Roasted Beef Tenderloin Horseradish Crostini

Roasted tenderloin crostini are one my favorite hearty hors d’oeuvres for the holiday season. They are easier to prepare than it appears, yet they feel & taste very special. The kick of the Dijon Horseradish sauce is the perfect compliment to the beef and the crisp, toasted bread. The cheat for this starter is to…

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Rudolph Oreo Chocolate Truffles

Since we are now a proud aunt & uncle of the cutest nieces & nephew, we cannot show up to a Christmas celebration with a lame, adult dessert. Not only does it need to taste delicious, it has to be fun! The classic Oreo truffle dressed-up as Rudolph is the perfect solution. Packed with gooey,…

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Fig & Walnut Baked Brie

Have you ever seen an adult man lick a plate at a party? Or a Keto diet devotee throw in the towel at the passing of an hors d’oeuvre? This warm, sweet & savory cheese starter is that good. As my December go-to appetizer, it never disappoints and is easy to prepare. Prep the nuts…

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Hot Apple Bourbon Cider

When the snow is falling, there is nothing better than sitting by the blazing fire (including socially distanced bonfires) while sipping on hot cider in the presence of family & friends. That is unless it’s spiked with bourbon! Even here in south Florida, it was 47 this morning. I think that justifies this hot cocktail….

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Nutty & Sweet Thanksgiving Vegetables

If there was ever a side dish that captured the essence of autumn, this easy, make-ahead roasted vegetable dish is it. I came across this recipe from Julia’s Album years ago on Pinterest, and it has become a favorite of mine to make in the fall. At last year’s Friendsgiving, I served this autumn vegetable…

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Cranberry Goat Cheese Tartlets

Are you looking for an easy but super delicious appetizer this holiday season? I have you covered. The rich, creamy goat cheese and the tang & sweetness of the cranberry make these hot tartlets the perfect flavor combination to kick-off your holiday evening. Recipe Shortcut – In the holiday season, one can often find a…

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Traditional Spiced Cranberry Sauce

The age old question – canned or homemade cranberry sauce? I personally have always preferred the texture and flavor of homemade cranberry sauce. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be done in advance. Thanksgiving in our family is not complete without a large bowl of this traditional, homemade sauce being passed around the table….

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Caramel Carrot Cake Trifle

Keeping in the #TruHolidaySpirit with TruWhip, I whipped up an absolutely delicious carrot cake trifle. Inspired by an AllRecipes I came across, this recipe is a fun play on a traditional carrot cake. Instead of having to save the best bite with all the cream cheese frosting, every bite in this trifle has a creamy…

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Harvest Ice Cream Butter Pound Cake

My husband grew up making this easy, make-ahead dessert, and he asked that I bring it back into rotation. Shortly after his request, I was contacted by TruWhip to create a holiday recipe using their delicious product. So exciting! Already being a fan of TruWhip, I knew I had to recreate my husband’s childhood dessert…

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Gigi’s Thanksgiving Stuffing

My Mom, otherwise known as Gigi, is an incredible chef. I am lucky to have grown-up as a beneficiary of her cooking and an apprentice to her skills. She is modest when this is brought up but don’t let her fool you. How many nights do you deliver a dinner that consists of a protein,…

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Warm Harvest Salad Bowl

For those who have had the pleasure of living near a Sweetgreen, you are most likely familiar with the Harvest Salad. A staple on the ever-changing seasonal menu, the Harvest Salad warm bowl is delicious comfort food. We had one below our Boston apartment, and let’s just say we were frequent visitors. Oh how I…

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Tomato Poached Halibut

I find this meal to be great for Date Night. To start, the prep & clean up are easy and it does not require you to be working in the kitchen for hours. Most of the items are pantry stable as well. Less time does not mean less flavor though! The sweetness of the roasted…

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