TART CHERRY AND WALNUT CRUMBLE PIE

This is a great balance of tart and sweet. The cherries, even though they have sugar in them, stay start and the sweet crumble on top is a delightful pairing.

You could always change this up and use a standard cherry pie filling, it would be absolutely delicious that way too.

This would be great at Thanksgiving or Christmas or any gathering for that matter!

Serve it with a greek yogurt or creme fraise to add a sweet/tart finish. Delish!!

PUMPKIN PECAN CRISP

I wanted something "pumpkiny" for our Thanksgiving, but my family is not a pumpkin pie eatin' kind of family. So, I went with a super-simple pumpkin crisp. Or as my husband called it "Pecan Pumpkin' Somethin'"

It is sort of like a pumpkin dump cake, but that doesn't sound very appealing, so I'm calling it a crisp. It was very easy and super delicious. It is one of the things that you could really modify too, which I like. I'm always changing things in recipes. I don't think I ever make anything just like the recipe says.

I hope you had a great Thanksgiving. This would be a great treat for any fall gathering. Mmmmmm

BROCCOLI CAULIFLOWER AND MUSHROOM CASSEROLE

We had some great sides at our Thanksgiving table this year and this was one of them! I wanted to make some dishes that were non-traditional. You can see my complete menu with links to the recipes here: MENU

I have seen and probably made a few broccoli casserole that call for cream of something soup. In an effort to lighten things up a little for my family, I am trying to omit those kinds of ingredients while keeping the yummy factor intact!! This one definitely made the cut and will be making it to other family gatherings. It was delicious!

CREAMY SPAGHETTI SQUASH AND SWEET POTATO SOUP WITH GARAM MASALA

It's cold outside and soup is on my mind...
Sometimes I buy squash when I am grocery shopping, just because. I don't have a plan for it, but I know I'll find something to make with it because I love it so much.
Thanksgiving is done and it's time to get back on track. I eat healthy soups when I'm really trying to stay on track because it's low in calories and full of veggies, plus it's delicious!!

This is my fall inspired Spaghetti Squash and sweet potato soup.

TRADITIONAL TURKEY STUFFING WITH FRESH HERBS AND CIABATTA BREAD

Stuffing is one of the favorite things on the Thanksgiving table. I take the most time cutting vegetables and herbs for the stuffing than any other dish it seems. This year I decided to use a ciabatta bread mix as well. It was awesome!!

Everyone loved it and there was nothing left!! Very flavorful and moist, just how stuffing should be.

SLOW COOKER TURKEY BREAST WITH GLUTEN FREE GRAVY

This year was all about side dishes. I was going to be very involved with all of my choices and knew I needed something simple, yet delicious for the turkey.

I wanted to try a slow cooker turkey. I do quite a lot of soups and pot roast in the slow cooker, so I'm very comfortable with it. 

We have a few family members that aren't big turkey fans, so we also cooked a pre-seasoned tri-tip roast from costco and a full-size turkey added to that would have been too much. The breast is really my favorite part anyway, so I chose a nice 7 pound breast with bones. 

This came out delicious!! I started it first thing in the morning, it cooked 7 hours and was so juicy and tender. Never has Thanksgiving turkey been so easy. 

SAUSAGE STUFFED JALAPENO POPPERS

I have made these jalapeño poppers for a number of different events. They are great to take to any party. They've been a hit at halloween, super bowl, thanksgiving appetizers, etc. You just can't go wrong with these delicious flavors. You can play with the sausage mixture to add more heat or lighten it up.

These are easy to make and always a big hit!!




Even those people that don't love Jalapeños, love these. They aren't as spicy when they are baked and really add a nice flavor.

BEST EVER DEEP DISH PECAN PIE

I gave my husband about 10 options for Thanksgiving dessert. He chooses pecan pie every time as he did this year. I have to admit, pecan pie is one of my favorites too, so I've always wanted to have a great pecan pie recipe. I also really like a pecan pie that is FULL of pecans.

That is why I usually make a deep dish pie so that I can pack it full of pecans. This recipe is sweet, delicious and loaded with pecans. Just what every good pecan pie should be.

HERICOTS VERTS WITH CANNELLINI BEANS AND A SHALLOT VINAIGRETTE

I was most looking forward to adding this new dish to our Thanksgiving menu this year. It was such a hit and will definitely be making it to the table at more holiday gatherings.

I really liked that I could make this ahead and it is served cold, so one less thing on the stove or the oven when it's time to serve the food.

Everyone loved it! A great/healthy alternative to the traditional green bean casserole.


This is a beautiful salad with lots of color. You're guests will be so impressed!!

CRANBERRY ORANGE AND KALE QUINOA SALAD

During our holiday meals, we usually try to have one light and refreshing dish. Either a fruit salad or cold bean salad and this year, it was a cranberry and orange quinoa salad!!

I did some traditional dishes, so my family wouldn't disown me, but I also like to add some out of the box/gourmet-ish dishes too, that nobody has ever tried. This was one of the non-traditional add-ons this year.

My family is new to Quinoa and it was well received. This recipe makes quite a bit and we had lots for people to take home for leftovers.

It's a lovely, fresh salad, that is slightly tart, but slightly sweet at the same time. I modified the recipe a little from the original Family Spice recipe by adding a little more fruit and honey. I also added a little extra mint. This is a great recipe that you can change to fit your family tastes. I hope you like it, our family did.

MAKE AHEAD MASHED POTATO CASSEROLE

Calling this a casserole is a bit of a stretch, but it is in a casserole dish...

This year I am really planning ahead and trying to make things in advance so that my Thanksgiving Day cooking doesn't leave me totally exhausted. Sometimes I'm so tired by the time we eat, I'm not even hungry. Not this year...

I've already done the menu planning, all the shopping, recipes are finalized, veggies are prepped and I'm starting to put together things that are either meant to be served cold or are intentionally made ahead to heat up again before dinner. 

This mashed potato casserole is one of those items. And they are delicious!!

CRANBERRY CURRANT AND WALNUT OATMEAL COOKIES

One of my favorite things about the holidays is having all the kids at home. My daughter is almost 20 and moved out more than a year ago. She is in school and I don't get to see her as much as I would like. This may be just fine for her..., but I miss her. She is home for 4 whole days!!

As she becomes more responsible and out on her own, she needs to eat. Well, she needs to eat something more than fast/student food. She is quickly finding out that she needs to learn to cook. She didn't have a lot of interest in cooking when she lived at home, but I'm soooo happy that she wants to learn now!

CANDIED SWEET POTATOES WITH PECANS

Sweet and saucy made-from-scratch sweet potatoes with a pecan crumble and marshmallow topping. What could be better than that!!

I make a basic whipped sweet potato back every single year and I have done so since my daughter was little, she's almost 20 now. As a rule, I try to avoid things in cans these days and wanted to change this up a bit. I may have to make the others too this year, just in case, but I think she is going to love these, I know I do!  and yes, I realize these have marshmallows. Baby steps people, baby steps. My daughter can only handle so much change at one time!! :-)

FRESH CRANBERRY SAUCE

So, I've made my menus, I've done all the shopping and now I'm ready to get this show on the road! Our family dinner is going to be Friday this year, so I've got an extra day to prepare/wait...

I decided to take a look at what was on my menu that I could make ahead and there are a few things that may even taste better come Turkey Day if I make them now. 

First on the list of things to make ahead... Cranberry Sauce!!

THANKSGIVING 2013 MENU - ALL LINKED UP

Wow, it's been a busy week/month/year... I can't believe the holidays are already here. 

Over the last couple of weeks, I've been putting together my Thanksgiving menu. Some items are tried and true, but I always like to throw a few new things into the mix. Who knows? We might find something that becomes our new family tradition. 

FALL SQUASH AND SWEET POTATO SOUP

The flavors of fall just call my name. I've been thinking about a new soup that I wanted to make that involved Garam Masala. Garam Masala is a traditional Indian seasoning blend that is used to make many Indian dishes including curry sauces, which I LOVE! Garam Masala is a spice blend mainly made up of Coriander, Black Pepper, Cumin, Cardamom and Cinnamon.

GLUTEN FREE CHOCOLATE CREAM CUPCAKES

I am very lucky in the food department. I don't have any allergies or sensitivity to any certain types of foods. However, I know that is not the case for many and a very good friend of mine suffers from Celiac. I had never even heard of this disease before. Now that I know about it, I am so glad there are so many options these days for gluten free diets. I have experimented with several recipes to try to make a delicious meal or desert for her so she doesn't miss her gluten and these are another winner.

SPICY BLACK EYED PEAS WITH SMOKED SAUSAGE

This is by far the tastiest batch of black eyed peas I've ever had. This dish is perfect for New Years' or anytime.  You can make it spicier by adding an addition 1/2 tsp of Cayenne or a Jalapeno. These flavors blend well together and even my picky son loves these! I hope you enjoy them too. They are easy to make and a crowd pleaser!

CHEESY CHICKEN SPAGHETTI BAKE

I was in the mood to make something warm and hearty for my family since it's so cold outside, so tonight we are having chicken spaghetti! I have an 8 year old that eats about 5 things and this had been added to the list making it 6! It's super yummy and easy to make. The recipe calls for items that are already diced or cooked, so you can do this in advance, even the day before to save time.

CHICKEN AND LIME TORTILLA SOUP

I LOVE soup! I'm so happy it's fall and it's soup season. I came across this recipe a while ago when a friend pinned it and I knew it was one of the first things I would make when fall arrived. Well, I shouldn't have waited! I think you can make this ANY time, it's that good. I love beans, so I added black beans at the end to the portions that I would be eating because my husband despises beans. They were yummy! 

I hope you like this as much as I did!

PINOT POT ROAST

I love slow cooked meat. I especially love slow cooked meat with wine! This pot roast when paired with Pinot Noir and seasonings is delish! It's great when served with a side salad or potatoes and a nice glass of Pinot! Summer or not, slow cooker meals are easy and yummy!

BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

This soup is my all-time favorite soup! I love soups, I make them all the time, but something about this one reallly gets me. It's super healthy and I make it in huge batches so I can freeze it in single servings so I am able to enjoy it anytime.

YOGURT, PLUM, GRANOLA AND HONEY PARFAIT

I really love having greek yogurt for breakfast when it's hot outside. I am always looking for a different variety of ingredients to liven things up a bit. Things one seems to fall into the mix quite a bit. It's even more fun when you eat it out of a pretty glass! 

GREEK YOGURT GRANOLA BREAKFAST

 I am really trying to be good so I can make it to summer without putting on any extra pounds. I LOVE this greek yogurt for breakfast in the spring.

LUNCHMEAT LENTIL SOUP

It's a gloomy rainy June day here in Sunny California! Has me less than motivated. Great day for soup!! I just harvested and dried some basil from my garden and was looking for some inspiration from it. I glanced through the pantry and spotted the lentils. I love lentils. Here is an awesome soup I put together.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I hope the sun comes back out soon!