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30 of Our Best Thanksgiving Salad Recipes

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Don’t worry, the heroes of Thanksgiving haven’t been dethroned yet. We still enjoy plates piled high with smoked turkey, our favorite Thanksgiving sides and plenty of dessert. But Thanksgiving salad recipes, whether built around leafy greens or root vegetables, deserve a spot on the holiday table, too. From classic to creative, the salads in this collection bring a welcome (and tasty) moment of lightness to the holiday table.

These salad recipes for Thanksgiving include simple lettuce and veggie tosses that you could make year-round, as well as some that highlight seasonal produce, like winter squash, apples and pomegranate. With toasted nuts, sprinkles of cheese and pops of red from cranberries and dried cherries, these salads look almost too pretty to eat.

There are warm salads with grains hearty enough to double as a side dish and cool, crisp ones packed with shredded Brussels sprouts, baby spinach or different lettuce varieties. Look for pre-cut squash or trimmed green beans at the store to save on prep time. You could even use your favorite bottled dressing, though we prefer homemade salad dressing recipes that you can adjust to your own taste. If you always pass on salad at Thanksgiving, take this as your sign to reconsider.

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87 Winter Casserole Recipes to Warm You Up

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Casseroles warm hearts and fill bellies. Cozy up with these comforting winter casserole recipes on a chilly night.

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Homemade Hamburger Helper

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Deciding what to make for dinner is hard enough already. Little Susie likes only chicken nuggets, little Bobby doesn’t eat anything green and your spouse is still holding on to their childhood aversion to onions. Combine these factors with the exorbitant cost of groceries and it’s enough to leave anyone feeling deflated and defeated in the middle of the produce section. Thankfully, solutions like this homemade Hamburger Helper recipe are here to save the day (and your wallet).

This one-pot recipe isn’t just affordable and easy to make but is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will satisfy everyone at your table. While you could grab a box of Hamburger Helper off the shelf, we love this made-from-scratch copycat recipe because it’s every bit as flavorful and creamy as the original but skips all the mystery additives and preservatives. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “I bet homemade Hamburger Helper takes way longer to prepare.” Nope! This is a 30-minute meal your family will love.

Lesson of the day: Quick and affordable comfort food doesn’t have to come from a box. The next time you’re feeling a little lost with meal planning, head to the store with this recipe in your back pocket. It will never steer you wrong.

Ingredients for Homemade Hamburger Helper

  • Onion: For maximum family appeal, we finely dice the onions as small as possible for this recipe, making them nearly imperceptible to even the most ardent of onion avoiders.
  • Ground beef: For the best taste and texture, choose 1 pound of ground beef with a fat content of 15 percent or less. While higher-fat options are flavorful, they may cause the sauce to taste overly greasy in this ground beef recipe.
  • Seasoning: A blend of salt, black pepper, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder and ground mustard is the secret to replicating the iconic flavor of the boxed Hamburger Helper.
  • Tomato paste: Just a smidge of tomato paste adds a hint of robust tomato flavor to the sauce. If you don’t have tomato paste, try adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of ketchup as an alternative. Tomato paste might be worth grabbing, though, especially because there are so many other delicious recipes to make with tomato paste—and you’ll definitely have extra.
  • Beef broth: Using beef broth rather than water infuses the pasta and sauce with extra-rich, beefy flavor.
  • Milk: A touch of milk adds extra richness to the sauce. You may use whatever type of milk your family drinks at home.
  • Elbow macaroni: Humble elbow macaroni is the classic noodle shape for making our old-fashioned homemade Hamburger Helper recipe.
  • Heavy cream: This ingredient makes the sauce infinitely richer and creamier—and velvety smooth. It’s the ingredient that will make you never go back to the boxed version again.
  • Cheddar cheese: For the best taste, opt for an extra sharp cheddar cheese to give the sauce as much cheese flavor as possible. We also highly recommend grating the cheese fresh from the block, if possible.
  • Parsley: A sprinkle of vibrant, green parsley is the perfect way to add a touch of color and freshness before serving this homemade cheeseburger Hamburger Helper.

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28 Salmon Recipes for People with Diabetes

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Salmon is a powerhouse for diabetes-friendly meal planning. This healthy fish is one of the best food sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which is a good fat not readily found in many other common foods. What makes this “good fat” so special? Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation, which research shows can help prevent and control diabetes.

Another reason to dig into salmon recipes: Your body may absorb salmon’s healthy fats better than it would from other sources, such as supplements. Salmon has the benefit of being packed with nutrients such as iodine that help optimize digestion of omega-3s, according to research.

Salmon is also an excellent source of protein, which doesn’t raise blood sugar. Eating protein-rich foods alongside carbohydrate-containing foods like grains or starchy vegetables can help steady blood sugar. It can also leave you feeling more satisfied for longer since it takes a longer time to digest carbs and protein than just carbs alone.

Last but not least, serving up salmon or other seafood has been linked with more stable blood sugar after eating. How so? By reducing insulin resistance, a common problem for those with type 2 diabetes.

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60 Cookie Exchange Ideas Your Friends Will Love

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

If you’re feeling the Christmas cookie exchange pressure, we’re here to help. A lot goes into picking out the perfect recipe: It must be just as delicious as it is pretty, easy to bake yet able to make a good first impression, and, of course, festive-looking or festive-flavored—no generic cookies allowed! We kept that in mind when putting together our master list of cookie exchange ideas. Any of these recipes would be a knockout at a Christmas cookie exchange party!

There is a lot of variety in this list of Christmas cookie recipes. We included all the traditional Christmas cookies (think cherry snowballs, speculaas and thumbprints), plus lots of modern cookie recipes (hello, eggnog cookies and reindeer Nutter Butters!) in case you want to shake things up. All are festive for the season and very well-reviewed, and most are attainable for even newer bakers.

Whatever cookie exchange recipes you choose, always give yourself enough time to make them without feeling rushed. I like to chill cookie dough for 24 hours so the flour can hydrate, resulting in a more flavorful and tender cookie. If your recipe needs to be decorated, wait for the cookies to cool completely to room temperature first. Depending on the recipe, decorate the cookies the night before or the morning of the cookie exchange. Anyone wanting to host a stress-free Christmas cookie exchange should follow this formula!

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Slow-Cooker Chickpea Tagine

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

If you’re familiar with the vibrant and complex flavors of Moroccan cuisine, you may already know that blending herbs and spices with slow-cooking techniques is the key to producing the region’s unique, aromatic dishes. If Moroccan recipes are new to you, then you’re in for a treat with this spicy, tangy, hearty slow-cooker chickpea tagine. It mimics the bold tastes of North African tagine cooking right in your own kitchen—no unusual kitchen tools required.

What is a tagine?

Tagine is the name of a North African stew and also the ceramic vessel in which it’s cooked. These dome-shaped pots are used as a primary method of cooking Moroccan food and other North African specialties. The pots consist of two parts: a wide base to hold the ingredients and a tall, conical lid. That shape allows steam to rise, condense at the top, then drip back down and continuously baste the food. The result? Perfectly tender stewed meats and vegetables.

Slow-Cooker Chickpea Tagine Ingredients

  • Butternut squash
  • Zucchini
  • Red bell pepper
  • Onion
  • Canned chickpeas
  • Dried apricots
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic
  • Paprika
  • Ground ginger
  • Ground cumin
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Canned crushed tomatoes
  • Harissa chili paste
  • Honey
  • Fresh mint leaves
  • Plain Greek yogurt (optional)

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Shrimp and Grits

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

The phrase shrimp and grits alone conjures images of soul-warming Lowcountry comfort food. The best way to enjoy this southern staple is by making it at home with this easy recipe. You don’t have to be from the South to enjoy a bowl of creamy grits with lightly spiced shrimp. Plus there’s bacon, which makes everything better!

Sometimes called breakfast shrimp, it’s quite a popular dish for brunch or later. And it’s hard to say which is the star—the smoky, spiced shrimp or the creamy grits. We’ll say both. It’s one of many easy shrimp recipes for weeknight dinners, thanks to the quick-cooking shellfish.

Ingredients for Shrimp and Grits

  • Old-fashioned grits: For a true southern shrimp and grits recipe, seek out old-fashioned hominy grits, sometimes sold as regular grits. They take longer to cook than instant grits but have a superior texture (you’ll use them in cheesy grits, too). Stone-ground grits retain more of the corn’s whole grain, making them even more nutritious, but they can take twice as long to cook as old-fashioned grits.
  • Milk, butter and cheddar cheese: You’ll need all three for deliciously creamy, flavorful grits.
  • Bacon: Chopped bacon provides a smoky flavor to the dish, and drippings for cooking the shrimp.
  • Raw shrimp: Raw shrimp are your best choice for juicy shrimp recipes because they will stay tender and moist. They’re less likely to become rubbery and chewy like precooked shrimp can when reheated. Frozen cleaned uncooked shrimp are easy to use in this recipe; just thaw in cool water first (keep the shells to make a quick stock for the shrimp and grits).
  • Cajun or blackened seasoning: Keeping homemade Cajun seasoning in your spice collection will let you easily add heat to many dishes. Blends can vary, but most rely heavily on an array of peppers and garlic. Blackened seasoning often resembles a cross between Cajun and Creole seasoning mix, working in dried herbs and onion powder.

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30 Easy Thanksgiving Desserts Everyone Will Enjoy

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Thanksgiving is a holiday all about comforting classics, including a perfectly seasoned roast turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, stuffing and green bean casserole with a crispy onion topping. But when the dishes have been cleared, it’s time to bring out the fall desserts everyone has been waiting for. These easy Thanksgiving desserts take away the need to fuss with intricate latticed pies or layered cakes, but still bring the flavors you expect.

This roundup includes pumpkin, apple and pecan pies, quick puddings, fudge and frozen desserts, including homemade ice cream recipes. Each one has 20 minutes or less of prep time, and then it can be baked and cooled or chilled until it’s time to serve. With plenty of no-bake Thanksgiving desserts and make-ahead choices, it’s easy to set up a dessert spread in no time.

These simple Thanksgiving dessert recipes adapt well to different dietary needs and preferences. Use a prepared gluten-free pie crust or coconut whipped topping instead of whipped cream, so there is something for everyone. Whether you make one dessert or five, these quick Thanksgiving treats deliver all the flavors of fall, with warm spices, tart cranberries, crunchy nuts and juicy apples, while still leaving time to enjoy the company around you.

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Cranberry-Maple-Glazed Turkey

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

This cranberry-maple-glazed turkey takes minimal effort and ingredients and turns them into an impressive holiday centerpiece with festive flavors and aromas. Adding a cranberry-maple glaze is an easy way to transform your Thanksgiving turkey from tasty to can’t-stop-talking-about-it.

You’ll start by dry-brining your bird. This process may sound intimidating, but it’s as simple as generously salting the turkey and letting it rest overnight in the fridge. The salt seasons the meat and helps it stay juicy during roasting.

Before the turkey goes into the oven, stuff the cavity with fragrant onion, orange and bay leaves to infuse the meat with even more flavor from the inside. Then, coat the outside with a simple mixture of cranberry sauce, maple syrup and chopped nuts. The glaze bakes into a sticky, sweet-tart finish and gives the turkey a gorgeous color and beautiful shine. The result is a surprising yet classic combination of flavors that’s sure to wow guests and make your holiday table feel extra special.

Ingredients for Cranberry-Maple-Glazed Turkey

  • Turkey: If you’re using a frozen turkey, plan for plenty of thawing time. A 12- to 14-pound frozen bird needs about three days in the fridge to thaw completely. Ignore the pop-up timer that comes with most turkeys; an instant-read meat thermometer is the most reliable way to ensure your turkey is cooked through.
  • Kosher salt: Salting the turkey ahead (a process known as dry-brining) is the secret to extra-juicy meat. It may seem like a lot of salt, but it’s the key to locking in moisture and flavor. Be sure you’re using kosher salt and not table salt; table salt is too fine and will make the turkey taste overly salty.
  • Aromatics: Stuffing the cavity with onion, orange and bay leaves subtly flavors the meat from the inside out as it roasts. Onion brings a savory aroma, orange adds brightness and bay leaves lend an herbal note.
  • Maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the glaze and balances the tartness of the cranberry sauce. Be sure to use pure maple syrup (not to be confused with misleading pancake syrup) for the best flavor.
  • Cranberry sauce: This shortcut ingredient gives the glaze its festive tart-sweet flavor and a hint of ruby-red color. We prefer whole berry sauce for added texture—store-bought is perfectly fine, but you can cook up a quick homemade cranberry sauce with fresh berries if you have time.
  • Walnuts: Finely chopped walnuts add a nutty crunch to the glaze. Need a nut-free option? Just leave them out.

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Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Posted on by Reluctant Retiree

Jazzing up dinner is a snap with a chicken bacon ranch casserole. This dish is similar to mac and cheese but is turbo-boosted with ranch seasoning and the super protein combo of cooked chicken and bacon. I love recipes that start with ranch dressing mix, because the mix is perfectly savory and adds zesty herbs and spice to almost anything. The guy who invented ranch dressing was on to something!

Adding ranch dressing and mix to this pan of creamy pasta gives it the perfect punch of flavor, which makes my friends and family always compete for second helpings. Once you make bacon chicken ranch casserole, either as a side dish or the main event, the casserole will go into heavy rotation and become one of your favorite casserole recipes.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Ingredients

overhead shot of ingredients
Dan Roberts for Taste of Home
  • Spiral pasta: Each pasta shape holds sauce differently, and spirals are the best choice for this bacon ranch chicken casserole. Spiral noodles have many nooks and crannies, so each bite is super saucy.
  • Milk: Milk creates a creamy blend of flavors and textures. We use 2% milk, but you can use whole or skim. Note: If you use the latter, your sauce will be thinner.
  • Ranch salad dressing: Ranch is so tasty thanks to buttermilk, herbs and mayo (in just the right proportion). You can make ranch dressing from scratch or buy your favorite bottled brand at the store.
  • Ranch salad dressing mix: You can use your favorite ranch dressing mix or whip up a batch from your spice cupboard.
  • Cream cheese: Rich and smooth, cream cheese melts easily and creates a luscious texture in this bacon chicken ranch casserole.
  • Cooked chicken: Chop up some leftover chicken if you have it, but rotisserie chicken from the market is a quick fix when you don’t have time to roast a bird. (This is just one of many dinners to make with rotisserie chicken!)
  • Bacon: Bacon brings smoke and crunch to this casserole. Try baking bacon for evenly crisp strips without a lot of fuss.
  • Colby cheese: Colby cheese is mild and melts easily, making it the perfect finishing touch for this bacon ranch chicken casserole. You can use other good melting cheeses if needed. I love Gouda, sharp cheddar or a flavorful Gruyere. For added flavor and consistency, shred the cheese yourself instead of buying the bags of pre-shredded stuff.
  • Sliced green onions: For the pop of color and the kick of flavor, a little green onion is worth the few extra moments of chopping. Chives are also a great option.

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