Up Thanksgiving Menu Options

Lightened-Up Main Dish Ideas

Lightened-Up Side Dish Ideas

Lightened-Up Dessert Ideas

Lightened-Up Thanksgiving Menu Options and Ideas

25 Side Dishes for your Thanksgiving Table

25 Side Dishes for your Thanksgiving Table
This roundup is all about everybody's favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner - the sides! But the thing is, this roundup doesn't contain any sweet potato, potato, stuffing, gravy, or cranberry sauce recipes. If you haven't dropped by lately, then you may not know that I've given each of those things their own roundup already...because those are five courses that are always on our Thanksgiving table.

Alongside those "staple sides", there's always room for two or three other side dishes, and that's where the recipes featured today fit in. I hope you'll find some inspiration for your holiday table this year!

Baked Cauliflower with Mornay Sauce from The Joyful Foodie
Broccoli Salad with Bacon, Golden Raisins, and Sunflower Seeds (pictured)
Butternut Squash, Yellow Raisin, and Pine Nut Salad with Pomegranate (pictured)
Cranberry and Squash Wild Rice Salad from greens & chocolate (pictured)
Creamed Kale by Nutmeg Nanny

Cranberry and Squash Wild Rice Salad by greens & chocolate
Cranberry and Squash Wild Rice Salad by greens & chocolate

Easy Brussels Sprouts Gratin with Swiss and Parmesan from Kalyn's Kitchen
Ginger Miso Acorn Squash with Toasted Pistachios from Snixy Kitchen
Girl and the Goat Magic Beans from Nutmeg Nanny
Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Beets from The Roasted Root
Make Ahead Irish Mashed Potato Casserole from Farm Fresh Feasts

Sautéed Green Beans with Smoky Shallots from Kitchen Treaty
Sautéed Green Beans with Smoky Shallots from Kitchen Treaty

Prosciutto Cranberry Brussels Sprouts from Cooking on the Weekends
Roasted Acorn Squash with Pomegranate and Parsley from Foxes Love Lemons
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apple and Bacon from Melanie Makes
Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries from Cooking on the Front Burner
Roasted Green Beans with Almonds from Barbara Bakes

Broccoli Salad with Bacon, Golden Raisins, and Sunflower Seeds
Broccoli Salad with Bacon, Golden Raisins, and Sunflower Seeds

Roasted Green Beans with Balsamic-Browned Butter from Two Healthy Kitchens
Roasted Spiced Applesauce
Sautéed Green Beans with Smoky Shallots from Kitchen Treaty (pictured)
Spiced Butternut Squash with Red Onion
Spiced Pumpkin Mac and Cheese with Brown Butter, Sage, and Pecan Topping from An Edible Mosaic (pictured)

Spiced Pumpkin Mac and Cheese with Brown Butter, Sage, and Pecan Topping from An Edible Mosaic
Spiced Pumpkin Mac and Cheese with Brown Butter, Sage, and Pecan Topping from An Edible Mosaic

Spicy Mushrooms
Spinach Gratin from Karen's Kitchen Stories
Sweet and Savory Thanksgiving Beans from Shockingly Delicious
Waldorf Salad
Wilted Kale and Couscous Salad with Carrots and Cranberries from Floating Kitchen

Check out my Pinterest boards for more Thanksgiving Food and Inspiration!


Sunday, November 15, 2015

25 Sweet Potato Recipes for your Thanksgiving Table

25 Sweet Potato Recipes for your Thanksgiving Table
The Thanksgiving table just wouldn't be complete without a sunny dish of sweet potatoes gracing it. Whether you insist on the marshmallow-topped casserole beloved by so many, are a die-hard mashers fan, or a no-nonsense simple and roasted kinda guy or gal, I hope you'll agree that sweet potatoes have earned a quintessential spot on our tables.

If you're family is anything like mine, you might serve them the same way every year...which I totally understand. But if you're looking to shake up your tuber routine (or maybe test out a new preparation alongside the trusted one), I've put together a list of 25 delicious options to add to your Thanksgiving table this year!

Bacon and Apple Sweet Potato Casserole from greens & chocolate
Caramel Coated Sweet Potato Wedges
Hasselback Sweet Potatoes from Busy in Brooklyn
Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole from Cook the Story
Maple Bourbon Mashed Sweet Potatoes from The Roasted Root

Vanilla Sweet Potato Casserole by Nutmeg Nanny
Vanilla Sweet Potato Casserole by Nutmeg Nanny

Maple Mashed Sweet Potatoes from EverdayMaven
Maple-Orange Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Orange Butter
Mini Sweet Potato Gratins from Floating Kitchen (pictured)
Oat and Pistachio Crumble Topped Baked Sweet Potatoes from Joy the Baker
Quick 'n Easy Southern Sweet Potato Casserole from It's Yummi

Mini Sweet Potato Gratins by Floating Kitchen
Mini Sweet Potato Gratins by Floating Kitchen

Roasted Potato Medley from Dizzy Busy & Hungry
Rosemary, Olive Oil & Sea Salt Mashed Sweet Potatoes from Ari's Menu
Scalloped Sweet Potato Casserole with Apples from The Wimpy Vegetarian
Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes from Homemaking Hacks
Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon Maple Candied Pecans and Cranberries from The Roasted Root (pictured)

Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon Maple Candied Pecans and Cranberries by The Roasted Root
Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon Maple Candied Pecans and Cranberries by The Roasted Root

Sweet Potato Almondine from The Chubby Vegetarian
Sweet Potato Casserole | Ruth's Chris Copycat Recipe from Julie Blanner
Sweet Potato Gratin with Goat Cheese, Parmesan, and Thyme from Kalyn's Kitchen
Sweet Potatoes and Carrots with Apple Cider and Thyme from The Nosher
Three Bean Sweet Potato Salad from Kitchen Treaty

Whipped Sweet Potatoes and Bananas with Pecan Streusel
Whipped Sweet Potatoes and Bananas with Pecan Streusel

Twice-Baked Jalapeno Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Pecan Streusel from Creative Culinary
Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes with Feta and Sumac from Kalyn's Kitchen
Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Taleggio Cheese from Karen's Kitchen Stories
Vanilla Sweet Potato Casserole from Nutmeg Nanny (pictured)
Whipped Sweet Potatoes and Bananas with Pecan Streusel (pictured)

Check out my Pinterest boards for more Thanksgiving Food and Inspiration!



*Mashed Sweet Potatoes on Thanksgiving table photo via Shutterstock
Saturday, November 14, 2015

Maple-Orange Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Orange Butter

Maple-Orange Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Orange Butter
It's hard for me to believe that there was a time when I didn't like sweet potatoes. Much like cranberry sauce, I only saw them once a year—on the Thanksgiving table. As was the fashion, they smooshed up in a casserole dish and topped with marshmallows. I think there was also brown sugar or something added to the sweet potatoes themselves. Bleck! They were so ridiculously sweet that I just couldn't stomach them.

I'd always give them a little nibble...because I really wanted to like them. So until I was in my 20's, I thought that I didn't like sweet potatoes. Turns out, I just didn't like that sweet potato casserole. One day, while planning what I wanted to contribute to Thanksgiving dinner that year (pretty much everything), I found a recipe in a magazine that used half sweet potatoes and half white potatoes. I can't remember which magazine it was, but that recipe changed my life.
Maple-Orange Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Orange Butter
When I slid that first tentative spoonful into my mouth, I realized that I actually did like sweet potatoes. As a matter of fact, I kind of loved them. This was that recipe, only slightly changed over the many years since. I use a mix of sweet potatoes and Yukon Golds instead of Russets now and changed the seasoning a bit, but it was near perfect as written.

And guess what? I don't even mind sticking a few marshmallows on top anymore since the potatoes themselves aren't sickly sweet. Don't even get me started on the first time I made (and tasted) a roasted sweet potato...

Speaking of roasted sweet potatoes, next on my list to try are these Melting Sweet Potatoes. Heck, maybe I'll just make it a sweet potato buffet by adding these Whipped Sweet Potatoes and Bananas with Pecan Streusel, these Mexican Candied Sweet Potatoes, these Brown Butter Garam Masala Mashed Sweet Potatoes, and these Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries to the menu!

Maple-Orange Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Orange Butter
This is the dish that will turn sweet potato haters into sweet potato lovers!
Print Friendly and PDF
Maple-Orange Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Orange Butter
by Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez
Keywords: side vegetarian sweet potatoes maple syrup orange Thanksgiving American fall

Ingredients (serves 12)
    for the orange butter:
    • 2 ounces (1/4 cup / 4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at soft room temperature
    • 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
    • big pinch of fine sea salt
    for the maple-orange sweet potatoes:
    • 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
    • 1 1/4 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 2-inch chunks (peel if you wish)
    • 2 ounces (1/4 cup / 4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at soft room temperature
    • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
    • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
    • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
    Instructions
    make the orange butter:
    Stir the butter, orange zest, and salt together until thoroughly combined. Put into a small dish or a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper and roll into a log; refrigerate.

    Bring to room temperature before using. Can be made in advance and kept in the fridge for a few days, or freeze for longer.

    make the mashers:
    Combine both types of potatoes in a large pot and cover with water by an inch. Bring to a boil and cook until they are just tender, 12-15 minutes; drain. Return them to the same pot set over low heat until the potatoes are dry, about 5 minutes.

    Mash the potatoes until they are slightly chunky—you can do this by hand with a potato masher or you can use a hand-mixer. Add the butter, orange juice, maple syrup, salt and pepper to the pot, mashing and mixing until combined.

    Serve potatoes warm, each serving topped with a pat of the orange butter.
    Maple-Orange Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Orange Butter
    Friday, November 13, 2015

    25 Soups for your Thanksgiving Table

    25 Soups for your Thanksgiving Table
    Okay, so...if I'm being honest (and I am)...we have never EVER had soup as a part of our Thanksgiving menu. I don't know why. I mean, I love soup and have shared more than 100 soup recipes right here on All Roads Lead to the Kitchen, but it wasn't something I grew with on the holiday table, so I just don't associate it with Thanksgiving.

    I'm determined to change that, though. I mean, what better way to show off another seasonal veggie on your holiday table than to put it into soup? I'll have to ease the family into it, though. I have a feeling that they'd all look at it sideways if they saw it next to the turkey and cranberry sauce.

    How about you? Does your family include soup as a part of the Thanksgiving meal? If so, what's your favorite kind to serve? I'd love to hear more ideas...I have some planning to do!
    Roasted Carrot and Sweet Potato Soup by peas & crayons
    Roasted Carrot and Sweet Potato Soup by peas & crayons

    20 Minute Pumpkin & Corn Cheddar Soup from Homemaking Hacks
    Butternut Squash and Apple Bisque
    Butternut Squash Cheddar Ale Soup from Frugal Foodie Mama
    Cream of Roasted Vegetable Soup from Noshing with the Nolands via The Weekend Gourmet
    Cream of Wild Mushroom Soup from The Spiced Life

    Creamy Kabocha Soup with Toasted Walnuts, Honey, and Truffle Oil
    Creamy Kabocha Soup with Toasted Walnuts, Honey, and Truffle Oil

    Creamy Chestnut Soup from Will Cook For Friends
    Creamy Kabocha Soup with Toasted Walnuts, Honey, and Truffle Oil (pictured)
    Creamy Roasted Carrot Soup from Nutmeg Nanny
    Creamy Roasted Root Vegetable Soup with Za'atar from The Lemon Bowl
    Curried Pumpkin Coconut Soup

    Roasted Cauliflower and Cheese Soup by Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
    Roasted Cauliflower and Cheese Soup by Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen

    Italian Slow Cooker Cranberry Bean Soup with Greens from Healthy Slow Cooking
    Mexican Street Corn Soup with Blue Cheese-Chile Crumble from Hola Jalapeño
    Moroccan Cauliflower Soup with Carrots, Apples and Pistachio Cream from Food Faith Fitness
    Potato Leek Soup from Erren's Kitchen (pictured)
    Pumpkin Soup with Bacon and Parmesan Crumbles from Cook the Story

    Roasted Carrot-Apple Soup with Paprika Brown Butter by An Edible Mosaic
    Roasted Carrot-Apple Soup with Paprika Brown Butter by An Edible Mosaic

    Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut, Miso, and Lime from The Muffin Myth
    Roasted Carrot and Sweet Potato Soup from peas & crayons (pictured)
    Roasted Carrot-Apple Soup with Paprika Brown Butter from An Edible Mosaic (pictured)
    Roasted Cauliflower and Cheese Soup from Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen (pictured)
    Roasted Chipotle Butternut Squash Soup from Swirls of Flavor

    Potato Leek Soup by Erren's Kitchen
    Potato Leek Soup by Erren's Kitchen

    Silken Turnip and Potato Soup from Farm Fresh Feasts
    Slow Cooker Thai-Inspired Butternut Squash and Peanut Soup from Kalyn's Kitchen
    Spicy Butternut Squash Soup with Chorizo from Tasting Page
    Sweet Potato Bisque from Ari's Menu
    Vegan Creamy Curried Pumpkin Soup from Joy the Baker

    Check out my Pinterest boards for more Thanksgiving Food and Inspiration!



    Pumpkin Soup photo via Shutterstock
    Thursday, November 12, 2015

    25 Cranberry Sauce, Relish, and Chutney Recipes for your Thanksgiving Table

    25 Cranberry Sauce, Relish, and Chutney Recipes for your Thanksgiving Table
    What was once the dish I shunned that most at the Thanksgiving table is now the dish I can't do without—cranberry sauce! I've mentioned my distrust of the jellied cylinder that graced the holiday tables of my youth before. The day I discovered that not all cranberry "sauces" were created equal, my holiday menu was turned upside down. I started imagining which liquids, herbs, fruits, or spices would go into my cranberries to best complement the rest of the meal.

    I have my favorite, but I'm always game for trying another version of cranberry sauce alongside it. Because hey, you never know. Oh, and I think it's worth mentioning that after so many years of shunning that jiggling ruby cylinder, I'm actually going to bring a homemade jellied cranberry sauce to our family potluck this year (surprise!). And I'm looking forward to it.

    What form of cranberries will be gracing  your Thanksgiving table this year? If you're not sure yet, here are 25 cranberry sauce, relish, and chutney recipes  to inspire you!
    Slow Cooker Apple Cranberry Sauce by Peas & Crayons
    Slow Cooker Apple Cranberry Sauce by Peas & Crayons

    Cabernet Cranberry Sauce from The Kitchen is My Playground (pictured)
    Chipotle White Ale Cranberry Sauce from The Beeroness
    Cranberry Apple Chutney from Nutmeg Nanny
    Cranberry Chutney from The Spiced Life
    Cranberry Chutney w/ Dates & Indian Spices from The Tomato Tart

    Cabernet Cranberry Sauce by The Kitchen is My Playground
    Cabernet Cranberry Sauce by The Kitchen is My Playground

    Cranberry Pear Chutney from Spoonful of Flavor (pictured)
    Cranberry Port Ring (Jellied Cranberry Sauce) (pictured)
    Cranberry Salsa from Farm Fresh Feasts
    Cranberry Sauce with Ginger and Cloves
    Cranberry Sauce with Ginger and Maple from The Roasted Root

    Cranberry Pear Chutney by Spoonful of Flavor
    Cranberry Pear Chutney by Spoonful of Flavor

    Cranberry White Wine Sauce from Frugal Foodie Mama
    Easy Cranberry Sauce with Apples, Pecans and Pineapple from Two Healthy Kitchens
    Fresh Cranberry Sauce from The Lean Green Bean
    Ginger Cranberry Sauce from spabettie
    Ginger Laced Cranberry Orange Sauce from Nutmeg Nanny

    Ruby Port Cranberry Sauce by Karen's Kitchen Stories
    Ruby Port Cranberry Sauce by Karen's Kitchen Stories

    Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Maple Syrup from The Adventure Bite
    Mulled Wine Cranberry Sauce from Busy in Brooklyn
    Orange Cranberry Sauce from A Cedar Spoon
    Ruby Port Cranberry Sauce from Karen's Kitchen Stories (pictured)
    Slow Cooker Apple Cranberry Sauce from Peas & Crayons (pictured)

    Cranberry Port Ring (Jellied Cranbery Sauce)
    Cranberry Port Ring (Jellied Cranbery Sauce)

    Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce from The Magical Slow Cooker
    Spiced Cherry Cranberry Chutney from Cooking in Stilettos
    Spiced Red Wine Cranberry Sauce (aka The Best (and Easiest) Cranberry Sauce. Like, ever.)
    Thanksgiving Chutney Three Ways from The Nosher
    Trina's Low-Sugar Fresh Cranberry Salsa with Cilantro, Lime, and Jalapeno from Kalyn's Kitchen


    Check out my Pinterest boards for more Thanksgiving Food and Inspiration!



    *Homemade Cranberry Jam with Fresh Fruits photo via Shutterstock
    Wednesday, November 11, 2015

    Win a $25 NOVICA Gift Card - it's holiday shopping time!

    This post is sponsored by NOVICA in conjuntion with US Family Guide.
    $25 NOVICA Gift Code Giveaway!
    I'm very excited to once again be partnering with NOVICA, an online global marketplace that features handmade and fair trade products, to offer one of my readers a $25 online gift code just in time for holiday shopping season! NOVICA offers a beautiful site full of artisan-produced treasures that range from cocktail rings to table and glassware to clothing to chess sets and unique gifts for that hard-to-shop-for person in your life—all crafted loving by artists whose profiles you can actually read and get a feel for. They live by one simple (but all-important) mantra...SPREAD HAPPINESS.

    In this world of mass produced products that we often have no clue of the conditions of their origin, NOVICA gives us the choice to choose products that we, as consumers, can feel good about. They operate a transparent system where artisans have control to raise or lower their own prices, put their own products on sale, or even remove their items at any time. Basically, it's like going to a local farmer's market (if we consider this beautiful world of ours as our neighborhood).

    But NOVICA goes even further by offering 0% interest loans to artisans looking to expand their business and bring more income to their wider communities. If you'd like to read more about their mission, you can do so here.

    I admit that I want more than I'll ever be able to buy when I visit their site. A few of the things I've purchased from NOVICA in the past are this Talavera Plate that these Carnitas are on...
    Carnitas on a Talavera plate purchased at NOVICA

    ...and the Confetti Festival Highball Glasses and Recycled Glass Pitcher that are featured in my tutorial for making Cheater's Horchata.
    Cheater's Horchata
    Enter to win a $25 Gift Code to NOVICA by visiting the NOVICA website, looking around, and then coming back and leave a comment on this post letting me know what you would buy first (although I won't hold you to it)!

    a Rafflecopter giveaway
    Be sure to check the box in the rafflecopter widget after you leave your comment for the mandatory entry - this will also open up more ways to enter. This giveaway is open to anyone, anywhere - but please note that shipping charges (and any taxes or duties) are your responsibility if you are overseas. Submissions will be accepted through Tuesday November 24, 2015 at 11:59 pm. A winner will be chosen from qualified entries within 1 week of the close of this contest and the gift code will be sent to them electronically.

    Can't wait? 
    Save $7.00 off your first purchase at NOVICA right now using code: Save7Novica
    Click HERE to start shopping!