Smashed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are in my top 5 foods of all-time! I love them so much! Sweet potato fries, roasted sweet potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, sweet potato salad, tacos, and more! Bring them on! Today, I am sharing a FUN sweet potato recipe! If you like tra…

Sweet potatoes are in my top 5 foods of all-time! I love them so much! Sweet potato fries, roasted sweet potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, sweet potato salad, tacos, and more! Bring them on! Today, I am sharing a FUN sweet potato recipe! If you like traditional sweet potato casserole, you are going to love these…

The post Smashed Sweet Potatoes appeared first on Two Peas & Their Pod.

Wild Rice Salad with Mushrooms and Herbs

Friends, prepare yourselves for the ultimate flavor-packed, comfort-filled, fall-infused side: wild rice salad! This dish is our favorite kind: low effort, BIG reward! It’s simple to prepare but doesn’t skimp on flavor (hello mushrooms, hazelnuts, cran…

Wild Rice Salad with Mushrooms and Herbs

Friends, prepare yourselves for the ultimate flavor-packed, comfort-filled, fall-infused side: wild rice salad! This dish is our favorite kind: low effort, BIG reward! It’s simple to prepare but doesn’t skimp on flavor (hello mushrooms, hazelnuts, cranberries, and fresh herbs!)

Not only that, but it can be served warm or at room temperature — perfect for when those other holiday dishes are running a bit behind (please tell us we’re not the only ones)!

Wild Rice Salad with Mushrooms and Herbs from Minimalist Baker →

20 Thanksgiving Desserts to Wow Everyone

These Thanksgiving desserts are the most luscious, sumptuous treats for your table! Pick from ideas like pies, brownies, cheesecake and…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

These Thanksgiving desserts are the most luscious, sumptuous treats for your table! Pick from ideas like pies, brownies, cheesecake and more.

Thanksgiving desserts

Hunting for a stunning Thanksgiving dessert for your celebration? The holiday is the best time for pulling out all the stops with fall flavors to impress your guests. Here we’ve put together our top 20 fabulous Thanksgiving desserts that will wow everyone! Along with a few of our favorite recipes from this website, we’re featuring selections from two top baking experts: Jocelyn Delk Adams of Grandbaby Cakes and Tessa Arias of Handle the Heat. We know you’ll be blown away by the flavors of their no-fail baked recipes. Ready to get started?

And now…our top Thanksgiving desserts!

More Thanksgiving resources

There are so many tasty Thanksgiving recipes, it’s hard to know where to start! We’ve got ideas for every type of recipe, from sides to mains. Here are some of our top Thanksgiving ideas:

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Pumpkin Bread Pudding

20 Thanksgiving Desserts to Wow Everyone! Pumpkin Bread Pudding & More


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12

Description

This pumpkin bread pudding is the ideal Thanksgiving dessert! Drizzle the spiced pudding with bourbon butter sauce to take it over the top.


Ingredients

For the pumpkin bread pudding

  • 1 pound loaf sourdough or artisan bread (12 cups bread chunks)
  • 5 eggs
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 pinch salt

For the bourbon sauce

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup whole milk
  • ¼ cup salted butter
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter or grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cut or tear the bread into 1-inch squares. Place it in the baking dish and place in the preheating oven for 5 to 10 minutes until lightly dried but not browned.
  3. Meanwhile, whisk the eggs. Then whisk in the milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Pour it over the bread in the pan and mix it with your hands until fully coated.
  4. Place in the oven and bake 45 to 50 minutes, until it is puffed and golden and you can no longer see standing liquid. Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Make ahead: This recipe is great made ahead: make it day of and allow to sit at room temperature until serving, or make it 1 day in advance and refrigerate. If you’d like, you can crisp up the top by reheating it in a 350 degree oven until warmed.
  5. Make the bourbon sauce: Prior to serving, in a small saucepan, whisk together all bourbon sauce ingredients over medium heat. When it starts to simmer, simmer lightly bubbling for 3 minutes, maintaining the heat at medium to medium low so that it doesn’t bubble heavily. Once it turns golden brown at about 3 minutes, taste and make sure the flavor is caramelly with a hint of bourbon (the bite of the bourbon should be cooked out). Remove from the heat and strain it into a pitcher. Makes ¾ cup; make up to 3 days in advance, refrigerate, and warm over medium heat before serving. 
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Thanksgiving
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Keywords: Thanksgiving desserts, thanksgiving dessert recipes

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Easy Black Bean Hummus

This black bean hummus recipe is a fun spin on the classic dip! It’s tangy with a pop of lime…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

This black bean hummus recipe is a fun spin on the classic dip! It’s tangy with a pop of lime and irresistibly creamy.

Black bean hummus

Here’s a tasty dip that surprised us with its irresistibly creamy flavor: Black Bean Hummus! This spin on the traditional Mediterranean chickpea dip might sound fun, but here’s the thing. It tastes even better than it sounds! Yep, we polished this one off extremely quickly because it’s just that good. Black beans, lime, tahini and a bit of smoked paprika make creamy dip magic. The minute we tasted it, we knew we had to share it with you.

Ingredients for black bean hummus

Black bean hummus is a fusion spin that replaces black beans for the chickpeas in the classic Mediterranean dip. You can make it various ways, and use Latin American style flavors to make it like a cross between hummus and salsa. Here we’ve taken our Classic Hummus recipe and made two swaps: black beans for chickpeas and lime for lemon. That’s it! Here’s what you’ll need for homemade black bean hummus:

  • Garlic
  • Black beans
  • Lime juice
  • Tahini
  • Olive oil
  • Smoked paprika
  • Kosher salt

How to make it? Essentially blend all ingredients in a food processor until a creamy dip forms. See the recipe below for all the details! It’s a fantastic gluten-free and vegan appetizer recipe for entertaining guests of all different diets.

Black bean hummus recipe

Flavor add-ins

This black bean hummus comes out so creamy and delicious, with a flavor that’s extremely versatile. It doesn’t go heavy on the Mexican or Latin American flavors, so if you’d like you could customize it that way. Here are some ideas for adding in your own flair (or feel free to get creative):

  • 1 handful cilantro
  • Cumin or chili powder (start with ¼ teaspoon)
  • Jalapeno pepper for some heat

How to serve black bean hummus

Once you’ve whipped up that heavenly dip, let’s get to toppings and dippers! The one requirement: add pico de gallo or salsa fresca on top! It’s easy to find in the refrigerated section at most grocery stores, and it not only looks beautiful but adds a zing of acidity. Here are a few ideas for what to dip in:

What are you planning to dip into your black bean hummus? Let us know in the comments below! We are obsessed with this easy appetizer recipe, and we hope you will be too.

Black Bean Hummus

More black bean recipes

Black beans are one of the top staples in our pantry! Here are a few more tasty ways to use them in delicious meals:

This black bean hummus recipe is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

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Black bean hummus

Easy Black Bean Hummus


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 ½ cups
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This black bean hummus recipe is a fun spin on the classic dip! It’s tangy with a pop of lime and irresistibly creamy.


Ingredients

  • 1 small garlic clove
  • 1 15-­ounce can black beans
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • ¼ cup tahini
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Peel the garlic. Drain the black beans, but don’t rinse them. Juice the lime.
  2. Add the garlic to the bowl of a food processor and process until finely chopped. Add black beans, lime juice, tahini, smoked paprika and kosher salt. Puree for 15 seconds, then scrape down the bowl. Taste and if it’s too thick, add another drizzle of olive oil. Puree for additional minute until creamy.
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Food processor
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: Black bean hummus, black bean hummus recipe

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Green Beans Almondine

If you’re not one for green bean casserole, add this glossy green bean recipe to your Thanksgiving menu instead! It’s my twist on green beans almondine, or amandine in French. Though it sounds fancy, this classic French side dish is really …


If you’re not one for green bean casserole, add this glossy green bean recipe to your Thanksgiving menu instead! It’s my twist on green beans almondine, or amandine in French. Though it sounds fancy, this classic French side dish is really just green beans topped with sliced almonds. It’s remarkably simple and absolutely delicious. Green Beans Almondine Recipe Ingredients To make this green beans almondine recipe, you only need a few basic ingredients: Fresh green beans, of course! French haricots verts are best here, as they’re more tender than other varieties of string beans. Sliced almonds – Their nutty crunch […]

Butternut Squash Soup

The best butternut squash soup recipe I know! It’s super-easy to make, naturally gluten-free and vegan, and so incredibly cozy and delicious. Stovetop, Crock-Pot and Instant Pot instructions included. Is there a more quintessentially autumn meal than a cozy bowl of butternut squash soup? ♡ Well on a particularly chilly day this past weekend, we […]

The best butternut squash soup recipe I know! It’s super-easy to make, naturally gluten-free and vegan, and so incredibly cozy and delicious. Stovetop, Crock-Pot and Instant Pot instructions included.

Best Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

Is there a more quintessentially autumn meal than a cozy bowl of butternut squash soup?

Well on a particularly chilly day this past weekend, we made our millionth batch of my mom’s butternut soup recipe to share with some good friends who came over for dinner. And as always, this vibrant, healthy, velvety soup came through with all of the fall comfort food vibes and completely hit the spot. It’s just perfect this time of year!

The great thing about this butternut squash soup recipe too is that it happens to be naturally gluten-free and vegan, which makes it a wonderful option for hosting large groups (especially around the holidays). It’s easy to make in either the Instant Pot, Crock-Pot or on the stovetop (all options included below). It’s loaded up with lots of savory veggies and seasonings, plus a hint of sweetness thanks to the addition of one apple. And most importantly, it’s just incredibly comforting, flavorful and delicious.

I first shared this butternut soup recipe on the blog nearly a decade ago, but thought it was worth bumping back to the top of the site today for anyone who’s craving some lighter fall comfort food. Our family hopes that you enjoy it as much as we do!

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Thanksgiving Pomegranate Punch

This pomegranate Thanksgiving punch is vibrant and tastes irresistibly light and fruity! Pomegranate juice and citrus make magic. This post…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

This pomegranate Thanksgiving punch is vibrant and tastes irresistibly light and fruity! Pomegranate juice and citrus make magic.

Thanksgiving Punch

This post was created in partnership with POM Wonderful. All opinions are our own.

Here’s a punch recipe that caught us by surprise…because it’s even more delicious than it looks. Try this Thanksgiving Pomegranate Punch! This ruby red punch stars POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice and fresh citrus with a hint of maple syrup. It’s our favorite pomegranate juice to use in drinks and cocktails. Take one sip and it’s light, fruity, bubbly, and sweet tart: a true burst of refreshing flavors! Spike it or drink it non-alcoholic: either way, you won’t be able to stop sipping it (we couldn’t!).

Thanksgiving Punch

Ingredients for Thanksgiving punch

This Thanksgiving pomegranate punch is all about flavor and color! For entertaining recipes, you’ll want a stunning look and flavor: and this recipe delivers both. That eye-popping color of the POM Juice is beautiful and adds a big burst of sweet tart flavor. Even better, this recipe has no refined sugar. It’s a great alternative to punch recipes that call for sodas or added sweeteners! Here’s what you’ll need:

  • POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice
  • Lemons
  • Oranges
  • Soda water or club soda
  • Maple syrup
  • Bourbon, brandy or white rum (optional; see more below!)

Using pomegranate juice in cocktails

Pomegranate juice is ideal for cocktails because of its sweet tart flavor and antioxidant goodness. The best on the market, in our opinion, is POM Wonderful! Here’s why we love it:

  • It’s 100% juice. Each 16-ounce bottle of POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice contains the juice of four whole-pressed pomegranates and nothing else – no added sugar, fillers or preservatives.
  • The flavor is ideal for elevating cocktails. A little sweet and a little tart, it adds a unique burst of flavor to any drink recipe.
  • It adds antioxidants. Cocktails with POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice harness the antioxidant power of pomegranates.
Thanksgiving punch

Pick bourbon, brandy, or rum

Another great thing about this Thanksgiving pomegranate punch? You can make it with various types of liquor, and it tastes different with each. Here are our favorites, in order of preference:

  • Brandy: The fruity flavor of brandy is true perfection with the sweet tart pomegranate juice! This was Alex’s idea and while I doubted it at first, it was the clear winner. It complements the lightness of the fruit flavors perfectly!
  • Bourbon: Bourbon adds a cozier, warmer vibe and it’s more alcohol-forward. This one is ideal for bourbon lovers.
  • Rum: We can’t resist a good rum punch! White rum melds into the flavors and highlights the lighter characteristics of the pomegranate punch.

Make it spiked or non alcoholic!

This Thanksgiving pomegranate punch works spiked or non-alcoholic. It’s also customizable for both if you have people spike the drink after they ladle it out of the bowl. This offers the most flexibility, especially when serving kids and adults avoiding alcohol. You can essentially serve both an alcoholic and non-alcoholic punch at the same time!

  • Add the liquor right to the punch bowl. If everyone’s drinking, this is the way to go.
  • Or, spike the drink after ladling it out! The most versatile way to make Thanksgiving punch is to spike the drink after you ladle it out of the punch bowl. The best ratio is 1 ounces liquor to 6 ounces (¾ cup) punch.
  • Or, make it as a non-alcoholic punch! It’s just as good (really). In fact, we almost prefer it non-alcoholic: it’s so fruity and light.
Thanksgiving Punch

More pomegranate cocktails

There are so many ways to use POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice in cocktails! Here are a few more pomegranate drinks we love:

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Thanksgiving Punch

Thanksgiving Pomegranate Punch


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This pomegranate Thanksgiving punch is vibrant and tastes irresistibly light and fruity! Pomegranate juice and citrus make magic.


Ingredients

  • 48 ounces POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice (6 cups)
  • 2 large lemons, squeezed into juice (½ cup)
  • 4 to 5 large navel oranges, squeezed into juice (2 cups)
  • 24 ounces soda water (3 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 16 ounces bourbon, brandy or white rum, optional (2 cups)*
  • For the garnish: POM Wonderful Pomegranate Arils (seeds), mint, star anise, orange and lemon slices

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients together in a serving bowl, adding the soda water last.
  2. Top with garnishes and serve. (As a note, pomegranate arils sink to the bottom of a punch bowl. To keep them on top before serving, gently balance them on top of citrus wedges. They’ll settle to the bottom during serving.)

Notes

*You can also add the alcohol by the glass, so it works as non-alcoholic and alcoholic. Measure out 6 ounces (¾ cup) punch, then add 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) liquor of choice. Brandy was our favorite here: it makes the ideal light and fruity flavor. Bourbon is darker and cozier, and rum is on the lighter end.

  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Stirred
  • Cuisine: Punch

Keywords: Thanksgiving punch, Pomegranate punch

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

These Garlic Mashed Potatoes are simply heavenly! Creamy, richly flavorful and easy to make, they are the ultimate side dish to any meal! Easy enough for weeknight dinners, elegant enough for the holiday table. Vegan-adaptable and GF.

These Garlic Mashed Potatoes are simply heavenly! Creamy, flavorful and easy to make, they are the ultimate side dish to any meal! Easy enough for weeknight dinners, elegant enough for the holiday table. 
These Garlic Mashed Potatoes are simply heavenly! Creamy, richly flavorful and easy to make, they are the ultimate side dish to any meal! Easy enough for weeknight dinners, elegant enough for the holiday table. Vegan-adaptable and GF.

Easy Baked Chocolate Cheesecake (Vegan + GF)

Chocolate lovers, rejoice! Our beloved Easy Baked Cheesecake is a fan favorite (and for good reason), but there’s a new treat in town stealing our hearts: Chocolate Cheesecake! We already have No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecakes on the blog, but this new bak…

Easy Baked Chocolate Cheesecake (Vegan + GF)

Chocolate lovers, rejoice! Our beloved Easy Baked Cheesecake is a fan favorite (and for good reason), but there’s a new treat in town stealing our hearts: Chocolate Cheesecake! We already have No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecakes on the blog, but this new baked version really takes things to the next level. 

A perfectly tender chocolate cookie crust is topped with a rich, creamy, not-too-sweet chocolate cheesecake layer and fresh raspberry sauce.

Easy Baked Chocolate Cheesecake (Vegan + GF) from Minimalist Baker →

Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

There are few things I love more than a simple arugula salad. To his credit, Jack knows it. Not far from our house, there’s a little food market/sandwich shop that sells the BEST arugula. It’s crisp, tender, and perfectly peppery. Every tim…


There are few things I love more than a simple arugula salad. To his credit, Jack knows it. Not far from our house, there’s a little food market/sandwich shop that sells the BEST arugula. It’s crisp, tender, and perfectly peppery. Every time Jack goes out to get a sandwich for himself, he comes home with a box of arugula for me. I’ve used it to make all sorts of arugula salad recipes over the years (this one, this one, and this one, for starters), but lately, I’ve been especially smitten with this combination. I toss the arugula with a bright […]