Here you will find lots of easy tips and ideas for how to save money and make your money go a lot further!
If you don’t know where all of your money is going, you will be able to save a lot of money using just some of these tips. Most people don’t realize it, but little expenses tend to be the biggest drain on your family budget and we include lots of easy articles full of tips to save.
You’ll find lots of easy ideas to save money on groceries, manage your money better, make a budget, pay off debt, spend a lot less money on the things that don’t really matter to you and more!
This category also includes lots of ideas for how to save money around the home, with easy organizing ideas, cleaning ideas to make cleaning easier and more effortless, laundry tips, decorating ideas and more.
There are easy recipes and tips for how to save money on bath and beauty products and making your own luxurious homemade bath and beauty products for a lot less money!
If you’d like to be a stay at home mom, there are lots of great ideas to help you and if you have kids, we have a lot of ideas how to save money when you have kids and how to make raising children easier.
Just to top it all off, you will find other ideas for how to save money with gardening advice, tips on moving and recipes and ideas to make your holidays more enjoyable and stress less!
We invite you to browse all of these ideas and choose to implement the ones that will make your life easiest first!
This scented cinnamon ornaments recipe makes delightful ornaments with a special Christmas smell that will bring a pleasant atmosphere to your home this holiday season!
This scented cinnamon ornaments recipe can be used for more than just ornaments for your tree. Tuck them in different corners of your house to add a lovely spicy scent here and there. It is also fun to tuck a few into a package you are shipping or delivering so when the person opens the package he or she gets a wonderful Christmas smell before even seeing the gift.
Author:Tawra Kellam
Yield:32 two-inch ornaments
Ingredients
1 cup cinnamon 1 Tbsp. cloves 1 Tbsp. nutmeg 3/4 cup applesauce 2 Tbsp. white glue ribbon
Instructions
Mix the spices in a bowl.
Add the applesauce and glue, stirring until well blended.
Work the mixture until the dough is smooth and the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
Divide into 4 portions.
Roll each portion on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness.
Cut the dough with cookie cutters of your desired shapes.
Using a straw or toothpick, make a small hole in the top of each ornament.
Place on wire racks and allow to dry at room temperature for several days. (For more uniform drying, turn the ornaments over once each day.)
Thread ribbon through the holes to form a garland. You can also glue to a wooden hoop, forming a wreath and then decorate with ribbon as desired.
1 Batch makes approximately 32 two-inch ornaments. DO NOT EAT!
This scented cinnamon ornaments recipe is from Volume 1 of our cookbook. For more creative holiday recipes, check out our Dining On A Dime Cookbooks!
[dining]
Tips for Making Homemade Gifts Special!
If you have gone to the trouble to make someone homemade gifts, go the extra mile and make the presentation and packaging special too. It can make the difference between an “oh, thank you” gift and a “how cute is this, I love it, it’s adorable!” gift.
If you are giving cocoa mix in a mug, tie peppermint sticks or candy canes onto the mug to use for stirring. Even one or two spoons dipped in white chocolate can make the difference between a “ho-hum” gift and a “wow!” gift.
Copy the packaging and presentation ideas you see in magazines or on TV. There is a reason they can sell $.50 worth of cocoa for $25.
Instead of just giving someone a plate of brownies, cut them into Christmas shapes with your cookie cutters. Things like stars, trees or bells work well. Go a step further and covering them with frosting or sprinkles.
Take everyone’s favorite rice crispy treats and cut them into shapes with your cookie cutters. There is even Christmas cereal available now. Try using that instead of regular rice crispies or add red or green food coloring to spruce up the rice crispies.
Instead of giving someone a plate of cookies, buy cellophane bags to put them in and tie with extra pretty ribbons. You can get clear cellophane bags at party stores or flower shops.
When giving cookies, put a different twist on them by pressing a lollipop or popsicle stick into them before you bake them. If you use a popsicle stick, personalize it by writing the person’s name or a special message on the stick. Once again, do something cute for a package. Slip them into a cellophane bag or cover with colored cellophane paper and tie with a bow. You can get lollipop or popsicle sticks at any discount store in the crafts or cake decorating section.
Tie little jingle bells to the ends of the ribbon you use on your package or just for fun, put your gift in a box before you wrap it and throw in a couple of hands full of wrapped peppermints or Christmas candy.
These 25 easy gift basket ideas are an inexpensive and tasteful way to make great holiday gift baskets. You’ll find tips, specific themes and easy mix recipes for great and inexpensive gifts!
Gift Basket Ideas And Recipes
Need Gift Ideas for Christmas but don’t want to spend a lot? Here are some tips and gift basket ideas to help you remember your friends without breaking the bank.
These are great if you know someone who is hard to buy for or if they would prefer to receive consumable gifts. They’re also great if you can’t spend a lot of money but would like to make something personal for someone you love. I have always enjoyed making gift baskets because it also inspires the creativity in me, so it is fun and personal! :-)
Buy items in sets and divide them among the gift baskets. Buy a four pack of nail polish for four ladies baskets or buy packs of whistles or other party favors for the kids.
Remove individual popcorn, coffee or cocoa packets from their boxes. They will fill the baskets better.
Shop garage sales and thrift stores for baskets and other containers.
Dollar stores have lots of great inexpensive gift ideas. Browse!
A gift can be as simple as tea bags in a tea cup tied with a pretty ribbon. A large soup mug and saucer with soup mix or a small glass bowl with some potpourri might also make a simple but nice gift.
Try making these specialty gift basket ideas:
Football Fan– (teenage boys, brothers, fathers and brothers-in-law!) Fill a large bowl purchased at the dollar store with candy bars, bags of microwave popcorn, sodas, chips, dips, a favorite football flag or hat, and a calendar of game days.
Fisherman– In a tackle box or fish bowl put hooks, bait, line, hot chocolate or sodas, trail mix, gloves, fishing magazines and a fish pillow.
Dog– In a dog bowl, place a ball, old sock with a knot tied in it, dog bones, rawhides, a leash, a name tag and a brush. You might include a picture of a mailman with “the enemy” written on it.
Cat– In a cat litter box, place a catnip toy, cat food, a poop scoop, a leash, a name tag and a little rubber mouse.
Car– In a large bucket, place fuzzy dice, air freshener, wax, car wash, chamois (“Shammy”), tire cleaner, a car trash can, a key ring, ice melter for cars and an ice scraper.
Baby Basket– Spray paint a basket white and line it with a baby blanket or use a diaper bag. Fill with bibs, baby oil, baby lotion, baby powder, diaper ointment, a teething ring, burp cloths, wipes and a rattle.
Relaxing Basket– Line a basket with a hand towel. Add a lavender candle, bath oil or bubble bath, bath salts, bath balls, a favorite magazine or book, a poof and scented soap, and a do not disturb sign (Make one out of a piece of cardboard).
Coffee Lover – In a basket, include flavored coffee packets, cinnamon sticks dipped in chocolate, wrapped in cellophane and tied with a ribbon, cookie mix or cookies, flavored powdered creamer and a coffee cup.
Ice Cream Lover– Place tissue paper on the bottom of a basket. Add sundae dishes, an ice cream scoop, nuts, hot fudge sauce, butterscotch sauce, chocolate syrup, Maraschino cherries and a gift certificate for 2 1/2 gallons of ice cream.
Soup Basket- In a basket, stock pot or bean crock, add large soup mugs, 7 bean soup,cornbread mix, cookie mix and oyster crackers wrapped in cellophane bags and tied with a ribbon.
Nail Polish Basket- In a pretty bucket or basket, add a variety of nail polish, emery boards, nail clippers, polish remover, cotton balls, hand cream, cuticle cream and a nail buffer.
Fruit Basket- Line a basket with tissue paper. Add apples, oranges, hot chocolate mix, various teas and dried fruits (like figs or raisins). Sprinkle in the shell nuts on top of everything.
Cookie Delight-In a basket lined with tissue paper, add two cookie mixes in cellophane bags or jars tied with ribbons, Russian Tea (also in a cellophane bag or small jar tied with ribbon), cookie cutters, a teacup and two pot holders.
Use your imagination for personalized gift basket ideas! Look over the ideas above and think about the person who you would like to give a gift. What kinds of things do they love that you could incorporate into a meaningful gift basket?
This easy hot chocolate mix makes a perfect addition to many different gift basket ideas! Hot chocolate is a favorite sweet treat that most everybody loves, so if you’re making a gift basket for a chocolate lover, trying to create a nostalgic mood or just need a little more filler in your gift basket, hot chocolate mix is a good addition!
5 Tbsp. (1/3 cup) Hot Chocolate Mix 1 cup hot water (not boiling) marshmallows or whipped cream
Place the Hot Chocolate Mix into a mug.
Add hot water.
Stir until Hot Chocolate mix is dissolved.
Garnish as desired with marshmallows or whipped cream. Serves 1.
This easy apple cinnamon muffins recipe is perfect for gift basket ideas centered around baking or holiday classics! Apple cinnamon muffins are a perfect comfort food that creates the perfect holiday mood! They make a wonderful addition to a family meal and are perfect for teas and snacks. Our family loves them at Christmas and any time we’re in the mood for something special.
This Bacon Cheese Meatloaf Recipe is a super yummy recipe that everyone will love! You’ll also get tasty recipes for Texas Potatoes and Mom’s Sweet Muffins!
This best homemade sweet muffins recipe makes moist, sweet and delicious muffins! It is our most favorite muffins recipe! Our family loves them and your family and friends are sure to love them, too!
Author:Jill
Yield:1 dozen muffins
Ingredients
1 egg 1/2 cup buttermilk 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1/2 cup sugar 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. soda 1 1/2 cups flour
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°.
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. The batter will be slightly lumpy.
Place batter 2/3 full into greased muffin tins or muffin tins lined with papers.
In 4 bowls or parfait glasses, layer 1/2 container yogurt, fruit and 2 Tbsp. of cereal mix for each bowl.
Layer again and garnish with oranges.
Serve immediately.
Serves 4.
For more quick and easy recipes like this Bacon Cheese Meatloaf Recipe, check out our Dining On A Dime Cookbooks.
[dining]
Easy Cooking Tips
If your cutting board slides around while using it, place a damp dishrag or towel under it to prevent sliding.
Using a bowl to put your trash in while cooking is nice but an even easier idea is to lay a plastic grocery bag opened up and flatten by your work area instead. This way, you can close and tie up the bag when you are done and either put it in the trash or compost pile. With a bowl, you have to carefully try to dump it all in the trash when you are done, sometimes causing stuff to spill. You also have a dirty bowl to wash. Using the bag, I don’t feel like I have to worry about dumping it right away because it is sealed and won’t attract flies or gnats and it won’t smell.
Slightly frozen meat cuts much easier than fully thawed meat.
Here are some easy brunch ideas and recipes to make breakfast easier for you and your family! This yummy fluffy pancakes recipe is a great treat that’s very easy to make. Add some fruit and whipped cream for a really special Christmas breakfast! You’ll also find a tasty bacon sausage wrap recipe and more easy breakfast ideas!
Pancake Brunch Meal Plan
Tips:
Before you brew your coffee, shake a little cinnamon on the grounds for just a little hint of flavor and a special warm and cozy aroma for those cold winter mornings.
Mix a bag of dry pancake ingredients and keep it ready in your pantry. Then, when you have an urge for pancakes, you can just mix it with the wet ingredients. It will be just as easy to use as pancake mix when you prepare it this way.
For special occasions, have a pancake bar. Set out different dishes of things to add to each person’s pancakes, like chocolate chips, berries, nuts or granola. Then, just sprinkle their pancakes with the things they choose as you cook it.
You can also lay out various pancake add-ins along with different flavored syrups and butters so your family or guests can put them on top of their pancakes after they are cooked. Don’t forget whipped cream or even chocolate syrup to drizzle on the pancakes.
Meal Plan
Fluffy Pancakes* Bacon Sausage Wraps* Scrambled Eggs Fruit Cup or Juice Coffee or Milk
These pancakes are like the big fluffy pancakes you find at your favorite restaurant. Mix the batter first and let it set for a few minutes while you are preparing the rest of your brunch. The batter will thicken and start to bubble. Don’t stir it. You want the bubbles.
Author:Jill Cooper
Ingredients
Units
1 1/2cupsmilk2 Tbsp. white vinegar
2cupsall-purpose flour1/4cupwhite sugar2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1/4cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted*
Instructions
Combine milk with vinegar in a medium bowl and set aside for 5 minutes to “sour”.
Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
Whisk egg and butter into “soured” milk.
Pour the flour mixture into the wet ingredients and whisk until lumps are gone.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and coat with cooking spray.
Pour 1/4 cupfuls of batter onto the skillet, and cook until bubbles appear on the surface.
Flip with a spatula, and cook until browned on the other side.
Notes
These are great to freeze and pull out as needed.
They’re even better if you can sprinkle them with the sugar and let them set overnight. You can’t use too much sugar on these. The more the better. Sprinkle them with a little more before baking them in the morning.
*If you are watching your fat, you can use less butter or cut it out if you need to.
Bacon Sausage Wraps
Bacon Little Smokies Brown sugar
Wrap little smokies with 1/3 bacon strip each and secure with a toothpick. Lay on a foil lined baking sheet and sprinkle with brown sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes, turning once to bake 20 minutes on each side.
Note: You can keep these warm in a slow cooker and drizzle with a little maple syrup, too.
Here are 25 yummy Thanksgiving leftover recipes and ideas so you don’t waste any Thanksgiving leftovers! Great uses for leftover turkey, stuffing and more!
25 Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes And Ideas
Don’t you just love Thanksgiving? It’s the most guilt free holiday of the year. You don’t have to worry about getting the right gifts or whether everything is decorated perfectly. You don’t have to wonder whether you made enough cookies or whether the food is on your diet. You have permission and can eat to your heart’s content! At times like this, I have to wonder, “Have I died and gone to Heaven?!”
There is one problem — What happens when everyone rolls away from the table? You stand there in the shadows of mounds of Thanksgiving leftovers and the guilt sets in. You really can’t wedge in another bite, but you can’t bring yourself to throw away all that good food. You know that there are people starving in Bangladesh, but you can’t afford the shipping cost to send it to them… What do you do with it?
Here are some Thanksgiving leftover ideas to help you put those leftovers to good use and keep your clean conscience!
Mix gravy, cubed turkey and leftover vegetables into a casserole dish. Top with refrigerator biscuits, leftover pie crust or crescent rolls (unbaked). Bake at 350° until the dough is cooked and golden brown.
When making pies on Thanksgiving Day, save the extra dough or make extra to use to make pasties (recipe below). Roll out discs of dough in whatever size you want and fill with meat, vegetables and leftover potatoes.
Don’t forget to use your leftover Thanksgiving relish dish items. Chop and use in salads, soups or casseroles. If you’re really sick of the vegetables, chop and freeze to use later.
Make potato pancakes: Add 1 egg and 2 Tbsp. flour to 2 cups mashed potatoes. Make into patties and fry in a pan with margarine.
If you have a small amount of whipped topping left over, place dollops of it on a wax paper and freeze. Then place in an air tight container. When you need a quick topping for a dessert or some to go on a late night cup of hot cocoa you can just grab one out of the freezer.
Don’t throw out that pickle juice from the pickles you used on your relish dish. Use it to make French dressing next time instead of vinegar.
Grilled Turkey Sandwich We stayed with friends over Thanksgiving. The husband fixed a kind of turkey sandwich we had never seen before. He used stuffing and turkey for a moist sandwich and then fried it like you would with a reuben. My husband said it was delicious. From Delores
This easy pocket pies recipe is a great Thanksgiving leftover recipe! You can easily adapt this to use leftovers from any meal for a different and tasty treat!
Ingredients
Pie crust (or canned crescent rolls or biscuits) Thanksgiving leftovers of your choice: cranberry sauce, stuffing, turkey, veggies, mashed potatoes. etc. Leftover gravy (optional, if you have it)
For Crust: Use any of the things listed below for the crust:
Store bought pie crust
Make extra pie crust when you are making your Thanksgiving pie and save to use for these pocket pies.
Use crescent rolls
Canned biscuits slightly flattened
Instructions
Preheat oven to 450° if you are using pie crust (or use the temperature suggested on the can for rolls or biscuits).
Cut the pie crust into whatever size circles you like. (For a guide, you can lay a bowl on top of the crust and cut around it.)
Lay the Thanksgiving leftovers you want to include on top of your circle – cranberry sauce, dressing, turkey, veggies and so on.
You can then drizzle with a little leftover gravy. (You might choose to save the gravy until after they are cooked to pour over the top or to use for dipping the pocket pies.)
Lay another circle of crust or roll dough on top and seal the edges well.
Brush with a little milk or egg wash if you want to make it more brown on top.
Cook for 5-10 minutes, until golden brown.
You could also make larger circles and place leftovers on one half. Then fold the other half over and seal the edges.
If desired, add onion, carrot and celery for extra flavor.
Simmer 6-8 hours.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Saucy Turkey Sandwiches
In place of the usual lettuce and mayo, try making your turkey sandwiches with a slice of leftover cranberry sauce and cream cheese instead. Spread butter on one slice of bread and cream cheese on the other adding a slice of turkey and cranberry sauce in the middle.
1 cup turkey gravy 2 cups turkey, cooked and cubed 2 cups mixed veggies (frozen that have been thawed or leftovers) 2 medium potatoes, cubed and cooked 1 can refrigerator buttermilk biscuits
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°.
Mix everything together except the biscuits.
Heat through.
Pour into an 8 inch square baking dish.
Top with biscuits.
Bake 12-16 minutes until the biscuits are golden and the mixture is bubbly.
Leftover turkey Leftover veggies, cooked (Don’t forget to use the veggies from your relish dish. Cook them in the microwave first.) Leftover gravy 1/2 -1 cup grated cheddar cheese 1 can crescent rolls or refrigerator biscuits
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°.
Layer the leftovers and cheese in a greased baking pan.
If using crescent rolls, open them and lay in rectangles pressing seams together. Cut into strips and place in a lattice work design on top of everything.
If using biscuits, just flatten slightly and lay on top of everything.
Bake about 20 minutes. until crescents or biscuits are golden brown and everything is hot and bubbly.
Leftover stuffing Leftover veggies, cooked (things like broccoli, cauliflower, corn and Brussels sprouts) American or Velveeta cheese 1 small can cream of mushroom soup 1/4 -1/2 cup milk
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°.
Press leftover stuffing into a greased pan or baking dish.
Layer veggies on top of the stuffing.
Lay slices of cheese to cover everything.
Mix soup with enough milk to make it easy to pour and pour on top.
Bake about 20 minutes, until everything is heated through and bubbly.
This is a cross between a sweet potato pie and the traditional sweet potatoes and marshmallows. It’s the best of both dishes combined into one delicious recipe!
Ingredients
6 cups warm sweet potatoes, mashed 1 cup milk 1 egg 5 Tbsp. margarine, softened 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. vanilla 3/4 tsp. allspice 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. nutmeg 18 large marshmallows
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325°.
In a large bowl, mix everything except the marshmallows.
Beat well.
Pour into a greased 2 1/2 quart baking dish.
Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes (just to heat through).
Top with marshmallows.
Bake about 5 minutes longer or until marshmallows turn brown.
Sweet Potatoes
If you have a few leftover mashed sweet potatoes, add them to the stock of your vegetable soup for a thicker soup with a different but good flavor.
Velveeta Mashed potatoes Ritz crackers or potato chips, crushed*
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°.
Cut the Velveeta into 3/4 inch cubes.
Shape leftover mashed potatoes around each cube.
Roll them in the crackers or chips.
Bake until they are golden brown.
Notes
*This is a good way to use those leftover potato chip crumbs that are always left at the bottom of the bag.
You might experiment with different flavored chips to see how they change the taste. For example, sour cream and cheddar chips, onion flavored chips or even some nacho flavored chips would create interesting flavors.
3 Tbsp. shortening 3 Tbsp. butter 1/2 cup plus 1 Tbsp. cocoa 1/3 cup mashed potatoes 1/8 tsp. salt 1 tsp. vanilla 1 lb. (16 oz.) powdered sugar 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
In a microwave safe bowl, melt shortening and butter in the microwave.
Stir in cocoa until smooth.
Add potatoes, salt and vanilla. Mix well.
Blend in powdered sugar.
Add nuts and mix. Dough will be very lumpy.
Knead until smooth.
Press into a buttered 8×8 inch pan.
Cool in the refrigerator before cutting. Makes 64 pieces. (Yeah right!)
Stuffing Supreme
Make some stuffing, either from a box or from scratch. Add to it dried fruit, apricots, cranberries, apples, raisins or whatever you like. Toss in some nuts and roll into balls about the size of large meatballs. Bake at 375° uncovered for 20-25 minutes.
This pumpkin pie bars recipe is a recipe where you get to have your pie and eat it too — without the hassle of a pie crust. Remember, canned pumpkin is another item that goes on sale this time of year. Stock up on it to use later in the year!
Here’s an easy cranberry sauce recipe to transform canned cranberry sauce into a delicious, homemade-tasting side dish with just a few simple additions. This quick hack will take your holiday meal up a notch—without the extra time or hassle. Perfect for any festive table, this easy upgrade brings out rich, fresh flavors that taste like you made it from scratch!
Author:Tawra Kellam
Yield:1 1/4 cups
Ingredients
1 (15 oz.) can jellied cranberry sauce 2 Tbsp. lemon juice 1 tsp. mustard 1/4 tsp. ground clove
Instructions
Mix together all ingredients.
Serve.
This cranberry sauce recipe is good as-is, but it also makes a great topping for ham or turkey.
6 pork chops 1/2 cup cranberry or apple juice 1 can jellied cranberry sauce 1/4 cup sugar 2 Tbsp. spicy mustard 2 Tbsp. cornstarch 1/4 cup cold water Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Place pork chops in a crokpot.
Mix the juice, cranberry sauce, sugar and mustard together.
Pour over pork chops.
Cook for 7-8 hours.
Remove pork chops from the crockpot.
Mix cornstarch and water in a saucepan.
Stir until smooth.
Slowly add the cooking juices to the cornstarch and water to make the sauce.
This easy broccoli raisin salad recipe makes a super tasty salad that is sure to please! This is my most favorite broccoli salad! It is the perfect blend of creamy, sweet and bacon flavors. Broccoli has never tasted so good! We make it as part of our holiday buffets and it is also a favorite when we bring to a party or get together!
1/2 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional) 6 cups chopped broccoli 1 small red onion, finely chopped 1 cup raisins 1 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup white sugar 2 Tbsp. white vinegar (optional) 1 (3 oz.) package sunflower seeds (optional)
Instructions
Mix broccoli, bacon, red onion, and raisins in a bowl.
Whisk mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar together in a bowl.
Stir the dressing into the broccoli mixture until evenly coated.
Cover bowl and refrigerate for flavors to blend, about 1 hour.
Here are a bunch of traditional Thanksgiving recipes for holiday favorites like super easy no-fail turkey, sweet potato casserole, homemade stuffing, turkey gravy and homemade pies all in one place! You can make this Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people for under $25!
Traditional Thanksgiving Recipes – Dinner For 10 People For Less Than $25!
We’ve included all of the traditional Thanksgiving recipes below, but here’s a breakdown of the costs to prepare this Thanksgiving Dinner For 10. Most of these recipes are from volume 1 of our Dining On A Dime Cookbook.
Turkey – .69/lb. 15 lbs. $7 ($10.35 for the entire turkey. You won’t use the entire turkey)
One container of whipped topping with work for 2 pies.
Cut small slices of desserts and dish out food for kids. They can come back and get more but then food isn’t wasted and thrown away.
If others are coming, have them help with dinner and bring some dishes.
Make it yourself. Homemade tastes so much better and it really is fairly quick and easy.
Don’t use elaborate recipes with expensive spices.
Make the table look nice and decorated. Then the food looks great even if it’s not a lot of food.
Don’t drink soda, cider and other expensive drinks. Just have iced tea, coffee and water.
Stock up now for your Christmas baking while sugar, flour, etc. are cheap.
Traditional Thanksgiving Recipes
Here’s an easy recipe and tips for how to roast a turkey! This is the best roast turkey recipe ever and everyone raves about how moist and delicious it is!
Traditional Thanksgiving – How To Roast A Turkey
Turkey isn’t expensive at all so stock up now. I got two turkeys today for .39/lb. I had the butcher cut them in half just like last year and the year before! If you know how to roast a turkey, you can stock up during the holidays, serve turkey in place of chicken and save a bundle on your food bill! Tawra
Thawing
Sometimes turkeys do not cook properly because they don’t get thawed. You need to allow 1 day of thawing time for every 4 lbs. of turkey plus you can keep a thawed turkey in the fridge for at least 3-4 days. Thaw your turkey with the breast side down so the juices will run into the breast.
This easy no-fail turkey recipe makes the best turkey you will ever eat! It is super tasty, moist and tender! The meat will just fall off the bones so you will have to serve it already carved. It will be very juicy and moist.
Ingredients
1 turkey, 20-22 lbs. 1 stick butter or margarine
Instructions
Defrost frozen turkey for several days in the refrigerator according to the directions on the package.
Preheat oven to 250°.
Line a roasting pan with aluminum foil.
Remove the insides of the turkey and save for giblet gravy or for fried livers and gizzards.
Lay turkey, breast side down, in the pan.
Place the stick of butter on the inside.
Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake at 250° for 1 hour.
Reduce heat to 200° and roast for 10-15 hours. Cooking time can be longer to fit your schedule. Test with a meat thermometer to make sure the temperature in the thigh is 180°.
Notes
If I have a 20-22 lb. turkey, I put it in the oven one hour before I go to bed (that way I can turn it down to 200° and sometimes I go down to 180° before I go to bed.) It will be done by noon the next day. Because it cooks at such a low temperature, if you aren’t going to eat until 1-2 PM, it will stay just fine in the oven until then.
If I have a smaller 10 lb. turkey, I put it in the oven early on Thanksgiving morning (about 6 or 7 AM in order to eat at noon. You don’t need to worry too much about it getting done. An hour or two before the meal, check it and see how it is doing. If it isn’t cooking quickly enough, you can always raise the temperature to 350°.
If you use a smaller 10 -12 lb turkey, you only need to use half of a stick (about 4 Tbsp.) of butter. You can also place it in a large crockpot on low.
5 large potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 Tbsp. sugar 2 Tbsp. butter 1 tsp. salt 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
In a large saucepan, place potatoes and enough water to cover the potatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer until potatoes are tender (about 10-15 minutes depending on your altitude). Drain. Transfer potatoes to a mixing bowl and mash. I use a hand mixer for this but you can use a potato masher. Add butter, milk, sugar and salt. Beat until smooth. Serves 5-6.
For Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Add 15 cloves garlic, peeled and halved, to the potatoes when boiling.
Get ready for a crowd-pleaser! This Green Bean Casserole recipe is irresistibly creamy, full of flavor, and crowned with golden, crispy onions—so delicious you’ll want seconds. Quick and easy to make, it transforms a simple side into a show-stopping dish everyone will rave about!
Author:Tawra Kellam
Ingredients
1 (10.5 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup 1/2 cup milk 1 tsp. soy sauce 16-20 oz. thawed frozen green beans or 2 (14.5 oz.) cans green beans, drained or 4 cups fresh cooked cut green beans 1 1/3 cups French fried onions, divided Salt and pepper, to taste Optional: 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds, for extra crunch Optional: 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper, for a festive touch
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a 1½-quart oven-safe casserole dish, combine the soup, milk, soy sauce, green beans, and 2/3 cup of the French fried onions. Season with salt and pepper. Optionally, stir in red bell pepper for color and flavor.
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes, until the mixture is hot and bubbly.
Remove from oven, stir gently, then sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup fried onions and toasted almonds (if using) on top.
Bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crisp.
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Store leftovers in an oven safe dish for easy reheating.
Notes
Add 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds to the onion topping for an extra crunch.
To add a festive touch: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped red pepper with the soup.
If using fresh green beans, you can blanch them if you prefer to keep the vibrant green color and a crispier texture. Boil in water for about 3 minutes. After 3 minutes, immediately submerge in an ice water bath until they are cool to the touch.
Make ahead: Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
Crispier topping: For an even crunchier topping, lightly toast the French fried onions in the oven for 2–3 minutes before adding.
Extra flavor: Add a dash of garlic powder or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the mixture before baking.
This is the best sweet potato casserole recipe ever! It is so quick and easy and makes a tasty dish, perfect for holiday dinners and potlucks. And it’s easy to make the day before you need it and bake just before serving!
Ingredients
3 cups sweet potatoes, mashed 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted 2 eggs 1 Tbsp. vanilla
Topping:
1 cup brown sugar, packed 1 cup pecans 1/2 cup all purpose flour 1/3 cup butter, melted
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°.
Mix all of the casserole ingredients.
Put everything in a buttered 9×9 casserole dish.
Mix topping ingredients.
Sprinkle topping over the top of the sweet potato mixture.
Bake uncovered at 350° for 20 minutes.
Notes
If your family isn’t fond of nuts, you can leave out the pecans and it will turn out just fine.
For Marshmallow Topping:
If you prefer, you can easily add a marshmallow topping instead. After mixing the main casserole ingredients and placing them in the casserole dish, spread 1 (10.5 oz.) package miniature marshmallows over the top and bake as directed. The marshmallows will turn a golden brown.
For Pecan And Marshmallow Topping:
Make the recipe according to the directions above. Before baking, spread 1 (10.5 oz.) package miniature marshmallows over the top of the casserole and the pecan topping and bake as usual.
This is my grandmother’s classic stuffing recipe! This is a yummy Thanksgiving traditional stuffing recipe made with bread, sausage and more and everyone loves it!
This is my Grandma’s stuffing recipe (Jill’s Mom). It is one of my favorite traditional Thanksgiving recipes! It has been in our family for years and is a family favorite! -Tawra
I have hesitated to include our stuffing recipe because it is one of those recipes where it is hard to give exact measurements. You can adjust any of these ingredients to suit your taste and if you want, you can add different things to the dish.
For example, you can replace some of the bread with cornbread or you can add mushrooms, celery, apples, or giblets and many other things according to your own taste. This is one of those recipes that looks complicated but is really easy once you make it.
For a drier stuffing, use less liquid and for a moister dressing, add more butter. Butter doesn’t evaporate and won’t make your dressing “soggy” instead of moist the way liquid will. You can also add a little milk if the stuffing seems too dry.
When you bake stuffing inside a turkey or if you cook it in a covered pan, it won’t dry out so keep this in mind when testing for moistness.
If you want your stuffing to be fluffier, beat the eggs in the recipe before adding.
Here is the basic homemade stuffing recipe:
Ingredients
8–10 cups dried bread, cubed or torn (You can use anything including hot dog buns, dinner rolls or French bread.) 1/2–1 lb. pork sausage 1/2–1 onion (or onion powder to taste) 3 eggs, slightly beaten 1 1/2 cups broth* 1 chicken bouillon cube 1/4–1/2 cup butter or margarine 3 heaping tsp. ground sage
salt and pepper 1 small bag or box of seasoned croutons
Instructions
Cube and tear bread. Place in a very large mixing bowl and let it sit out overnight if not dry enough. Fry sausage and onion. I don’t like celery in my dressing but if you do you can add it at this time. Drain and add to the bowl of bread. Pour broth into a large measuring cup. Add butter and bouillon cube and heat in the microwave to melt butter and bouillon cubes. Pour this mixture and eggs over bread. Add sage, salt, pepper and onion powder if not using onions and croutons. Using your hands, mush it all together until well mixed. Place in a well greased casserole dish or pan. Cover. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes.
If you like your stuffing soft on the inside with a crispy crust, just remove the cover for the last 15 minutes. If your dressing seems too dry, add a little milk for more moisture.
*For broth, I simmer the neck and giblets in a pan of water for an hour or two as soon as I take them out of the turkey. Then I use this water and some broth from my turkey, which has been cooking, to make my 1 1/2 cups.
If you are baking your stuffing in the turkey and can’t tell if it is done, just test with a meat thermometer and it should be 165 degrees.
3–4 cups turkey juices/drippings 1/4 cup all purpose flour or cornstarch Salt, pepper to taste
Instructions
Pour turkey juices/drippings into a saucepan. Whisk in flour. Add salt and pepper. Simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring once in a while until it is the right consistency.
If the gravy is too strong or you need to stretch it just a little, you can add a small amount of water. Another way I used to make turkey gravy (either way works) is to dissolve the flour in 1/2 cup of cold water and then whisk it into the turkey juices.
Here’s an easy cranberry sauce recipe to transform canned cranberry sauce into a delicious, homemade-tasting side dish with just a few simple additions. This quick hack will take your holiday meal up a notch—without the extra time or hassle. Perfect for any festive table, this easy upgrade brings out rich, fresh flavors that taste like you made it from scratch!
Author:Tawra Kellam
Yield:1 1/4 cups
Ingredients
1 (15 oz.) can jellied cranberry sauce 2 Tbsp. lemon juice 1 tsp. mustard 1/4 tsp. ground clove
Instructions
Mix together all ingredients.
Serve.
This cranberry sauce recipe is good as-is, but it also makes a great topping for ham or turkey.
Here’s mom’s famous homemade pie crust recipe which really is the VERY BEST! Super light and flaky, this pie crust is melt in your mouth delicious! Everyone raves about it! Make some extra to freeze and use later and you’ll cut your preparation time for your next pie!
Yield:3 pie crusts
Ingredients
3 cups all purpose flour 1/2 tsp. salt 2 Tbsp. sugar 1 1/4 cups shortening, cold 1 egg, cold 1 Tbsp. vinegar, cold 5 Tbsp. cold water sugar
Instructions
Mix flour, salt and 2 Tbsp. sugar in a bowl.
Cut in shortening with a pastry blender or 2 knives.
Add egg, vinegar and 3 tablespoons water.
Mix lightly with your hands. Don’t over mix. If the dough is too dry, add more water. Mix just until the dough sticks together.
Divide into thirds.
Roll out to make 3 pie crusts.
When using the crust for the top of the pie, sprinkle sugar on top.
The crust can be frozen in slightly flattened balls and then defrosted and rolled out when ready to use. Makes 3 crusts.
6–7 cups of medium apples, cored, peeled and thinly sliced 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 tsp. salt 3/4 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 tsp. nutmeg 2 Tbsp. all purpose flour 2 Tbsp. butter
Instructions
Mix all of the ingredients in a large bowl except the butter.
Microwave this filling mixture 2-3 minutes.
Pour into the pie crust.
Dot with chunks of the butter.
Top with the other crust.
Cut steam slits in the top crust.
Sprinkle the top with sugar.
Bake at 450° for 15 minutes.
Then turn down to 350° and bake for 35-45 minutes, until apples are tender and juices are bubbling nicely out of the steam slits.
French Apple Pie is the same as a regular apple pie except with a different topping. To make the French topping, follow the recipe below and sprinkle it over the top of your pie instead of using a top crust.
Discover the secret to the perfect fall dessert with our Best Pumpkin Pie Recipe! Flaky crust, creamy pumpkin filling, and warm spices—this pie is easy to make and sure to wow your guests!
Ingredients
1 pie crust 2 eggs 1 (15 oz.) can pumpkin 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. ground ginger 1/4 tsp. ground cloves 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°.
Bake pie crust for 1-2 minutes until crust starts to puff with small bubbles. Watch carefully.
Then remove from the oven.
Increase oven temperature to 425°
Blend all remaining ingredients together in a bowl.
Pour into pie crust.
Bake at 425° for 15 minutes.
Then turn the oven down to 350° for 45 minutes.
When a knife is inserted into the center of the pie and comes out clean, it is done. Makes one pumpkin pie.
1 stick butter 1 cup light corn syrup 1 cup sugar 3 large eggs 1/2 tsp. lemon juice 1 tsp. vanilla dash of salt 1 1/4 cups pecans, chopped 1 (8–9 inch) unbaked pie crust
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425°.
Brown butter in a pan until golden brown. Do not burn.
Cool.
In a separate bowl add other ingredients in the order given.
Mix well.
Add cooled butter and blend well.
Pour into pie crust.
Bake 10 minutes at 425°.
Then turn down oven to 325° and continue baking 40 minutes at 325°. Makes one pie.
Many of these traditional Thanksgiving recipes are in volume 1 of our cookbook:
Here are 7 days of easy cheap family meals that your family will love! These are easy and delicious comfort food recipes that are sure to satisfy! We’ve made it easy for you with these easy meal plans and recipes!
Cheap Family Meals – Easy Slow Cooker Pot Roast And More!
Day 1
Day 1 includes a delicious slow cooked roast, roasted potatoes and more! Families and especially husbands LOVE this meal and it’s very easy to make! Save some leftover roast and broth for other meals.
Use some of the leftover chicken from yesterday’s meal to make these easy chicken fajitas! Don’t be afraid to use leftovers! They’re delicious and your picky eaters never need to know!
For day 6, serve this yummy one dish ham dinner, which includes ham, potatoes and more! (Save some leftover ham for tomorrows menu and Day 2 next week.) Round it out with this homemade cornbread and yummy dessert!
This easy cornish hen recipe is super simple to make and a lot faster to cook than a turkey or chicken. One Cornish hen makes a perfect meal for 2 people!
Easy Cornish Hen Recipe
This easy cornish hen recipe is super simple to make with our easy step-by-step instructions. Cornish hens are super easy to cook and a lot faster to cook than a turkey or chicken. Some people say they are more tender than chickens, but our roast chicken or roast turkey recipe is so tender, I have not personally noticed the difference in tenderness.
Cornish hens, sometimes called game hens, are a smaller variety of chicken originally from Cornwall England. They are full grown chickens, but they are a smaller breed of chicken. If you have never seen them before, they are available in the meat section of your grocery store near chickens and turkeys.
Pound for pound, Cornish hens are more expensive than chicken and turkey. Still, they are great if you don’t want leftovers or you are not able to store leftover food. A Cornish hen is a perfect serving size for two people, so it’s an easy date night meal.
Our easy cornish hen recipe calls for just 3 ingredients, but the recipe is super versatile. If you prefer to add seasonings and ingredients for additional flavor or for a bigger meal, you have a lot of options.
I usually make the basic recipe and bake with sliced potatoes, onions and carrots in the pan. This makes a delicious complete one dish meal. If you like, you can try adding additional seasonings like rosemary, oregano and thyme or things like lemon slices to give it more flavor. You can also try other vegetables like different kinds of squash. anything you might add to a roast chicken would work well with a Cornish hen recipe.
This easy cornish hen recipe is super simple to make and a lot faster to cook than a turkey or chicken. One Cornish hen makes a perfect meal for 2 people!
Author:Tawra Kellam
Ingredients
Units
1–2lb. cornish hen
olive oil
seasoned salt
lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 450°. In a baking pan, place cornish hens breast side up. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with seasoned salt. If desired place potatoes, onions and carrots around hen. Place in preheated oven and turn down to 400° and bake for 45-55 minutes until golden and a meat thermometer reads 165°.
Try these easy Thanksgiving Tips and ideas to be better prepared for Thanksgiving! Prepare Thanksgiving meals easier and just get ready for the big day!
7 Ideas For An Easier Thanksgiving – Easy Tips
This is just a little reminder to take your turkey out to start thawing on Saturday if it is about a 20 pound turkey. I would start thawing any turkey on Sunday at the latest. I like to have my turkey thawed at least a day or two ahead of time so I can get it all prepared, in the pan and ready to just pull out and stick in the oven. I have so many things to do the day before Thanksgiving that this is one less thing to worry about.
For all you new or inexperienced cooks be sure to take out the “guts” or giblets as most people call them and the neck, which are usually stuffed inside of the turkey.
If you need to dry bread for your stuffing, lay the bread out this weekend so it will get good and dry. Break it up, place it in the bowl you are going to be mixing it in and have that much done ahead of time.
This weekend, wash and iron your linens for the table and get your silverware and dishes organized.
On Wednesday, do as much as you can so you’re not doing it all at the last minute. Clean the veggies for the relish dish and salads or side dishes. If you are making something like a sweet potato casserole get it all prepared so that all you have to do on Thanksgiving is pop it in the oven.
If you don’t want to be mashing potatoes two minutes before you sit down, mash them and place them in a crockpot on low to keep warm. You can keep them in the crockpot beautifully for one hour but no more. Beyond that, they get “yucky” quickly.
Most of all, for you new cooks or those of you cooking your first Thanksgiving dinner, don’t panic. It is really no more difficult than any other regular meal, except that you are probably preparing more of everything. If you are really nervous, do a trial run this weekend. Practice by roasting a chicken and making mashed potatoes, one or two sides and a dessert. It’s just like a mini Thanksgiving.
If something goes wrong (and most of us have had something go wrong once in a while), just laugh about it. Usually, it is the Thanksgiving everyone will remember with fond, happy memories. It will give you something to tell your future daughter in law, granddaughter or daughter about.
I remember being so scared my first Thanksgiving cooking alone. My friend who was older and who was going to be one of my guests told me how on her first Thanksgiving everything was perfect. The table looked great and everyone was laughing, joking and enjoying the food but half way through the meal she noticed something – she had forgotten the turkey.
She had set it on top of the fridge to move it out of the way for a minute and had left it there. Either no one noticed or they were too polite to say anything. Things may happen, but don’t panic – Thanksgiving wasn’t meant to be perfect– just a time of fun, enjoying being with friends and family.
This quick and easy sweet potato casserole recipe is a great dish for holiday dinners and potlucks as it can be made the day before and baked the next day!
Tasty Sweet Potato Recipes
This sweet potato casserole recipe is a great dish for holiday dinners and potlucks. It is an amazingly delicious addition to any meal, but is especially wonderful with traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. If your family isn’t fond of nuts, you can leave out the pecans.
Sweet potato dishes are a perfect addition to late fall and winter meals, making them a perfect recipe for your Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas dinner. Sweet potatoes are generally harvested in September and early October, but since they take up to eight weeks of curing and storage after harvest to sweeten, Thanksgiving is the perfect time to start using them! This is why so many of us have fond memories of our grandmothers or mothers serving sweet potato casserole and other sweet potato dishes at Thanksgiving and Christmas!
If you’re expecting things to be hectic or if you’ll be short on time, you can make the sweet potato casserole the day before you need it and then just bake it the next day. When you’re preparing a lot of holiday dishes, it is great to spread out the work over a couple days so you’re not overwhelmed doing it all at once.
Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecans Or Marshmallows?
The sweet potato casserole recipe below is our original recipe with a tasty carmely topping made from pecans and brown sugar. It is still my favorite way to make it but not all of my family appreciated the pecans. You can just leave the pecans out of the recipe and it will still turn out delicious.
If you prefer, you can easily add a marshmallow topping instead. To do that, simply make the sweet potato casserole recipe with mini-marshmallows instead of the pecan topping. After mixing the main casserole ingredients and placing them in the casserole dish, spread a bag of mini marshmallows over the top and bake as directed below. The marshmallows should turn a golden brown.
The gooey browned marshmallows add a nice flavor to the sweet potato casserole, which my kids have always loved.
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can also make the sweet potato casserole recipe with pecans just as the recipes calls for and THEN add the mini-marshmallows and bake! Oh YUM! Talk about a sweet and nutty flavor explosion!
This is the best sweet potato casserole recipe ever! It is so quick and easy and makes a tasty dish, perfect for holiday dinners and potlucks. And it’s easy to make the day before you need it and bake just before serving!
Ingredients
3 cups sweet potatoes, mashed 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted 2 eggs 1 Tbsp. vanilla
Topping:
1 cup brown sugar, packed 1 cup pecans 1/2 cup all purpose flour 1/3 cup butter, melted
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°.
Mix all of the casserole ingredients.
Put everything in a buttered 9×9 casserole dish.
Mix topping ingredients.
Sprinkle topping over the top of the sweet potato mixture.
Bake uncovered at 350° for 20 minutes.
Notes
If your family isn’t fond of nuts, you can leave out the pecans and it will turn out just fine.
For Marshmallow Topping:
If you prefer, you can easily add a marshmallow topping instead. After mixing the main casserole ingredients and placing them in the casserole dish, spread 1 (10.5 oz.) package miniature marshmallows over the top and bake as directed. The marshmallows will turn a golden brown.
For Pecan And Marshmallow Topping:
Make the recipe according to the directions above. Before baking, spread 1 (10.5 oz.) package miniature marshmallows over the top of the casserole and the pecan topping and bake as usual.
This sweet potato casserole recipe is from volume 1 of our cookbook! For more easy and delicious recipes like this, check out our cookbooks here!
[dining]
If you’re in the mood for something different, here’s an easy candied sweet potatoes recipe you can also make to take advantage of the extra sweet potatoes you bought. This recipe is also good for holiday meals, but I often serve it throughout the winter as a side to some of our other easy family dinners.
This candied sweet potatoes recipe gives a yummy new twist to the classic traditional sweet potatoes with a little “red hot candy” flavor! It’s perfect for holiday and seasonal meals or any time you’re craving sweet potatoes!
Ingredients
1 cup sugar 1 cup water 3/4 cup red cinnamon candies (red hots) 1/2 cup (stick) margarine 3–4 sweet potatoes (enough to cover the bottom of large skillet) 1/2 cup pecans (optional)
Instructions
In a large skillet, heat the first 4 ingredients to boiling.
Peel and slice sweet potatoes into pieces about 1 1/2 inches thick.
Place sweet potato slices in a single layer in the syrup.
If desired, sprinkle the pecans over the top.
Cover and cook slowly over medium heat until the sweet potatoes are done and the syrup is thick (about 1 hour). Baste a few times with syrup while cooking.
Save money making your traditional Thanksgiving dinner this year! These easy tips make your Thanksgiving feast less expensive and reduce the stress!
Inexpensive Thanksgiving Dinner – How to Save on Thanksgiving Dinner
Thanksgiving can be a great opportunity to enjoy time with family and friends, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed at the thought of everything that you need to do, especially if you’re preparing a big Thanksgiving feast. By making some simple changes to the way you approach some of the Thanksgiving preparation, you can save time and money and spend more time enjoying your Thanksgiving dinner and less time dreading it! Here are a few tips to help you make this Thanksgiving more fun and less stressful!
For More Ways To Save On Thanksgiving, Check Out Our Video!
How To Save On Turkey At Thanksgiving And All Year
Larger turkeys are usually less expensive so buy the largest one you can. I hear some of you groaning now about what to do with all those leftovers because you really don’t need a 22 pound turkey for 6 people. Not to worry — just don’t bake the whole thing.
I discovered one year by accident that my butcher (at a regular national chain grocery store) would cut the turkey in half for me. Even if it is frozen, he can still cut the turkey in half. This discovery really changed my life. (That sounds dramatic, but I was really having a problem becoming “one” with my turkeys.)
I suddenly had the revelation that I didn’t have to deal with the mounds of leftover turkey that haunted my post-Thanksgiving menu for years. I had just enough for a good old turkey sandwich and some soup. I mean Thanksgiving really isn’t Thanksgiving without a few leftovers, is it?
It was so much easier to handle and prepare an 11 pound turkey rather than to manhandle a 22 pound one. Getting the turkey cleaned and into the pan was a breeze and getting it in and out of the oven was just plain simple.
Just wrap the other half and freeze it to use for Christmas. I’ve often made ham for Christmas just because by Christmas we are so sick of turkey that we don’t want to think of preparing another one — ever! If there are fewer leftovers after your Thanksgiving dinner, your family might not mind having turkey again. Then you would have one less thing to buy for Christmas dinner.
If you still don’t want to have turkey for Christmas, save it for some cold day in January. If you have a large enough crockpot, cook the turkey in the crockpot. If not, cook it on very low in the oven so that it slow cooks all day. It is amazingly delightful it is to come home to the yummy smell of slow cooked turkey!
Save On Thanksgiving Pies That Taste Better!
Save money by making your own pies instead of buying the expensive pre-made ones. If the thought of making pie crust is too daunting, just buy a ready made crust. They are usually on sale for very little around Thanksgiving.
It really isn’t that hard to make the filling for most pies. Pies are often easier to make than cakes or cookies. If you like the traditional pumpkin pie, most cans of pumpkin have the recipe on the back. I also know of a really good cookbook that includes the recipe called Dining on a Dime Cookbook, Volume 1. HA! HA!
If your family and friends aren’t fussy about having the traditional pumpkin pie, you can make banana cream, chocolate, or butterscotch pie. Just mix a box of banana pudding and pour it into a baked pie crust. Cover it with sliced bananas and whipped topping. For the chocolate pie, use chocolate pudding with chocolate chips in it and cover it with whipped topping. For the butterscotch, use butterscotch pudding and whipped topping and sprinkle with butterscotch chips. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
You don’t have to make so many pies that you could open a bakery. I have found that most kids are just as happy with a platter of cookies. Don’t overdo it. You’ll just wear yourself out! If you have time, make the cookies in the shapes of pumpkins and turkeys.
Save On Thanksgiving Sides And Relish Dishes
Save money on your relish dish. Buying ingredients for a relish dish can get expensive, especially where we live. One year I paid more for my relish dish items than my turkey. If you have this problem, only use 3 or 4 vegetables on the relish dish instead of 10 and cut out on the more expensive vegetables. Broccoli and cauliflower are very high priced for us so, if I needed to save, I would probably use carrots and celery. Fill the celery with cheese or peanut butter or cut them into fancy shapes. On this occasion, the turkey is the star and most people won’t even notice that you cut back on the relish dish.
Don’t make so many side dishes– Like I said, the turkey, gravy and mashed potatoes are more important for your traditional Thanksgiving dinner than everything else. By the time everyone stuffs themselves on those, they only eat a token amount of the side dishes. Why? —Because, of course, everyone wants to save room for dessert!!!!!
[dining]
Setting Up For An Easier Thanksgiving
Here are some easy tips to make setting up for Thanksgiving go a lot smoother:
Short of seating space for your holiday dinner? Pull out your ironing board (some of you may not remember what that is. HA!HA!). Throw a table cloth over it and it works great as a kids’ table. Because you can move it up and down to different heights you can adjust it to the height of the chairs that you have or to the heights of the kids.
No kids coming to your party or dinner? Use the ironing board as a buffet table. Once again, cover it with a table cloth and use it for platters of cookies, bowls of Chex Mix, etc.
The ironing board can work well as a serving table, too. If your dining table has room for everyone to sit but not enough room for all of the food, set up the ironing board close to the table (being narrow means it doesn’t take up much space) to hold the serving dishes. Then mom or grandma won’t need to jump up and run to the kitchen every time someone needs seconds.
Some ironing boards are a little wobbly but if you put your ironing board on a hardwood or tile floor or up against a wall, that will help. Use your own judgment in setting it up and determining what is light enough to put on it. I probably wouldn’t put my heavy crystal heirloom punch bowl full of punch on it, but a basket of dinner rolls, chips or cookies would work fine.
It seems that no matter what you do when setting up for Thanksgiving, there are always so many last minute things to do the moment before you get ready to set everything on the table. One of those last minute things is mashing the potatoes. This year, you can stay ahead of the game by mashing them early and keeping them warm in your crockpot. They will keep up to 2 hours on low in the crock pot and will be just as fresh as if you had just mashed them. Put them on low and grease your crock pot. They start going down hill after two hours, so don’t leave them in there any longer.
Cranberry sauce is always on sale for a very good price this time of year. Stock up on it and use it through out the year. You don’t need to save cranberry sauce just for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. It makes a nice change from the usual side dishes you serve with chicken or ham in February or August. As an added bonus, it is really good for you. Don’t forget dried cranberries, too. They are great in homemade trail mixes (mix up some trail mix for Christmas gifts), or tossed into your favorite quick bread.
Would you like help preparing a Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner? Our Thanksgiving On A Dime e-book can give you peace and the confidence to know that you can do it! Learn More Here!
This easy crockpot candy recipe is the ultimate no-fuss treat, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without a lot of work! If you love easy Christmas candy recipes, you’ll love this crockpot candy! It’s quick, delicious, and guaranteed to impress friends and family this holiday season.
If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to please a crowd, this easy crockpot candy recipe is exactly what you need! Perfect for holidays, parties, or just a simple snack to satisfy your chocolate cravings, this candy is rich, gooey, and packed with flavor—all without spending hours in the kitchen. Best of all, it’s made in your crockpot, so there’s minimal cleanup and almost no effort involved.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients—peanuts, white almond bark, chocolate chips, and peanut butter chips—you can create a decadent candy that tastes like it came from a candy shop. The crockpot gently melts the chocolate and almond bark while coating the peanuts in a creamy, irresistible mixture. All you have to do is stir, scoop, and let it set. Add sprinkles for a festive touch, and you’ve got a candy that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a home cook short on time, or just someone who loves easy desserts, this recipe delivers on flavor and convenience. You don’t need to be an expert chocolatier to make it look and taste amazing. Plus, it’s versatile—you can swap in your favorite nuts or even mix in mini candies for a fun twist.
In just a couple of hours, your kitchen will be filled with the sweet aroma of chocolate and peanut butter, and you’ll have a batch of homemade candy that’s perfect for gift-giving, snack time, or indulging whenever a sweet tooth strikes. This easy crockpot candy recipe proves that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most irresistible—and everyone will be asking for seconds.
This easy crockpot candy recipe is delicious and simple to make in the crockpot with just a few minutes prep. Just dump everything in, let it melt on low, and you’re done! It’s a quick, no-fuss treat that’s crunchy, chocolatey, and downright delicious, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with zero hassle!
This caramel toffee crockpot candy bark recipe is unbelievably easy to make with your crockpot! This sweet and salty candy treat blends sweet chocolate, creamy caramel, and crunchy pretzels for a dessert that’s perfect for parties and holiday get togethers!
Author:Tawra Kellam
Ingredients
1/2 bag pretzels (enough to cover the bottom of the crockpot)
1 package milk chocolate chips
1 (24.oz.) block white almond bark
1/2 package caramel bits
toffee bits (optional)
Instructions
Place pretzels on the bottom of the crockpot.
Add the chocolate chips on top, then place the almond bark over the chocolate.
Cover and cook on LOW for 1½–2 hours, until fully melted.
Stir everything together gently.
Spread the melted mix onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Here’s an easy recipe and tips for how to roast a turkey! This is the best roast turkey recipe ever and everyone raves about how moist and delicious it is!
How To Roast A Turkey
If you don’t know how to roast a turkey, you’re going to love this super easy roast turkey recipe! There are only 2 ingredients and it takes just 5 minutes to prepare. Then it can roast in the oven overnight and will be perfectly juicy, moist and delicious just in time for your holiday meal!
I will actually be sharing 2 turkey recipes with you today. Both of them make wonderfully tasty and juicy Christmas or Thanksgiving turkey. The reason I’ll share 2 recipes is that the easiest turkey tastes amazing but is so fall off the bone tender that it does not have the crispy top traditional Christmas movie look.
The second recipe is also very delicious, but also has the classic crispy top look, in case you’re trying to wow your extended family with your Thanksgiving turkey roasting prowess! It’s slightly more time-consuming to prepare, but just as tasty!
Either way, you’re sure to have a juicy and delicious roast turkey!
If you choose the first recipe, the super easy turkey recipe, you can pretty much spend 5 minutes prepping it and then put it in the oven and leave it alone until it is done. The only extra work is turning down the temperature after an hour.
If you choose the second (slightly more complicated) recipe, be sure to baste regularly according to the recipe directions or the turkey will get dry. Also, be sure to add the water to the pan as directed if you start to run out of juices for basting to make sure that the turkey stays nice and moist.
Be Sure To Allow Sufficient Time To Thaw The Turkey!
Sometimes turkeys do not cook properly because they don’t get thawed. It is super important to properly thaw your turkey before you try to roast it. If you don’t thaw it ahead of time, you might find that it gets overly cooked on the outside and is still raw or undercooked in the middle. That would obviously not be good, so if necessary, set a reminder or write “thaw turkey” on the calendar so you don’t forget!
You need to allow 1 day of thawing time for every 4 lbs. of turkey. You can keep a thawed turkey in the fridge for at least 3-4 days, so if it is done thawing a little bit early, it won’t hurt anything. Thaw your turkey with the breast side down so the juices will run into the breast. (The turkey breast is the thick part of the meat that is usually on the top.)
Buy Whole Turkeys Around Holidays While They Are On Sale
Turkey isn’t expensive at all, especially around the holidays so stock up now. I got two turkeys today for $.39/lb. I had the butcher cut them in half just like last year and the year before!
If you haven’t heard of cutting them in half, you can often ask a butcher to cut a turkey in half and wrap the two halves separately. Normally, each half would be closer to the size of a chicken, so you can serve it in place of chicken for any normal size meal. We have a stand up freezer so I often buy extra turkeys when they are on sale. You can stock up during the holidays when turkey is cheap, serve turkey in place of chicken and save a bundle on your food bill!
How To Roast A No Fail Turkey!
This first recipe is my mom Jill’s roast turkey recipe. It is the one we all make the most often because of how super easy and delicious it is! It is a no-fail turkey recipe that literally only takes 5 minutes to prepare.
The secret to why this is a no-fail turkey recipe is that it is slow-cooked at a lower temperature for a longer amount of time, resulting in a perfectly moist and juicy turkey with very little work. Mom only uses this turkey recipe and I use this one most often because it is so easy.
Because this recipe calls for cooking the turkey upside down, the turkey meat ends up so tender that it falls off the bone without cutting. For this reason, you will want to serve this turkey already carved. If you have never cooked a turkey before or if you just like things to be as easy as possible and still taste great, this is the recipe for you.
This first roast turkey recipe does not have the traditional crispy top that you see in the movies, but it is amazingly delicious! If you really prefer to have a turkey that has the classic crispy top look, the roast sticky turkey recipe below can’t be beat.
Both recipes are juicy, tender and delicious! The biggest differences are that the super easy one is almost no work and the roast sticky turkey recipe requires more work but has the picture perfect crispy skin.
A Few Notes About Turkey Safety
Some people are concerned about roasting turkey this way because of the lower baking temperature of this recipe but it is perfectly safe if you start at 250° and then turn down to 200° after an hour. When it is finished, the internal temperature at the thigh should be 180° or higher.
Like chicken, you need to be sure to wash your hands after handling raw turkey before touching other things so you don’t contaminate surfaces and other foods.
Some people like to rinse their turkeys before cooking them, but we don’t recommend it. Rinsing is not necessary and can actually increase the likelihood of spreading dangerous bacteria everywhere as the water can carry germs to nearby surfaces. Cooking your turkey at the proper temperatures will kill harmful bacteria and as I like to say, no self-respecting germ would survive!
This easy no-fail turkey recipe makes the best turkey you will ever eat! It is super tasty, moist and tender! The meat will just fall off the bones so you will have to serve it already carved. It will be very juicy and moist.
Ingredients
1 turkey, 20-22 lbs. 1 stick margarine or butter
Instructions
Defrost frozen turkey for several days in the refrigerator according to the directions on the package.
Preheat oven to 250°.
Line a roasting pan with aluminum foil.
Remove the insides of the turkey and save for giblet gravy or for fried livers and gizzards.
Lay turkey, breast side down, in the pan.
Place the stick of butter on the inside.
Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake at 250° for 1 hour.
Reduce heat to 200° and roast for 10-15 hours. Cooking time can be longer to fit your schedule. Test with a meat thermometer to make sure the temperature in the thigh is 180°.
Notes
If I have a 20-22 lb. turkey, I put it in the oven one hour before I go to bed (that way I can turn it down to 200° and sometimes I go down to 180° before I go to bed.) It will be done by noon the next day. Because it cooks at such a low temperature, if you aren’t going to eat until 1-2 PM, it will stay just fine in the oven until then.
If I have a smaller 10 lb. turkey, I put it in the oven early on Thanksgiving morning (about 6 or 7 AM in order to eat at noon. You don’t need to worry too much about it getting done. An hour or two before the meal, check it and see how it is doing. If it isn’t cooking quickly enough, you can always raise the temperature to 350°.
If you use a smaller 10 -12 lb turkey, you only need to use half of a stick (about 4 Tbsp.) of butter. You can also place it in a large crockpot on low.
These Roast Turkey Recipes Are In Volume 1 of Our Cookbook:
[dining]
How To Roast A Prettier Turkey (with a little more work)
Here is another super delicious roast turkey recipe! If you want to know how to roast a turkey that is picture perfect with the crispy skin like you see in the classic movies, then this is the recipe for you. It takes a little bit more work than the super easy recipe above, but it’s still fairly easy and definitely delicious!
This recipe takes a little bit longer to prepare, but still not more than 10 minutes. In order to keep the crispy top from drying out and burning, you have to base it every 30-45 minutes as it bakes, which is easy but requires more of your attention than Mom’s turkey recipe above.
(If you haven’t done it before, basting a turkey is easy. You just pull the turkey partway out of the oven, spoon the juices over the top to keep it moistened and then slide it back into the oven until the next basting.)
This easy roast sticky turkey recipe is a great way to roast a turkey! It is very easy to make and makes a great deli style turkey. The meat comes out very moist and flavorful. It also makes wonderful leftovers!
Ingredients
2 Tbsp. salt 1 Tbsp. paprika 2 tsp. cayenne pepper 2 tsp. onion powder 2 tsp. thyme 2 tsp. white pepper 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. black pepper 1 stick butter 1 20 lb. turkey 1 cup chopped onion or 1 sliced orange
Instructions
Combine all of the spices.
Remove the giblets from the turkey.
Rub the spice mixture into the turkey, both inside and out, making sure it is evenly distributed and down deep into the skin.
Place the stick of butter in the cavity.
Place the seasoned turkey into a turkey roasting pan.
Seal with foil and refrigerate overnight.
When you’re ready to roast the turkey, preheat the oven to 250°.
Stuff the cavity with onions or oranges.
Roast, uncovered, at 250 degrees for 8-10 hours.
After the first hour, baste the turkey with pan juices every half hour to 45 minutes. If you don’t have enough juices to baste after 3 hours, add 1 cup of water to the pan.
The turkey will be golden to dark brown with caramelized juices on the bottom. Let the turkey rest about 10 minutes before carving.
Here are a bunch of traditional Thanksgiving recipes for holiday favorites like roast turkey, sweet potato casserole, homemade stuffing, turkey gravy and homemade pies all in one place!
The best news!! All of these are dairy free and gluten free recipes and they ACTUALLY TASTE GREAT! You can make this gluten free dairy free Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people for under $35! (The cost depends on how many pies you make.) Don’t let your food sensitivity hold you back! Try these recipes and enjoy Thanksgiving without paying for it later! (more…)
Discover the sweetest holiday treats with these easy Christmas bark candy recipes, perfect for gift-giving, parties, or festive snacking. From classic peppermint to fruity, nutty, and chocolatey variations, these recipes are simple, delicious, and fun to make at home!
There’s something magical about homemade Christmas candy, and few treats capture the holiday spirit like Christmas bark candy recipes. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for gift-giving or holiday gatherings, candy bark is a festive favorite that everyone loves. From classic peppermint bark to colorful fruit and nut variations, these recipes are simple enough for beginners but fun to experiment with for seasoned bakers.
With just a few ingredients, you can create show-stopping treats that look as good as they taste. White chocolate, dark chocolate, crushed candy canes, nuts, and dried fruits come together to create layers of flavor and texture that melt in your mouth. Whether you’re making candy for a holiday party, a school bake sale, or a thoughtful homemade gift, Christmas bark candy recipes offer endless possibilities to customize flavors and decorations.
In this collection, you’ll find a variety of easy-to-follow recipes, including Peppermint Bark, Sheet Pan Pretzel Bark, Lemon Sunshine Bark, Cherry Bark, and even a fun Valentine-inspired candy. Each recipe is designed to be simple, using 2–3 main ingredients, with optional mix-ins to make your bark uniquely yours. You can get creative with nuts, caramel, M&M’s, dried fruit, or even swirls of chocolate for a marbled effect.
Not only are these barks delicious, but they’re also perfect for creating a festive candy tray, stocking stuffer, or party favor. Making your own candy bark at home is a cost-effective way to enjoy gourmet flavors without the store price, and the process is quick enough to do with kids or friends for a fun holiday activity.
Scroll down to explore this delightful selection of Christmas bark candy recipes, including a special fruit and nut bark recipe that’s perfect for sharing. These easy, festive, and tasty treats will make your holiday season sweeter than ever!
1 lb. white almond bark 1 cup crushed peppermint candies* 1/4 tsp. peppermint flavoring (optional)
Instructions
Melt the almond bark in the microwave according to the package directions.
Stir in peppermints and flavoring. I like my bark really minty so I add more flavoring.
Pour onto waxed paper or a silicone baking mat on a cookie sheet.
Spread and let harden. You can put it in the fridge if you prefer to harden it more quickly.
Then break into pieces.
Notes
If you like, you can mix bark flavors. For example, you could first melt some chocolate bark, spread it on the waxed paper and let it harden partway before spreading the peppermint and almond bark mixture over the top.
*To crush candy canes, put them in a ziptop bag and smash them with a rolling pin.
Variations: You can put just about anything into almond bark for different flavors!
This easy Sheet Pan Pretzel Bark recipe is easy to make in minutes for a festive treat everyone will love! With salty pretzels, swirled chocolate, and colorful candy toppings, it’s the perfect sweet-and-salty holiday favorite!
Author:Tawra Kellam
Ingredients
1 bag mini pretzels 3 (4 oz.) bars white chocolate 3 (4 oz.) bars semi-sweet chocolate 1 (11 oz.) bag caramel bits (optional) Holiday M&M’s or other colorful candies for topping (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 200–250°F.
Line a 9×13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper.
Spread mini pretzels evenly across the pan to cover the bottom.
Arrange the chocolate bars on top of the pretzels, alternating between white and semi-sweet (to get a marbled effect later).
If using, sprinkle caramel bits evenly over the top.
Bake for about 10 minutes, just until the chocolate softens and begins to melt.
Remove from the oven. Using a spatula, gently swirl the chocolates together to create a marbled pattern.
While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle M&M’s evenly over the top.
This festive Christmas Candy Bark is easy to make in a warm oven with colorful candy wafers and your favorite toppings, creating a pretty and delicious holiday treat. Perfect for gifting, parties, or enjoying at home!
Author:Tawra Kellam
Ingredients
Melting candy wafers (use 2 or more colors for a fun swirl effect) Your favorite toppings, such as:
M&Ms
Chopped Andes Mints
Chopped chocolate bars
Nuts (sliced almonds, peanuts, pecans, etc.)
Crushed pretzels
Dried fruit pieces
Instructions
Preheat oven to 190°F (88°C).
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Arrange the candy wafers in a single layer on the sheet.
If using multiple colors, place them in clusters or stripes for pretty swirls later.
Place the tray in the oven, then turn the oven off.
Let the wafers soften for 15–30 minutes, checking at the 15-minute mark.
They should be glossy and soft but not completely melted together.
Remove from the oven and use a butter knife or toothpick to swirl the colors gently.
Sprinkle your chosen toppings evenly over the melted candy.
Gently press toppings into the melted candy.
Let cool completely at room temperature or refrigerate until firm.
Break into pieces and enjoy your festive, colorful Christmas candy bark!
This 2-ingredient nut bark recipe makes a tasty sweet and salty snack, blending chocolate and peanuts together for a treat that tastes just like a homemade Mr. GoodBar!
Author:Tawra Kellam
Ingredients
12 oz. melting chocolate (milk, dark, or semi-sweet) 2 cups roasted peanuts, unsalted
Instructions
Line a cookie sheet or baking pan with parchment paper.
Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until smooth and fully melted.
Stir the peanuts into the melted chocolate until evenly coated.
Pour the mixture onto the prepared cookie sheet, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm.
Once set, cut into squares or break into irregular pieces. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Notes
Swap peanuts for almonds, cashews, or mixed nuts for variety.
Add a pinch of sea salt on top before chilling for a sweet-salty twist.
For a festive touch, sprinkle crushed candy or mini chocolate chips over the top before it sets.
This 3 ingredient no bake Valentine bark candy is an easy and festive Valentine’s Day candy recipe that is easy to make, starting with just 3 ingredients! It is a perfect Valentine’s Day treat your family and friends will adore!
Author:Tawra Kellam
Ingredients
1 lb. white almond bark (or 1 bag white chocolate chips) 1 (12 oz.) pkg. pink candy wafers 1 (12 oz.) pkg. red candy wafers candy sprinkles (your choice of white, pink, red or gold) Jet-Puffed Vanilla Marshmallow Bits (optional)
Instructions
Melt the almond bark in the microwave according to the package directions.
Drizzle the melted almond bark onto waxed paper or onto a silicone baking mat on a cookie sheet.
Spread evenly to about 1/8″ thick.
Melt the pink candy wafers in the microwave according to the package directions.
Drizzle melted candy over the top of the first layer.
Melt the red candy wafers in the microwave according to the package directions.
Drizzle the melted red candy over the top of the other layers.
Using a spatula, swirl the layers together to get the desired look.
Gently shake the baking sheet to work out any bubbles.
Add candy sprinkles liberally over the swirled candy, as desired.
Sprinkle marshmallow bits over the top, if desired.
Let harden. You can put it in the fridge if you prefer to make it harden faster.
Then break into pieces and serve.
Notes
The basic recipe calls for almond bark and candy wafers, but you can mix and match almond bark, candy wafers and white chocolate chips.
If you don’t have colored candy wafers, you can melt almond bark or white chocolate chips in separate batches and add red food coloring until you get the desired shade of red or pink.
You don’t have to use the exact amount of almond bark and candy wafers called for in the recipe, so if you have more or less of one of the candy ingredients, or if you want to make a partial batch, you can adjust to what you have and it will work out fine.
Try this tasty roasted pumpkin seeds recipe for a great way to use those pumpkin seeds, along with how to roast a pumpkin, pumpkin recipes and more!
Roasting Pumpkin Seeds and Pumpkin Recipes
Peter Piper Picked a Profoundly Plump Pumpkin — Now what does he do with it?
Every fall I get many questions about what to do with pumpkins. Many people find curious fascination in imagining what it would be like to grow these versatile little gems, as if growing something that produces a large fruit is somehow more respectable than growing, say, a Serrano pepper. Many people eventually venture into pumpkin experimentation. Some succeed and many fail. Much like a dog that chases a car, many people never give thought to what they would do if they actually succeeded in successfully raising a patch of these fall favorites.
Whether you have found yourself with more pumpkins than you know what to do with or you are one of the people who had to buy pumpkins and duct tape them to the vine, these tips for roasting and using pumpkins are sure to help you make the most out of them (no matter how you acquired them)!
How To Roast A Pumpkin
You can only do this with a freshly carved pumpkin! Do not use on a pumpkin that has been carved and sitting out for several days.
If your pumpkin is small enough that you can fit it in your oven, just place the entire pumpkin on a cookie sheet and bake, uncovered, at 375° for 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours, depending on the size of the pumpkin. When you can easily insert a knife inserted into the side of the pumpkin, it is done. Then cut in half, remove seeds and remove pumpkin pulp.
To bake a fresh pumpkin that won’t fit in your oven, halve the pumpkin crosswise and scoop out the seeds and strings. Place halves, hollow side down, in a large baking pan covered with aluminum foil and add a little water. Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until fork-tender. Remove. When cool, scrape pulp from shells and puree, a little at time, in food processor or blender. Mix with a little salt.
To freeze pumpkin puree. Put 1-2 cups in freezer bags along with spices and use in pies.
To use pumpkin puree for recipes: Line a strainer with a double layer of cheesecloth or a flour sack dish towel and let the pumpkin sit to drain out the extra moisture BEFORE cooking with it. Pumpkin is very moist, so in order for your recipe to come out correctly, you MUST strain it.
A 5 lb pumpkin makes about 4 1/2 cups of mashed (pureed) pumpkin.
a 15-16 oz can of pumpkin equals about 2 cups of mashed pumpkin.
So if the recipe calls for a 15-16 oz can of pumpkin use 2 cups.
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin Seeds
Salt or Seasoned Salt
Boil the pumpkin seeds in water for 5 minutes. Drain well. Sprinkle with salt or seasoned salt. Place a thin layer on a cookie sheet. Bake at 250 degrees. Stir after 30 minutes. Bake 1/2-1 hour more or until crunchy.
*Squash seeds may also be used.
Ranch Pumpkin Seeds
2 tsp. Ranch Seasoning Mix
2 Tbsp. butter or oil
Drizzle butter over pumpkin seeds. Then sprinkle ranch dressing mix over seeds. Stir every 15 minutes for 30-45 minutes until seeds are golden brown.
Mix dry ingredients together. Drizzle oil over seeds and then sprinkle dry ingredients over seeds before roasting. Stir every 15 minutes for 30-45 minutes until seeds are golden brown.
Sweet and Spicy Pumpkin Seeds
2 Tbsp. Brown Sugar
1/2 tsp. Salt
1/8 tsp. Cayenne Pepper
1/8 tsp. Black Pepper
Mix dry ingredients together. Sprinkle over seeds before roasting. Stir every 15 minutes for 30-45 minutes until seeds are golden brown.
Mix dry ingredients together. Drizzle oil over seeds and then sprinkle cheese mixture over seeds before roasting. Stir every 15 minutes for 30-45 minutes until seeds are golden brown.
Cinnamon and Sugar Pumpkin Seeds
1/4 cup Sugar
1 tsp. Cinnamon
1/2 tsp. Nutmeg
1/4 tsp. Salt
2 Tsp. Butter, melted
Mix dry ingredients together. Drizzle butter over seeds and then sprinkle sugar mixture over seeds before roasting. Stir every 15 minutes for 30-45 minutes until seeds are golden brown.
Pumpkin Pancakes
2 cups flour
2 Tbsp. brown sugar, packed
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp. salt
1/2 cup pumpkin
1 large egg
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 cup milk
1/2 cup nuts, chopped (optional)
Combine ingredients. Stir just until moistened; batter may be lumpy. Heat griddle or skillet over medium heat; brush lightly with vegetable oil. Pour 1/4 cup batter onto hot griddle; cook until bubbles begin to burst. Turn and continue cooking 1 to 2 minutes. Serve with Pumpkin Maple Sauce and nuts.
Pumpkin Maple Sauce
1 cup maple syrup
1 1/4 cups pumpkin
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
This pumpkin cookie recipe makes an easy spice cookie that everyone will love! Pumpkin cookies a great fall treat that you can use as an after school snack for the kids!
This easy pumpkin cookie recipe makes fluffy pumpkin spice cookies perfect for snacks, parties or family get-togethers. Kids also love them for school lunches!
Author:Tawra Kellam
Ingredients
1/2 cup shortening 1 cup sugar 1 cup pumpkin 1 cup raisins 1/2 cup nuts 1 tsp. vanilla 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. brown sugar 1 tsp. cinnamon 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°.
Cream shortening, sugar and pumpkin in a bowl.
Add the rest of the ingredients.
Mix well.
Drop by small spoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
Brush the tops with milk.
Bake for 8 minutes.
Top with frosting.
Pumpkin Cookies Frosting Recipe
2 Tbsp. butter
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
4-5 tsp. milk
Melt butter.
Blend in powdered sugar.
Add vanilla and 4 tsp. milk.
Stir until well blended.
Add one more teaspoon of milk if needed to make it smooth.
This Pumpkin Cookie Recipe is from Volume 1 of our Cookbook:
This Peachy Pork Chops Recipe from Volume 1 of our Dining On A Dime cookbook is delicious and easy to prepare. If you’re looking for a delightful and flavorful dish to make with pork chops, look no further than this mouthwatering Peachy Pork Chops recipe! The peach sauce complements the pork chops nicely! Your family will love it! Combine it with the yummy veggie salad and you have a perfect family meal plan under $5!
Looking for a delicious and hassle-free dinner option? Look no further than this easy peachy pork chops recipe. Tender and juicy pork chops are cooked to perfection and then smothered in a mouthwatering peach glaze that adds a delightful sweetness to every bite. It’s a perfect recipe to make when you want something delicious for your family, but don’t have a lot of time.
I make this peachy pork chops recipe when I find a good deal on pork chops or when I just want something different and delicious. My husband always said he didn’t like pork chops, but he raves about how delicious this peachy pork chops recipe is whenever I make it. The best part is that it’s super simple for me to make!
How To Make the Peachy Pork Chops Recipe
To make this pork chops recipe, gather the following ingredients:
4 pork chops 1 (10 oz.) jar peach jam 2 Tbsp. vinegar 1 Tbsp. mustard 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce a dash of Tabasco sauce
You can easily double or triple this recipe if you have a larger group of people to feed. Just use 2 or 3 times the number of ingredients.
Begin by browning the pork chops in a small amount of oil in a frying pan and cooking until they are done.
Then, mix the remaining ingredients in a separate bowl to make a simple peach sauce. Warm the sauce in a pan, or covered in the microwave. Then pour over the pork chops and serve.
The pork chops are delicious just like this, but if you’d like to make it look more fancy, you can add some chopped canned or fresh peaches to the sauce and garnish with peach slices.
I’m all about making it simple, so I usually serve with potatoes or rice and a vegetable. For the vegetable, I will often serve with microwaved frozen broccoli, mixed vegetables, or French-cut green beans. It’s also delicious with a salad or a simple veggie tray, like baby carrots, cucumbers, and peppers.
This Peachy Pork Chops Recipe Is From Volume 1 of Our Cookbook:
Looking for a delightful and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of peaches with succulent pork chops? This peachy pork chops recipe is a perfect blend of savory and sweet, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. It’s a perfect way to use pork chops and the kids will love it!
Author:Tawra Kellam
Ingredients
4 pork chops 1 (10 oz.) jar peach jam 2 Tbsp. vinegar 1 Tbsp. mustard 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce Dash of Tabasco sauce
Instructions
Brown the pork chops and cook until done.
Mix the rest of the ingredients and heat.
Serve over the pork chops.
Notes
If you’d like to make these peachy pork chops extra fancy, you can serve them with sliced ripe peaches or canned peaches.
It’s perfect as-is, but you can also add chopped peaches to the sauce if you like.
This makes a great bone-in or boneless pork chop recipe.
Here’s an easy meal plan you can use with the peachy porch chops recipe to make an easy $5.00 meal.
Meal Plan:
Peachy Pork Chops* Boiled Red Potatoes “Cool” Veggie Salad* Bread w/ butter and jam Butterscotch Pudding Parfaits (layers of butterscotch pudding and whipped topping)
In this post, you will find traditional meatloaf recipes you will love including an easy meatloaf recipe that requires only 5 minutes prep time, a tasty bacon cheese meatloaf, extraordinary meatloaf and more! If you want to know how to make meatloaf, you’ve come to the right place! You’ll also find 12 ways to make meatloaf and meatballs, which give you lots of tasty options for easy family dinners everyone loves!
Traditional Meatloaf Is Easy And Delicious!
Meatloaf is a traditional comfort food that has been popular for generations! Today I will share some easy meatloaf recipes to make traditional meatloaf like my great grandmothers used to make!
This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, and even leftovers. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, our step-by-step guide will show you how to make meatloaf that is moist, flavorful, and sure to impress everyone at the table. Our teenage boys absolutely love meatloaf!
I am including several easy meatloaf recipes, each of which has its own variations. Our easy meatloaf recipe that is first on the list is perfect for any occasion, so it is a good recipe to use, especially when you’re first learning how to make meatloaf.
How To Make Meatloaf
If you’re a little nervous because you don’t know how to make meatloaf, you will be pleasantly surprised to find out how easy it is to make!
Generally, any meatloaf starts with ground beef and then includes oatmeal, bread crumbs, crackers and sometimes other grains. In the Great Depression, these fillers were used to stretch the meat to make the meatloaf cost less, but they also add a slightly different texture to the meat.
Then the meatloaf is placed into a bread baking pan and baked into a loaf, shaped like a bread loaf. When it is served, the meatloaf is usually served cut into thick slices a little bit thicker than bread slices.
Meatloaf is usually topped with ketchup and then baked, but it can also be topped with barbecue sauce, steak sauce or other specialty sauces if you prefer.
You can also sprinkle the top with grated cheese like Cheddar or Mexican cheese, or you can leave the sauce off the top altogether and simply sprinkle cheese on top. Yum! My easy meatloaf recipe is topped with ketchup or barbecue sauce, but I include other traditional meatloaf recipes below that call for cheese and sometimes bacon as a topping.
What To Do With Leftover Meatloaf
Leftover meatloaf is great for sandwiches because it tastes great and you can easily cut it into the size you prefer and place it on the bread.
If you make meatballs, you can cut them into halves and make sandwiches from them, too. Meatball sandwiches are delicious, especially served warm with mozzarella cheese, Italian sauce and other Italian-style add-ins.
If you have leftover meatloaf, recipes like these are perfect for using the leftovers:
The easy meatloaf recipe below, which is included in volume 1 of our cookbook is my original meatloaf recipe. My mom and grandmother never made meatloaf, so when I got married, I came up with this easy meatloaf recipe because my husband loved meatloaf! It is so easy and delicious! It’s a no fail recipe for meatloaf that will be a hit with your entire family!
This traditional meatloaf recipe makes a delicious moist meatloaf just like grandma used to make! Not only does it taste great every time, it only takes 5 minutes to put together and then bake!
If you use this easy meatloaf recipe for any of the above purposes, you will probably want to use ketchup instead of the barbecue sauce that is mentioned in the basic meatloaf recipe.
This easy meatloaf recipe is a super delicious traditional meatloaf recipe that is easy to make with just 5 minutes’ prep time! This is an easy family dinner idea that everyone loves!
Yield:6 servings
Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef 1 cup milk 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. dry mustard 1/4 tsp. pepper 3/4 cup quick cooking oatmeal or 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs 1 egg 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. onion powder 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1/2 cup ketchup or barbecue sauce
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°.
Mix the ground beef and all other ingredients together except the ketchup.
Put the meat mixture into a loaf pan.
Spread ketchup over the top.
Bake 1 hour or until done.
This easy meatloaf recipe is from volume 1 of our cookbook:
This Bacon Cheese Meatloaf Recipe is an easy meatloaf recipe with the delicious taste of bacon and cheese! Who thought meatloaf could get any better?
Ingredients
1 egg 1/4 cup evaporated milk 1 1/2 cups Swiss cheese, grated 1 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled (about 10 slices) 1/2 cup soft bread crumbs (leftover dinner rolls are especially good) 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1/2 tsp. onion powder 1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°.
Combine everything except for 1/2 cup of the swiss cheese and 1/4 cup of the bacon.
Mix well and shape into a loaf.
Place the meat mixture in a greased loaf pan or baking dish.
Bake uncovered at 350° for 1 hour, until meat is no longer pink or a thermometer inserted in the center reads 160° or higher.
Drain.
Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and bacon.
Bake 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.
Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing.
This extraordinary meatloaf recipe is another meatloaf with a unique and delicious flavor! If you want to know how to make meatloaf extra special, this is the recipe for you! Using half ground beef and half sausage along with a generous amount of cheese gives it a more seasoned flavor than a typical meatloaf. For even more zip, you can use hot sausage in this easy meatloaf recipe. Tou can also experiment with other cheeses, like pepper jack.
This extraordinary meatloaf recipe is another meatloaf with a unique and delicious flavor! Using half ground beef and half sausage along with a generous amount of cheese gives it a more seasoned flavor than a typical meatloaf. Try it and be amazed!
Author:Tawra Kellam
Ingredients
1 lb. ground beef 1 lb. sausage (hot if you like it) 1 cup bread crumbs 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 2 eggs 1 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 3/4 lb. (3 cups) Colby cheese, grated
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°.
Mix all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
Place in a loaf pan.
Bake 45 minutes. When finished baking, a thermometer inserted in the center should read at least 160°.
This bacon parmesan meatloaf recipe has been a family favorite for years! It is a traditional meatloaf recipe with the addition of Parmesan cheese and cooked layered in a generous amount of bacon for an extra delicious flavor!
Author:Tawra Kellam
Ingredients
Meatloaf Ingredients
12 slices of bread 2 cups milk 4 lbs. ground beef 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese 8 eggs salt and pepper to taste 1-2 Tbps. parsley, chopped 1 (16 oz.) package bacon
Sauce Ingredients
2 cups ketchup 1 1/2 cups brown sugar 1 tsp. dry mustard 2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°.
Soak the bread in the milk in a bowl.
Mix the remaining ingredients, except the bacon, in a second bowl.
Mix the soaked bread into the ground beef mixture.
Place a layer of bacon on the bottom of 2 loaf pans.
Make the ground beef mixture into 2 loaves.
Place one meatloaf into each loaf pan.
Top the meatloaves with the remaining bacon slices.
Stir sauce ingredients together. Pour half over the meatloaf. Use the other half of the sauce for basting and serving.
Bake for 20-25 minutes.
Add more sauce and bake for 25 more minutes.
Meatloaf, Meatballs and Hamburger Recipes And Ideas
Buy 5 pounds or more of hamburger and prepare your favorite traditional meatloaf recipe. Then form part of it into any combination of the following:
1 or 2 meat loaves
meatballs
mini meat loaves (the size that will fit into mini loaf pans)
portions that will fit into muffin tins
form the rest into nice sized patties
Lay everything out on cookie sheets and freeze. When frozen, place into freezer bags. When you need something quick for dinner, just pull a bag of something out of the freezer.
Here are a couple of other easy meatloaf recipes you might like:
Here is a simple family meal planner with easy family meal ideas that can save you money and satisfy your family without you spending too much time in the kitchen! These are easy and delicious comfort food recipes that are sure to satisfy and they’re so easy you won’t be tempted to spend a lot eating out! We’ve made it easy for you with these family meal plans and recipes!
These are the meal plans for a week. Each day includes links to the recipes listed in the meal plan. Feel free to adapt and modify the meals according to your family’s preferences. For more great family dinner ideas and recipes, be sure to check out our easy Dining On A Dime cookbooks! They will help you save time and money making tasty meals!
For lots more super easy and cheap recipes your family will love, check out our cookbooks!
Here is an easy apple cake recipe for a delicious coffee cake that reminds you of grandma’s house! You’ll also find 10 tips for using apples, including tips on which apples are best for which purposes, how to use apples so they don’t go bad, and ideas for using apples in various foods!
Easy Apple Cake Recipe: A Simple, Delicious Treat for Any Occasion!
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy apple cake recipe, this is it! Bursting with juicy apples and topped with a delightful crunchy, crumbly texture, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Whether you want to enjoy it with your morning coffee, serve it as an afternoon snack, or bring it to a gathering, this apple cake is guaranteed to impress. With a soft, moist interior full of tender apples and a crisp coffee cake-like texture, every bite delivers a mouthwatering contrast of textures and flavors.
What Makes This Apple Cake Special?
One of the best parts about this recipe is just how simple it is to make. You don’t need any fancy equipment or complicated steps—just a few basic ingredients and some apples. Despite its simplicity, the result is anything but ordinary. The apples add natural sweetness and moisture, while the crumbly texture gives it that irresistible bakery-quality feel.
The combination of tender apples throughout the cake with the golden, crunchy top creates a delightful experience with every bite. The cake itself is soft and fluffy, with the apples melting into the batter to create pockets of fruity sweetness. Meanwhile, the crunchy top layer adds a satisfying contrast, reminiscent of a classic coffee cake crumble.
This easy apple cake recipe makes a great snack cake that reminds you of grandma’s house! It is similar to a coffee cake, with a yummy apple flavor and makes a good cake for fall! It’s a great way to use extra fresh apples. Try it to bring some warm fuzzy feelings to your family.
Author:Berna Tatum
Ingredients
2 cups sugar 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. baking soda 1 Tbsp. baking powder 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil 2 eggs 3 cups chopped raw apples 1 cup nuts (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°.
Place all ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix well.
Pour into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
Bake 1 hour, until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
This easy apple cake recipe is from Volume 1 of our cookbook:
[dining]
10 Tips for Ways To Use Apples
Here are some useful ways to use apples:
Baking apples include Granny Smith, McIntosh and Rome. These tend to be great for baking but not so good for eating unbaked. I like to keep apples like Gala, Jonathan and Golden Delicious on hand because you can eat them or bake with them.
Red Delicious Apples are usually used for eating, but I have used them in a pinch in baking. Red Delicious apples become much softer when cooked, but since I like my apples sweet and very soft when cooked, that doesn’t bother me.
When you have a partially eaten apple, save the good part and chop it into pieces. Place in a microwave safe dish. Blend together 1 tsp. each brown sugar, flour, oatmeal and margarine and a dash of cinnamon. Top the apple with the topping and microwave until tender.
When making baked apples, you can put all kinds of things in the center, including candied pineapple, orange peel, ginger, peaches, berries, raisins, honey, corn syrup and even marshmallows.
Core and slice apples very thin. Dehydrate and use in granola, eat alone or soften in warm water to use in recipes.
Slice apples and use in Pancakes or waffles.
To freeze apples: Peel, slice and core. Then store in 2 cup portions in freezer bags.
Use soft apples in cooking. Just because they’re not crisp enough to be desirable doesn’t man they’re bad.
Cut apples into small pieces and add to salads with a fruit based dressing.
To keep apples crisp, keep them in the fridge to help them stay crisp.
When you can, eat the peel on your apple. That is where 2/3 of the fiber is found.
When making baked apples, you can put all kinds of things in the center, including candied pineapple, orange peel, ginger, peaches, berries, raisins, honey, corn syrup and even marshmallows.
Here are some cheap dinner ideas and recipes your family is sure to love! They’re super easy and quick to make and you’ll save a lot of money over eating out or making convenience food. All these dinners cost around $1.00 per person for the entire dinner ($3.00 for the entire meal).
Shopping is the key to cheap dinners. Buy everything on sale.NEVER Pay full price. Buy fruits and veggies when they are $1 or less per pound. If the fruit or vegetable you plan to use is very expensive, consider using something that is on sale and in season instead. Choose meat that you can get on sale for $1.99 or less per pound.
(If you want to track which stores have the lowest prices in your area and when they usually have sales, check out our handy price books. These booklets make it easy to track prices so you can always pay the lowest price.)
Keep the recipes and dinners simple and everyone will be happy! Many moms try to imagine extravagant meals, but most families prefer the same simple meals they love rather than expensive and unusual foods, so be kind to yourself and keep it simple!
$1.00 Dinners! Cheap Dinner Ideas And Recipes
All of these meals cost about $1 per person to make. Don’t overthink it! Pick one and make it for your family today!
Here are a bunch of homemade apple recipes to help you make delicious treats like pies, snacks and applesauce while using all of those extra apples!
18 Of The BEST EVER Homemade Apple Recipes!
I’ve always dreamed of having an apple tree in my backyard. You know the old saying, “Be careful what you wish for?” Now that I actually have my own apple tree, I stand in my yard watching the apples piling up around me thinking, “Oh no — What do I do with this mess now?”
If I could make gasoline out of apples, I could retire, but since that is not an option and my frugal mind will not allow me to waste one apple, I have had to come up with some homemade recipes for yummier “apple disposal” methods.
If you find that you have a few dozen more apples than you know what to do with, these homemade apple recipes from Dining On A Dime Volume 1 will help settle your frugal dilemma.
Tips for Using Apples:
When you have a partially eaten apple, save the good part and chop into pieces for this easy apple recipe: Place in a microwave safe dish. Blend together 1 tsp. each brown sugar, flour, oatmeal and margarine and a dash of cinnamon. Top the apple with the topping and microwave until tender.
Slice apples and use in pancakes or waffles and other homemade apple recipes.
To freeze apples: Peel, slice and core and then store in 2 cups portions in freezer bags.
Use soft apples in cooking.
Cut into small pieces and add to salads with a fruit based dressing.
Here is my best apple pie recipe and as a bonus I will give you a recipe for French apple pie. You use the French apple pie when you have only 1 crust for the bottom and need something to top it with. It is a cross between a pie and apple crisp.
6–7 cups of medium apples, cored, peeled and thinly sliced 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 tsp. salt 3/4 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 tsp. nutmeg 2 Tbsp. all purpose flour 2 Tbsp. butter
Instructions
Mix all of the ingredients in a large bowl except the butter.
Microwave this filling mixture 2-3 minutes.
Pour into the pie crust.
Dot with chunks of the butter.
Top with the other crust.
Cut steam slits in the top crust.
Sprinkle the top with sugar.
Bake at 450° for 15 minutes.
Then turn down to 350° and bake for 35-45 minutes, until apples are tender and juices are bubbling nicely out of the steam slits.
Warm, aromatic, and perfectly balanced, this easy apple pie spice recipe brings the classic flavors of homemade apple pie to all your favorite treats. From pies and muffins to oatmeal and lattes, this versatile spice blend is a pantry must-have for cozy, comforting flavors any time of year.
This homemade applesauce recipe is a delightful and kid-friendly way to make use of those surplus apples you have lying around. Whether you’ve stumbled upon a great deal on apples or have been blessed with an abundance from your own tree, this recipe is perfect for you.
Author:Tawra Kellam
Ingredients
4 apples – peeled, cored and chopped 3/4 cup water 1/4 cup sugar 1/2 tsp. cinnamon pinch of salt
Instructions
In a saucepan, combine the apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon.
Cover and cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until apples are soft.
Allow to cool.
Then mash with a fork, potato masher or stick blender.
This easy apple crisp recipe is super easy to make and tastes amazing! This is my great grandma’s apple crisp recipe and it’s always a hit! It’s also a very cheap way to have a delicious dessert and is perfect for using leftover apples. Throw a little ice cream on top and get the perfect apple pie a la mode taste with just a fraction of the work! You can find this recipe in volume 1 of our Dining On A Dime Cookbook.
Author:Tawra Kellam
Yield:6 servings
Ingredients
6 apples, peeled and sliced 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened 1 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup oatmeal 1/2 cup all purpose flour 1 tsp. cinnamon and/or nutmeg 1/2 cup water
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°.
Arrange apples in well-greased baking dish.
Blend all remaining ingredients except water.
Spread evenly over the top of the apples.
Pour water over the topping.
Bake 45 minutes until apples are tender and top is crisp.
Notes
For a Peach Crisp Recipe, use peaches in place of apples. (If you use peaches, this is basically a peach cobbler recipe.)
You can also try using 3 cups of blueberries in place of the apples for a Blueberry Crisp or Cobbler.
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of fall with this homemade apple butter recipe. Bursting with the natural sweetness of apples and enhanced by a medley of warm spices, this delectable spread is the perfect addition to your breakfast toast, biscuits, or even as a filling for pastries. Made with love and care, this apple butter recipe will fill your kitchen with a delightful aroma and your taste buds with pure delight.
Author:Tawra Kellam
Yield:2 pints
Ingredients
9 to 10 apples, cored, peeled and chopped 2 cups sugar 2 tsp. cinnamon 1/8 tsp. cloves 1/8 tsp. salt
Instructions
Place everything into a crockpot.
Stir, cover and cook on high 1 hour.
Cook on low for 9-11 hours or until thick and dark brown. Stir occasionally.
Uncover and cook on low 1 hour longer.
Stir with a whisk until smooth. Refrigerate or Freeze.
Indulge in the comforting flavors of our delightful Applesauce Cake. This moist and tender dessert combines the natural sweetness of applesauce with warm spices like cinnamon and cloves. Perfect for any occasion, this easy-to-make cake offers a homestyle treat that’s sure to please.
Author:Grandma Bessie
Yield:Makes 1 loaf
Ingredients
1/2 cup shortening 1 1/2 cups sugar 2 eggs, beaten 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. cloves 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour 1 1/2 cups applesauce 1 tsp. baking soda in 2 Tbsp. hot water 1 cup raisins 1/2 cup nuts (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°.
Cream together the shortening and sugar until fluffy.
This easy baked apples recipe is a sweet and delicious way to serve apples! Start with a cored apple and fill with brown sugar, butter, cinnamon and your favorite fillings to make a dessert that is delicious and memorable! Perfect as a dessert, especially for special dinners when company is over!
Author:Tawra Kellam
Ingredients
Apples, cored Brown sugar, 1 Tbsp. per apple Butter or margarine, 1 tsp. per apple Cinnamon, 1/4 -1/2 tsp. per apple Nuts, 1 Tbsp. per apple
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°.
Place apples in a baking dish.
Fill the center of each apple with brown sugar, butter, cinnamon and nuts.
You can also add a small amount of water or apple cider to the bottom of the pan.
For a good excuse to give yourself a break, make a cup of tea or coffee, put up your feet and enjoy one of these yummy muffins from this easy applesauce muffins recipe. As an added bonus, your family will love the smell when they walk in the door!
This applesauce muffin recipe makes incredibly delicious muffins that your family and friends will love! These muffins are super moist and they’re great for parties, get-togethers and kids snacks!
Ingredients
2 cups all purpose flour 1/2 cup sugar 4 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp nutmeg 1 egg 1 1/2 cups applesauce 1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted 1/2 cup chopped apple (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425°.
Stir all ingredients by hand until mixed. Don’t over mix.
Bake 20 minutes.
Applesauce Muffins Topping
While baking the applesauce muffins, combine:
3 Tbsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
Melt 1/4 cup butter or margarine.
While the muffin are still hot, dip them in butter and then in the sugar mix.
Set aside for a few minutes to cool and to let the topping harden.
Notes
You can add some blueberries or cranberries to these muffins to kick them up a notch.
This homemade apple turnover recipe is so easy and delicious that you’ll be tempted to try to make it with lots of other fruits! This recipe is a great way to use apples or other summer leftovers!
Author:Tawra Kellam
Ingredients
1 can apple pie filling* 1 tsp. apple pie spice (or 1/2 tsp. of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg and cloves)* 1 can refrigerator biscuits 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine, melted 1/2 cup sugar with 1–2 tsp. cinnamon (combined)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°.
Add the apple pie spice to the fruit filling.
Using a knife, slice apple slices in the can into small chunks. (I add the spices into the can and press the apples against the can with the knife to cut them to avoid dirtying a bowl.)
Flatten the biscuits with a rolling pin or your hand into 4″ circles.
Add 1 slightly rounded Tbsp. of pie filling into the center of each biscuit.
Wet edges of biscuit with milk. Fold in half and seal well. Prick tops with fork.
Dip in melted butter and then into sugar and cinnamon mix.
Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake 10 minutes or until brown.
Notes
Variation: Add raisins to the pie filling and/or serve with cheddar cheese.
*If you like, you can make cherry turnovers or any other fruit turnovers using the same recipe – Apple, peach, cherry or blueberry are all good options.
When using the other flavored fillings, you can leave out the apple pie spices. You can add other spices from your favorite pie recipe if you prefer, like a pinch of cinnamon to the peach or almond flavoring for the cherry pie. You don’t have to add anything if you don’t want.
