Sunday, October 29, 2023

Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes

November is almost here! Sure we are still waiting for the ghosts and goblins to ring the doorbell, but by the end of the week we will set our eyes on the next adventure. The biggest foodie holiday of the year. Thanksgiving is coming, and it is coming fast! 

Like me I know many of you are starting to plan those menus filled with yearly traditions that your table isn't complete without, but also wanting to add a few new things to keep it fresh too. 

So your friendly neighborhood food blogger is here to help! I've collected the best EMM Thanksgiving side dishes all in one spot for you to scroll through, pick your favorites and add them to your list! 

 

Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes

 


Crock Pot Creamed Corn

Crock Pot Creamed Corn

 

 Sheet Pan Macaroni & Cheese

Sheet Pan Macaroni & Cheese

 

Cranberry Fluff

Cranberry Fluff


Easy Corn Casserole

Easy Corn Casserole

 

 Praline Roasted Acorn Squash

Praline Roasted Acorn Squash

 

Autumn Brussels Sprouts Salad

Autumn Brussels Sprouts Salad

  

Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots

Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots

 

Green Bean Casserole 

Green Bean Casserole

 

 Roasted Butternut Squash with Pecans & Cranberries

Roasted Butternut Squash with Pecans & Cranberries

 

Cinnamon & Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Cinnamon & Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes

 

Roasted Acorn Squash

Roasted Acorn Squash

  

Autumn Apple Fruit Salad

Autumn Apple Fruit Salad

 

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole

 

Orange Cranberry Sauce 

Orange Cranberry Sauce

 
 Slow Cooker Acorn Squash

Slow Cooker Acorn Squash

 

Skillet Candied Sweet Potatoes

Skillet Candied Sweet Potatoes
 

Green Bean Casserole Stuffed Mushrooms

Green Bean Casserole Stuffed Mushrooms

 

Butter Roasted Carrots 

Butter Roasted Carrots

 

 Cran-Apple Pecan Stuffing

Cran-Apple Pecan Stuffing

 

Roasted Carrots & Mushrooms 

Roasted Carrots & Mushrooms

 

Autumn Sweet Potato Salad

Autumn Sweet Potato Salad

 
 Roasted Parsnips & Carrots

Roasted Parsnips & Carrots

 

 Skillet Creamed Corn

Skillet Creamed Corn

 

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Green Beans 

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Green Beans

 

Maple Glazed Carrots 

Maple Glazed Carrots

 

 

Sunday, October 15, 2023

Leftovers Are Coming

For several years now I have felt like once Halloween hits, it is a downward coast until the first of the year. Seriously. It seems that as soon as the ghosts and goblins ring that doorbell, the next minute the turkey is coming out of the oven, Santa arrives and then it is time for New Year's Eve fun. 

In no way does that mean we can't enjoy each holiday as it comes, we just have to be ready for how quickly they will arrive. Plus, in the food world, we always have to be thinking ahead to make sure our posts are relevant to what you guys need from us. 

So back in August I took one for the team and roasted a whole turkey. Why? So I could have leftovers to test this recipe and offer up something for when the day after Thanksgiving arrives and everyone is Googling ways to use up all that extra bird sitting in the fridge. 

Enter an easy pot pie recipe that involves NO making a crust, cooks in about 30 minutes and is pure comfort food. It is perfect a simple weeknight supper, or post holiday meal. 

Plus, post Thanksgiving you might be able to use up other leftovers too. Got pie dough? Swap the biscuit mix for it! (Just adjust cooking time!) You can also use up veggies for the filling, and it would be so tasty served with some mashed potatoes and rolls on the side. There is so much you can do with this one easy recipe. 

Planners like me are already thinking ahead for the holidays. Halloween right through the new year are on our radar so we aren't leaving anything to chance!

Shortcut Turkey Pot Pie

Can I use a different meat?

Definitely! Cooked chicken would be just as delicious!  

Do I have to use condensed soup?

I know many prefer not to use canned soup, but for me, they are great for my quick recipes. If I was going to use something different it would be a quick pan gravy using chicken stock.  

What kind of biscuit mix do I use?

Of course Bisquick is everyone's go-to but I used a store brand from Walmart and it worked just fine. 

Do I have to thaw the vegetables first?

Yes! They have to thawed and drained so they don't add extra moisture to the pie.

Best Tips:

Use any all-purpose baking mix you have on hand. A cheddar bay boxed mix would make this extra delicious!

Cooked chicken or turkey both work equally well. 

If your pie plate is very full, place on a baking sheet before cooking to prevent a mess. 

Be sure to let the pie sit about 5 minutes before serving. 

Serve with mashed potatoes, a green salad, fresh fruit, rolls, etc.

 

Shortcut Turkey Pot Pie

1 1/2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced

1 (12 oz.) bag frozen mixed veggies thawed and drained well

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 cup biscuit baking mix

1/2 cup milk

1 egg, beaten

1/4 tsp. dried thyme 

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

Salt and pepper

Dried Parsley


Preheat oven to 350. In a large bowl combine turkey, soup, veggies, thyme, salt and pepper. Pour into a lightly greased 9-inch pie plate. In a separate mixing bowl combine baking mix, milk and egg. Pour on top of turkey mixture. Do not stir. Bake for 30 minutes until golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting. Garnish with parsley for serving.

Shortcut Turkey Pot Pie

More Thanksgiving Recipes To Try

Easy Corn Casserole 

Roasted Butternut Squash with Pecans and Cranberries 

Cranberry Fluff 

Autumn Brussels Sprouts Salad

Cranberry Turkey Bites

Praline Roasted Acorn Squash

 

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

Thanksgiving with Diestel Turkey Ranch

 

 I know. I know. October just arrived and you read that title thinking "Stop. Let's enjoy every season." 

I agree. But I am also a planner. I am also the girl who can buy fall decor, Halloween candy and Christmas ornaments all in the same shopping trip. (True story. Happened yesterday!) Our family celebrates each holiday as they come, but I am always looking forward and thinking about what's coming. 

So at the end of summer when my friends at Diestel Turkey Ranch gave me a chance to try one of their organic, all-natural, heirloom turkeys I jumped at the chance. 

Since 1949 the Diestel Family Ranch has been a real family of farmers on a real working farm. They have never compromised their values to bring their customers the most delicious birds money can buy. 

These aren't your run of the mill turkeys either. From their Organic American Heirloom to The Original that started it all to even a Petite variety, and more, there is a bird for everyone and every occasion.

Diestel Turkey Ranch Turkeys

So with all those options, which one did I decide on? I'm all about convenience and since we would be trying ours right during the back to school rush, I opted for the Oven Roasted Whole Turkey. Yep! A delicious, precooked bird arrived on our doorstep! 

Diestel Oven Roasted Whole Turkey

All I had to do was heat and eat! And boy did we eat! This bird came out of the oven perfectly browned, moist, juicy and oh so delicious! It was like Thanksgiving on a random Tuesday night! 

Diestel Turkey Fresh From Oven

 

If you are hosting this holiday season, wow your guests with the best turkey they have ever tasted! Save yourself time with one that's already cooked, or try something with Pecan Smoked, Lemon-Herb or Mediterranean Brined variety! Having a smaller gathering? The Petite Whole Turkey would be perfect for only a few people! 

Want to learn more? You can find them:

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You Tube 

Sunday, October 1, 2023

Cabbage Lovers

I think cabbage gets a bad wrap sometimes. It seems to be one of those love it or hate it vegetables. Even people who will eat coleslaw will hate on cabbage. Um...okay.

Our family can't get enough cabbage and I am always looking for new recipes to utilize it. Now the little guy isn't as big of fan as the rest of us; but he loves Brussels sprouts ( I know, makes no sense) so I don't push the subject. My kids are so NOT picky that when they find something they truly don't enjoy, as long as they express that without whining or complaining, I won't make them eat it. 

My latest cabbage craving came when I was meal planning, in need of side dishes, and I wanted a casserole. I started reading different recipes, but couldn't quite find exactly what I was after, until I stumbled upon this one. 

Amish Cabbage Noodle Casserole has easy ingredients, is perfect with any protein and has similar flavors to my Fried Cabbage & Noodles, our favorite cabbage recipe of all time!

If you are looking for new ways to get more cabbage into your meal plan, this casserole is just what you need. And I won't lie, I think it would be a great recipe to keep in the back of your mind for the holidays too! Something different to add to your table alongside all those traditional dishes we are looking forward to! 

Amish Cabbage & Noodle Casserole

What Kind Of Noodles To Use? 

My pick was medium egg noodles, but any size would work. You really want egg noodles and not a macaroni or dried pasta though.

What Kind Of Cabbage To Use?

Don't get fancy here. Good ol' green cabbage is all you need. As much as I enjoy other varieties I have no idea if/how they would work.

What Kind Of Cheese To Use?

Monterey Jack was my pick because I wanted the marbled coloring and flavor of white and yellow cheese. Mozzarella or Swiss would be great too. 

Do I Have To Use Cream Of Potato Soup?

I know many people don't like using condensed cream soups. However, I use them a lot in cooking, so I can't really provide a good substitution, other than saying cream of celery would be delicious too. 

Best Tips:

If your cream of potato soup has chunks of potato in it, simply use a slotted spoon to remove them. 

Cream of celery or mushroom soup could also be used.

Egg-less egg noodles would work too. 

If you cut recipe in half, still bake in a 9x13 dish.

Store leftovers in a covered dish in the fridge for 2-3 days. 

I have no idea if this would work in a Crock Pot. If you try it, let me know!

 

Amish Cabbage Noodle Casserole

2 TBS olive oil

1 medium head green cabbage, thinly sliced

1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

3 TBS fresh parsley, chopped

16 oz. medium egg noodles

2 cans cream of potato soup, potato chunks removed

2 cups milk

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese 

Salt and pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick spray. In a large skillet heat oil over medium high heat. Sauté cabbage, onion and garlic until slightly brown and tender. Season with salt, pepper and two tablespoons parsley. Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain well. In a medium bowl whisk together soup and milk until smooth. Combine noodles, cabbage mixture and soup mixture and stir well. Transfer to prepared baking dish. Top with cheese and extra black pepper. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Garnish with remaining parsley before serving. 

Amish Cabbage Noodle Casserole

Inspired By All Free Casserole Recipes