I’m not exactly pumpkin spice-crazy, but I do loved some autumn-spiced treats, like mulled cider. Flavored with orange, fresh ginger and whole nutmeg, this recipe is kid-friendly, perfect for a Halloween party and also a great way to enjoy the end of a chilly fall day. If kids aren’t around spiced rum is optional and…
SIMPLE TURKEY STOCK
Stock is one of the best homemade things you can make in your kitchen. I make this stock recipe using the leftover parts my butcher has broken down from a whole 12-pound turkey – the back, neck, the wing tips and the giblets. Rather than throwing them away I ask the butcher to save them….
CRANBERRY GINGER COMPOTE
My take on traditional cranberry sauce, this compote gets a kick from freshly grated ginger. Cranberry sauces usually contain a large amount of granulated sugar, which led me to develop my own version sweetened with fresh apple cider and maple syrup. Cranberry Ginger Compote makes 2 cups Ingredients 12 ounces fresh cranberries (1 bag) 1/2…
ROASTED SWEET POTATOES
Sweet yet earthy in taste, these versatile roasted sweet potatoes are an essential for your cold weather kitchen repertoire. Delicious plain or dressed with a little butter and maple syrup, you can treat the roasted orange flesh as you would pumpkin purée. Mix roasted sweet potatoes into cooked oatmeal, serve them with milk and butter…
CITRUS FRENCH TOAST
Every Christmas Eve before bed my mom preps French toast for Christmas Day breakfast. This make-ahead French toast sits overnight and cooks entirely in the oven, allowing you time to open presents, prepare other morning treats or a leisurely cup of coffee! You can also make the Cranberry Ginger Compote in advance or cook it while the French…
CRATE COOKING CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST
With all the menu planning, Pinterest pinning, grocery lists and shopping that go into hosting a holiday dinner it’s easy to forget about breakfast. You don’t have to go overdo it to make a special breakfast. My mother, every year, makes French toast for Christmas breakfast. It’s the perfect dish to make for a morning occasion…
OVEN ROASTED BACON
I don’t care how snobby this sounds but microwaved bacon is a tragedy. I’ll never discuss politics on this site, but I have to voice my opinion on matters of bacon. Yet I understand why people do it – less mess, hands-free cooking to name a few. Oven cooked bacon is great for those same…
BROWN BUTTER SWEET POTATO MASH
When it comes to mashed potatoes I prefer them a little lumpy and just mixed. The same goes for this sweet potato mash. Beginning with Roasted Sweet Potatoes, I mix them briefly in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (you could use a potato masher instead but the mixer makes it easier on your…
MASHED POTATOES AND GREENS
Here’s a way to ease any guilt you may feel over indulging in mashed potatoes – add greens! Use your favorite greens in this recipe, keeping in mind that cooking times can vary for all varieties. Sauté greens until they are very tender and any liquid has evaporated. Mashed Potatoes and Greens serves 4 Ingredients…
ROASTED WINTER SQUASH WITH CANDIED MAPLE PECANS
You can use any type of winter squash for this dish, even a combination of your favorites. I peel squash with thick skin like butternut, but leave the peel on other varieties like delicata or acorn. It’s a matter of preference! This is a perfect dish for the holidays as it serves a crowd and…