Thanksgiving Dessert

 If you aren't paying attention, Thanksgiving is less than 3 weeks away. So, if you haven't started planning that menu yet, NOW is the time! Seriously, don't wait! 

When it comes to Turkey Day dessert, I know the pies are the star of the show. Pumpkin, pecan, apple, sweet potato...traditional favorites are what we look forward to year in and year out. 

I'm right there with you. My mom's pumpkin pie is all I want after that big turkey dinner. I can smell and taste it now! Just the thought of it gets my taste buds excited. 

With all of the desserts that end up on Thanksgiving tables across the country, I know without a doubt there are those out there still looking to try something new. So, it's my job to give you an alternative. Something a little different, that would make a tasty addition to your holiday spread.

These Apple Pie Parfaits are filled with familiar fall flavors, layered in a whole new way! Not to mention, they use cinnamon rolls for extra sweetness and yum factor! 

I came up with this idea based on ingredients you might already have on your Thanksgiving shopping list. If you're making apple pie, grab an extra can of filling (or use homemade). If you have house guests, refrigerated cinnamon rolls make a quick and easy breakfast, so an extra tube of those can easily end up in your shopping cart. 

With the supply chain issues we are all facing, having recipes that use the same ingredients in more than one way is a great way to stretch your budget and cut down on stress when shopping. 

I noticed some of the basics on my holiday menu were wiped clean from shelves a few weeks back, so I started buying things a little at a time each week. I even found my turkey this past week for less than a dollar per pound! I'm down to needing only a few fresh ingredients come November 25th, and it's a big relief. 

If you are looking for a new dessert to add to your Thanksgiving menu, or just want to make sure you have something that contains simple, easy to find ingredients, Apple Pie Parfaits will be a huge win come turkey time!

 

Apple Pie Parfaits

1 tube refrigerated cinnamon rolls

1 (21 oz.) can apple pie filling

1 small box instant vanilla pudding

2 cups milk

1 tsp. Ceylon cinnamon, extra for garnish

1 (8 oz.) tub Cool Whip

Cinnamon sticks for garnish

Preheat oven according to directions on cinnamon rolls. Bake accordingly. Discard any icing packets. While cinnamon rolls bake, prepare pudding. Once it is soft set, about 10 minutes, add cinnamon and stir well. Return to fridge until ready to use. In a small bowl, add pie filling. Using a sharp knife, cut any large slices into smaller bite size chunks. When cinnamon rolls are baked, allow to cool until you can handle them. Chop cinnamon rolls into bite sized pieces. In 4-6 parfait glasses, layer in the following order: Chopped cinnamon rolls, pudding, cinnamon rolls, pie filling, pudding. Top with Cool Whip and sprinkle with cinnamon. Garnish. Serve immediately or chill until ready. 

Shared at Weekend Potluck

Beach Withdrawal

As many of you know, we spent the last week of June and the first week of July at our favorite beach in the world, New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

We had glorious weather. Seriously. Out of 14 days...it rained for 3 hours. True story. So we soaked up plenty of sun, played in the sand and surf, and spent countless hours in pool. Oh it was wonderful! 

But alas, vacation has to come to an end. We've been back for a couple weeks now, and let me tell you, we are going through major withdrawal. Mostly we talk about all that tasty seafood we enjoyed; and the fact that our backyard doesn't have an ocean. 

When these whining moments come along, I try really hard to remember the memories we made will last a lifetime! I look at the hundreds of photos and I feel better. Then I try to figure out how I can bring some of that fabulous food we gorged ourselves on home to Indiana.

This year I decided to start with dessert. See, our favorite key lime pie in the world can only be found in NBS. We look forward to it every year, and have been known to eat it for breakfast. So I thought why not use those flavors in a simple, no bake, summer sweet treat? 

You might read almonds and think "why?" It is an easy explanation. That pie we fight over? It has almonds along the crust, on top of the whipped cream. So yes, I had to throw some in too! 

I hope you're soaking up all summer as to offer, and like us making some memories to live off for months to come!

Key Lime Parfaits

Graham Crackers

1 (21 oz.) can key lime pie filling

1 (12 oz.) tub Cool Whip

1/2 c. sliced almonds, reserve a few for garnish

In parfait glasses, or a similar dish, begin layers. Break up graham crackers to cover bottom. Add pie filling, and spread evenly. Sprinkle with almonds. Add Cool Whip, spread evenly. Repeat layers, ending with Cool Whip. Garnish with extra almonds. Chill until ready to serve. 

Shared at Weekend Potluck
Shared at Meal Plan Monday

Happy Memorial Day!

The gateway to summer holiday is here! I'm sure for some of you, your Memorial Day weekend has already begun with a 4 day vacation from work. Lucky you! I know some schools around here are having their last day of classes today. Lucky them! 

But even for those of us who don't get a 3 or 4 day weekend, and have to go back to school on Tuesday, we can all agree on one thing. This weekend is about more than cookouts, barbecues, pool parties, and great food. It's about remembering those who have served, fought, and given the ultimate sacrifice to insure we can all enjoy the freedoms we do every single day. 

However, many of us include great food in our celebrations this weekend, so as your place for all things yummy, I had to be sure I had something to share! 

No matter what you've got cooking this holiday, you're going to need something sweet to end the meal with. But nothing too complicated! The host/hostess should have the time to enjoy the party too! Not be in the kitchen the whole time! 

How about a dessert that takes almost no time, and can even be made ahead? Not to mention as pretty as it is delicious? I've got just the answer! 

Be sure to take a minute during all the fun this weekend to reflect on all those brave men and women who gave their lives so we can rejoice in our liberties and proclaim "Let Freedom Ring!!"

Cherry Cheesecake Parfaits

1 small box instant cheesecake pudding

1 (20 oz.) can cherry pie filling

1 c. vanilla wafers, crushed

1  (12 oz.) tub Cool Whip

1 1/2 c. cold milk

In a medium bowl whisk together milk and pudding mix. Chill for 5-7 minutes to set. Layer ingredients into parfait cups or dishes: Cookies, Pudding, Pie Filling, Cool Whip. Top with an extra cherry. Chill until ready to serve.

Shared on The Country Cook May 22, 2015