12 Days of Holiday Treats

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Get inspired and gift tasty treats everyone will love this season!

Gift Giving Made Easy

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Holiday Cookie Mix in a JarShop Gifts in Bulk this Holiday!

Get ready for the holidays with these quick and easy gifts-in-a-jar. These are perfect to give to friends, neighbors, party hosts, co-workers or anyone who needs a little cheer. All of these items can be found in our bulk or produce department, making it easy to grab as much or as little as you need! TIP: Add a notecard with instructions for each jar so your recipients know exactly what to do.

Chocolate Almond Cookies

Jar Prep Time: 5 minutes, Total Time for Cookies: 20 minutes, Serves: 12

JAR INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp. Baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp. Salt
  • 1/2 cup White sugar
  • 1/4 cup Light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup Slivered almonds
  • 1 cup Chocolate chunks
  • ADD FOR BAKING:

    • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, softened
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 tsp. Vanilla extract

    FOR GIFT JAR:

  • Combine flour, baking soda and salt in the bottom of the mason jar. .
  • Top with the white sugar, followed by the brown sugar.
  • Add in the chocolate chunks, then the almonds. Seal the mason jar.
  • Decorate with holiday ribbon.
  • FOR BAKING:

  • Preheat oven to 350F.
  • Beat butter, egg and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl until combined.
  • Add in the gift jar mix and stir well.
  • Drop tablespoon-sized cookie dough balls onto a parment lined baking sheet.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
  • Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool.


  • Cinnamon Apples and Citrus Simmering PotHoliday Spiced Simmer Pot

    Simmer pots will wow everyone on your list! They’re a great alternative to candles and fill your home with the scents of the season while using fresh, natural ingredients. Just add water and your favorite holiday citrus!

    JAR INGREDIENTS:

  • 5 whole Cinnamon sticks
  • 1 Tbsp. Nutmeg, ground
  • 1 Tbsp. Cardamom pods
  • 3 Star anise
  • 3 Dried Orange peels
  • 3 Dried ginger slices
  • FOR GIFT JAR:

  • Layer dry ingredients in a tall Mason jar in order: nutmeg, cardamom pods, star anise, cinnamon sticks, orange peels and ginger slices.
  • Seal the jar and decorate as desired.
  • TO USE:

    1. In a large simmer pot, add 5 cups of water.
    2. Bring to a boil, then add in the jar ingredients.
    3. Optional: Add in fresh apples or navel oranges.
    4. Reduce heat to low and simmer until water is evaporated or continue adding water for extra time.
     

    Cinnamon-sugar Roasted Almonds in Holiday JarCinnamon Sugar Roasted Almonds

    Give the gift of cinnamon, spice and everything nice with these homeade roasted almonds. They will make your home smell amazing and make a tasty gift for anyone on your list.

    Total time: 60 minutes. Makes four gift jars.

    INGREDIENTS:

    • 1 Egg white
    • 1/2 cup White sugar
    • 4 cups Whole, raw almonds
    • 1/2 Tbsp. Cinnamon, ground
    • 1/4 tsp. Salt
    • 1 tsp. Water

    DIRECTIONS:

    1. Preheat the oven to 300F.
    2. In a large bowl, beat the egg white and water to create a froth.
    3. Add in the almonds, sugar, cinnamon and salt. Stir to coat the almonds evenly.
    4. Lightly coat a baking sheet with non-stick spray and evenly spread the almonds on the pan.
    5. Bake for 50 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow to cool.
    6. Scoop 1 cup of almonds into a decorated Mason jar.

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    Alternative Thanksgiving Dishes

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    Appetizers

    Vegan Cheese Plate with Snacks

    Vegan Holiday Cheese Platter

    This vegan holiday cheese ball platter with cranberry fig jam is the easiest way to please your plant-based, and non-plant based, friends at Thanksgiving.

    Recipe provided by Haley at BrewingHappiness.com

    View Recipe
    No Bake Pumpkin Cheese Ball

    No-Bake Sweet and Savory Pumpkin Dip

    Save time in the kitchen and make this simple, no-bake appetizer. This dish is gluten-free, keto-friendly and easily modified to be vegan, too.

    Recipe provided by Kate at RootandRevel.com

    View Recipe

    Side Dishes


    Desserts


    Need More Inspiration?

    Check out this article with more vegan, gluten-free, Paleo and all-organic recipes to satisfy everyone at the table!

    Let’s Get Cookin’

    Mountain High Yoghurt

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    With a belief that real life should be real simple, Mountain High crafts delicious yogurt that’s made in California with Real California Milk. Their centuries-old method does not use gelatin or other funny stuff. Even their original, whole milk plain yogurt only has four, simple ingredients—making Mountain High the perfect and wholesome blank canvas for, well, just about anything. Topped with granola and fruit for breakfast, dolloped on tacos for dinner or included in a deliciously moist baked good—the possibilities are as limitless as your imagination! Autumn and apples go hand-in-hand. You’ll love this tasty Fall Apple Streusel Cake created by our vlogger friend Dzung Duong of Honeysuckle, a food and lifestyle channel. And the secret to the cake’s super-light and fluffy texture? You guessed it, Mountain High Yoghurt! Delight your friends and family with this holiday-worthy cake.

    Video Description: Apple Streusel Cake with Mountain High Yoghurt by Dzung Duong of Honeysuckle

    Dzung of Honeysuckle

    About Honeysuckle

    Honeysuckle is a food and lifestyle channel hosted by Dzung Duong whose dedication to simplifying gourmet recipes, lifestyle design, and responsible beauty has allowed her to grow into a YouTube sensation. Dzung has been cooking since she was 8 years-old, when her grandmother taught her authentic Vietnamese recipes with a twist. Her exceptional content, produced with a playful edge, has made her channel a destination with a full video production business, which she runs with her business partner husband, Nate Lewis. Her mission is: to “inspire young women across the globe to use food and lifestyle choices to develop creativity, self-confidence and community in everyday life.” They live in Los Angeles with their daughter, Erisy, and border collie.

    Spooky Halloween Pizzas

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    Whether you’re creating a spooky slice before trick-or-treating or a fun and festive Halloween spread, make these decorative pizzas your go-to:   Pizza with ghost shapes

    Ghostly Pizza

    Ingredients:

    • Plain, or limited-topping frozen pizza (we recommend Caulipower pizza for extra veggies!)
    • Sliced mozzarella cheese
    • Black olives
    • Pizza sauce (optional)
     

    Directions:

    1. Bake pizza according to package directions.
    2. Remove pizza from oven.
    3. Spread extra pizza sauce on frozen pizza (optional, to create a spooky, red tone).
    4. Using a ghost-shaped cookie cutter, cut out shapes from cheese.
    5. Slice half of the olives in halves and the rest into small strips, use any leftover to make small dots for ghost eyes and mouth.
    6. Place ghost shapes with olive dots on the pizza.
    7. Place olive halves and strips to give it a spider look.
    8. VPut pizza back in oven for 5 minutes.
     

    Vegan Spider Web PizzaPizza with a spider web shape on it

    Ingredients:

    • Daiya Cheeze Lover’s Pizza
    • Black olives
    • Miyoko’s Vegan Mozz Ball, cut into small, rectangular strips
    • Pizza sauce (optional)

    Directions:

    1. Bake pizza according to package directions.
    2. Remove pizza from oven.
    3. Spread extra pizza sauce on pizza (optional, to create a spooky, red tone).
    4. Slice half of the olives into halves and the rest into small strips.
    5. Place strips of cheese in a spider web design.
    6. Put pizza back in oven for 5 minutes.

    How to Cook a Turkey in 90 Minutes

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    Wondering how long to cook a turkey? Good news—there’s no need to babysit or baste a turkey for hours! This turkey recipe roasts an entire bird in an hour and a half. All you need to do is plan ahead for brining.

    Roasted turkey on a platter with onion, rosemary and sage

    Quick tips to learn how to best cook your turkey:

    Tip 1: Cook a turkey that weighs 14 pounds or less.

    Larger birds require more time to roast, which means there is a higher likelihood of drying out the meat. Consider roasting a pair of turkeys if you decide to go beyond 14 pounds for the best and juiciest results.

    Tip 2: Skip the stuffing and choose aromatics.

    Sticking with aromatics makes it possible to impart delicious scents and flavors into the turkey meat while roasting. It also expedites roasting time.

    Tip 3: Dry, oil and season the skin.

    Crispy skin is possible with paper towels and oil. Remove as much moisture as possible from the skin of your turkey. Thereafter, use oil to coat the entire bird and season with salt and pepper. It’s all you need to cook up a flavorful and crispy exterior.

    Tip 4: Avoid the thermometer.

    To clarify, don’t pay attention to the thermometer that comes with the bird. You know, the plastic one that pops up notifying you the turkey is done. By the time it pops, your bird will likely be very dry after resting. Instead, remove your turkey from the oven when it reaches 161°F on a meat thermometer. The turkey will continue to cook as it rests.

    Tip 5: Remember to rest.

    Don’t allow the juices go to waste by carving your turkey right when it comes out of the oven. Allow your bird to sit on the roasting rack for at least 15 minutes under a loose foil tent. After that, carve your bird for the juiciest meat.

    INGREDIENTS:

    • 1 12-pound Fresh, all-natural young turkey, innards removed
    • 1-gallon Low-sodium vegetable broth
    • 1 cup Kosher salt
    • 1/2 cup + 2 tsp. Light brown sugar
    • 1 Tbsp. Black pepper
    • 1 1/2 tsp. Allspice
    • 1 1/2 tsp. Ground ginger
    • 1 gallon Heavily iced water
  • 1 Red apple, halved
  • 1/2 White onion, sliced
  • 1 Cinnamon stick
  • 1 cup Water
  • 4 Rosemary sprigs
  • 6 Sage leaves
  • Vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • SHOP INGREDIENTS

    DIRECTIONS:

    1. Create the brine by combining the vegetable broth, salt, brown sugar, black pepper, allspice and ginger in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally to dissolve the solids and bring to a boil. Then, remove the brine from the heat, cool to room temperature and refrigerate.
    2. On the night prior to serving, combine the brine with the iced water. Place the turkey—breast side down—in the brine, making sure it’s fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate (or set in a cool area) for 8–16 hours. Turn the turkey once halfway through brining.
    3. Preheat the oven to 500°F.
    4. Remove the turkey from the brine, making sure there is no excess liquid. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and set in a roasting pan using a roasting rack.
    5. Create the aromatics by combining the apple, onion, cinnamon stick and 1 cup of water in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave on high for 5 minutes. Discard the water and add the steeped aromatics to the turkey cavity, along with the rosemary and sage.
    6. Tuck the wings under the turkey and tie the legs with kitchen twine.
    7. Coat the turkey liberally with vegetable oil and season with salt and pepper.
    8. Roast the turkey on the lowest level of the oven for 30 minutes. Then reduce the heat to 350°F. Continue roasting for 1 hour or until a meat thermometer reads 161°F. If the skin begins to brown too quickly, lightly tent a piece of foil over the turkey.
    9. Remove the turkey from the oven and cover loosely with foil. Allow it to rest for 15 minutes before carving.
    Roasted turkey on a platter with onion, rosemary and sage

    Joanna Meyer portrait

    About Joanna

    Joanna is a commercial food stylist based in Phoenix, Arizona. Her work and recipes have been seen around the world. When she is not styling for her favorite brands, she enjoys publishing recipes and sharing her love of everything food on her self-titled blog many remember as Baked by Joanna. Her other interests include spending time with her family and staying healthy and fit.
    Joanna Meyer logo

    Hearty & Healthy Thanksgiving Flavors

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    Turkey Brine

    By Southern Bite With Thanksgiving upon us, the quest to produce the most beautiful, perfectly browned, yet still juicy, turkey is back on our minds. If you’re like me, it’s easy to get so caught up in all the other things that go along with the holiday, you often forget to give that turkey the attention is needs. The truth is, one easy step will help make that turkey the showstopping centerpiece it should be! Olive oil bottle filled with rosemary, garlic and pepper to make the perfect brine A brine is the perfect way to impart some amazing flavor in your turkey and keep it from drying out too much—which will help if it gets a little overcooked, too. It’s a basic solution of salt and sugar that helps to lock in moisture and add flavor. To add that flavor, I add soy sauce, garlic and fresh herbs. Don’t worry, it doesn’t end up tasting like soy sauce. It just gives it a great umami flavor. You can also add lemon peel, orange peel, peppercorns and other aromatics. Just be cautious not to add anything acidic. There are a few things you should keep in mind, however. Make sure you use a fresh turkey when brining. Often times, frozen turkeys have been frozen in a sodium solution and brining would most likely add too much salt. I also recommend not stuffing a brined bird. The seasonings in the turkey can often leaching into the stuffing and cause it to be too salty. I recommend cooking your stuffing (or dressing) in a separate casserole dish just to be safe. On the same note, it’s best to be cautious when making gravy with the drippings from a brined turkey. It too can become too salty for the same reasons. Be sure to taste your gravy before adding any seasonings if you do use the drippings. Y’all enjoy!

    Ingredients:

    • 2 gallons water
    • 1 cup Salt
    • 1 cup Sugar
    • 1 head Garlic, sliced crosswise
    • 1 cup Soy sauce
    • 6 sprigs Fresh thyme
    • 4 springs Fresh rosemary
    • 1 Turkey

    Directions:

    1. Make sure the turkey has been well rinsed, with the giblets removed.
    2. In an extra-large stock pot, combine the water, salt, sugar, garlic, soy sauce and herbs. Stir until the sugar and salt have dissolved. Submerge the turkey in the brine, and refrigerate for 18–24 hours.
    3. Prior to cooking, remove the turkey from brine and discard the brine. Rinse the turkey well with cool water to remove the excess salt, and pat it dry with paper towels. Cook the turkey as you normally would.

    Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries & Pecans

    By Southern Bite Brussels sprouts make the perfect side dish to accompany any Thanksgiving feast. This recipe is so simple, it will allow you to create a show-stopper side without a lot of work. It’s so tasty, no one will know how easy it was. Plus, roasting is the perfect way to prevent that bitter taste that Brussels sprouts get when they are over-cooked. The sweet cranberries and balsamic vinegar are the perfect complement. I bet even those in your family who don’t like Brussels sprouts might like these. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Pecans

    Ingredients:

    • 1 1/2 lbs. Brussels sprouts
    • 3 Tbsp. Olive oil
    • Salt
    • Pepper
    • 1 cup Pecan halves, toasted
    • 1/2 cup Dried cranberries
    • 1 Tbsp. Balsamic vinegar

    Directions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
    2. ash and trim the ends from the Brussels sprouts. Remove any dark outer leaves and slice them in half from top to bottom.
    3. In a large bowl, combine the trimmed Brussels sprouts with the olive oil and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Toss to coat the sprouts in the oil and arrange on the baking sheet. Roast for 20–30 minutes or until the sprouts are tender, with crispy, dark roasted outer leaves. Remove from the oven. Toss with the pecans and dried cranberries and drizzle with the balsamic vinegar. Serve immediately.

    Stacey Little of Southern Bite

    About Southern Bite

    Supper Made Simple

    Blogger and Wall Street Journal best-selling author Stacey Little is committed to getting folks back to the table for dinner. His quick and easy recipes are allowing families to get a home-cooked meal on the table without a lot of hassle or expense. Southern Living Magazine named Stacey one of the top 30 bloggers to be following in 2015. He has appeared on The Today Show and Fox and Friends, and has lent his talents to national brands like Betty Crocker, GE, White Lily, Martha White, Kraft, and Queen Latifah—just to name a few. Today, his easy, delicious recipes and heartfelt stories have brought millions to his blog, SouthernBite.com, since he created it in 2008. Stacey’s cookbook, The Southern Bite Cookbook (Thomas Nelson: March 2014), is available at book retailers across the country and online. Stacey’s deep Southern roots have him firmly planted in central Alabama where he lives with his wife, little boy, two dogs, and his collection of cast iron skillets.

    Top 10 Vegan Products at Sprouts

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    Top 10 Vegan Products at Sprouts headerSprouts is a vegan’s paradise! There are TONS of options to stock up your fridge and pantry to make eating vegan a breeze. Here are some of my favorites:

    1. Fruit & Veggies

    Sprouts has the best, freshest produce at a great price. Double Ad Wednesdays make saving money on a variety of produce even easier!

    2. Bulk Nuts, Seeds, Granola & More

    The bulk section of sprouts is a lifesaver! There are endless options here. You can find any nut or seed you can think of, tons of delicious granola mixes, oats, flours, beans and more—all at an affordable price.

    3. Vegan Protein Powder

    I like to add protein powder to my smoothies and baking for an extra nutritional boost! Sprouts has all different kinds of vegan protein powders – from soy protein, to pea protein, to rice protein—you can find the perfect vegan protein powder to fit your taste buds and preferences.

    4. Vegan Chocolate

    My personal favorite is Lily’s sugar-free chocolate (chocolate bars AND chocolate chips), but there are a few other vegan chocolate and chocolate chip options at Sprouts. They are all delicious (and you will never be able to tell that they are vegan!)

    5. Plant-Based Milks & Coffee Creamers

    Sprouts has a huge selection of plant-based milks—almond milk, rice milk, hemp milk, soy milk and more. Plant-based milks are the perfect dairy-free alternative to regular milk in smoothies, cereal, oatmeal, and any other recipe that calls for milk. They also have a great selection of coffee creamers that turn your cup of joe into a delicious, decadent treat.

    6. Vegan Cheese

    You can find tons of vegan cheeses at Sprouts—sliced, blocks, and shredded. They have vegan mozzarella, Gouda, cream cheese and more!

    7. Tofu & Tofu Products

    Tofu is a staple of mine, and I use it in tons of recipes. Sprouts has many different varieties of tofu in the dairy section.

    8. Meat Alternatives

    Veggie burgers, vegan chicken patties, vegan sausages, vegan bacon—Sprouts has it all! These make whipping up a hearty, comfort-food meal simple and delicious.

    9. Vegan Marshmallows

    When I learned that I could still have marshmallows as a vegan, I was ecstatic! Dandies marshmallows can be found in the Sprouts baking aisle and are the perfect, vegan marshmallow alternative that are exactly like regular marshmallows. Great for baking, making vegan hot chocolate, and just snacking on straight from the bag!

    10. Crackers & Chips

    Sprouts has the BEST selection of crackers and chips! I like the Sprouts Brand Golden Round crackers to pair with hummus and their Blue Corn Tortilla Chips are my absolute favorite! Perfect for snacking with salsa or guacamole.  
    Portrait of Veg Annie

    Annie Markowitz is the blogger behind VegAnnie.com

    Annie is a weight-loss expert, wellness coach and cookbook author with a PhD in Nutrition from the University of Texas at Austin. She is also the creator and founder of the popular plant-based recipe website, www.VegAnnie.com. Annie has lost over 75 pounds in a balanced, self-loving kind of way, and helps her clients break free from the cycle of overeating and chronic dieting to help them achieve their health and wellness goals! She believes that true health and happiness begins with what is on your plate, and she is passionate about showing others how eating clean, wholesome foods can be delicious, fun and exciting! Her recipes are simple to prepare, budget-friendly and always free of artificial ingredients. VegAnnie Logo

    Beyond Pie Filling

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    Whether you make your own or use a can, it seems you’re almost guaranteed to always have just a little bit left over. And, nobody likes to waste precious pumpkin purée. A little pumpkin goes a long way in making your favorite dishes tastier and more nutritious. Here are some easy recipes that go well beyond pie filling.Bowl of pumpkin soup

    Pumpkin Soup

    The main ingredients in vegetarian pumpkin soup are pumpkin purée and vegetable broth. Variations are endless, but some of our favorites include the addition of caramelized onions, low-fat milk, cinnamon and nutmeg. Another option is to create a traditional potato soup using canned pumpkin instead; season with cumin and a pinch of curry. Pumpkin soup makes a great first course for a holiday dinner.

    Pumpkin Hummus

    Pumpkin adds a touch of color and light earthiness to the flavor of hummus. Stir 1/4 cup of pumpkin purée into 1 cup (about 7 oz. container) of your favorite hummus. You can find a variety of brands and flavors in the Deli Department.

    Pumpkin Chili

    Adding a can of pumpkin to your pot of chili provides a good dose of fiber, vitamins and antioxidants. Whether your favorite chili recipe involves beans, tofu or ground beef, the addition of pumpkin purée gives the chili a nice substance, flavor and texture.

    Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

    Give your favorite tomato sauce a little extra body and festive flavor. Simply stir 1 cup of pumpkin purée into 3 cups (about 26 oz.) of your favorite jarred or homemade pasta sauce. You can also sweeten up your favorite lasagna recipe by spreading pumpkin purée between the layers.

    Pumpkin Buttercream Frosting

    Cream two sticks of unsalted butter at room temperature, 1/2 cup of pumpkin purée, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ginger and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Slowly add two pounds of confectioner’s sugar (more or less) until the buttercream is no longer separated by the pumpkin.

    Need more pumpkin inspiration? Try these recipes below!

    New Ways to Enjoy Yerba Mate

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    Whether you want to need an afternoon pick-me-up or simply want to sip on something flavorful and nutritious, Jason Sani, from Active Mind & Body, is showing us fun new ways to enjoy yerba mate.

    Mate Bolt Upgrade

    Ingredients:

    Directions:

    1. Mix ingredients together with an option of using a muddle for the blueberries. The blended option with ice is highly recommended! * Try Lemon Elation and EnlightenMint with fresh mint as another alternative

    Golden Mate Latte

    Ingredients:

    • 8 oz. Brewed yerba mate
    • 1/2 tsp. Ground turmeric
    • 1/2 tsp. Ground ginger
    • 1 Tbsp. Honey
    • 1 Tbsp. Coconut butter
    • 1/2 tsp. Cardamom
    • 1 squirt Vanilla Stevia

    Directions:

    1. Prepare mate in french press and pour together in small blender to mix. If you prefer a creamy consistency, use more concentrated liquid and add extra coconut butter. Extra add-ins: collagen, lions mane, chaga, cordyceps, maca

    Superfood Mate Smoothie

    Ingredients:

    • 8 oz. Brewed yerba mate (chilled)
    • 1 Tbsp. Greens powder (with a spirulina base)
    • 1 serving Collagen powder
    • 1 cup Frozen blueberries
    • 1 squirt Vanilla Stevia, or monk fruit
    • 1 Tbsp. Avocado or coconut butter to thicken
    • 1 cup Ice

    Directions:

    1. Prepare mate in french press and set aside in ice or fridge to chill. Pour together in small blender to mix.

    Video Description: Yerba Mate with Guayakí