Touchdown Wings for the Big Game

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You can’t spell wing without “win”! Our blogger friends put together five delicious wing recipes that are sure to score big points on game day.

Asian BBQ Wings by Nourish Nutrition Blog

These Asian BBQ wings have a spicy, crisp outside and flavor, tender inside—that you and your guests will love. Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 lbs. Sprouts Butcher Shop Chicken Wings
  • 1 cup Water
  • 1/4 cup Sprouts Organic Asian BBQ Sauce, plus more for dipping
  • 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1+ Tbsp. Sriracha, or more depending on desired spice level
  • 1 Tbsp. Sesame seeds
   

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Pour water into the bowl of an instant pot, then place chicken wings in steamer basket of instant pot. Close lid, and set vent to sealing. Set to manual, and cook for 10 minutes, at high pressure. It should take about 20 minutes from start to finish.
  2. Once wings are done, turn vent to venting setting and let pressure release, once steam stops, remove lid.
  3. Just prior to serving, set oven to broil. Remove chicken wings and place on a lined baking sheet, slather wings with BBQ sauce, and broil for just 2–3 minutes.
  4. While wings are in the oven, mix together mayonnaise and Sriracha in a dipping bowl, and pour more BBQ sauce into another dipping bowl.
  5. Transfer hot chicken wings from baking sheet to serving bowl, sprinkle with sesame seeds and enjoy.

Vegan Thai Spicy Buffalo Wings by The Vegan Caveman

Made from seitan, these spicy Thai-inspired wings boast a special kick from the homemade Buffalo sauce. You won’t want to stop eating ’em! Brush on extra sauce for more flavor. Optional: serve with vegan ranch. Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 75 minutes Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS:

For the seitan wings:
  • 1 cup Vital wheat gluten
  • 3 Tbsp. Brown rice flour
  • 1 Tbsp. Nutritional yeast
  • 1/2 Tbsp. Onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp. Dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp. Dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp. Dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp. Smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp. Coriander
  • 1/2 tsp. Old Bay seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp. Garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp. White pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. Salt
  • 1/2 cup Warm water
  • 2 Tbsp. Liquid aminos (sub soy sauce)
  • 8 cups Low-sodium organic vegetable broth
  • 3 Garlic cloves
Vegan-Thai-Spicy-Buffalo-Wings1 Vegan-Thai-Spicy-Buffalo-Wings For the Thai Buffalo sauce:
  • 2 Flax eggs (2 tbsp. flax meal + 5 tbsp. warm water, set for 10 minutes)
  • 1/2 cup Buffalo sauce (vegan)
  • 2 Tbsp. Red wine vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp. Liquid aminos (or soy sauce)
  • 1 Tbsp. Coconut sugar (or cane sugar)
  • 1/2 Lime, juiced 
  • 1 Garlic clove, minced
  • 1 dash Pepper and salt
Other:
  • 1/2 cup Brown rice flour
  • 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp. Black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp. Vegan butter
  • Green onions, thinly sliced, optional, to serve
  • Vegan ranch, optional, to serve

DIRECTIONS:

Note: The following directions will be given for stand mixer and without on each step. 
  1. Using a stand mixer, mix together the vital wheat gluten, brown rice flour, nutritional yeast, onion powder, dried thyme, dried basil, dried oregano, smoked paprika, coriander, Old Bay, garlic powder, white pepper and salt with a paddle attachment on low speed until well mixed. If no stand mixer, mix with a wooden spoon till well blended. 
  2. While mixer runs on low, add in 1/2 cup warm water and 2 tablespoons liquid aminos. If using bowl, continue stirring with wooden spoon while adding water and aminos. 
  3. Change the paddle for the dough hook on stand mixer if using. 
  4. Run the dough hook on low for 10 minutes to knead the dough, add in another 2 tablespoons of warm water, and run on low for another 10 minutes. If not using a stand mixer, once well mixed with a wooden spoon, pour the mixture onto a flour-lined surface. Knead the dough with hands for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes elastic-like and can be pulled apart without breaking. 
  5. Once done with mixer or kneading, form into 10–12 small wings.
  6. In a large soup pot, bring the 8 cups of broth and 3 garlic cloves to a boil over medium-high heat. 
  7. Add the wings to the boiling broth and reduce heat to medium. Simmer for 60 minutes until wings double in size. 
  8. While the wings cook, mix together all ingredients for the Thai Buffalo sauce in a small bowl. Additionally, in a shallow bowl or plate, mix 1/2 cup brown rice flour, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. 
  9. Once wings are done cooking, drained and cooled for a few minutes, dredge in the flour/pepper mixture until well coated. Set on a plate.
  10.   Add 2 tablespoons vegan butter to a large frying pan. When the butter starts to pop, dip the dredged wing in the Thai Buffalo sauce and lay on the pan. Repeat until all wings are complete. Flip after 1–2 minutes when the wings start to brown. I like a little burn on my wings as it adds a nice smoky char. Once browned on both sides, set on paper-towel-lined plate.
  11.  Using a pastry brush or spoon, brush the rest of the Buffalo sauce on the wings. Serve and enjoy!

Air Fryer Sweet Chili & Onion Wings by Beautiful Eats and Things

Get your air fryer ready! The sweetness from the honey and the spiciness from the cayenne pepper are two bold flavors that are perfect for kick-off-ready wings.  Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30-40 minutes Serves: 4 Air Fryer Sweet Chili & Onion Wings

INGREDIENTS:

    • lb. Sprouts Butcher Shop raw chicken wings
    • 2 tsp. Sprouts Cayenne Pepper
    • 2 tsp. Sprouts Paprika
    • 1 1/2 Tbsp. Sprouts Raw Unfiltered Honey
    • 1 Tbsp. Oil
    • 1 pkt. Mild chili seasoning
    • 1 pkt. French onion dip seasoning
    • Salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:

  1.  Place wings in a large bowl and add oil, honey and all seasonings.
  2. Combine until all ingredients are distributed evenly. Cover and let sit for about 10 minutes. 
  3. Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray and place chicken wings in basket. Cook at 380°F for 25 minutes, shaking the basket every 5–10 minutes. 
  4. After 25 minutes, increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for 10–15 minutes longer. Shake every 5 minutes and begin checking for doneness at 5 minutes.  
  5. Remove when the wings are crisped to your liking and enjoy!

Brown Sugar BBQ Wings by Spices in my DNA

Brown sugar adds a classic sweetness to traditional BBQ wings. Because this recipe calls for ketchup as the base, the seasonings can be easily altered to your liking. The wings are made extra hot and crunchy from the oven, so no extra oil here! Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes Serves: 4 Brown Sugar BBQ Wings

INGREDIENTS:

For the wings: 
  • 2 lbs. Sprouts Butcher Shop chicken wings
  • 1 tsp. Salt
  • 2 tsp. Baking powder
  • Nonstick cooking spray
Brown Sugar BBQ Wings1For the sauce: 
  • 1 1/2 cups Sprouts Ketchup
  • 1/2 cup Sprouts Light Brown Sugar, loosely packed
  • 1/4 cup Water
  • 1 Tbsp. Molasses
  • 1 Tbsp. Honey
  • 2 Tbsp. Apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp. Paprika
  • 1 tsp. Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp. Onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp. Sprouts Dry Mustard
  • 1/2 tsp. Salt
  • 1/2 tsp. Pepper

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Pat wings dry with paper towels. Place wings in a large, non-reactive glass or plastic bowl. Add the salt and toss to coat. Sprinkle the baking powder over the wings and toss again to coat. Place in the fridge for at least 4 hours or up to overnight. (This step helps the wings get super crispy when they’re baked!) 
  2. Preheat oven to 450℉. Spray a large, rimmed baking sheet with nonstick spray. Set aside. Evenly layer the wings on the baking sheet, and bake for 20 minutes, then flip them, and bake for another 15–20 minutes or until golden and crispy. 
  3. While wings are baking, in a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients for the BBQ sauce. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper if desired. 
  4. When wings are finished baking, add to a large bowl along with ½–¾ cup (or desired amount) of BBQ sauce and toss to coat! The amount is totally up to you and how saucy you want them! (You will have extra sauce leftover for another use.) Serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce and enjoy.

Grilled Cajun Wings by Cake ‘N’ Knife

These wings are grilled and great! With a cayenne-spiked hot sauce, it won’t just be the heat from the grill you’re feeling. Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes Serves: 6

Grilled Cajun Wings

INGREDIENTS:

  • 4 lbs. Sprouts Butcher Shop chicken wings, broken down into drumettes and flats
For the rub:
  • Tbsp. Baking powder
  • tsp. Paprika
  • tsp. Garlic powder
  • tsp. Onion powder
  • tsp. Dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp. Dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp. Kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp. Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. Cayenne pepper
For the sauce:
  • Tbsp. Butter, melted
  • Tbsp. Hot sauce (I used Buffalo-style hot sauce, but you can use your favorite kind)
  • 1/4 cup Honey
  • 1/2 tsp, Cajun spice mix (reserved from above)
  • tsp. Apple cider vinegar
  • Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

  1. In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper and cayenne. Set aside 1/2 teaspoon of the mixture. Mix in baking powder with the majority of the spice mix.
  2. Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels. Place in a large bowl and sprinkle with majority of the Cajun seasoning. Toss to coat. Place on a wire rack on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Refrigerate for 8 hours.
  3. Grill wings skin-side up for 30–35 minutes, covered and over indirect heat. 
  4. While the wings are grilling, make the sauce. Whisk together butter, hot sauce, honey, Cajun spice rub, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Brush the wings with the sauce and cook an additional 5 minutes, covered. 
  5. Add the remaining sauce to a large bowl and toss the wings in the sauce. Add the wings to a serving bowl or platter and sprinkle with parsley before serving. 

The Party Platter that WINGS the Big Game by Honeysuckle

Video Description: The Party Platter that WINGS the Big Game | The Big Game is here so make sure to have an Epic Chicken Wings Platter from Sprouts!

Keto Coffee Drops

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Wake up and smell the keto and paleo friendly coffee! Grass-fed ghee, coconut oil and MCT oil are combined to create a nutrient dense, delicious morning cup of coffee. Simply blend up a fresh cup of coffee with one drop for a smooth and creamy treat to fuel your day.

Keto coffee drops
Keto coffee drops
 

Keto Coffee Drops

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup MCT Oil
  • 1/2 cup Grass-fed Ghee
  • 1/2 cup Coconut Oil
  • 1/2 tsp. Ground cinnamon, optional
  • 1/2 tsp. Vanilla extract, optional
  • 1 pinch Salt, optional

Directions:

  1. To make the drops: Add MCT oil, ghee and coconut oil to a small pot and melt over medium heat. Add ground cinnamon, vanilla and salt. Whisk until well combined. Pour melted mixture into ice cube molds and freeze until solid. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.
  2. To make the coffee: Brew a fresh cup of coffee and place in one drop. Blend with an immersion blender until drop has completely melted. If you do not have an immersion blender, pour coffee into a blender, place in one drop and blend until melted.

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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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
Chocolate Almond Cookie Mix

For Gift Jar:

  1. Combine flour, baking soda and salt in the bottom of the mason jar.
  2. Top with the white sugar, followed by the brown sugar.
  3. Add in the chocolate chunks, then the almonds. Seal the mason jar.
  4. Decorate with holiday ribbon.

For Baking:

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

Holiday 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
Simmer pot with spices and produce

For Gift Jar:

  1. Layer dry ingredients in a tall Mason jar in order: nutmeg, cardamom pods, star anise, cinnamon sticks, orange peels and ginger slices.
  2. 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

Give the gift of cinnamon, spice and everything nice with these homemade 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
Cinnamon Sugar Almonds>

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.

    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!