Source: Closetcooking.com

Tasty Recipes Featuring Apples

**The Finest, Most Apple-filled Recipes for Autumn**

Autumn is synonymous with apple harvest time, a season when the crisp breeze carries the scent of fresh apples. Whether you enjoy them fresh, baked, or cooked, apples serve as a versatile ingredient that can enhance both sweet and savory meals. Here are some quick and simple apple recipes to savor this autumn:

1. **Apple and Walnut Salad**: Begin with a layer of mixed greens, incorporate diced apples, walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese. Drizzle with a balsamic vinaigrette for a revitalizing salad that fuses sweet, tangy, and savory tastes.

2. **Traditional Apple Pie**: There’s nothing quite like a homemade apple pie. Opt for a blend of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for the filling. Sprinkle cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of vanilla for a cozy dessert.

3. **Apple Crumble**: For an easier dessert, consider an apple crumble. Layer sliced apples with a blend of oats, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon, then bake until golden and crispy.

4. **Apple Cinnamon Muffins**: Ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack, these muffins are loaded with apple pieces and flavored with cinnamon. They’re moist, tasty, and simple to prepare.

5. **Savory Apple and Cheddar Quiche**: Mix apples with sharp cheddar cheese, eggs, and cream in a flaky pastry for a savory option that’s excellent for brunch or dinner.

6. **Apple Butternut Squash Soup**: Puree roasted butternut squash and apples with broth, onions, and spices for a creamy, comforting soup that’s perfect for brisk days.

7. **Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich**: Incorporate thin slices of apple into your favorite grilled cheese sandwich for a delightful sweet and savory combination.

8. **Homemade Apple Sauce**: Peel and core apples, then simmer them with a bit of water, sugar, and cinnamon until they soften. Mash or blend for a smooth sauce that’s delicious on its own or as a topping.

9. **Apple Cider**: Simmer apple juice with spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and allspice for a warm, spiced cider that’s ideal for sipping on chilly evenings.

10. **Baked Apples**: Core apples and stuff them with a mixture of oats, nuts, and spices. Bake until soft for a straightforward yet delightful dessert.

With these recipes, you can relish the diverse apple flavors this autumn. Whether your preference leans towards sweet or savory, apples are guaranteed to please your palate.

A Complete Handbook for 50 Essential Thanksgiving Dishes

**The 50 Best Recipes for an Amazing Thanksgiving Dinner**

Thanksgiving represents a season of thankfulness, family reunions, and, of course, a plethora of mouthwatering dishes. Whether you’re observing the occasion in Canada next weekend or gearing up for the American celebration in November, organizing an unforgettable Thanksgiving dinner is crucial. From morning meals to desserts, here are 50 best recipes to guarantee a spread that will please your guests and leave you with ample leftovers to savor.

**Breakfast & Brunch:**
1. Pumpkin Spice Flapjacks
2. Cranberry Orange Pastries
3. Sweet Potato Hash topped with Eggs
4. Apple Cinnamon French Toast Sticks
5. Maple Pecan Biscuits

**Snacks & Appetizers:**
6. Baked Brie with Cranberry Glaze
7. Bacon Deviled Eggs
8. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Snacks
9. Spinach and Artichoke Spread
10. Stuffed Mushroom Caps

**The Main Attraction: Turkey & Alternatives:**
11. Traditional Roast Turkey with Herbed Butter
12. Honey-Glazed Ham Hocks
13. Herb-Crusted Prime Rib Roast
14. Vegetarian Acorn Squash Stuffed
15. Lemon and Herb Roasted Bird

**Side Dishes:**
16. Garlic Mashed Potato Mash
17. Green Bean Casserole Delight
18. Sweet Potato Casserole topped with Marshmallows
19. Cornbread Dressing
20. Cranberry Relish with Orange Peel
21. Brussels Sprouts Roasted with Bacon
22. Creamy Spinach Dish
23. Maple Glazed Carrots
24. Wild Rice Pilaf Medley
25. Buttery Dinner Bread Rolls

**Desserts:**
26. Traditional Pumpkin Pie
27. Pecan Pie Squares
28. Apple Crumble
29. Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Tart
30. Cheesecake with Cranberries

**Leftover Creations:**
31. Turkey and Cranberry Wraps
32. Sweet Potato Flapjacks
33. Stuffing Pancakes
34. Turkey Pot Pie Delights
35. Cranberry and Brie Quesadillas

**Time-Saving Suggestions:**
– **Pre-Made Desserts:** Bake pies and cheesecakes a few days prior.
– **Cranberry Relish:** Can be prepared up to a week ahead.
– **Slow Cooker Sides:** Employ your slow cooker for mashed potatoes or casseroles.
– **Oven Space Management:** Bake casseroles after the turkey is finished while it rests.
– **One-Pot Meals:** Opt for recipes that require only one pot or pan to minimize cleanup.

**Additional Recipes:**
36. Herb Roasted Root Vegetables
37. Mushroom Gravy Sauce
38. Walnut Cranberry Salad
39. Pear and Gorgonzola Greens
40. Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Florets

**Beverages:**
41. Spiced Apple Drink
42. Cranberry Mimosa Cocktails
43. Pumpkin Spice Coffee
44. Mulled Red Wine
45. Hot Chocolate topped with Marshmallows

**More Sweet Treat Options:**
46. Gingerbread Biscuits
47. Maple Pumpkin Loaf
48. Caramel Apple Pastry
49. Chocolate Pumpkin Brownies
50. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites

Thanksgiving is not solely about the food but also about the happiness of sharing moments and crafting memories with family. With these recipes and pointers, you can design a Thanksgiving feast that is both appetizing and feasible, enabling you to relish the day to its fullest. Enjoy cooking and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Creamy Pumpkin Sauce with Chicken and Gnocchi

Chicken and Gnocchi with Creamy Pumpkin Sauce

Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes Servings: 4

Tender and fluffy potato dumplings with chicken enveloped in a rich pumpkin sauce!

ingredients

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon (smoked) paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
• 1 cup chicken broth (link)
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (link) (or butternut squash puree (link))
• 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream
• 1/2 cup parmigiano reggiano (parmesan cheese), shredded
• 1 pound fresh gnocchi (gluten-free for gluten-free) *
• salt and pepper to taste

directions

1. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat, add the chicken seasoned with paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for 5 minutes.
2. Introduce the onion and bell pepper, cooking until they soften, around 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic and sage, cooking until fragrant, about one minute.
4. Pour in the broth and pumpkin puree, stir, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Incorporate the cream and cheese, allowing the cheese to melt into the sauce.
6. Add the gnocchi and let it cook for 5 minutes. *
7. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste and serve!

Note: * If using fresh gnocchi, follow the instructions for adding to the pan; if using vacuum-sealed, dried, or frozen gnocchi, cook as per package directions before incorporating into the sauce.
Option: Substitute chicken with turkey.
Option: Use Italian sausage instead of chicken, with casings removed.
Option: Swap chicken broth for (soft) apple cider.
Option: Include 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced. (You can utilize the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar for cooking the chicken and onions.)
Option: Incorporate 4-6 ounces of fresh baby spinach at the end, blending it into the dish.

Sautéed Potatoes with Paprika Flavoring

Paprika Potatoes Fried in a Pan

Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes Total Duration: 25 minutes Servings: 4

Simple pan-fried potatoes flavored with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper!

ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of butter (or oil)
• 2 pounds of potatoes, cleaned, optionally peeled, and diced into 1/2 inch cubes
• 1 teaspoon of paprika (smoked)
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• salt and pepper according to taste

directions

1. In a large non-stick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, add the potatoes and spices, toss to evenly coat, and cook until all sides are golden brown, approximately 15 minutes.

Recipes Showcasing Mushrooms with Distinct Tastes

**Honoring National Mushroom Day: A Gastronomic Journey**

October 15th signifies National Mushroom Day, honoring one of nature’s most adaptable and adored foods. Mushrooms, boasting their distinctive tastes and textures, hold a treasured spot in cuisines globally. Whether you are an experienced mushroom lover or a curious novice, this day provides the ideal opportunity to delve into the culinary possibilities of these intriguing fungi.

**Mushrooms in Every Dish**

Mushrooms are highly versatile and can be included in every meal throughout the day. Begin your day with a delicious mushroom omelette, where the rich flavors of sautéed mushrooms enhance the creamy consistency of eggs. For lunchtime, a mushroom and spinach salad dressed with a zesty vinaigrette offers a refreshing and healthy choice.

Dinner presents a plethora of opportunities. Think about a delectable mushroom risotto, where the mushrooms’ umami richness elevates the creamy rice. Alternatively, enjoy a robust mushroom and beef stroganoff or a vegetarian mushroom pasta infused with garlic and herbs. Larger portobello mushrooms can even act as a base for stuffed mushroom caps, brimming with cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs.

**Mushrooms as Bites and Starters**

Mushrooms serve as delightful bites and starters. Crunchy mushroom tempura or garlic butter mushrooms are ideal for a quick snack. For a more elegant starter, consider mushroom bruschetta, where sautéed mushrooms are piled on toasted bread with a touch of balsamic glaze.

**Mushrooms in Sweets?**

Although mushrooms are not commonly featured in desserts, their versatility encourages culinary innovation. Some chefs have begun using mushrooms like candy cap mushrooms, known for their sweet, maple-like taste, in desserts like ice creams and cookies. While unusual, these sweet uses highlight the surprising flexibility of mushrooms.

**Celebrate with Your Preferred Mushroom Recipes**

National Mushroom Day presents a fantastic chance to indulge in your favorite mushroom recipes or experiment with something new. Whether you savor them in a classic soup, a rich sauce, or as a meat alternative, mushrooms offer limitless creative options. Share your favorite dishes with friends and family, and perhaps unearth a new cherished way to appreciate these delightful fungi.

Whichever way you decide to observe, National Mushroom Day promises to be a delicious and gratifying experience. So, gather your preferred mushrooms and let your culinary imagination flourish!

Pasta with Silky Mushroom Sauce

Rich Mushroom Pasta

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes Servings: 4

A simple pasta mixed with a rich parmesan mushroom sauce!

ingredients

• 1 pound pasta (substitute with gluten-free for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 pound mushrooms, sliced or diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon thyme, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (or broth)
• 1 cup chicken broth (link) (or vegetable broth (link))
• 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
• 1/2 cup parmigiano reggiano (parmesan), shredded
• salt and pepper to taste

directions

1. Begin cooking the pasta according to package instructions.
2. In the meantime, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, add the mushrooms and onion, and sauté until soft, about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic and thyme and cook until aromatic, about a minute.
4. Pour in the wine and deglaze the skillet by scraping up any browned bits from the bottom while the wine bubbles with a wooden spoon.
5. Incorporate the broth and cream, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes.
6. Stir in the cream and cheese, mixing until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce.
7. Combine the pasta and toss well before serving. (Optionally, add some reserved water from the pasta cooking to achieve the desired sauce thickness.)

Option: Stir in 1 tablespoon white miso paste at the end, blending it into the sauce.

Hearty Chicken and Pumpkin Curry Prepared in a Slow Cooker

Curry with Chicken and Pumpkin in a Slow Cooker

Preparation Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 8 hours Total Duration: 8 hours 5 minutes Servings: 4

A very simple chicken curry cooked in a slow cooker featuring a pumpkin and peanut sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced or grated
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced or grated
• 2 tablespoons red curry paste (link)
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (link) (or butternut squash puree (link))
• 1 (14 ounce) can coconut milk
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce) (gluten-free if needed)
• 2 tablespoons palm sugar (or brown sugar, or maple syrup)
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Combine the chicken, onion, and bell pepper in a slow cooker, along with the blend of: garlic, ginger, red curry paste, curry powder, pumpkin puree, coconut milk, peanut butter, lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar, then cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours.
2. Serve topped with the chopped peanuts and cilantro!

Option: Include 1 (14.5-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, alongside the coconut milk.
Option: Incorporate 1 cup pureed apple (or apple sauce).
Option: Mix in 1 cup (soft) apple cider.
Option: Add 3 cups of diced pumpkin, butternut squash, or sweet potato; include at the end, and cook on high for 20-30 minutes until tender.
Option: Stir in 1 cup of peas (fresh or frozen) at the finish.
Option: Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Option: Garnish with sliced red chilies before serving.