Joyous Thanksgiving Sangria Recipe
Apple Cider Bourbon Beverage: A snug and soothing drink featuring apple cider, bourbon, and a dash of cinnamon.
Pumpkin Spice White Russian: A rich cocktail infused with pumpkin spice, vodka, and coffee liqueur.
Maple Old Fashioned: A variation of the traditional recipe using maple syrup and bourbon.
Spiced Pear Martini: An invigorating drink made with pear vodka, ginger liqueur, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Cranberry Margarita: A sharp and zesty cocktail crafted from cranberry juice, tequila, and lime.
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35 Merry Christmas Cocktail and Drink Recipes
Alex & Sonja: The Culinary Team Behind A Couple Cooks
Introducing Alex and Sonja Overhiser, the energetic pair behind the well-loved culinary site, A Couple Cooks. As the writers of two highly regarded cookbooks and active parents, Alex and Sonja have mastered the delicate balance of family life alongside their cooking passion. Their adventure started in 2010 with the inception of A Couple Cooks, a venue aimed at sharing straightforward, seasonal recipes and the joy of culinary creation with a wide audience.
Throughout the years, Alex and Sonja have developed an extensive collection of thousands of original recipes, each thoughtfully designed with precision and care. Their repertoire includes everything from swift weeknight meals to intricate weekend banquets, all intended to motivate home cooks of every skill level. The couple’s dedication to excellence is clear in their thorough recipe testing methods, which frequently feature their own children as taste testers.
In addition to recipes, A Couple Cooks offers an abundance of cooking advice and meal planning suggestions, empowering readers to explore the kitchen arts with assurance. Alex and Sonja’s friendly approach and authentic passion for food have won them a devoted audience, making their website an essential resource for anyone wishing to enhance their home cooking journey.
Through their efforts, Alex and Sonja Overhiser have not only conveyed their passion for cooking but have also nurtured a community of food lovers who value the significance of home-cooked meals. Their narrative is a tribute to the strength of passion and collaboration in crafting something genuinely remarkable.
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A Fast and Tasty Salad Recipe Ready in 15 Minutes
# Waldorf Salad: A Timeless Side Dish with Sentimental Touch
Waldorf salad is a timeless side dish that evokes a sense of nostalgia in any meal. Ideal for festive dinners or quick weeknight suppers, this simple-to-make salad features a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a versatile enhancement for your dining experience.
## A Quick Background
The initial Waldorf salad recipe was devised in New York City by the head chef of the Waldorf Hotel in 1896. This salad has endured through the years, remaining popular for its tasty combination of ingredients and rich dressing.
## Taste Experience
Waldorf salad is recognized for its fresh and invigorating flavor, showcasing a balanced mix of sweet, tangy, and creamy notes. The inclusion of fresh fruits and crunchy nuts yields a pleasing texture that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
### Preparation Suggestions
– **Chill Ingredients**: To achieve an added crunch, cool all ingredients prior to mixing.
– **Ingredient Alternatives**: Consider replacing mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier choice, or swap walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different taste experience.
– **Adaptability**: This salad can be prepped in advance, is simple to transport, and complements nearly any meal.
## What Comprises a Waldorf Salad
A classic Waldorf salad features the following essential ingredients:
– **Apples**: Select crisp, sweet types such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji. For a slightly tart flavor, choose Granny Smith apples.
– **Grapes and Raisins**: A blend of red and green grapes, along with raisins or dried cranberries, brings sweetness. Feel free to try different dried fruits like blueberries or cherries.
– **Walnuts**: These add a delightful crunch. Alternatives include almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds. For a lighter choice, increase the celery in place of nuts.
– **Dressing**: The traditional dressing is a mixture of mayonnaise and sugar. You can also replace half the mayonnaise with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative.
– **Customizations**: Personalize your salad with ingredients like pepitas, mini marshmallows, poppy seeds, or hemp hearts.
## How to Prepare Waldorf Salad
### Ingredients
– 2 cups diced apples
– 1 cup halved grapes
– 1 cup sliced celery
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons sugar
### Instructions
1. In a small bowl, blend mayonnaise and sugar. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, combine chopped apples, grapes, celery, walnuts, and raisins (if using).
3. Mix in the mayonnaise blend until all components are well coated.
4. Chill for at least 1 hour prior to serving.
## Save and Serve Later
### Make-Ahead Hint
To avoid browning, coat apples in a mixture of lemon juice and water before adding to the salad. This not only preserves the freshness of the apples but also infuses a bright citrus zest.
### Leftovers
Keep any extra salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving again, drain any excess liquid and mix in a teaspoon or two of fresh mayonnaise, a sprinkle of sugar, and a dash of lemon for an invigorating flavor.
## Common Inquiries
### What is Waldorf Salad?
Waldorf salad is a creamy dish made from celery, grapes, apples, walnuts, raisins, and mayonnaise, generally served on a bed of lettuce.
### How to Serve Waldorf Salad?
Present it alone or atop a bed of lettuce. For a more filling meal, incorporate chopped chicken and onion. For a refined look, use small bowls, martini glasses, or lettuce cups.
## Conclusion
Waldorf salad is not just an appetizing side dish but also a sentimental classic that can be easily tailored to match your preferences. Whether you’re getting ready for a holiday event or a casual meal, this salad is sure to delight. Savor the crisp flavors and creamy texture that have established Waldorf salad as an enduring favorite!
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Healthful Sourdough Stuffing with Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms for Thanksgiving
**Healthier Sourdough Stuffing with Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms for Thanksgiving**
Thanksgiving is a time for family, appreciation, and, of course, flavorful dishes. Nonetheless, traditional Thanksgiving meals can frequently be rich and high in calories. This year, consider a healthier take on a well-loved classic with a sourdough stuffing that includes caramelized onions and mushrooms. This recipe not only delivers an irresistible taste but also serves as a nutritious substitute for conventional stuffing.
**Why Sourdough?**
Sourdough bread makes an excellent stuffing option because of its distinct fermentation method. The natural fermentation works to break down gluten, facilitating easier digestion. Moreover, sourdough is abundant in probiotics, which are advantageous for gut health. Its tangy taste contributes an enjoyable complexity to the stuffing.
**The Health Benefits of Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms**
Caramelized onions impart a natural sweetness to the dish without requiring additional sugars. Onions are loaded with antioxidants and possess anti-inflammatory benefits. When caramelized, they introduce a rich flavor that enhances the overall profile of the stuffing.
Mushrooms are a low-calorie, nutrient-packed ingredient. They provide an outstanding source of B vitamins, selenium, and potassium. Additionally, mushrooms lend umami, a savory flavor that enriches the stuffing without necessitating excessive salt or fat.
**Ingredients**
– 1 loaf of sourdough bread, diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 3 cups mushrooms, sliced (such as cremini or button)
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
– 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped
– 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
**Instructions**
1. **Prepare the Bread:** Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the sourdough cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until golden and crisp. This step ensures the bread will soak up the flavors without becoming soggy.
2. **Caramelize the Onions:** In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions achieve a golden brown and caramelized state, about 25-30 minutes. Exercise patience; this step is crucial for unlocking the onions’ sweet flavor.
3. **Cook the Mushrooms:** Incorporate the mushrooms into the skillet with the onions. Cook until the mushrooms are tender and have released their liquid, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic, thyme, rosemary, and sage, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until aromatic.
4. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, mix the toasted sourdough cubes with the onion and mushroom blend. Slowly pour in the vegetable broth, stirring to combine. The bread should be damp but not soggy. Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
5. **Bake the Stuffing:** Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
6. **Serve:** Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley. This stuffing complements turkey beautifully or can be enjoyed as a standalone vegetarian meal.
**Conclusion**
This healthier sourdough stuffing with caramelized onions and mushrooms is a wonderful addition to any Thanksgiving spread. Its rich flavors and nutritious components create a standout dish that guests will adore. By opting for sourdough and incorporating vegetables like onions and mushrooms, you can savor a classic Thanksgiving favorite with a healthier spin.
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Baked Potatoes with Mississippi Mud Spice
Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes Servings: 6
Soft potatoes combined with bacon in a rich sauce covered in melted cheese!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
- 3 pounds yellow potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2 inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon (smoked) paprika (optional)
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 green onions, sliced and divided (whites and greens)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
Directions
- Fry the bacon in a skillet then transfer to paper towels to absorb excess grease.
- Combine the potatoes and bacon with the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, mustard, mayo, sour cream, the white parts of the green onions, and half of the cheese in a mixing bowl.
- Transfer the potato mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake in a preheated 250F/130C oven until the potatoes are tender and sides are bubbling, approximately 1 hour, then remove the foil and bake until the top is golden brown, around 20 minutes.
- Garnish with the green parts of the green onions and enjoy!
Option: To reduce baking time, briefly boil the diced potatoes in water for 10 minutes before baking.
Option: Include a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce!
Option: Incorporate 1 diced onion, cooking in the bacon fat before adding to the potato mixture for baking.
Option: Add 4 chopped garlic cloves, sautéing in the bacon fat before mixing with the potatoes to bake.
Option: Substitute jack cheese with mozzarella, gouda, swiss, gruyere, etc.
Elevate Your Festive Gatherings with Char Siu Honey Glazed Ham
# This Year Create This Char Siu Honey Baked Ham Inspired by Chinese BBQ
If you’ve never glazed ham yourself or have only ever had dry ham, you might be curious why I find ham so delectable. Believe me when I tell you this exquisitely glazed char siu ham achieves the perfect balance of saltiness and sweetness, bursting with rich ham flavor.
## What Is Char Siu Ham?
Traditional honey baked hams are tasty, but if you are going to invest time in glazing your ham, it’s your opportunity to shine and be inventive. If you’ve ever enjoyed Chinese BBQ or even fried rice, you’re already familiar with char siu: savory sweet Chinese BBQ pork. Initially, I planned to prepare a brown sugar bourbon apricot glaze, but Mike mentioned that he thought I would char siu the ham, leading us to this delightful creation!
The honey baked char siu ham offers a perfect harmony of sweetness and umami, thanks to a mix of brown sugar and honey, a dash of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and a hint of five spice. Truly irresistible.
## Instructions for Making Honey Baked Ham:
1. **Select a ham:** Store-bought hams come pre-cooked, making this one of the easiest meat dishes you’ll ever prepare. Choose a bone-in spiral cut ham.
2. **Allow the ham to temper:** Remove the ham from the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature for 2-3 hours to ensure even heating without drying it out.
3. **Prepare the glaze:** Mix all glaze ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. **Prepare your pan:** Pour in 1 cup of water and place a rack in a roasting pan. The water will steam the ham, ensuring it remains juicy.
5. **Bake the ham:** Set the ham cut side down and bake in a low oven, glazing it every 20 minutes until heated through.
6. **Caramelize:** In the final moments, apply more glaze and increase the heat to caramelize. Let it rest before serving!
## Ingredients for Char Siu Honey Baked Ham
If you adore the sweet and smoky notes of Chinese char siu, this char siu inspired ham will delight you. The ingredients you need are: brown sugar, honey, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, five spice, white pepper, garlic, ginger, and a spiral cut bone-in ham. The glaze is so addictive and umami-rich that you’ll want to keep the extra (and there will be extra) to serve alongside the ham!
### Brown Sugar and Honey
We are using brown sugar combined with honey to provide the deep caramel nuances of the brown sugar complemented by the light golden sweetness of honey.
### Hoisin Sauce
Hoisin sauce is a thick, sweet brown Chinese sauce commonly used in marinades and as a dipping sauce. It boasts an impressive flavor profile: sweet, savory, tangy, and full of umami. You can find hoisin sauce in many places now, from Target to your local grocery store.
### Shaoxing Wine
This secret ingredient is essential for achieving that restaurant-quality Chinese food taste. Shaoxing wine is a rice wine with a slightly sweet, nutty, earthy, and complex flavor. While optional for this recipe, it enhances the dish immensely. It’s available online and in Asian grocery stores.
### Five Spice
For a savory char siu, be sure not to omit the five spice. This Chinese spice blend consists of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel. It contains comforting spices that evoke familiar flavors of traditional ham spices like cloves and cinnamon.
### White Pepper
If you don’t have white pepper, don’t worry, but if you do, use it here. Its floral and delicate fragrance provides a subtle peppery kick without being overpowering.
## Commonly Asked Ham Questions
### How to Make Copycat Honey Baked Ham
Did you know that there is a company that offers fully cooked and glazed honey baked hams? To make a copycat version, create a glaze, cover the ham with foil, and bake at 325°F until
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