Author: Angela Nightingale

‘Tis the season for giving! Luckily, giving goes in hand with receiving with a holiday cookie exchange. This cookie swap has become a popular and convenient way to bake up a batch of your favorite Christmas cookies for sharing—and to come home with a sweet variety.

We know Santa would give a jolly “ho-ho-ho!” if these eight festive cookie recipes made the cookie cut at your holiday cookie exchange… Continue reading "12 Sweet Christmas Cookie Exchange Recipes"

Christmas dinner is the highlight of the holiday season. Every family has their own traditional meal. Most in the United States have the big turkey dinner with all the fixings. Some also make a holiday ham with their turkey to feed all their guests. Some people go untraditional and instead make lamb or a fish dish.

Whatever your preference, we’ve rounded up a list of 12 easy meals you can make this upcoming holiday season. We included both traditional and non-traditional mains, as well as a few add-ons such as a recipe for delicious homemade gravy. Follow along for 12 easy Christmas dinner recipes that you can make this year.

12. Easy Lasagna

Warm, cheesy and filled with flavor, lasagna is another great and easy option for your upcoming holiday dinner. This one takes 45 minutes to prep and 45 minutes to bake. You can also easily double this recipe and make two casseroles if you’re serving a larger crowd.

To begin to make this recipe you’ll need ground beef, pork sausage, onion, green pepper, condensed tomato soup, eggs, and mushroom stems. Some of the seasonings include Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and garlic powder. It’s key to also layer in multiple different types of cheese including cottage cheese, ricotta, Parmesan and mozzarella.

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11. Christmas Salad

This Christmas salad is the perfect side dish to pair with any main course at your upcoming holiday gathering. It could even work as a main course if you have any vegans or vegetarians attending your event. This particular salad starts with a kale base and is topped with delicious add-ins to give its holiday flavor. Think apple slices, crunchy pecans and sweet pomegranate arils.

This recipe is a welcome healthy addition to any holiday table spread. You can also feel free to experiment with this recipe depending on your preferences. Try oranges instead of apples, or blue cheese instead of feta!

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10. Homemade Gravy

No matter what meat you opt for as your main course this holiday season, be sure to make a homemade gravy to go alongside it. From classic turkey, chicken, pork, or beef, savory gravy can transform any dish into something memorable that your guests will not forget.

While gravy from a can may be easier, your guests will be impressed if you make it homemade, and it’s surprisingly easy to do.
All you need for homemade gravy is drippings, fat, flour, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. It’s an easy, foolproof recipe that’s ready in 5 minutes and will leave a lasting impression.

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9. Roast Beef

Ultra juicy roast beef topped with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper — what sounds better for the holidays? While turkey and ham may be your initial first idea for Christmas dinner this year, roast beef is another great option. While roast beef may seem intimidating at the first, it’s actually very easy.

The key is to ensure the meat you’re purchasing is high quality. Next, get creative with your seasonings. Sage, parsley, oregano, thyme and rosemary are a few popular options when it comes to roast beef. Lastly, allow the beef to roast slowly in the oven until done. Slice and enjoy!

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8. Classic Roast Turkey

What would Thanksgiving be without a roast turkey? This is your classic turkey recipe for the holidays. While turkey can seem intimidating at first, this recipe will give you a step by step guide for a delicious and surprisingly easy way to tackle this seasonal tradition.

After big holidays, you can also buy turkeys on sale at the grocery store and keep them in the freezer. Every so often pull one out and either roast it or cut it into pieces and use it like you would chicken. You can find them at great prices so it’s a good way to save money.

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7. Stuffed Turkey Roll

If you’re having a smaller group this year for Thanksgiving, it might be a good idea to consider a stuffed turkey roll instead of a traditional large turkey. It’s a great seasonal dish to make if you’re only feeding 2-3 people. If you’re hosting more people, you can always just double or triple the recipe.

This unique stuffed turkey breast has some special flavors that are perfect to compliment the season. It’s got a cranberry, apricot, and pistachio stuffing which gives tangy, savory flavor in every bite. Your guests will be so impressed with this delicious turkey roll recipe. Enjoy!

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6. Pistachio Crusted Lamb

If you like lamb for the holidays, this pistachio crusted lamb is a great option. The pistachios are a beautiful green color, which make a great holiday theme for Christmas. You could easily turn this recipe into a crown roast by buying two racks of lamb and tying it together with string.

The even better news? This recipe only takes 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook, meaning you can definitely whip this up if you’re in a pinch. The crust is filled with beautiful flavors such as pistachios, Parmesan cheese, rosemary, and olive oil that your guests will definitely love.

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5. Cranberry Glazed Duck Breast

Duck is a great option if you’re having an intimate Christmas dinner and don’t want to cook a huge turkey. This sweet and sour duck recipe combination is beautiful. It makes a really impressive special occasion dish but it’s actually easy to make. The cranberry glaze is really festive.

While duck may seem intimidating at first, rest assured that this recipe is incredibly easy to pull off. It’s easy to cook and looks amazing on a holiday table. Duck meat is naturally rich in flavor and pairs perfectly with a fruity sauce. This particular sauce only requires three ingredients: honey, balsamic vinegar, and dried cranberries.

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4. Roast Pork With Crackling

This roast pork dish is really impressive. Crackling isn’t an easy thing to make, so your guests will be extra surprised when you bring this to the table. This recipe is a good method for foolproof crackling. It includes tips and tricks, like using foil balls to level the pork skin to ensure the perfect crispy crackle all over.

This recipe is a guaranteed hit, especially when paired with homemade gravy. If you’re feeling a little more experimental this holiday season, this crackled pork recipe is definitely worth a try! You and your guests will not be disappointed at its tender yet crispy texture.

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3. Roast Turkey Breast

Cooking a turkey breast for Christmas is a great option if you’re feeding only a few people, and if you all like dark meat. It’s cheaper than buying the whole turkey and you get exactly what you want. You can find them in the frozen section of your large supermarkets around the holiday season.

You still have all the benefits of turkey with its crispy skin and tender meat without the hassle of cooking an entire bird. Pair this with some homemade gravy, creamy mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and green beans, and you have a delicious holiday spread that all your guests will love.

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2. Honey Ham

Honey hams are a classic Christmas dinner option. Baked honey hams are the perfect party food. They’re salty, delicious and a classic that you can’t go wrong with. This honey ham recipe is glazed with the delicious flavors of pineapple juice and basted with a buttery, sticky glaze. Juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside, you can’t go wrong with this honey ham recipe!

Another good tip is that you can find good quality and very affordable hams after the holidays are over. They’re great to have in your freezer for Sunday dinners any time of the year.

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1. Easy Baked Salmon

Salmon is definitely a non traditional Christmas dinner. It is common is the coastal States, but uncommon in the central ones. Regardless of where you’re located, salmon is a delicious and healthy option for your holiday dinner that you may not have previously considered.

This particular salmon recipe uses a no-fail method to bake the fish. It’s made with lemon and garlic which gives the fish a wonderful flavor and is baked in the oven for a delicious flaky finish. This recipe is delicious and definitely works well as a holiday main course that your guests won’t be expecting. Enjoy!

The post 12 Easy Christmas Dinner Recipes appeared first on Forkly.

Christmas breakfast and brunch are a great family tradition. Christmas morning is chaotic, with children waking up early to see what Santa has brought them. It can be hard to find time for a good breakfast when you’re busy unwrapping presents and getting ready for guests later that day. We love the idea of a Christmas brunch family tradition, where everyone has to sit down and eat together. To make breakfast faster, and still special, we adore casseroles and quick recipes.

We’re sharing some of the best Christmas breakfast and brunch recipes. What is your Christmas morning tradition? Continue reading "12 Christmas Breakfast and Brunch Recipes"

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and people are planning their menus. Many families celebrate with a multiple course dinner, starting with soup. This is the perfect opportunity to kick your dinner off on a high note. We love mixing up the flavors and putting in something unexpected. All these recipes were submitted by people like you. What are you serving this Thanksgiving?

1. Spiced Pumpkin Carrot and Sweet Potato Soup

This classic spiced pumpkin carrot and sweet potato soup has all the flavors of Thanksgiving in one delicious bowl. The richness of the squash makes this a perfect meal on its own. The sweet pumpkin works beautifully with the meaty mushrooms.

If you have guests attending that are following specific diets, you’ll be relieved to know this recipe is gluten free, vegetarian and can easily be whole 30, paleo and vegan friendly with a few minor tweaks. Serve this soup warm and drizzle spicy chipotle oil on top for a delicious extra kick. A great extra addition would be bacon sprinkled over top.

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2. Asparagus Soup

This vibrant green asparagus soup is creamy and a little spicy. It will blow you away! Asparagus can be hard to find this time of year. When buying a bundle of asparagus in store, check for flexibility and color. They should have a bit of give but shouldn’t be too wobbly. If you can’t find fresh asparagus, frozen is the next best thing. They flash freeze it so it should be just as tasty as fresh.

An amazing part about this recipe is that while the consistency is creamy, it actually contains no cream! Potatoes are the secret ingredient that gives this dish its smooth consistency.

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3. Slow Cooker Baked Potato Soup

This warming soup has all the pieces of a delicious baked potato. The slow cooker instructions means you will have extra room on your stove. We love to top this with baked potato fixings, including cheese and bacon. It’s a warming soup that’s quite filling. If you’re using this as a first course, make sure you give out small portions.

It’s thick, creamy and flavourful, but actually uses no heavy cream, which is a major health bonus. It only requires 20 minutes of prep time and then you can simply let it cook for for 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low.

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4. Minestrone Soup

There’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of homemade minestrone soup! This classic Italian soup is warm and filling and surprisingly easy to make. It’s the perfect meal for a busy evening in the chillier fall and winter months.

The ingredients can vary, so you could even use your leftover vegetables for this dish to make things even easier. This minestrone soup is packed with protein thanks to ingredients such as red kidney beans and great northern beans. The recipe even claims that is better than Olive Garden’s! They claim the secret ingredient is their homemade sundried tomato pesto which adds so much flavor and punch to this meal.

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5. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Perhaps one of the most popular soups during the fall is a classic butternut squash soup. Roasting the squash is key with this recipe since it helps to intensify the flavor and bring out the natural sugar and caramelized flavors. Another big bonus with this soup recipe is that it has a surprisingly short ingredient list.

Top this hearty soup with candied pumpkin seeds for a special touch. It’s packed with delicious fall flavours such as cinnamon and ginger flavor, which add a great spicy contrast to this thick soup. If you want your soup thinner, just add hot vegetable stock to taste.

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6. Cleansing Detox Soup

Fall is a time when we get back into our regular routines, so why not start by cleansing your body and filling it will all the good nutrients it needs to give you lots of energy?! This cleansing detox soup is perfect during the cooler months with its immune-boosting ingredients such as crisp lemon juice, zingy ginger, bright turmeric, warm cinnamon, and a dash of spicy cayenne.

It also contains ingredients rich in nutrients and known for their detoxifying properties such as kale, broccoli, celery and carrots. This specific recipe is strictly vegetables and doesn’t contain any rice or noodles, which makes it easily digestible and wholesome.

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7. Creamy Broccoli White Bean Soup

We love how green this beautiful creamy broccoli white bean soup is! It would be the perfect start to a festive meal or a delicious snack on a chilly fall or winter day. Best of all? It can be made in less than 30 minutes total!

The soup base is made simply to bring out the true flavor of the broccoli. To top it off, white beans are added to give dimension to the dish. It’s naturally vegan and packed with health benefits from all the vegetables such as vitamins K and C, folic acid, potassium, iron, magnesium and fiber.

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8. Lobster Bisque

Change it up this autumn with a great seafood soup! This lobster bisque dish would be unexpected but your guests will be amazed at the hearty and delicious flavors. Our first Thanksgiving probably had lobsters served, so pay homage with this dish. If fresh lobster is too expensive, look for cold pack canned lobster. You can find it in the freezer section in large grocery stores.

This recipe is creamy, rich and filled with chunks of lobster meat that will have your family and guests thinking you got it from an acclaimed restaurant. Rich and flavorful, this lobster bisque is beyond satisfying.

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9. French Onion Soup

We adore this cheesy, warming french onion soup. The caramelized onions in the broth will be the perfect start to a meal. This soup is amazingly easy to make and yet packed a heck of a punch with the flavor. French onion soup is a classic that you can never go wrong with. You’ll need just 10 minutes of prep and 50 minutes to cook, which makes this recipe take an hour total.

It’s simple, just an onion, and old piece of bread, and some cheese make this soup. Cutting your onion in different shapes change the flavor of this soup, so experiment to find your preference.

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10. Maple Sweet Cream Potato Soup

Consider this maple cream sweet potato soup the Pumpkin Spice Latte of soups. It screams Autumn, is so smooth and creamy and warms your soul. This recipe is a perfect starter for Thanksgiving dinner, but also works wonderfully as a warm meal for any time during the fall and winter months.

While this soup does contain cream, it’s also packed with many nutritious and health-boosting ingredients such as sweet potatoes, maple syrup, cinnamon and cayenne. This recipe also gives instructions for delicious cheddar-stuffed twists that pair perfectly with all the autumn flavors of the soup. Creamy and savory with a little touch of sweetness, what could be better?

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11. Creamy Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup

If you’re looking for something a little different for your taste buds, why not try this creamy green chile chicken enchilada soup? It’s made in a slow cooker which means minimal prep time and the perfect meal to make when you’re having a busy week.

If creamy soups tend to scare you due to their heaviness, you don’t have to worry with this soup! This recipe is packed with protein but surprisingly light, thanks to the addition of Greek yogurt and low fat cream cheese. It’s smooth and rich with a hint of tang that will have all your guests asking for the recipe.

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12. Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

Are you a fan of rice in your soup? Then this is the autumn soup recipe for you! This cozy autumn wild rice soup is made with fresh seasonal vegetables and greens, combined with hearty wild rice, and a zesty broth. Whether you’re looking to make this on the stove-top, in your Instant Pot, or in a slow cooker, this soup works with all options.

A seasonal blend of mushrooms, garlic, sweet potato, carrots, celery, and onion comprise this delicious recipe. These flavors blend perfectly with the hearty wild rice, which is also lower in calories and and higher in protein than many comparable rice flavors, which is a huge bonus!

The post Autumn Soups: Top 12 Seasonal Soups appeared first on Forkly.

Fall is an amazing time for home cooked food. You can still get summer vegetables, but you also get the benefit of fresh Autumn foods too. It can be hard to even think about turning your oven on in the hot summer. With the cold weather, all we want are some comforting dishes that will warm us up.

Curl up with a glass of hot chocolate and munch on these 25 delicious Fall dishes. All of these dishes were submitted from users like you!

25. Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta

This roasted butternut squash recipe is sweet and buttery with a zing of flavor from the cranberries. It works perfectly to serve as a side dish for your upcoming Thanksgiving dinner, or any night of the week during the fall. This dish can also be made without the cranberries for a more classic butternut squash flavor.

To make this recipe you’ll need a few simple ingredients including butternut squash, fresh cranberries, feta, honey, olive oil, cinnamon, garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste and parsley to garnish. This sweet and savory dish will be a guaranteed hit at your next holiday gathering.

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24. Baked Stuffed Pumpkin

Enjoy the flavors of the season with this healthy stuffed pumpkin dish. This dish even doubles as a cute decor piece since you use the pumpkin itself to as the serving dish. Best of all, these adorable stuffed pumpkins are completely edible too, making them a unique and fun dish.

To make the filling for this recipe the key ingredients you’ll need are mushrooms, spinach, and cheese. You’ll also need butter, shallots, salt and pepper, garlic, heavy cream, nutmeg and a French demi-baguette. This delicious recipe is vegetarian friendly and works as the perfect side dish for your next upcoming Thanksgiving or holiday gathering.

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23. Spicy Cornbread

If cornbread is a staple at your Thanksgiving dinner, why not try this spicy cornbread for something different? This is a great classic cornbread recipe, with a bit of a twist. Green onions and large jalapenos are added into the batter to give a zesty flavor. You can also easily use more or less jalapeno peppers depending on your spice preference.

This recipe is light and fluffy but super moist and packed with the bold flavors of sharp cheddar cheese and jalapeno. While this recipe would work perfectly your upcoming Thanksgiving meal, it also would taste perfect as a side with a bowl of chili or soup in the fall.

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22. Zucchini Gratin

Take advantage of fresh seasonal produce and make this beautiful and delicious zucchini gratin dish for Thanksgiving! The flavors of the fresh veggies pair so nicely with the warm notes of thyme, and Parmesan. This may just become your new favorite side dish and one that your guests will most definitely ask the recipe for.

It’s healthy, low carb, gluten-free and only requires a few simple ingredients. The ingredients needed are zucchini (of course), sea salt, black pepper, brie cheese, heavy cream, almond milk, butter, garlic, sharp shredded cheese, and Italian seasoning. Even better news? It requires only 10 minutes of prep!

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21. Wild Rice With Squash, Spinach and Fig

The thing about wild rice is that it’s really much better as a component in a rice “medley.” Use equal parts long-grain brown rice and wild rice in this dish. The wild rice is nice and chewy, which gives a great contrast of textures. This dish is bursting with warm fall flavors of squash and chestnuts which pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the figs.

This recipe is also incredibly healthy, which is a major bonus in our books! It’s very low in saturated fat, zero cholesterol, high in dietary fiber, high in magnesium and high in vitamin A and vitamin C.

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20. Warm Tomato Onion and Feta Salad

This toasty salad is great to warm you up on a brisk Autumn day or a chilly winter evening. Onions and tomatoes are roasted with thyme for a delicious and robust flavor. The salad is dressed simply with balsamic vinegar and brown sugar, but the roast tomatoes blend to help create the tasty dressing flavor.

This warm salad dish works well as a side dish, but you could also top with some chicken or tofu to make it a filling main dish. You could also try different roast vegetables to make your own signature warm salad. Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves and salt and serve warm.

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19. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Without a doubt, mashed potatoes are one of the favorite side dishes ever created. You can serve them with almost anything, cover them with cheese, gravy, or just eat them plain. You can whip them up with skins on, or make the traditional skin off kind. There are so many ways to enjoy this simple side dish.

This version is made with the skin on, to keep the nutrients, and lots of garlic and fresh herbs to give them tons of flavor! They’re also made in a slow cooker which means they are ridiculously easy to make and require little prep time.

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18. Healthier Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is a classic side dish when it comes to Thanksgiving and the holidays. I’d recommend it for a side dish during a turkey dinner, but it could go well with any type of roasted meat dish. Feel free to experiment with the ingredients!

This delicious green bean casserole goes great with just about anything and is a healthier alternative than the traditional version of this dish that you might be used to. The reason this dish is healthier than your typical green bean casserole is because its made from scratch and avoids the canned creamy soup, frozen green beans, and packaged fried onions.

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17. Stuffed Butternut Squash

Stuffed butternut squash is a delicious and simple side dish that’s perfect for your next family gathering. You can use any squash for this recipe. Zucchini would be great in the summer, while butternut and acorn are great in the Fall. You could even use a large pumpkin. Serve it in the middle of the table for a great centerpiece and dish in one.

This particular stuffed butternut squash is filled with autumnal flavors such as quinoa, cranberries and kale. This dish has nourishing ingredients that are healthy for your body and the recipe is also vegetarian-friendly, which is a big bonus!

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16. Glazed Carrots

Warm carrots are another common side dish that make their way to the annual Thanksgiving or holiday dinner table. If you’re looking to have a shorter prep time for your carrot dish, consider using baby carrots this year! You can also use big carrots, but be sure to cut them into even pieces for cooking.

This particular carrot recipe is glazed with brown sugar and butter, which compliments the carrots perfectly. The carrots become very tender with this recipe and melt in your mouth. Even your pickiest eater will be saying “yum!” when they try this delicious side dish recipe.

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15. Scalloped Potatoes

There always needs to be some sort of potato dish when it comes to a Thanksgiving or holiday gathering. It’s common to see mashed potatoes as this side dish, but why not change it up this year with a delicious scalloped potato recipe? This dish is just how grandma used to make it.

The scalloped potatoes are rich and creamy, and a perfect side dish to a roasted ham during the holidays. You could also easily switch up the flavors with different cheeses. Cheddar is classic, but goat cheese or Parmesan would be delicious too! This dish is the ultimate comfort food.

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14. Creamed Corn

Instead of traditional corn for Thanksgiving, why not switch things up with this delicious recipe? This creamed corn is impossibly rich, creamy and buttery. It’s so decadent and it’s good both warm and room-temperature, which makes it a perfect, hassle-free side dish to any meal. You could also try adding chopped green chilies to give it a little kick!

To make this recipe you’ll need frozen corn kernels, butter, heavy cream, cream cheese, ricotta, sugar, flour, and seasonings. This specific recipe is made in a slow cooker which makes the cooking process even easier! Garnish with green onions and bacon.

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13. Roasted Root Vegetables

Enjoy the bounty of the fall season with this amazing roasted root vegetable side dish. Sweet potato, red potatoes, carrots, red beets, golden beets, butternut squash and fennel are all roasted together with delicious seasoning such as rosemary, oregano, sage, thyme and parsley. The natural sugars caramelize and create a delicious dish that also looks gorgeous with all the deep autumn colours of the root vegetables.

This comforting dish is perfect for the cooler months and is packed with vitamins, nutrients and fiber. It’s also very friendly to many different types of diets and lifestyles including vegan, paleo, Whole-30 friendly and sugar-free!

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12. Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a delicious side dish for any season, but with the addition of cranberries and apples, this coleslaw is ready for thanksgiving supper. Filled with fresh apples, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and green onions, this coleslaw is crunchy, sweet, and so tasty! It combines classic fall flavors in a way that you may have never thought of before.

The tangy dressing pairs perfectly with this combination of flavors and is surprisingly easy to make. For the dressing you’ll need lowfat mayo, plain yogurt, honey and dried, ground ginger. Simply pour the dressing over the mixed ingredients and stir until evenly coated.

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11. Marinated Tomatoes Salad

In the time it takes you to heat up some frozen veggies for dinner, you can have this fresh and tasty marinated tomato side dish on the table and ready to go! Tomatoes soak up flavor quickly with some fresh herbs, garlic and olive oil and help create a dish worth repeating! This dish is effortless to throw together and only requires a handful of ingredients.

This dish is also totally customizable. The recipe suggests using red wine vinegar as the base of the dressing, but you could also mix it up with a balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar.

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10. Roasted Cauliflower

Who knew cauliflower could taste so good? Roasting the cauliflower brings out a delicious nuttiness and the lemon and garlic adds to the fun! Roasted cauliflower also has a very similar texture to potatoes without all the heavy carbs! Your entire family will enjoy it and you won’t have to beg anyone to finish their vegetables.

The seasonings are really what make this dish so unique and tasty. It’s well-seasoned with garlic, black pepper, paprika, and Parmesan, which pair together deliciously. This tasty recipe will only take you 10 minutes to prep and can be garnished with parsley before serving.

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9. Cranberry Walnut Salad

This light apple and cranberry salad is the perfect side dish for roast chicken or a beautiful pork chop. The ingredients are simple, but that’s what makes them delicious. Walnuts, feta and cranberries are added to lettuce. Each bite has the tangy cranberries and nutty walnuts paired with red and green apple slices, which combine together into the ideal fall flavor palette.

The dressing for this salad is also homemade and pairs perfectly with the ingredients. To make this dressing you’ll need apple juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, black pepper and oil. Your guests will have you asking for this salad on repeat every year!

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8. Black Beans and Rice

Rice is a classic side dish, but why not make your rice side dishes a little more exciting and protein-packed by adding black beans? This recipe pairs perfectly with nearly every type of meat whether its turkey, sausage, chicken or pork. It’s versatile, easy to make and inexpensive. What could be better?

To make this recipe you’ll need olive oil, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, white rice, reduced-sodium chicken broth, cumin, canned black beans, and salt and pepper to taste. This combination also works perfectly as a base to other recipes such as tacos or burrito bowls and stays well in the fridge as leftovers.

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7. Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Are you scared of Brussels sprouts? Don’t be anymore! This recipe has turned many a sprout hater into a sprout lover. Why not give it a try? Plus, not only is it tasty, they are really good for you! This brussels sprouts recipe makes the perfect flavorful side dish and can easily be whipped up in less than 30 minutes.

The seasoning on this side dish is made with a mixture of balsamic, honey and Dijon mustard. This combination not only adds a hint of sweetness, but also enhances the flavor and adds some caramelization on the sprouts. Serve and enjoy!

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6. Pumpkin Fried Rice

If you’re a pumpkin fanatic, then you will love this pumpkin fried rice dish. The flavor of pumpkin is combined with onion and soy for a savory flavor that’s unlike anything you’ve tried before. When it comes to the ingredients, the recipe suggests using a sugar pumpkin and kabocha squash since they still hold their firmness during roasting.

A few other ingredients you’ll need include shiitake mushrooms, basmati, jasmine, or long-grain rice, vegetable oil, 1 chopped shallot, 1 scallion, and salt and pepper to taste. This delicious meal celebrates all the flavors of the season in an unexpected way. Enjoy!

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5. Chickpea and Feta Salad

This chickpea and feta salad is the perfect side dish for your next upcoming gathering. This healthy Mediterranean salad uses chickpeas as the base. These beans are packed with protein and are very healthy. They are also really delicious too! This recipe also contains avocado, which is a healthy fat full of nutrients.

To make this recipe you’ll need chickpeas, 2 diced avocados, chopped parsley, green onion, feta cheese, lime juice and salt and pepper to taste. Try this side dish beside spicy chicken to give a refreshing balance to the meal. Your guests will be so impressed with this delicious dish.

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4. Zucchini Oven Chips

These flavorful, crispy zucchini chips are so delicious that, just like their potato counterparts, I bet you won’t be able to eat just one! They’re a healthy side dish for just about any meal. Use this same technique on different vegetables to see what chips you can come up with.

This is the perfect healthy snack to have out on the coffee table for your guests to snack on throughout the night. For this specific recipe you’ll need 4 cups of thinly sliced zucchini, extra virgin olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, and coarse sea salt. Best of all? One serving is just 40 calories!

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3. Roasted Beet Orange Salad with Pistachios and Feta

A quality salad is key to a well-rounded Thanksgiving or holiday dinner spread. The trick when using less ingredients for a quality salad is to pick great quality ones. This specific recipe uses beets, fresh oranges, shallots, pistachios and feta cheese to give its delicious flavor. When looking for beets, make sure the leaves are firm and not wilted. Also choose similar sized beets so that they cook evenly.

To begin, toss the beets with olive oil, orange juice and salt. Roast, then sprinkle on your shallots, and continue to roast. Top with oranges, pistachios, feta cheese and chives. Serve warm, room temp or chilled.

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2. Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

You may typically associate pasta salad as a side dish you’d bring to a summer barbeque, but there is certainly a way to change up this classic recipe to make it work for the cooler months. This delicious deviled egg pasta salad will give you all the nostalgia of summer in a unique way.

This recipe is a play on the classic deviled egg. It uses mayonnaise, mustard, hard boiled eggs, and pickle relish to really get the authentic flavors. As an extra touch, the top is dusted with paprika. This tasty recipe is quick, delicious and ready in 30 minutes!

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1. Tuscan Baked Beans

There’s nothing better than a hot pot of baked beans on a cold Autumn day. This Tuscan baked beans recipe takes a fresh approach to the classic barbecue side dish. It works perfectly for a Thanksgiving or holiday side dish and is a classic that never gets old.

To begin this recipe you’ll need brown onion, celery, garlic, tomato paste, whole peeled tomatoes, beans, fresh thyme, and kale or spinach. You can easily serve this baked beans dish beside fish, chicken, pork, or beef. You could also serve it as an appetizer with crunchy sourdough bread and crispy prosciutto to top it off!

The post Fall Side Dish Recipes: 25 Unique Ideas! appeared first on Forkly.

Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends to come together and share the bounty of the season, and of course to give thanks for what we have. It usually involves a big meal complete with all the seasonal favorites like turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes. This year, spice up your meal with a few extra dishes that will knock the socks off your dinner guests and have them asking for seconds and thirds!

1. Carrot and Ginger Soup

Upgrade your typical carrot soup by adding some extra flavor! This carrot ginger soup concoction from Simply Recipes is a fall time comfort food that will be the perfect addition to Thanksgiving dinner. Plus, the hint of ginger will be a pleasant surprise for guests that will have them looking for seconds.

Not only is the soup tasty, but it’s also healthy and easy to make. This recipe yields up to five servings and takes just 45 minutes to prepare. The writer recommends pureeing the soup until it’s perfectly smooth and add salt to taste. Garnish with some chives, parsley, or fennel and serve!

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2. The Best Turkey

It’s no secret that turkey is often the main event on Thanksgiving Day. As good as it tastes, preparing a turkey can also be really overwhelming! It’s a day long affair that can be stressful and confusing if you don’t know what you’re doing. Luckily, this easy to follow recipe takes the complication out of turkey cooking.

This recipe requires no brining or basting. It also provides a helpful graphic telling you how long to cook (and how many servings) the turkey depending on its weight. For instance, you can serve a 12 pound turkey in less than four hours with just 20 minutes of prep time.

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3. Dijon Maple Green Beans with Caramelized Pecans, Bacon and Feta

Green beans can have a reputation for being the least favorite food on the dinner table — but there’s no reason why that should be the case! You can customize green beans to taste delectable and addicting simply by following this 15 minute recipe.

This three part recipe quickly guides you through cooking the beans, dijon maple sauce, and garnish from scratch. If you’re a big fan of the Dijon flavor, feel free to double the amount used in the recipe for extra taste. The red pepper flakes, caramelized pecans, and bacon will add a variety of crunch as well.

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4. Slow Cooker Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

Not all dishes on Thanksgiving Day have to be high maintenance and time consuming. Instead, you can opt for some recipes that let your slow cooker do the work! This scalloped potatoes recipe is an excellent one to consider since it uses both Yukon gold potatoes and sweet potatoes — guaranteeing a fusion of flavor with each bite.

After just 20 minutes of hands-on preparation, set the slow cooker to HIGH for two and a half hours or. You’ll know the dish is ready once the potatoes are tender. Allow some Parmesan cheese to melt on the top before serving and you’re good to go.

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5. Baked Acorn Squash with Brown Sugar and Pecans

Strike a balance between toasted and sweet by serving up these baked acorn squash slices. The caramelized brown sugar and toasted pecans pair perfectly together. And with a splash of cayenne, its taste will also offer a bit of a kick.

If you’re short on time on Thanksgiving Day, then no worries. This recipe can be prepped in advance so all you will have to do on the big day is serve. It takes 10 minutes to prep, 25 minutes to cook and yields six servings. You can simply multiple the ingredients if you’re in need of more slices. Enjoy!

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6. Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake

You can’t forget the dessert on Thanksgiving Day. It’s the finale to your main course and ends the night on a sweet note, which is why you have to include some fan favorites. One ingredient to include on the dessert table is pumpkin, specifically through this pumpkin swirl cheesecake recipe.

This combination of pumpkin pie and cheesecake is creamy and even a bit spicy thanks to the gingersnap. Plus, it only takes about 15 minutes to prep and half an hour to bake in the oven. Just let it sit for at least an hour before serving. The marble swirl is also aesthetically pleasing and is a definite way to score some presentation points.

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7. Garlic Parmesan Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes

One of the quintessential sides to serve on Thanksgiving Day is mashed potatoes. Its creamy texture and melt-in-your-mouth buttery flavor pairs well with just about everything else at the dinner table. But if you’re looking for a way to elevate this classic dish, then check out this recipe from Cafe Delites.

The recipe includes browned butter and garlic parmesan. The browned butter adds a fried nutty taste, while the garlic parmesan provides an extra hint of flavor. Taking the time to prepare the browned butter will take this dish to the next level and your guests will definitely appreciate you for it!

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8. Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Would it be a proper Thanksgiving Day meal without serving up cranberry sauce? This sweet side adds extra flavor to the turkey, potatoes, stuffing, and everything else you serve. Instead of cracking open a can of ready-made cranberry sauce, take the extra time to make your own homemade version.

This recipe uses just five ingredients and takes just five minutes to prepare. Consider adding in some cinnamon sticks, vanilla extract, or black peppercorns to further customize your cranberry sauce. All you have to do is throw everything into your slow cooker and let it cook either on high heat for up to four hours or low heat for up to eight hours.

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9. Browned Butter Sweet Potato Casserole

There is nothing quite like a sweet potato casserole. The sweetness of the potato and marshmallow topping is heaven for anyone in need of a sugar fix, while the pecan and corn flake provides a hearty crunch that will leave you craving more.

This recipe, which includes brown butter as an ingredient, can be whipped up in just over two hours. You also have the option to make it in advance and bake it on Thanksgiving Day. Simply refrigerate the casserole and make sure not to add the corn flake topping until you’re ready to put it in the oven.

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10. Apple Cranberry Bacon Candied Walnut Salad with Apple Poppyseed Vinaigrette

Looking for make a salad that looks as good as it tastes? Then look no further than this recipe from Carlsbad Cravings. This apple salad aims to please with a balanced mix of sweet and savory ingredients. From cranberries to walnuts to bacon to feta, this salad is the perfect choice for Thanksgiving.

Another factor as to why this salad is so mouthwatering is because of the homemade apple poppy seed dressing. Its made of apple cider vinegar, honey, sugar, and other ingredients that come to together for a burst of flavor. The best part is the entire dish takes just 10 minutes to prep and serves up to eight people.

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11. “Stuffins” Stuffing Muffins

Stuffing is a must-have on Thanksgiving Day, but what if there was a more interesting way to serve it this year? That’s easy to do with these stuffing muffin or “stuffins” Forkly recipe! It tells you step by step how to cook up stuffins into perfectly bite sized muffins.

Stuffins have the same flavor you know and love, but you don’t need a fork to eat them. This recipe takes 20 minutes to prep, about half an hour to cook, and yields 12 servings. Make all the stuffins even sized is easy since you’ll be using a muffin tin to make them.

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12. Autumn Vegetable Sheet Pan

What’s easier than throwing all your ingredients onto a baking sheet and tossing it in the oven? Nothing, really. That’s why this Forkly autumn vegetable sheet pan recipe is a must-do this year for Thanksgiving. From sweet potato to acorn squash to cinnamon seasoning, there is a ton of flavor packed into this recipe.

All you have to do is chop up your veggies, place them on the pan, and drizzle with olive oil. Make sure to toss the ingredients around about half way through to ensure it’s evenly cooked. Let it cool for a bit before serving and bon appetit!

The post 12 Mouthwatering Recipes for the Perfect Thanksgiving Dinner appeared first on Forkly.

Christmas is the perfect time of year to reconnect with family and friends. It’s time to take a few days off and just relax with your loved ones. We love Christmas parties and throwing intricate dinners together, but you don’t want all that work at Christmas. We found 12 great Christmas appetizer ideas that are quick, easy and – most importantly – taste wonderful. Don’t slave away in the kitchen this holiday season – check out these fast and fabulous appetizer recipes below:

Continue reading "Easy Christmas Appetizer Recipes: 12 Great Ideas!"