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Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Megan Miller — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 06:13:05 +0000

Cranberry sauce tends to conjure up images of Thanksgiving holiday meals. But you don’t have to wait for the holidays to put this fresh homemade cranberry sauce recipe on the table. It’s great with roast chicken and sweet potatoes, a wonderful sweet and refreshing side dish that my husband and kids love to see on our dinner table any time of year!

Best Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Are you still buying the stuff in the can? I always did until I started reading the labels. All those preservatives and other things are a hard-pass from me. It’s way better when you make cranberry sauce homemade from scratch, and once you do, you’ll never open another can of cranberry sauce again.

Homemade Cranberry Sauce Ingredients

Fresh cranberries – The best way to make your whole cranberry sauce homemade.
Orange juice – Citrus adds the perfect touch to so many cranberry recipes!
Orange zest – From on orange to add into the cranberry sauce as it cooks as well as for garnishing at the end.
Sugar – Helps bring out the sweetness.
Salt – Just a pinch helps balance the taste.

Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe

With just 5 minutes of prep time and only 15 minutes on the stove, this easy Thanksgiving cranberry sauce side dish comes together lightning-quick. Make room for it at your table tonight!

Lets get lost in this sauce!
Megan

How do you Make Cranberry Sauce from Scratch?

To make this fresh cranberry sauce recipe, start by rinsing and draining your cranberries.
Then in a medium saucepan over high heat, add water, sugar, and orange juice until it boils.
Then add the cranberries, salt, and orange zest.
Keep cooking until you see most cranberries burst, roughly 10 minutes.
Let it cool then chill in the fridge.

Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! If you have them in your freezer, that’s great. You don’t need to thaw them before starting this recipe either.
Orange juice takes the bitterness away. Don’t skip adding it or you’ll have a very bitter side dish!
You can use any sugar or sweetener you like, even honey or maple syrup.
It should thicken up nicely, but if it doesn’t even after chilling, you can heat it to a simmer for a few minutes until it does, then let it cool.

What can I do with fresh cranberries?

You can make cranberry sauce with fresh cranberries. It only takes a few minutes and a few ingredients to turn fresh cranberries into everyone’s favorite side dish.

How many cranberries does it take to make one cranberry sauce?

In that canned stuff, there are about 200 cranberries. A bag of fresh cranberries will likely have more if it is a larger portion than the can.

Is homemade cranberry sauce worth it?

Absolutely! It’s super simple and it tastes so much better than anything in a can. Plus, it keeps well so you can make it in advance.

How do you get the bitterness out of cranberry sauce?

The orange juice will chase the bitterness away and balance the flavor for your cranberry sauce.

How do you make cranberry sauce better?

Cranberry sauce will taste bitter unless you add orange to it. Orange juice is the best way, plus adding orange zest further enhances the flavors. Don’t forget the sugar or it won’t be sweet!

How do you make a cranberry sauce set?

Chilling it in the fridge should help it thicken up after allowing it to cool on the stove.

How do you make cranberry sauce thicker?

Your cranberry sauce should thicken up after you chill it. If not, you can simmer it on the stove for 5 more minutes and let it cool. It should be thick enough after that!

What goes well with Cranberry Sauce?

It’s the best with turkey or roast chicken, though cranberry sauce can be served with many other things too. Try it with pork, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, on top of meatballs for something sweet and savory, or make it a topping for your ice cream night!

How to Store Cranberry Sauce?

Cranberry sauce needs to go in the fridge once you’re done cooling it and serving it. Keep it in an airtight container.

How Long Does Cranberry Sauce Last?

You’ll get plenty of longevity out of your homemade cranberry sauce when you keep it in the fridge. It’s safe to eat up to 2 weeks. That means you can make it well in advance of gatherings if you’d like to save time.

Can You Freeze Cranberry Sauce?

Yes, yes, and yes! Even better, you can freeze your cranberry sauce for up to 6 months. Talk about planning ahead for the holidays!

How to Reheat Cranberry Sauce?

You should let it thaw in the fridge and then it will be ready to serve. If you’d like it warm, simply bring it to a simmer on the stovetop.

Watch How To Make Cranberry Sauce (Video)

Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe

This classic homemade cranberry sauce recipe is the perfect pairing to your holiday dinner! If you've never had fresh cranberry sauce then you are in for a treat. It knocks the socks off of that canned stuff!

5 from 1 vote

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Prep 5

Cook 15

Total 20

Calories 208

Servings servings

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Ingredients

Method

In a medium saucepan on high heat, combine the water, sugar, and orange juice and bring to a boil. Once the mixture is boiling, add in the cranberries, pinch of salt, and orange zest. Cook the cranberries until most have burst, about 10 minutes. Allow to cool completely before chilling in the refrigerator. Garnish with additional orange zest.

Nutrition

Calories208kcalCarbohydrates53gProtein1gFat1gSaturated Fat1gPolyunsaturated Fat1gMonounsaturated Fat1gSodium2mgPotassium63mgFiber1gSugar53gVitamin A62IUVitamin C16mgCalcium5mgIron1mg

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Homemade Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Megan Miller — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 19:53:21 +0000

This sweet potato casserole recipe is a classic for any holiday celebration. It’s definitely the one my kids and husband pile onto their plates during our gatherings. If you’ve never tried sweet potato and marshmallow together then you’re in for a real treat. And because it’s made with wholesome, fresh and fun ingredients, you can feel good about serving this candied yams with marshmallows holiday casserole which is a staple for any family celebration.

Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Kiss those cans goodbye. Instead, say hello to the best sweet potato casserole recipe ever. It’s filled with fresh sweet potatoes and crunchy pecans along with those melty marshmallows that make this yam casserole such a blissful item to discover during the holidays.

Sweet Potato Casserole Ingredients

Sweet potatoes – You’ll use fresh ones, peeling and cubing them first before getting started.
Unsalted butter – Let it soften up to room temperature.
Brown sugar – Make sure you pack it well into the measuring cup for precision measurement.
Pecans – A sweet potato casserole with pecans adds the perfect crunchy texture. Chopped for even distribution.
Marshmallows – Yams with marshmallows are a pairing dream. You can use the mini ones or the big ones, whatever you prefer.
Sweet Potato Casserole Seasonings – Cinnamon, nutmeg, a pinch of salt, and vanilla extract are all needed to give this holiday baked sweet potato casserole the proper balance of flavor.

What do you call a stolen Yam? A hot potato.
Anonymous

Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

This sweet potato casserole with marshmallow is full of complex flavors but is so easy to make. It takes 25 minutes to prep, mostly because of preparing the sweet potatoes and then the rest of it is baking time. Your whole home will smell amazing too!

How do you Make Sweet Potato Casserole from Scratch

Heat your oven to 350F and get a 9×13 baking dish ready.
Then boil sweet potatoes in a large pot for about 15 to 20 minutes so they’re fork-tender.
Drain them, then mash the potatoes into a glass mixing bowl with the brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, vanilla, and pinch of salt.
Add in half a cup of pecans and mix, then spread this mixture into your baking dish.
Top with the remaining pecans and then the marshmallows, then bake for 25 to 30 minutes until your marshmallows are a lovely golden brown.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

You can swap out the nuts. If you have a nut allergy or you just don’t like pecans, you can omit them. Or if everyone is fine eating nuts, you can also use walnuts if you’d prefer them over pecans.
Add less sugar if you like. While the brown sugar measured in this sweet potato marshmallow recipe adds just enough sweetness, you can make it a little less if you like, especially since those marshmallows will continue the sweetness for you.
Or add more marshmallows. What is the perfect sweet potato marshmallow ratio? Some families love loads of marshmallows. Who am I to judge? Add more if you like!

Are yams and sweet potatoes the same?

Here in America, we tend to interchange these two terms even though they are different veggies. Yams have a rough brown outside and a starchy interior while sweet potatoes have a reddish skin and a more creamy inside.

What’s the difference between yams and sweet potato casserole?

A sweet potato casserole will be sweeter because of the nature of this root vegetable. You’ll want to be sure you’re buying sweet potatoes from your produce section.

Why are there eggs in sweet potato casserole?

Some recipes for sweet potato casserole use egg to bind it. However, this recipe does not use any eggs making it perfect for anyone that doesn’t eat eggs.

Should I put eggs in my sweet potato casserole?

That’s up to you. There are no eggs in this recipe and it comes out just as rich and delightful as any other.

Can you substitute canned sweet potatoes for fresh?

Yes, you can go for canned though if you do, you will not need to boil them first. It’s always best to use fresh though because nothing beats that flavor.

Can you make sweet potato casserole the day before?

Save yourself some time on the holidays by making this sweet potato casserole the day before. You’ll only need to warm it up and serve it!

Why do you put marshmallows on sweet potatoes?

You can thank clever marketing tactics from the early 1900s. They were looking to promote marshmallows as an everyday ingredient rather than just some sweet treat.

How to Cook Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole starts with preparing the sweet potatoes on the stove top and baking them with the other ingredients in your oven for a casserole everyone will want more of!

How Long to Bake Sweet Potato Casserole?

At 350F, you’ll want to bake your sweet potato casserole for 25 to 30 minutes.

How do you know when sweet potato casserole is done?

After cooking it at 350F for about 25 to 30 minutes, it will be done. You’ll see the marshmallows are lightly browned and the center of your casserole will be firm and set.

How do you thicken sweet potato casserole?

It should be plenty thick with this recipe though please mind how long you boil the potatoes for. Not only should they be cut equally but they should also not be overcooked because they can absorb water and hence water down your casserole.

What goes well with Sweet Potato Casserole?

Sweet potato casserole is ideal for holiday meals or special occasions so serve it with a roast, turkey, or ham along with green veggies, dinner rolls, and all the other family-style delights.

How to Store Sweet Potato Casserole?

Once it cools, sweet potato casserole needs to be covered properly and stowed in the refrigerator.

How Long Does Sweet Potato Casserole Last?

In your fridge, you can keep enjoying your homemade sweet potato casserole for on up to 5 days.

Can You Freeze Sweet Potato Casserole?

Absolutely! Sweet potato casserole freezes so well and you can keep it stored in your freezer for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat Sweet Potato Casserole?

Simply preheat your oven to 300F and cover your sweet potato casserole with foil so the marshmallows on top don’t burn. Bake it for 15 minutes and it should be warmed up nicely.

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Classic Coquito Recipe

Megan Miller — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 12:14:28 +0000

Celebrate the holidays with a coquito drink from Puerto Rico that will kick off your festivities. The first time I had this, a coworker had brought it to our holiday party. I was smitten with that first sip and now, I’d love to share this Puerto Rican coquito recipe with you!

Best Coquito Recipe

While it’s not the same as eggnog, coquito is a drink that has the same feel of it but with a coconut flavor. It’s sweet, creamy, and delightful, the perfect holiday libation for adults.

Coquito Drink Ingredients

Dark rum – The signature spirit in a coquito. Bacardi is a traditional favorite in Puerto Rico. If you have access to Bacardi, we love to make a traditional Bacardi coquito!
Coconut milk and coconut cream – You’ll need a can of each to give this its traditional creamy coconut flavor.
Sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk – A can each of these brings out more creaminess.
Flavorings – To finalize the flavor of a coquito, you will need raisins, cinnamon sticks, shredded coconut, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and ground cloves.

Easy Coquito Recipe

If you’re having friends and family over for the holidays or are tasked with bringing something to a party, this easy coquito recipe is the perfect solution. It takes no time at all to mix together. Mostly, you’ll have waiting time as the flavors come together in your container!

Keep calm, its Coquito season.
Anonymous

**How do you Make Coquito Receta (Recipe) from Scratch?**

To make this classic Coquito drink you’ll start by adding the dark rum, raisins, and cinnamon sticks in a large pitcher first, letting it sit for an hour to an hour and a half.
While you let that happen, take all the other ingredients and blend them on puree until smooth.
Then add them to the rum mixture and put in airtight containers like mason jars, letting them chill for a minimum of 5 hours. Shake well before you serve!

Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Coquito Every Time

Plan ahead. While this is an easy Puerto Rican Coquito recipe, you’ll want to let the rum soak with the raisins and cinnamon sticks.
Serve in small glasses. Coquito is meant to be served in shot glasses, so line them up on your bar.
If you’d rather use larger glasses, add ice. This will keep it chilled to perfection so your guests can mingle away.
It makes a great gift. If you’re looking to make a homemade gift for friends and family, decorate the mason jars first and fill them with this coquito recipe!

What is Coquito?

This is a traditional drink for Christmas from Puerto Rico. It means ‘little coconut’ which is an apt name for such a sweet, creamy, and delightful coconut-flavored alcoholic beverage.

What is Coquito puertorriqueño?

Simply put, it means that it’s a Puerto Rican drink. And what a drink it is! With plenty of rum and a sweet, creamy, coconut flavor, it’s going to be your new favorite drink for the holidays.

What are the ingredients for Coquito?

Coquito is made with dark rum, coconut cream, sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, evaporated milk, raisins, cinnamon sticks, shredded coconut, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and ground cloves.

What alcohol is used in Coquito?

Dark rum is the spirit of choice for making coquito.

Is Coquito an eggnog?

While some call it “Puerto Rican Eggnog” it is different from eggnog. Most recipes for coquito do not contain eggs.

What’s the difference between Coquito and eggnog?

Coquito is more tropical in flavor since it is made with coconut milk, condensed milk, and evaporated milk. Eggnog has a milk base and real eggs.

Is coquito vegan?

No, it is not vegan because of the condensed milk and evaporated milk. Those are dairy products.

Does Coquito have to be in glass?

You do not have to store it in glass, however, it should be in an airtight container. Generally, mason jars are the way to go because they keep it fresh.

Is Coquito served hot or cold?

Coquito is served cold, a refreshing tropical taste that is sure to lift your spirits this holiday season!

Why is my Coquito so thick?

The coconut may have thickened in the fridge. You can thin it out by adding a little purified water slowly until it gets to a consistency you prefer.

Does Coquito have to be refrigerated?

Yes, it absolutely must be refrigerated due to the inclusion of dairy ingredients. Plus, you want to drink it chilled anyway.

What goes well with Coquito?

Since it’s so sweet, coquito is perfect to serve with dessert, just like you would with eggnog. Ice cream and other sweet treats can be enjoyed by everyone, especially the kids, while the adults enjoy those things and coquito!

How to Store Leftover Coquito?

Coquito should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Don’t freeze it!

How Long Does Coquito Last?

With this recipe, there are no eggs in it so your coquito can stay in the fridge in an airtight vessel for 4 to 6 months. However, I must warn you, ours always disappears long before that!

Watch How To Make Coquito (Video)

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A great bit thank you to our Puerto Rico photographer for helping us with these amazing shots in Puerto Rico!

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Traditional Homemade Gravy Recipe

Megan Miller — Sun, 24 Oct 2021 19:50:41 +0000

Before we start talking turkey, let’s talk gravy! If your family loves pouring traditional gravy atop the turkey and mound of mashed potatoes and gravy on their plates like mine do, then you’re going to love making this traditional gravy recipe, full of savory flavors that add more to your roast chicken or turkey dinners or holiday gatherings.

Best Gravy Recipe

This is the best gravy recipe! Because making homemade turkey gravy is so simple, you will be like me and never ever buy another jar of store-bought gravy again. Homemade brown gravy tastes so much better and once you learn to make it, you’ll be hooked. When you make turkey gravy from drippings it adds a traditional flavor that is unmistakable and warms the soul.

Easy Gravy Recipe

Learning how to make brown gravy is super simple. If you can use a stove and stir, you can make easy homemade gravy. It takes 5 minutes to prep and the rest is basically stirring it on your stove until you get the desired consistency.

What is gravy made of?

Fat drippings – You’ll get these from a roasted chicken or turkey. In this homemade gravy recipe you will be learning how to make gravy from turkey drippings.
All-purpose flour – This will thicken the gravy. You can sub in gluten-free flour too.
Half and half – Makes this brown gravy recipe rich and creamy.
Chicken stock – Adds to the fat for a robust flavor to both chicken gravy and turkey gravy.

How to Make Gravy from Scratch?

Learning how to make gravy from scratch is easy.
You first start by gather the fat drippings and juices from your roasting pan, including those treasured browned bits of meat. Take a large skillet and turn it on medium heat.
Dump in the fat drippings and whisk in flour one tablespoon at a time.
Be quick with the whisk and let the flour blend into the drippings.
Combine the chicken stock and half and half, then add a little at a time, whisking as you go.
When the turkey gravy simmers and thickens to your desired consistency, take it off the heat and move it to your gravy boat. Making turkey gravy is that easy!

Its all gravy from here on out. Were just going to enjoy the experience.
Coach David Gerrish

Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Homemade Gravy Every Time

Yes, you can do this with beef too. Simply swap out the chicken stock for beef stock to make a beef gravy.
You can also make gravy without the drippings. If you’ve bought a rotisserie chicken for example, you can omit those drippings and use butter as your fat in the pan to combine with the flour, then take it from there.
Got a gluten-free guest? Make gravy with gluten-free flour and it will taste just as wonderful without causing digestive issues. Once you know how to make turkey gravy from scratch you can make substitutions while retaining the integrity of your gravy.

What is the ratio of flour to liquid for gravy?

In this recipe, you’ve got 1/3 cup of drippings combined with 2 cups each of half and half and chicken stock to make the liquid matched by 1/3 cup of flour. Adding it in as the recipe instructs will ensure you get it to the thickness you desire.

How long should I boil gravy?

Making gravy should take about 15 to 20 minutes to simmer to your desired thickness.

How do you make thick gravy?

Simply follow this recipe to find your way to thick and delicious gravy! The key is balancing the ratio of flour to liquid so you get the texture you’re looking for.

How do you make gravy with flour?

This recipe shows you how to make gravy with flour. You’ll whisk it in a little at a time with the fat drippings and then add the half and half/chicken stock mixture slowly to incorporate.

How do you thicken gravy with flour and butter?

Follow the same steps and simply swap the fat drippings for the butter. Be quick with your whisk to ensure the flour is all incorporated to prevent lumps.

Which is better cornstarch or flour for gravy?

Cornstarch is pure starch so it will thicken your gravy with less than it takes for flour. It’s also a gluten-free alternative to keep in mind. However, flour is easiest to get the ratio of thickness right.

Can I use water instead of milk for gravy?

I wouldn’t recommend that. It would take away from the flavor and wash it out. If you don’t want to use milk, you should use just the chicken stock as it will balance the liquid out without detracting from the taste.

What can I add to gravy to make more?

Uh oh…not enough gravy? You can add more chicken stock to it though be careful as it could make it watery. Your best bet is to double or even triple the recipe if you’re going to be serving lots of guests.

What to add to gravy to make it taste better?

Those fat drippings really make a difference in the way gravy tastes. When you have that in there, you’ll get the best gravy.

Why does my gravy turned to jelly?

Don’t worry…that’s normal. Just heat it back up and stir, adding in any reserved chicken stock you have slowly to thin it out if needed once it warms back up.

What goes well with Gravy?

I would pour gravy on just about anything if you let me. Obviously, it is wonderful on mashed potatoes or any potatoes really. Use it on chicken or turkey, make an open-faced hot sandwich, dunk fries in it…there are so many ways to use your homemade gravy.

How to Store Gravy?

Gravy leftovers are rare in my house, but when we have it, I put it in the fridge when it’s cool in an airtight container.

How Long Does Gravy Last?

Gravy in your fridge is good for 2 days though you can boil it again for 3 minutes to kill bacteria and serve it again.

Can You Freeze Gravy?

Yes, you can, though it will separate a bit when it thaws because of the half and half. Gravy in the freezer is good for up to 4 months.

How to Reheat Frozen Gravy?

The best way is to let it thaw in your fridge overnight first. Then you can warm it on your stovetop until it gets the right consistency.

Watch How To Make Homemade Gravy (Video)

Traditional Homemade Gravy Recipe

This easy traditional homemade gravy recipe is the perfect way to top off your Thanksgiving turkey and mashed potatoes! This traditional recipe uses your fat drippings from your roasted turkey or chicken and gives you the perfect gravy taste and consistency every time.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep 5

Cook 20

Total 25

Calories 60

Servings servings

Course Sauce

Cuisine American

Ingredients

▢ 1/2 cup fat drippings from a roast preferably roast chicken or turkey
▢ 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
▢ 2 cups half and half
▢ 2 cups chicken stock

Equipment

▢
10 inch non stick saute pan

Method

Collect about 1/2 cup of excess fat dripping and juices from a roast pan, ensuring to scrape up browned bits of meat as well and transfer to a small bowl.
In a large skillet on medium heat, add the fat drippings and begin to whisk in the flour about a tablespoon at a time, quickly whisking with a wire whisk. As the flour begins to become incorporated into the drippings, begin adding in the chicken stock/half and half mixture a little at a time. Continue to whisk the gravy mixture on medium heat until it begins to thick and lightly simmer. Once it has reached desired consistency, remove from heat and pour the gravy into a gravy boat. Serve immediately with your favorite roast.

Nutrition

Calories60kcalCarbohydrates4gProtein2gFat4gSaturated Fat2gPolyunsaturated Fat1gMonounsaturated Fat1gCholesterol12mgSodium55mgPotassium74mgFiber1gSugar1gVitamin A108IUVitamin C1mgCalcium33mgIron1mg

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Classic Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe

Megan Miller — Sat, 10 Jul 2021 20:15:38 +0000

Why wait until St. Patrick’s Day to enjoy a slow cooker corned beef dinner with your family? Melt-in-your-mouth corned beef with cabbage, carrots, and potatoes is a dinner you can pull off any night. Your crock pot does all the work so this homemade corned beef and cabbage recipe is super easy. Your family doesn’t have to know how easy it is and believe me, when mine sing praises, I relish the moment.

Best Corned Beef Recipe

Using a few simple and wholesome ingredients, you’re about to make the best crockpot corned beef and cabbage recipe. Consider it practice for St. Patrick’s Day or simply find your way to a satisfying meal any day!

Crock Pot Corned Beef Ingredients

Corned beef brisket – Look for the ones that come with the seasoning packet. They’re more plentiful in March but you will find them year-round.
Garlic cloves – Gotta have that garlic!
Bay leaves – These enhance the corned beef seasonings provided.
Chicken stock – Adds more flavor than water for cooking the meat.
Potatoes – You’ll need both russet and golden to make this recipe amazing.
Carrots – Adds color and nutrition.
Cabbage – You can’t have corned beef without cabbage!

Easy Corned Beef Recipe in a Crock Pot (Slow Cooker)

This is such an easy corned beef and cabbage recipe which has less than 10 ingredients. While it will cook for 10 hours, you’ll only spend 15 minutes prepping when you make corned beef in a crock pot. That’s a win in my book!

If you’re lucky enough to be Irish, then your lucky enough.
Anonymous

How do you Make Corned Beef and Cabbage from Scratch?

You’ll get your slow cooker ready with chopped onions on the bottom.
Then add the corned beef and seasoning packet. Pour the chicken stock in until it just about covers the corned beef. Next, the garlic and bay leaves.
You’ll set it for low at 8 to 10 hours but after 3 hours, you’ll add the carrots and potatoes.
Two hours before you serve it, you’ll add the cabbage. This keeps the veggies at the best textures so your corned beef and cabbage doesn’t feel mushy.

Expert Tips and Tricks for Homemade Corned Beef in a Slow Cooker

Add the veggies into your crock pot in intervals. Carrots, potatoes, and cabbage come out mushy when you put them all in the slow cooker at the beginning. If you follow this corned beef crock pot recipe, you’ll find everything has a perfect texture this way.
Slice the meat against the grain. This keeps it juicy and tender in every bite.
Reserve the jus. The jus is the best part! It keeps everything moist and delicious!

What is the best cut of meat for corned beef?

If you buy the corned beef brisket with the seasoning packet, you’ve got the right stuff. If you go to a butcher, you can ask for the flat cut for corned beef. The whole brisket can also be used though.

Is corned beef and beef brisket the same thing?

Beef brisket is like a roasted beef. But corned beef is brined first which is why it has a different color than a regular beef brisket.

Do you rinse corned beef before cooking?

If you want to reduce your sodium content, be sure to rinse your corned beef. It usually has excess salt on the surface.

Should you soak corned beef before cooking?

You should either soak it or rinse it. This will remove the excess salt on the meat.

How long do you soak corned beef before cooking?

You can soak it or rinse it. I prefer the simpler method of rinsing, but if you’re going to soak, do so for about 2 hours to get that excess salt out of every nook and cranny.

Do you use the brine when cooking corned beef?

Yes! Dump it on in when you’re putting it into your slow cooker!

Can you brine corned beef too long?

Some recipes call for brining the corned beef. This one does not. But if you do brine corned beef, it shouldn’t be for longer than 10 days.

How to Cook Corned Beef

Corned beef is the best when cooked in your slow cooker. It is a tougher cut of meat so the slow and low heat of the crock pot render it to a fork-tender texture.

Is it better to boil or bake corned beef?

One isn’t better than the other. The secret to the best corned beef is taking your time, cooking it over low heat for a longer time will ensure it comes out tender.

Can you bake corned beef?

You can also bake your corned beef though I love using the slow cooker. It doesn’t heat up the house like the oven does. To bake corned beef, you’ll need to wrap it well after you use the corned beef seasoning and then bake at 350F for an hour per pound of corned beef.

What do you put in the water when cooking corned beef?

Always include the spice packet that comes with your corned beef. Additionally, adding some bay leaves really completes the flavor profile.

Do you add salt to corned beef and cabbage?

No, the meat is salty enough plus the seasoning packet will give it enough flavor. If you add salt, you’ll only make this dish too salty.

How long should you cook corned beef?

When cooking a corned beef and cabbage crock pot recipe, cooking on the low setting for 8-10 hours is best to make sure your corned beef is nice and tender.

Does corned beef get tender the longer you cook it?

This depends on the method you are using to cook it. You could put it in your oven for a longer time at a higher temperature and ruin it. Whether slow cooking or baking, always remember to cook it at a low temperature for a longer duration.

How do you know when corned beef is done in slow cooker?

You’ll be able to tear it apart with a fork with ease. Also, if you follow the recipe, after 8 to 10 hours your slow cooker corned beef will be ready.

What goes well with Corned Beef

Soda bread or beer bread is nice to serve with corned beef. It will help you sop up that jus and provide a vessel for the meat. You can also serve a salad or sauteed veggies if you have more guests joining you. Garlic green beans or brussels sprouts will work nicely.

How to Store Corned Beef

Store your corned beef in airtight containers. You can also wrap the meat in foil. It needs to go in the fridge from there.

How Long Does Corned Beef Last?

In your fridge, corned beef lasts 3 to 4 days. If you have too much to eat within that span, consider freezing it.

Can You Freeze Corned Beef?

Absolutely! Make sure it is properly contained in freezer bags, foil, or airtight containers and you can keep your corned beef in the freezer up to 6 months.

How to Reheat Corned Beef?

If it’s frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. When you’re ready, heat your oven to 350F, wrap the meat in foil, and heat for about 5 to 7 minutes.

Watch How To Make Corned Beef and Cabbage (Video)

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Homemade Honey Baked Ham Recipe

Megan Miller — Mon, 03 May 2021 01:05:37 +0000

Although this does make the perfect Thanksgiving ham recipe, why wait for a holiday or special occasion? This honey baked ham recipe can make any weekend dinner or Sunday brunch more spectacular. In my house, the leftovers are prized for sandwiches and I love throwing ham into our omelets, soups, and other dishes. Make a honey baked ham and you’ll have plenty to eat all week!

Best Honey Baked Ham Recipe

The best honey baked ham takes simple pantry staples to help you add perfect flavor to your meat. Ham looks impressive but it takes no time at all to get it ready for your oven.

Easy Honey Baked Ham Recipe

Essentially, this is just buying a ham and making the glaze to coat it with. So little energy on your part for big flavors that impress guests or make for a special weekend meal.

Honey Baked Ham Ingredients

Spiral cut ham – Choose one that is 8 to 10lbs.
Honey glazed ham recipe – Make the best honey glaze ever with honey, brown sugar, melted butter, ground cloves, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard.

The definition of eternity is two people and a ham.
Anonymous

How do you Make Honey Baked Ham from Scratch?

Preparation is fairly easy for this recipe.
You’ll preheat your oven to 250F and remove the ham from the packaging. The rule of thumb is 15 minutes of baking time per pound.
The internal temperature should be 135F. As the ham cooks, start preparing the honey glaze by mixing the honey, brown sugar, melted butter, ground cloves, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard together.
When the ham is cooked through, take it out and brush it with the glaze.
Then heat it at 400F, baking for 15 to 20 more minutes until the glaze browns.

Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Honey Baked Ham Every Time

Always choose spiral cut. This makes your honey glazed ham so much easier to serve. Plus, the honey glaze seeps into the cuts to penetrate the meat.
Cook slow and low. Spiral cut hams are already cooked, so you want to keep the temperature low to prevent drying it out.
Let it rest. After your honey glazed ham is finished baking with the glaze on, resist the urge to start cutting it up. It will stay nice and moist if you let it sit for 15 minutes before serving.

How many people does a 10 pound ham feed?

As a rule of thumb, a 10-pound ham will feed around 10 people. If it’s just your small family, you can get a smaller ham. And if you have more people coming, you’re going to need a bigger ham.

How much does a honey baked ham cost?

A honey baked ham costs well over $50, but if you get your spiral cut ham at the store and make it yourself, it will cost much less and still taste amazing.

How to Cook Honey Baked Ham

Honey baked ham is cooked in the oven. You only need a few minutes to make the glaze while it bakes. After it cooks for a while at 250F, you will take it out to glaze it with the ham glaze recipe below, raise the oven temperature to 400F and bake it for 15 to 20 more minutes until it gets a golden brown hue.

How do you make a ham glaze from scratch?

To make a brown sugar glaze for ham, combine honey, brown sugar, melted butter, ground cloves, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard for a sweet and savory glaze that makes your ham irresistible.

Honey baked ham heating & cooking instructions:

Should honey baked ham be heated?

You do not have to heat a fully cooked honey baked ham. However, many people enjoy it warm. To keep from drying it out, you should heat it at a low temperature.

How do you heat up a honeybaked ham?

When cooking spiral ham, heat your oven to 250F and then put that ham in. It will take around 2 hours depending on the weight of the ham. After that you can glaze it and heat it at a higher temperature until it becomes golden.

What is the best way to cook a precooked ham?

In this oven baked ham recipe, you’ll see this is the best way to cook your precooked ham. The low temperature keeps the meat moist while warming it up.

How do you heat and glaze a fully cooked ham?

All you need to do is follow this recipe. You’ll preheat to 250F and then bake your ham for 15 minutes per pound. Then you’ll remove it to glaze it will putting the temperature to 400F and finish it off for 15 to 20 minutes.

How do you cook a spiral ham without drying it out?

When cooking ham in the oven, follow the directions in this recipe. Cooking your spiral ham slow and low plus letting it rest afterward is the key to succulent and juicy ham.

How long does it take to cook a ham in the oven at 350 degrees?

At 350F, it will take an hour and 40 minutes to cook your ham in the oven. I recommend using 250F as your temperature though to keep it from drying out.

How do you keep ham moist?

Stick to the baking time in this spiral ham recipe when cooking ham in the oven and take the ham out when it reaches that sweet spot internal temperature of 135F. You’ll then glaze it and add it back in for a short time at a higher temp and let it rest after that. It will stay moist.

Should I bake ham covered or uncovered?

If you want to cover your ham, that is fine. This recipe lets you bake it low and slow so it won’t dry out if you leave it uncovered.

Should I cover my ham with foil while baking?

You do not have to cover your ham with foil, though if you’d like to, you can. You will need to remove the foil when it is time to glaze it.

Can you bake a ham in a glass baking dish?

Yes, you can bake ham in a glass baking dish as long as the dish is oven-safe.

How Long to Bake Honey Baked Ham?

Following my honeybaked ham recipe, it will take you about 2 hours to bake your honey baked ham. Ham cooking time can vary based on the size, so you’ll want to plan on 15 minutes of bake time per pound.

What goes well with Honey Baked Ham?

We love scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, a fresh salad, sweet potatoes, sauteed greens, dinner rolls, and the whole nine yards. You can serve any side you like with ham since it’s so versatile but I like having a balance of rich and indulgent sides along with simpler ones so the meal doesn’t feel too heavy.

How to Store Honey Baked Ham?

You should wrap up your cooled ham leftovers in foil and put it in the fridge.

How Long Does Honey Baked Ham Last?

In your fridge, those ham leftovers will last for about a week. But after that, you should move it to the freezer.

Can You Freeze Honey Baked Ham?

Freezing your honeybaked ham is like a gift to your future self! Wrap it well and label it and then be sure to use it within 6 weeks.

How to Reheat Honey Baked Ham?

When reheating your ham, let it thaw in your fridge overnight then heat it in the oven at 275F for about 10 minutes per pound of ham.

Watch How To Make Honey Baked Ham (Video)

Homemade Honey Baked Ham Recipe

This homemade honey baked ham recipe is the perfect way to cook a tender and juicy ham while saving money on a delicious holiday meal!

5 from 3 votes

Print Save

Prep 20

Cook 2

Total 2 20

Calories 212

Servings servings

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Ingredients

Equipment

▢
Turkey roasting pan

Method

Preheat the oven to 250F. Remove the packaging from the ham and place on a baking sheet or shallow roasting pan cut side down. Bake for about 15 minutes per pound, or until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 135F.
While the ham cooks, combine the ingredients for the glaze in a bowl and mix well.
Once the ham reaches 135F, remove from oven and brush the ham with the glaze liberally. Heat the oven to 400F and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the glaze has browned. Allow to rest for 15 minutes before cutting and serving.
Heat the oven to 400F and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the glaze has browned. Allow to rest for 15 minutes before cutting and serving.

Nutrition

Calories212kcalCarbohydrates43gProtein2gFat5gSaturated Fat1gCholesterol1mgSodium33mgPotassium45mgFiber1gSugar39gVitamin A7IUVitamin C1mgCalcium22mgIron1mg

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Homemade Eggnog Recipe

Megan Miller — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 02:46:06 +0000

In my house, eggnog is a Christmas-time favorite. For years, I’d get excited when the supermarket would finally have it in stock around the holidays. But the real treat is making a homemade eggnog recipe yourself. It tastes better, has no weird ingredients, and best of all, you don’t have to wait for the holidays to make it. Christmas in July, anyone?

Best Eggnog Recipe

Simple and wholesome ingredients that are right in your kitchen right this minute are all it takes to make the best eggnog recipe. Once you make it yourself, you will never go back to those cartons or gallon jugs.

Easy Eggnog Recipe

In less time than it takes to go to the store to buy it, you can make this easy eggnog recipe. You’ll only need 8 real ingredients and 15 minutes of prep time. It will cook for 25 minutes and then it’s all about letting it chill and being patient!

Homemade Eggnog Ingredients

Egg yolks – As the name suggests, eggnog takes eggs to make, though only the yolks (save the raw egg whites for an egg white omelet!)
Heavy whipping cream – Heavy cream gives eggnog that creamy and thick texture
Whole milk – Yes, let’s make it even creamier!
Sugar – Eggnog needs some sweetness too
Vanilla extract – Because sugar isn’t enough to give it that taste we all love
Nutmeg – Is any holiday dish ever complete without nutmeg? (Spoiler alert: no, it isn’t!)
Cinnamon – Ground cinnamon is the perfect garnish to shake on top of each serving of traditional eggnog. A teaspoon of cinnamon is enough for the family.
Whipped cream – the perfect sweet and creamy topping (can substitute a spoonful of cool whip)

How do you Make Eggnog from Scratch

For a traditional eggnog recipe, first you’ll whisk the egg yolks with the sugar.
When it’s creamy, you’ll then take a saucepan and fill it with cream, milk, nutmeg, and salt.
Once it lightly simmers, temper in the eggs, slowly adding a little hot milk to the egg mixture at a time while whisking well. Keep doing this until all of your hot milk has been incorporated, then pour it all back into the saucepan, whisking until it thickens a little.
Take it from the heat, add the vanilla.
Then refrigerate it for several hours and it will be ready for you later!

I’m a self-confessed eggnogaholic.
Megan

Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Eggnog Every Time

Don’t rush it. If you don’t temper your eggs in, you’re going to wind up with scrambled eggs. Eggnog doesn’t require gobs of hands-on time, but taking your time here will certainly pay off.
Use only the yolks. Some recipes use the whole egg, but I like the yolks because you wind up with a more flavorful and richer eggnog.
Add the spices while it’s warm. This allows them to infuse into the flavor of your eggnog.
Be patient and let it chill. Seriously. It will be worth it, and it will thicken up during that time too…you’ll see!

How to Make Eggnog

Knowing how to make eggnog is definitely a great life skill. Simply gather your ingredients and follow the steps below. You’ll need a large mixing bowl, a whisk, and a saucepan. Oh, and something to store your eggnog inside of for the fridge (like a pitcher or something).

What is eggnog made of?

Eggnog is made of eggs, cream, milk, and spices. These give it the signature flavor and texture everyone loves.

What spice is most often used in eggnog?

Nutmeg and vanilla extract are used in the eggnog itself. Cinnamon is most often used as the garnish to add a little something extra.

What does eggnog taste like?

Eggnog tastes more like melted ice cream. It has the aroma of vanilla and warming spices too for a sweet, creamy experience.

Is homemade eggnog safe to drink?

With this recipe, yes it is because the eggs are tempered in so you won’t be at risk for salmonella.

Does eggnog need to be cooked?

During the heating process, any salmonella that might be in the raw egg gets killed off. Studies at Rockefeller University have shown that very few bacteria (including salmonella) can survive in the the same mixture as alcohol. If you’re still concerned, you should heat your eggnog before enjoying it each time.

When and how to add alcohol to eggnog?

If you want eggnog with rum, you can add it as you serve it. This way, anyone that wants to keep it free of alcohol can enjoy. The best rum for eggnog is a dark one.

What is the best alcohol to put in eggnog?

Brandy has always been deemed as the original tradition for a spiked eggnog recipe. Dark rum or cognac are other options that keeps the flavors true. For a boozier concoction, choose bourbon in your eggnog cocktail.

How much alcohol do you add to eggnog?

If you want a good balance, add your chosen liquor at 1.5 ounces to every cup of eggnog. This will give it enough of a buzzy feeling. If you’re not driving anywhere, feel free to pour a little heavier.

How do you make eggnog from scratch without alcohol?

For a non-alcoholic eggnog recipe, simply follow this recipe. It gives you the option to add alcohol for anyone that wants it when serving or leaving it alcohol-free.

Should eggnog be warm?

It depends on your preferences. Eggnog is delicious served cold with cinnamon on top, but it’s also delightful warm. If it’s cold outside, warming your eggnog might be the perfect way to find comfort.

What food goes with eggnog?

Eggnog goes great with desserts, naturally. But it also pairs perfectly with savory options too. You’d be surprised how delicious it is with rich as well as spicy foods.

What to Serve with Eggnog

Eggnog is rich, creamy, and sweet so it’s natural to assume it’s great with desserts. And believe me, it is. But it’s also wonderful with contrasting flavors. Think savory, salty, or spicy. Stuffed mushrooms make a great appetizer to pair it with if you’re having company over. You may also enjoy it with prosciutto-wrapped asparagus or even a charcuterie board with ham and fresh parmesan.

How to Store Eggnog

Homemade eggnog isn’t pasteurized which means you need to keep it in your fridge and plan on using it quickly.

How Long Does Eggnog Last?

Homemade eggnog will last up to one week in the fridge especially if you have added alcohol to it which acts as a preservative. The sooner you use it, the better. You can definitely make it ahead of guests coming over but not too far ahead.

Can You Freeze Eggnog?

You can freeze eggnog which is another great option. Make sure you use a container that gives you about a half-inch of space from the top so it can expand easily when it freezes. You should plan to use it before 6 months is up.

How to Reheat Eggnog?

You can simply heat each cup of egg nog in the microwave, or when serving more than a couple people, heat it over the stove.

Watch How To Make Eggnog (Video)

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Classic Apple Pie Recipe

Megan Miller — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 03:07:03 +0000

There is nothing more wholesome than a homemade apple pie cooling on your windowsill. Take a page from Grandma’s book and make this American classic apple pie recipe today!

Best Apple Pie Recipe

I can’t make this apple pie without my kids coming up to me every 5 minutes asking me when it’s ready. It seriously smells so wonderful you’ll be drooling long before you serve up slices.

Easy Apple Pie Recipe

This apple pie recipe is so easy too. And it will come out perfectly every single time you make it, perfect for holidays or taking to potlucks. Or simply because you have so many apples you don’t know what to do! That’s the best excuse I’ve ever had to make a pie!

Apple Pie Ingredients

Apples – The star ingredient in the apple pie filling recipe!
Deep dish pie crust – Find it in the frozen section, ready to go!
Cinnamon and nutmeg – These essential spices bring out the best in those apples!
Lemon – Lemon juice and the zest keep the apples from going brown and bring out the fresh fruitiness of them.

How do you Make Apple Pie from Scratch

I know the ingredient list looks a little long, but don’t let that intimidate you.
Most of it involves pantry staples. It takes only 30 minutes to prep and that’s largely because of slicing, peeling, and coring those apples.
You’ll use a frozen deep dish pie crust, make the filling, and bake it.
If you wan to go the extra mile you can make your own cold water pie crust from scratch with pie dough but it will take significantly more time. This one is quick, easy, and delicious!

Once you make this simple apple pie recipe with buttery pie crust, I assure you that you will never buy another ready-made pie. And you’ll never attempt to make one with that canned apple garbage they sell on the shelves. It tastes so much better fresh, and you’ll have this one ready almost as fast as you can say “apple pie!”

Good apple pies are a considerable part of our domestic happiness.
Jane Austen

Expert Tips and Tricks for Homemade Apple Pie

Mix your apples – When choosing the best apples for apple pie, I always go with a mix. Using 2 different kinds of apples (in this case honey crisp and granny smith) creates the best flavors of tart and sweet.
Don’t let your apple pie crust get warm – You should thaw it out in your fridge while you get the filling ready. (Click here to learn how to make apple pie crust)
Keep the apple slices thin – This allows them to cook up evenly so you don’t have random chunks of crunchy apples in your pie.

Which Apples are Best for Apple Pie?

If you have the option, I’d choose granny smith and honey crisp apples to give you sweet, tart, and firm texture and taste. If that’s not possible, golden delicious will also work. Idared is a nice tart variety while northern spy is a sweet choice. Any fresh apple is best as long as you mix sweet and tart together!

How do you Make Apple Pie Filling from Scratch

Some recipes call for cooking the filling, but that’s not necessary. This homemade apple pie recipe keeps things simple yet yields fully delicious results. I’ve had people beg me for the recipe at holiday potlucks.

Making homemade apple pie filling is easy. You’ll take your sliced apples (making sure they’re not too thick or too thin), add them with sugar, salt, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon (juice and zest), plus vanilla extract. Mix it up and it’s ready! That’s how easy it is to make this apple pie recipe from scratch!

How many pounds of apples do you need for a pie?

In total, you will nee 2.5 pounds of apples for a pie. It’s nice to mix up the types of apples as I do in this recipe, but if you only have one kind of apple, that’s fine too.

Do you cook apples before making apple pie?

Some recipes will have you cook the apples before you make the pie. In this recipe, you’ll simply combine the filling ingredients together and then pour it into your crust.

How do you thicken apple pie filling?

Because this filling isn’t cooked before going into the shell, you won’t have to worry. Apples aren’t like other fruits and berries that unleash extra liquid. You won’t need to use a thickener to get the right texture or consistency.

What is the difference between regular and Dutch apple pie?

The difference is in the topping. Regular apple pie has a pie crust that is usually sprinkled with sugar to add an extra crispness and sweetness. Dutch apple pie uses a streusel topping made from flour, butter, and sugar.

Why are my apples hard in my apple pie?

If your apples aren’t yet ripe, they can result in a hard filling. So too can cutting the slices too thick. Make sure you’re using ripe apples and cutting them to a good size.

Should you prebake crust for apple pie?

You can certainly do so, especially if you’re very worried about a soggy bottom. But it’s not entirely necessary to prebake the crust for your apple pie.

How Long to Bake Apple Pie

You can pre-bake the crust briefly to keep the bottom from getting soggy. Then make sure your oven is ready at 375F to cook for 50 to 60 minutes. Thanks to brushing the top with egg, you will have a golden buttery crust that flakes perfectly with your fork when it’s ready to eat. Let it cool just a bit before serving so it won’t be runny.

At what temperature is an apple pie done?

You should notice the crust is golden brown but the temperature will register internally at 175F. If you can’t tell, just use that thermometer to know for sure.

How do I know when my apple pie is done?

In this recipe, it will take 50 to 60 minutes at 375F. The crust will be golden and the apple mixture will seem bubbly inside. You can also use the thermometer to make sure it’s 175F inside.

How do you make an apple pie without a soggy bottom?

If you’re worried about a soggy bottom, blind bake the crust first. With a frozen crust though and such a low temperature, you should be fine without it in this recipe.

Best Toppings to Serve with Apple Pie

I always recommend vanilla ice cream to serve with apple pie. It is the best way to top it off! But you can use whipped cream if you prefer. Or use both! My kids also like warm caramel topping on top of the ice cream and then with the whipped cream added to that. It’s delightful still warm or even completely cooled.

How to Store Apple Pie

Apple pie can stay on your counter at room temperature covered with plastic wrap or go in the fridge. You should be sure to eat it all up before 2 days have gone by. We never have this problem in our house! It always disappears fast!

Can you Freeze Apple Pie?

Absolutely! You should freeze it before you bake it if you can, but you can also freeze a completely baked apple pie. Apple pie will be safe in the freezer up to 6 months.

How to Reheat Apple Pie

Reheating apple pie is easy. Simply preheat your oven to 350F, put the pie on a baking sheet, and cover loosely with aluminum foil. It should take about 15 to 20 minutes to warm up the internal temp.

Watch How To Make Apple Pie (Video)

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Classic Sugar Cookie Recipe

Megan Miller — Sun, 29 Nov 2020 16:59:31 +0000

Nothing beats the charm of classic sugar cookies. Soft, sugary, and buttery, these are sure to delight for the holidays or anytime you feel like making them. My kids always ask for these and I’m happy to oblige since they’re made with wholesome ingredients instead of pre-made dough with preservatives. This chewy sugar cookie recipe is their favorite!

Best Sugar Cookie Recipe

My husband calls this the world’s best sugar cookie recipe because the cookies will come out perfect every single time. The flavor and texture is spot-on, and you’ll get lots of requests for this recipe! So be ready.

Sugar Cookie Ingredients

All-purpose flour – it’s the base of any homemade sugar cookie recipe (and you can use gluten-free!).
Baking soda – makes these cookies wonderfully soft.
Baking powder – this ingredient gives your cookies some rising power which is good when making a sugar cookie recipe for decorating.
Butter – for a rich taste, though choose unsalted or else these will be too salty.
Sugar – can you have a sugar cookie without it? (the answer is no!).
Vanilla extract – for a well-rounded sweet flavor.
Salt – just a teensy bit balances it all out.

Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe

Making your own homemade sugar cookies is easy too with this recipe. There’s only a few steps to follow and before you know it, you’ll be inhaling the heavenly scent of baking sugar cookies in your home with this simple cookie recipe!

How do you Make Sugar Cookies from Scratch

It’s so simple to whip up a batch of easy sugar cookies!
You’ll combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in one bowl. In another bowl, you’ll cream the butter with the sugars and then add in the egg.
Combine them together, and you’ll have a dough.
You’ll want to refrigerate it for at least one hour prior to baking and then it’s cookie time!

Expert Tips for the Best Homemade Sugar Cookies!

Cold butter – Keep your butter cold. This will keep the cookies from spreading too thin.
Measure flour properly – for this perfect sugar cookie recipe, do not pack flour into the measuring cup. It can change the texture and make your cookies dense if you add too much flour.
Refrigerate your dough – I know you want your cookies fast, but the dough will roll out so much better when you put it in the fridge first. Room temperature sugar cookie dough can become difficult to work with.
Don’t forget to roll them in sugar before baking – This gives them that sugary taste and texture we all love about sugar cookies!

How to make Soft and Chewy Sugar Cookies

The secret to what makes cookies soft and moist as you’ll find in this soft sugar cookie recipe, is using brown sugar AND white sugar. Brown sugar gives it plenty of moisture to keep these cookies from becoming hockey pucks!

How do you make sugar cookies taste better?

Sugar cookies taste better with more sugar, hence the name. Using both light brown and granulated white sugars gives it more depth, plus the butter gives it a richness that will make you want to eat them all.

Abs aren’t made in the kitchen…but cookies are.
Anonymous

Can I Make Gluten Free Sugar Cookies?

Yes, you can make these sugar cookies gluten-free. However, it depends on your gluten-free flour. Some will have a binding agent in it which gives it the elasticity it needs to hold its structure. If it doesn’t have it, you can use xanthan gum.

Can I use baking powder instead of baking soda for sugar cookies?

This simple sugar cookie recipe uses both baking powder and baking soda. I recommend you use them each because they give special attributes to your sugar cookies (namely rising power and softness) that will give them the perfect texture.

How do you keep sugar cookies from spreading?

If you use too much sugar or butter, they can lose their shape. Make sure you follow the recipe and be sure to refrigerate the dough to avoid this problem.

Why Are My Cookies Flat?

The problem you might be experiencing is that your butter wasn’t cold enough. If you added butter in when it was too soft, your cookies will go flat. Also, you need to refrigerate the dough long enough.

Why Didn’t My Cookies Spread?

Make sure you measure your flour correctly. Too much flour can keep a cookie from spreading out enough.

How to Decorate Sugar Cookies

You can cut your sugar cookies out with cookie cutters (my kids LOVE doing this!). You can find all sorts of themed cookie cutters for making cut-outs online. Or you can leave them to form into circular shapes. Decorating is easy as you can frost them, add sprinkles, and do all kinds of things. Piping bags will definitely make it easier to add intricate designs, especially for the holidays. Don’t have one? Put your frosting in a plastic bag and cut one corner off. You can create all sorts of unique designs to craft the perfect cookie for the occasion.

How To Store Leftover Sugar Cookies

You can keep sugar cookies on the counter as long as they are wrapped well with plastic wrap. They need to be in an airtight container and each layer of them should be separated with wax paper. You can also put them in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can You Freeze Sugar Cookies?

Yes, you can freeze sugar cookies though I recommend you freeze them before decorating if that’s your intention. You can also freeze the dough ahead of time which will make holiday baking even easier.

How to Reheat Frozen Sugar Cookie Dough

The great thing about freezing sugar cookie dough is that, as long as you have formed them into balls and kept them well, you can just bake them from there. Heat your oven to 375F and then bake them for 12 minutes.

Watch How To Make Sugar Cookies (Video)

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Easy Traditional Turkey Recipe

Megan Miller — Sun, 29 Nov 2020 16:33:16 +0000

When I was a kid, I remember being fascinated with my mom’s whole roast turkey recipe. Learning how to cook a whole turkey seemed intimidating but it always came out perfectly moist and tender. My first attempt at cooking a whole turkey was a total fail, but after multiple attempts and fine tuning the details I learned what to do to make it savory, moist, and absolutely delightful, and now you can too. Here is the best Thanksgiving traditional turkey recipe that we share every year and now you can too!

How to cook a whole Turkey (Best Turkey Recipe)

Cooking a whole turkey might seem like a big challenge since it’s usually the centerpiece to a special meal, particularly during the holidays. But this is the best turkey recipe because it uses simple ingredient that bring about beautiful results in presentation and flavor.

Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Ingredients

Below you can find a complete list of the ingredients you will need to make this delicious classic Thanksgiving turkey recipe. The list of ingredients is simple and can be found at any major supermarket.

Whole Turkey – well, obviously!
Yellow onions – these make for pungent aromatics.
Baby red potatoes – creates a base under the turkey while keeping the bottom of the pan for perfect circulation.
Carrots – gives your baked turkey some color when serving, plus they taste so good with the herb butter and turkey juices.
Fresh herbs – rosemary, sage, and thyme combination make the perfect turkey seasoning.
Lemon – creates a dazzling flavor.
Garlic – for the herb butter.
Unsalted butter – choose unsalted as you’ll be salting the turkey.

Easy Traditional Turkey Recipe

When cooking a turkey in the oven the baking time takes several hours. However, this easy turkey recipe is prepped in just 30 minutes. As it bakes, you can use that time to focus on creating all of the side dishes that will pair perfectly with your meal. Ideally, you’ll have prepped all that before too and you can finally put your feet up (or sneak a glass of wine!).

Somethings up…the farmer just unfriended me on Facebook.
Tom the Turkey

How do you Make Roast Turkey

If you want things to go smoothly, you should remember to let your turkey sit on the counter for an hour to come to room temperature. Letting your turkey come up to room temperature before cooking will allow it to cook more evenly and faster.
You’ll prep the roasting dish with veggies and get the herb butter ready.
After that, you’re ready to start on the turkey. When preparing a turkey, don’t forget to remove the neck and giblets from the inside first.
Then, pat the turkey dry and start by seasoning it inside and out with salt and pepper.

Fill the cavity with aromatics, put the herb butter under the skin, and bake it. You’ll soon be reveling in the smell of savory baked turkey. There is nothing that brings the family together like a turkey feast!

Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Turkey Every Time

Plenty of thawing time – Allow enough time for your turkey to thaw in the fridge. Do not even try baking a turkey if it’s still frozen. Start early as this thawing process can take between 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
Stuff your turkey with aromatics – This recipe calls for lemon, fresh herbs, and onion to go into the cavity. It makes the meat more moist and imparts the perfect flavor in oven roasted turkey.
Don’t forget to remove the giblets – My mom likes to tell me about the first turkey she ever made. She didn’t know that bag was in there and needless to say, her kitchen filled up with stinky smoke and they wound up going out to eat. Yes, there is a bag usually inside the turkey neck with the giblets. Remove it first 🙂

How to Cook a Thanksgiving Turkey

There are several ways to cook a turkey, however a roast turkey recipe is the most traditional and best way to cook a turkey for Thanksgiving holiday. Once you do all the prep work, cooking a turkey is simple. Make it easy on yourself by prepping everything beforehand so all you have to do is put it together and bake the bird.

How do you prepare a turkey?

You’ll need to make sure your turkey is thawed completely. If you purchased a frozen turkey it can take between 3-5 days for it to defrost in the fridge. Once it is fully defrosted, pull your turkey out of the fridge for about an hour and let it come up to room temperature. Once it is at room temp you can start your prep. You will have to remove the neck and giblets which come in a bag that can be found inside the turkey. From there, you’ll pat it dry and season it, stuffing it with aromatic herbs and spreading butter under the skin to keep it moist.

What is the best way to season a turkey?

Seasoning inside the bird as well as seasoning under the skin are among the best ways to season a turkey. This will add so much more flavor as sometimes the seasonings on the top can drop off. The seasoning under the skin will remain in tact and and keep the meat flavorful and juicy.

What can I put in my turkey for flavor?

Lemon, onion, and herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme are all wonderful aromatics to put in your turkey. This helps give it more flavor and a heavenly aroma too.

Do I butter or oil my turkey?

Butter is best for adding a beautiful, rich flavor while keeping the turkey meat moist. Plus, it helps the skin get nice and golden brown. The skin over the turkey breast is very thin and will be be the first to brown.

Should I put butter under the skin of my turkey?

Butter under the turkey skin is one of the best tricks for a perfect tasting bird. But go a step further and use my herb butter to get the most delightful flavor of all. Adding seasoning under the skin is a trick of the pros.

How do I Keep my Turkey Moist

My secret is using the herb butter under the skin. Not only does it add amazing flavor, but it also serves to keep the meat tender and moist.

How can I prepare my turkey the night before Thanksgiving?

You can season it and get it ready the night before. If you choose to butter it at this point, you should plan on buttering it again before it goes in the oven to help the skin brown up nicely.

Turkey Cook Time – How long to cook a whole turkey in the oven?

Knowing how long to cook a whole turkey in the oven will vary depending on the weight of your turkey. The rule of thumb is to check the weight of your turkey (it should say on the sticker label) and cook it for 15-20 minutes at 325°F per pound of turkey (unstuffed). The best way to not overcook or undercook your turkey is to use a meat thermometer to check the turkey internal temperature. The USDA recommends the turkey internal temp to reach 165°F.

It is always recommended to use a meat thermometer to make sure you are cooking your turkey properly. Meat thermometers are a quick and easy way to take the stress and guesswork out of cooking a turkey. You can set the temperature and forget it. Most of the electronic meat thermometers will beep when its ready so you know its perfectly cooked and still moist every time!

Expert Tip For Best Results

For best results, roast the turkey on a rack set inside the roasting pan so air circulates beneath the bird, this helps promote even browning and crisping of the underside of the skin. Also, about 30 minutes before the end of cooking, tent the breast loosely with foil if it’s too dark, which lets the legs finish without overcooking. After removing the turkey from the oven, allow it to rest for at least 20 minutes before carving, this gives the juices a chance to redistribute and dramatically improves the moistness of every slice. Use those drippings from the rack as a base for a rich, flavorful gravy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature to cook a turkey?

The standard oven temperature for turkey is 325°F, which is the the lowest temperature the USDA recommends cooking turkey.

How long to cook a 10 lb turkey?

Using a conventional oven you will need to cook a 10 lb turkey for 2.5 hours to 3 hours and 20 minutes at 325°F until the internal temp reaches 165°F.

How long to cook a 12 lb turkey?

Using a conventional oven you will need to cook a 12 lb turkey for 3 hours to 4 hours at 325°F until the internal temp reaches 165°F.

How long to cook a 14 lb turkey?

Using a conventional oven you will need to cook a 14 lb turkey for 3.5 hours to 4 hours and 40 minutes at 325°F until the internal temp reaches 165°F.

How long to cook a 16 lb turkey?

Using a conventional oven you will need to cook a 16 lb turkey for 4 hours to 5 hours and 20 minutes at 325°F until the internal temp reaches 165°F.

How long to cook a 18 lb turkey?

Using a conventional oven you will need to cook a 18 lb turkey for 4.5 hours to 6 hours at 325°F.until the internal temp reaches 165°F.

How long to cook a 20 lb turkey?

Using a conventional oven you will need to cook a 20 lb turkey for 5 hours to 6 hours and 40 minutes at 325°F until the internal temp reaches 165°F.

Is it better to cook a turkey at 325F or 350F?

This recipe goes with 325F for cooking turkey, the perfect temperature to cook it effectively without overdoing it. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey.

How do you roast a turkey without drying it out?

Pay attention to your turkey roasting time. The turkey cooking time per pound is 15 to 20 minutes at 325°F per every pound of unstuffed turkey. Your meat thermometer can help you be certain it’s cooked to 165°F internally to prevent it from being overcooked and dry or under cooked. They are a pro tip to a perfectly cooked turkey every single time.

Do you put water in the bottom of the turkey pan?

There’s no need to do that. With the turkey drippings and juices coming out all over the veggies at the bottom, there will be plenty of delightful turkey broth soon enough as the base for your turkey gravy.

Do you cook a turkey covered or uncovered?

Some people cover their turkeys, but that won’t let the skin brown up. You need to get that golden skin first. Then you can cover it up as you wish.

How often do I baste a turkey?

Basting a turkey is not required, but if you choose to do so, go with 30-minute intervals.

What to Serve with Baked Turkey (Side Dishes)

With this baked turkey recipe, you will have red potatoes, onions, and carrots at the bottom of your roasting pan. But you’ll likely want some more things. Dinner rolls, mashed potatoes with gravy, sauteed seasonal green veggies (like spinach or brussels sprouts), baked sweet potatoes, and a fresh salad are all fine ideas.

How to Store Leftover Turkey

Once the big meal is complete, wrap leftover turkey in aluminum foil or stow in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. A turkey feast makes lots of wonderful leftovers! You can use them for turkey sandwiches, turkey soup, and more turkey plates.

Can You Freeze Turkey?

Turkey is a wonderful thing to have in the freezer. You can use it to make other meals, making meal prep a breeze. You’ll need to take time to pull all the meat off the bones and separate it. Then it can be kept in your freezer for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat Frozen Turkey

I put it in the fridge overnight and then bake it at 300F with a little broth or gravy to keep it from drying out. This should take about 30 minutes.

Watch How To Make Turkey (Video)

More turkey recipes:

When looking how long to cook a turkey, see this page for a helpful cooking time calculator whether you have a 11, 12lb, 14lb, 16lb, or 20lb turkey!

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Perfect Pecan Pie Recipe

Megan Miller — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 02:44:08 +0000

Nothing beats a classic old fashioned pecan pie recipe like this. It’s the kind that everyone gobbles up around Thanksgiving and then comes back for more until the entire pie tin is left with barely a crumb. I’m always asked to make this family favorite perfect homemade pecan pie every holiday season, and soon, so will you!

Best Pecan Pie Recipe

Truly, this is the best pecan pie recipe. It yields a wonderful flavor and texture. Plus, you may very well have everything you need in your pantry right now to make it. What are you waiting for?

Pecan Pie Ingredients

Pecans – naturally, these are the whole basis of the pie.
Eggs – they are the way to bind this dessert together.
Light corn syrup – this keeps the pie from crystallizing while adding sweetness.
Sugar – it balances out the rest of the sweetness. Brown sugar can also be used for a more nutty molasses taste.
Butter – for that rich taste. No shortening necessary!
Vanilla extract – just a touch of contrast to tame that sweetness in the right direction.

Easy Pecan Pie Recipe

The holidays are full of enough stress. Why not simplify life and make this easy pecan pie recipe? It takes just 10 minutes to prep with only 7 ingredients. The rest of the time is for baking, allowing you to get on the rest of your holiday cooking or simply take a load off and put your feet up. Absolutely one of the easiest and most delicious pies to make at home.

Family is like Pecan pie…something sweet holding all the nuts together.
Anonymous

How to Make Pecan Pie from Scratch

With a ready-to-go pie crust, pecan pie from scratch is even easier. You’ll mix together the filling, pour it into the pie crust, then bake until it’s ready!

Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Pecan Pie Every Time

Half & Half – When it comes to homemade pecan pie, the trick is using part sugar and part light corn syrup. This helps give it that texture you know and love about this pie every time.
Homemade pie crust – Though you can make life easier on yourself by getting a pecan pie crust that’s ready to go. There’s no need to pre-bake it. Just prep the filling, pour it in, and bake. However, if you have some extra time, a food processor, parchment paper, and pie weights, definitely make your own. Here is a pie crust recipe I highly recommend!

Frequently Asked Questions

How far ahead can you make pecan pie?

You can make holidays and entertaining easier by making pecan pie up to 3 days in advance. You’ll bake it, let it cool, cover, and keep it in the fridge. Your other alternative is to make the filling and ahead and then put it in the crust when you’re ready to bake it.

How do you make Pecan Pie Filling?

Some people do it differently, but I think the best way to make pecan pie is to take the corn syrup, eggs, sugar, butter, and vanilla and mix it all together. Then you stir in the pecans! It’s so easy!

Is light or dark corn syrup better for pecan pie?

Light corn syrup is the best for pecan pie because it’s lighter and sweeter. If all you have is dark corn syrup on hand, you can use it. It will add more of a nutty flavor.

How do you keep a pecan pie from leaking out of crust?

When making your own crust, you should butter the pie plate so it doesn’t stick when serving. For store-bought deep dish frozen pie crust, you can lightly wash a beaten egg white on top of the crust before pouring in the filling.

How do you keep a pecan pie from being runny?

If your pecan pie is runny, it’s likely because you haven’t baked it long enough. It should bake for 60 to 70 minutes at 350F and then left to cool and set. With this pecan pie recipe, you shouldn’t find a runny pie.

How do you keep pecan pie crust from getting soggy?

Should you keep turning up with a soggy pecan pie crust and you want it crispy, you should pre-bake it before you add the filling. Also called blind baking, this simple step may help you achieve that crisper texture with your pecan pie.

How do you thicken pecan pie?

All you need to do with this recipe is cook it for the 60 to 70 minutes duration and your pie will come out perfectly. It will thicken up as it cools. The thermometer will ensure you get the right temperature and consistency inside.

How Long to Bake Pecan Pie

Pecan pie needs to bake for 60 to 70 minutes at 350F. You can insert your cooking thermometer to see if the center has reached 200F to ensure it’s perfectly done.

What temperature is a pecan pie done?

Taking the temperature of pecan pie will make this recipe easier than pie. When the middle of the pie measures at 185F, your pecan pie is ready to come out of the oven.

Why is my pecan pie not cooked in the middle?

If your pecan pie is not cooked in the center, you should put it back in the oven. You can save yourself a lot of hassle and use your thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 185F.

Why is my pecan pie so hard?

Chances are, you overcooked it. If you follow the baking time on this recipe, you won’t run into hard pie. If your oven tends to cook quickly, you may want to check on it midway. If the crust looks too dark, you can use a pie shield or cover the edges with aluminum foil.

Best Toppings to Serve with Pecan Pie

I can’t imagine serving Southern pecan pie without whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. What’s our favorite topping? My husband loves it with a scoop of chocolate ice cream. Try it!

How to Store Pecan Pie

Because of the eggs, you will need to store your pecan pie in the fridge. Wrap it with plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In our house, we never get to that point. It’s always gone by then!

Can you leave pecan pie out?

No, you should never leave it out longer than it takes to either cool or let everyone get a serving. Because of the eggs, you will need to refrigerate it.

Can you Freeze Pecan Pie?

Yes, you can freeze your pecan pie but you will need to bake it first. You can wrap it in a freezer safe ziplock bag or container and keep it there for up to 3 months. You will want to thaw it out the night before you plan to serve it.

How to Thaw Frozen Pecan Pie?

Just let it thaw in the fridge. Then you can warm it up and serve it!

Watch How To Make Pecan Pie (Video)

The Perfect Pecan Pie Recipe

This classic pecan pie is the PERFECT holiday dessert! My family loves pecan pie after Christmas dinner. It has the perfect combination of salty and sweet with the heavenly blend of vanilla and melted butter with toasted pecans. Mmmm!

5 from 14 votes

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Prep 10

Cook 1

Total 1 10

Calories 515

Servings servings

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Ingredients

Equipment

▢
Large mixing bowl

Method

Preheat oven to 350F. In a large bowl or deep medium bowl, mix together the corn syrup, eggs, sugar, butter, and vanilla with a spoon or whisk. Stir in the pecans and then pour the mixture into the flour pie dough crust. Place your pie pan in the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes or until the center of the pie reaches 200F.
Allow the pie to cool sufficiently for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.

Nutrition

Calories515kcalCarbohydrates73gProtein6gFat25gSaturated Fat4gCholesterol61mgSodium137mgPotassium131mgFiber3gSugar59gVitamin A101IUVitamin C1mgCalcium40mgIron2mg

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Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Megan Miller — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 21:10:05 +0000

Confession time…I might just be hooked on homemade chocolate chip cookies. I have always found them irresistible. Before having a family, I’d buy them from the bakery. Then, I got more adventurous and got the premade dough. You know the kind! But after becoming a mom, that’s when I realized how much stuff they put in those premade things. So I made my own classic chocolate chip cookie recipe and it never fails to come out just the way you want it, all with 10 simple ingredients.

Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Do you like your cookies gooey? I do! I think that’s what makes it so hard to keep from eating all of them at once. That warm, melted butter texture and chocolatey flavor is what makes these the best chocolate chip cookies! I used always make that old original Toll House chocolate chip cookie recipe but it needed an update and this original recipe hits the mark perfectly.

Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Cookies

Butter – make sure it’s unsalted!
Sugar (both white sugar and brown sugar) – this mix gives it sweetness and that kinda caramelly taste. You can also use dark brown sugar as a substitute for regular brown sugar if you like a richer molasses taste.
Flour – all-purpose unbleached flour is an excellent choice. If you’re gluten-free, you can use the gluten-free version and still get great results!
Eggs – no need to separate the egg yolks from the egg whites for this recipe.
Chocolate chips – because you can’t have chocolate chip cookies without the star of the cookie!

Easy Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Don’t let the time on this soft chocolate chip cookies recipe fool you. That’s really all the dough’s time to get itself ready. You will need to plan ahead so it has time to chill, but after that, it’s a piece of cake. Or rather, a cookie!

Cookies make the world a better place.
Megan

How to make homemade chocolate chip cookies?

Once you make easy chocolate chip cookies yourself, you’ll never want those prepackaged ones again. The chocolate chip cookie dough recipe comes together really quickly with a mixer. Once you have it put together, you chill it. Then, you’ll bake it and they’ll be ready in 10 minutes!

How do You Make Chocolate Chip Cookies from Scratch

We need to make more things from scratch. Our grandmothers did it as did theirs and on and on down the line. This simple chocolate chip cookie recipe is easy as putting the ingredients together, chilling the dough, and then baking it. The results are worth it! Chewy chocolate chip cookies that are perfectly balanced and everyone loves.

Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies

Soften the butter – The best chocolate chip cookies will be yours for the baking (ha, see what I did there?) if you soften the butter first. Let it sit out a bit before you get to making your dough and things will go more smoothly.
Measure Flour – Flour needs precise measurements when baking, so do keep true to the recipe. Want more chewy cookies? Make sure your math is correct before you measure out double the recipe. Adding the wrong amount of flour can change the density of the cookies.
Be generous with the chocolate chips – If you want the best cookies, don’t skimp on the chocolate chips. That’s the best part!
Don’t over-bake – But the biggest secret of all is to make sure you don’t over-bake your cookies. They still cook even when you pull them out of the oven. Make sure you don’t leave them on the baking tray too long to cool!

How to Make Soft and Chewy (Gooey!) Chocolate Chip Cookies

For soft, chewy, and ultimately gooey chewy chocolate chip cookies, plan to bake them only 8 to 10 minutes. Remember, they’ll still cook on the tray but as they cool, cooking them less guarantees that warm and lovely center! There truly is nothing like a delicious soft chocolate chip cookie recipe to put a smile on everyone’s face.

What is the secret to making soft cookies?

The secret to tasty chocolate chip cookies is having them come out soft in texture. To do this, use the minimal baking time noted in the recipe. They will come out with a rich and gooey soft texture you’ll love.

How Long to Bake Chocolate Chip Cookies

That depends. If you want them gooey as discussed above, make it 8 to 10 minutes. Otherwise, go for 10 to 12 minutes. They should be slightly golden brown around the edges.

Why Are My Chocolate Chip Cookies Flat?

Flat cookies are the result of butter that is too soft. So while you want the butter to soften a little, be careful not to let it get too soft. Not measuring the flour precisely will also cause this problem.

Why Didn’t My Cookies Spread?

If you added too much flour, your cookies won’t spread. You have to make sure the butter to flour ratio is correct so follow the recipe with exact measurements to avoid it.

Can I Make Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Yes, you absolutely can. All you need to do is use all-purpose gluten-free flour. Be advised though that this will change the texture of the cookie significantly.

How to Store Chocolate Chip Cookies & Leftover Cookie Dough

Grab your plastic containers! You can stack your baked cookies in the containers and separate each layer with wax paper or foil. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days on the counter or you can refrigerate or freeze them up to 3 months.

For cookie dough, if you’re going to use it within 5 days, it will be fine wrapped in plastic in your fridge.

Can You Freeze Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough?

If you want to speed things along to get the dough ready, you can do so for about a quarter of the refrigeration time. That will get you closer to cookie time!

But if you want to freeze any leftover chocolate chip cookie dough to use at a later date, just wrap it well and it will stay good for 9 to 12 months.

How to Reheat Cookie Dough

You’ll want to let your cookie dough thaw out to room temperature after it’s frozen. Put it in the fridge and it will be ready to bake before you know it.

Watch How To Make Chocolate Chip Cookies (Video)

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