Blog - Page 16 of 41 - Ahead of Thyme

Baked Ravioli

Baked Ravioli is simple and delicious comfort food that is perfect for a weeknight family dinner or for entertaining. With some pantry and refrigerator staples, a few easy steps, you can serve a flavor-packed homemade ravioli casserole that is loved by all. It's hearty, comforting, and kid-friendly.

Nothing is more satisfying than homemade comfort food at home after a long day. This casserole-style ravioli bake is easy to prepare, taking only 20 minutes to get ready for the oven. With layers of hearty meat and tomato sauce, ravioli, and gooey melty cheese, and seasoned with fresh garlic and Italian herbs, this dish will make your mouth water as the flavors come together. Plus, leftovers store well and may even taste better the next day!

Why You'll Love this Baked Ravioli

An easy comforting family dinner. This easy baked ravioli casserole will take just 20 minutes of prep before popping into the oven to bake until gooey and bubbly perfection. Just make the meat sauce, assemble the casserole layers, and bake. It is a carb-loaded, protein-rich, family-friendly dish that is perfect for sharing.
Loaded with flavor. This baked ravioli is kind of like a lazy lasagna, with similar same flavors to a traditional lasagna. It's made using pantry staples and fresh ingredients. We do not use ready-made cheese sauce or bottled tomato sauce because it is super easy to make everything from scratch. You'll enjoy hearty seasoned beef, tomato-based sauce, shredded cheese, and pasta (ravioli) all seasoned with garlic, parsley, and onions.
Meal prep for easy weeknight dinners. Plus, leftovers can be stored easily for special lunchs and dinners all week. In fact, a ravioli bake can be added to your freezer stash to be saved for a later date when you don't have the time or energy to make a meal from scratch. You'll thank yourself when you can skip takeout and serve homemade baked ravioli instead!

Ingredient Notes

To make this delicious Baked Ravioli, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

olive oil - I used olive oil but feel free to use other neutral oils like avocado oil or vegetable oil.
ground beef - use an 80/20 meat-to-fat ratio for best results. This will give you a meaty and less greasy sauce. If you are looking for a lighter alternative, use ground chicken or ground turkey instead.
onion + garlic - these aromatics add so much flavor to this baked pasta casserole.
tomato sauce + tomato paste - this forms the based of the meat sauce.
parsley - you can also use dried parsley or Italian seasoning. Add in 1 tablespoon of dried herbs instead of the amount of fresh called for.
salt
ravioli - you can make your own raviolis and refrigerate them ahead of time or you can use store-bought ravioli. Make sure to use the fresh refrigerator kind (not the canned kind or dried). We used cheese ravioli, but feel free to use your favorite kind.
mozzarella
parmesan - asiago or pecorino romano are great substitutes for parmesan if you need to make a swap.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, a large pot (such as a 4 quart Dutch oven), and a 9x13-inch casserole pan.

How to Make the Best Baked Ravioli

First make the meat sauce.

Cook ground beef. Heat oil in a large pot or 4 quart Dutch oven for 2 minutes over medium-high heat until the oil is sizzling hot. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
Add aromatics. Add onion and garlic. Stir well to combine and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until tender.
Add sauce. Pour in tomato sauce, tomato paste, parsley, and salt. Stir well to combine.
Simmer. Bring the meat sauce to a simmer. Then, turn the heat down to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes uncovered. Set aside.

Next, assemble the baked ravioli:

In a 9x13-inch casserole pan, layer the baked ravioli in the following way:

Sauce: Evenly spread 1 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom of the pan.
Ravioli: Place a third (⅓) of the ravioli evenly in a single layer over the meat sauce.
Cheese: Spread 1 cup mozzarella cheese evenly over the ravioli.
Sauce: Spread another 1 cup of the meat sauce evenly on top.
Ravioli: Place ⅓ of the ravioli evenly in a single layer over the meat sauce.
Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella cheese evenly over the ravioli.
Sauce: Evenly spread the remaining of the meat sauce on top.
Ravioli: Place the remaining ⅓ of ravioli in a single layer over the meat sauce.
Cheese: Spread the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the ravioli and top with parmesan cheese.

Bake the ravioli.

Grease foil. Lightly grease a large piece of aluminum foil and cover the casserole pan with the greased side inside. Greasing the foil prevents the melted cheese from sticking to the foil while baking.
Bake covered. In a 350F preheated oven, bake the ravioli covered for 45-50 minutes.
Bake uncovered. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 20 minutes or until the melted cheese turns golden brown and bubbly.
Broil (optional). Optionally, turn on broiler on high and broil for 3-4 minutes to get a crispy and brown cheesy crust. But keep a close eye on the broiler as things can burn quickly.
Cool. Let the baked ravioli cool for 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle on some chopped parsley, if desired.

Recipe Variations

Try different kinds of ravioli: Ravioli can come in many different shapes and sizes, and the fillings will differ greatly - some may include vegetables, some with cheese, and some may include meat. If you're feeling adventurous, try using different types of ravioli to find your favorite combinations. To keep it vegetarian, try cheese ravioli, spinach and cheese ravioli, or mushroom ravioli.
Mix in vegetables: You can add vegetables to the meat sauce in the baked ravioli to make it more nutritious and flavorful. Some good options include diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or chopped spinach.
Spice it up: Add some chili pepper or hot sauce to the meat sauce to add some heat.
Change the protein: We added ground meat to this ravioli, but you can easily switch up the protein with ground lamb, ground turkey, or sausage.
Make it vegetarian: To make this recipe vegetarian, stick to vegetarian ravoili such as cheese, and omit the ground beef. You could bulk up the sauce with veggies or leave it simple.

How to Serve

Serve Baked Ravioli on it's own for a filling, kid-friendly meal that the whole family will love. You can also serve it with some delicious sides for a complete meal. Our favorites include:

Side salads: Serve the baked ravioli with a side of mixed greens or a Caesar salad for a well-rounded meal. Try: Kale Caesar Salad, Garden Salad, or Greek Salad.
Garlic bread: Garlic bread is a classic pairing with any pasta dish. You can make your own garlic bread by toasting slices of bread and spreading them with a mixture of melted butter and minced garlic. Try: Cheesy Garlic Bread, Garlic Breadsticks, or Garlic Knots.
Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers, make a tasty and healthy side dish with comfort foods. Try: Oven Roasted Vegetables, Roasted Cauliflower, Microwave Steamed Broccoli, and Pesto Asparagus.
Soup: A smooth and creamy soup is the perfect compliment to baked ravioli. Try: Tomato Basil Soup, Lemon Asparagus Soup with Parmesan, and Creamy Garlic Cauliflower Soup.

Cheesy Garlic Bread is toasty and crispy on the outside, tender and soft inside with a garlic butter and melty cheese on top. Make in under 20 minutes! | aheadofthyme.com

Kale Caesar Salad is a delicious, healthy twist on classic Caesar salad with all the traditional flavors but added crunch and rich earthiness of fresh kale. | aheadofthyme.com

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Transfer the baked ravioli to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days.

How to Reheat

Reheat in a 350F preheated oven for 10-15 minutes until warm, in the microwave on high power for 60-90 seconds, or on a pan on the stove over medium-low heat until heated through.

How to Freeze

Once cooled to room temperature, place the baked ravioli in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow the ravioli to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You can also reheat straight from frozen in the microwave or oven but you will need to add more time to reheat.

More Baked Pasta Recipes

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Kale Caesar Salad

Kale Caesar Salad is a delicious and healthy twist on the classic Caesar salad. It's got all the traditional flavors but with the added crunch and rich earthiness of fresh kale. It's a perfect lunch recipe or side dish at family dinners.

Classic Caesar salad is one of the most popular types of salad in the world, but this kale Caesar might surpass it! It's not just delicious - it's also incredibly quick and easy to make! In as little as five minutes, you can have a family-sized kale Caesar salad ready to serve. This year-round staple can't be beat in terms of simplicity and satisfaction.

Why You'll Love this Kale Caesar Salad

A delicious twist on classic Caesar salad. While the most important ingredients remain the same, the addition of kale reinvents this Caesar salad and makes it even better.
Simple ingredients. It only takes five common ingredients to make this easy and delicious Caesar salad with kale, and you might already have some of them on hand! With fresh greens, creamy dressing, and toppings (such as croutons and Parmesan cheese) for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Perfect for all occasions. Kale caesar salad with kale is great as a side dish for casual dinners, on its own as a quick lunch, or as the salad course for a more formal dinner. It's also good for potlucks and carry-ins.
It's packed with nutrients. Kale is a superfood that is high in vitamins K, A, and C, as well as calcium and iron. It's also a great source of fiber, which can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Ingredients and Substitutions

To make this easy Kale Caesar Salad, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in recipe card below):

kale - a fresh bunch is recommended here but you can also use pre-cut bags of kale to make it even easier to make this kale Caesar. If you don't have kale on hand, you can use another leafy green in this salad. Some good options include spinach, romaine lettuce, or mixed greens.
romaine lettuce - romaine is classic in Caesar salads, but if you don't have it on hand, you can use more butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce instead. You can also use more kale instead.
parmesan cheese - asiago or pecorino romano would also work in place of the parmesan cheese in this recipe. For a vegan substitute, try nutritional yeast.
croutons - seasoned or unseasoned croutons are fine - it's up to your personal preference. For a healthier alternative, you can use another type of crunchy topping. Some good options include toasted nuts, seeds, or rolled oats. You can also omit the croutons entirely.
Caesar salad dressing - you can use your favorite Caesar dressing or make one yourself! There are also dairy-free and vegan options in stores for those with a dairy allergy or other restrictions.

You will also need measuring cups and a large serving bowl (or mixing bowl).

How to Make the Best Kale Caesar Salad

In a large serving bowl, combine kale, romaine lettuce, parmesan, and croutons.

Drizzle salad with Caesar salad dressing and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.

Recipe Variations

Add some protein. Add in some protein to this kale salad such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon to make this a more filling meal. You could also add in tofu or hard-boiled eggs for a plant-based protein boost.
Mix it up with different greens. If you're not a fan of kale, you can use any leafy green in this recipe. Spinach, romaine, and mixed greens all work well.
Add other veggies. Add in extra veggies like sliced avocado and cherry tomatoes for a burst of flavor and extra nutrients to this salad.
Make it vegan. To make this recipe vegan, simply use a vegan Caesar dressing and substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast.

How to Serve

You can serve this Kale Caesar Salad as a light lunch, side dish, or as a main meal with some added protein such as grilled chicken or tofu. Caesar salad is traditionally served alongside a simple star protein such as fish, steak, and chicken for a wholesome dinner.

Some of our favorite mains to serve with this kale salad are:

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Make your own Caesar dressing. If you've got time on your hands, you can make your own Caesar Salad Dressing in just minutes for the freshest flavor.
Make your own croutons. You can also make homemade croutons (try our Rice Croutons for a twist!).
Make ahead tips: It's best to assemble the salad just before serving, as the kale can become wilted if it sits in the dressing for too long. However, you can definitely prep the dressing (if making it from scratch) ahead of time to make the final assembly faster. Just keep the dressing in the fridge until you're ready to use it (up to 1 week).
How to use leftover dressing. If you have any leftover homemade dressing, you can use it to make more salad, try it as a dipping sauce for vegetables, or use as a marinade for grilled chicken or tofu.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

For best results, store the undressed salad separately from the dressing to prevent wilting and remove the croutons. Store the undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

If the salad has been dressed, you can store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend removing the croutons and adding new ones before serving as they will get soggy the longer they are stored. When you are ready to serve the salad, remove it from the refrigerator and give it a good stir to distribute the dressing evenly. You may need to add a little bit more dressing to the salad if it has absorbed a lot of the dressing while it was stored in the refrigerator. Then, add fresh croutons and serve.

How to Freeze

It's not recommended to freeze salads as the greens will wilt and change texture.

More Salad Recipes

Avocado Toast with Poached Egg

Avocado Toast with Poached Egg is the perfect recipe to make when you don't have a lot of time to cook but still looking for something delicious, healthy, and nutritious for breakfast. In about 5 minutes with just a handful of ingredients, you can create a drool-worthy plate of egg and avocado toast.

Avocado Toast with Egg is the perfect recipe to make for breakfast when you are short on time but looking for something delicious, healthy, and nutritious. | aheadofthyme.com

Avocado toast has been a trending food for what feels like years now, and for good reason. This poached egg and avocado toast has the perfect balance of flavors and textures: crunchy toast, tender egg, and soft avocado. It's so easy (and way cheaper) to make at home. Just gather your ingredients, poach the eggs, slice the avocado, toast the bread, and assemble.

Why You'll Love this Avocado Toast with Egg

Great any time of day. Poached egg and avocado toast can be eaten as for breakfast, snacktime, lunch, or even dinner. No matter how you choose to serve avocado toast, it is a delicious and satisfying meal. There's never a bad time for this avocado toast!
It's a healthy meal. Thanks to whole grain bread, eggs, and avocado, this recipe is nutrient-dense. Avocados are loaded with healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamins, and minerals. Eggs are a good source of protein and vitamin D. Whole grain bread also provides a source of added fiber.
Quick and easy. Making avocado toast at home is easy and a lot cheaper than buying it at a local restaurant. It takes only a couple minutes to prep and about five minutes of to poach the eggs. It couldn't be faster to get a hearty loaded toast on the table.

Ingredient Notes

To make this easy Avocado Toast with Poached Egg, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

eggs - you can omit the eggs if you're allergic or follow a vegan diet - just stick to the avocado toast instructions instead.
white vinegar - white wine vinegar or lemon juice in equal amounts will also work here.
sliced whole grain bread - use an oval-shaped loaf that's big enough to hold the egg but not so big that there's a lot of empty surface around the egg. If you think you might need to add a second egg, the loaf is probably too big.
avocado - check to make sure the avocado is perfectly ripe by giving it a gentle squeeze - if it gives a little bit, it's ready to enjoy! This recipe is a great way to use up any avocado that is in your fridge that you need to use ASAP before it starts to go bad.
salt and pepper
parsley - if you can't find fresh parsley, dried parsley flakes will also work! You can also substitute with any fresh herbs that you like. Try dill, cilantro, or oregano.

You will also need a medium saucepan, slotted spoon, and toaster.

Toppings

For added flavor, add more toppings. We added fresh parsley and also sprinkled on some sesame seeds and a drizzle of chili oil. Some other great options include paprika, pickled red onions, olive oil, nuts, or feta cheese.

How to Make the Best Avocado Toast with Egg

Crack eggs. Crack each egg into their own small bowl, being careful not to break the yolk.

Poach the eggs. Bring a medium saucepan filled with water to a boil, then add vinegar. Lower heat until water is simmering. Gently lower the eggs into the simmering water and cook for 4 minutes, or until egg whites are set and yolks are soft and runny. Carefully remove the eggs with a slotted spoon.

Toast. Toast the bread in the toaster and place the sliced avocado over the toast. Smash it slightly with a fork on top of the toast.

Assemble. Top each toast with a poached egg. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley.

Recipe Variations

Make it spicy: Many people prefer their avocado toast with a little kick! Sprinkle on some red pepper flakes or drizzle on some hot sauce to add your desired amount of heat.
Mediterranean avocado toast: Top your avocado toast with some diced tomato, sliced olives, and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
Add smoked salmon: Instead of an egg, top your avocado toast with some thinly sliced smoked salmon, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a sprinkle of dill.
Add bacon: Add some crispy bacon to your avocado toast for a savory and satisfying twist.
Southwest avocado toast: Top your avocado toast with some diced red bell pepper, black beans, and a sprinkle of cumin and chili powder for a Southwest-inspired twist.
Pesto avocado toast: Instead of plain avocado, mash some avocado with a little bit of pesto and spread it on your toast, before topping with the poached egg.
Caprese avocado toast: Top your avocado toast with some sliced tomato, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of balsamic vinegar for a Caprese-inspired version.

How to Serve

This Avocado and Poached Egg Toast is delicious served on its own for breakfast or a snack, or served with some delicious brunch side dishes such as:

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use an avocado slicer perfect slices. Speed things up a little by using a special avocado tool called an avocado slicer to get perfectly even and uniform slices in seconds.
Use homemade bread for a truly from-scratch experience. If you're into baking, try making your own artisan bread loaf to use for avocado toast! It will taste even fresher and make the egg and avocado toast that much better. See our 50 Best Bread Recipesama.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the poached egg is done?

A poached egg is typically done when the whites are fully cooked and the yolk is still soft. To test if your poached egg is done, gently prod the yolk with the tip of a knife. If it is still soft and jiggly, the egg is done. If it is firm and solid, the egg is overcooked.

Can I make avocado toast with a fried egg instead of a poached egg?

Yes, you can make avocado toast with any kind of egg including fried egg, scrambled eggs, or hard-boiled eggs. To top with a fried egg, simply fry the egg in a little bit of oil or butter until the whites are cooked and the yolk is at your desired level of doneness.

Can I make this avocado toast vegan?

Yes, you can make this toast vegan by simply omitting the egg or using a vegan egg alternative. There are a variety of vegan egg alternatives that can be used to make avocado toast including tofu scramble, chickpea scramble, or store-bought vegan egg replacers.

Storing Instructions

How to Store

Egg and avocado toast is best eaten right away, but you can store leftovers in a Ziploc bag or airtight container in the fridge overnight. The bread will get a little bit soggy, so keep that in mind when deciding when to eat your toast.

It's not recommended to freeze prepared avocado toast with poached eggs. You may choose to freeze individual ingredients, but cooked and combined, the toast ingredients will not fare well when frozen.

More Breakfast Recipes with Eggs

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Chicken Chow Mein

Chicken Chow Mein is a classic Chinese noodle dish that is quick and easy to make at home. Made with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a homemade Asian sauce, these noodles are a well-rounded meal that is savory, flavorful, and delicious.

These stir fry noodles with leftover chicken takes only 20 minutes to make - they're faster, healthier, and better than ordering takeout. It's a family friendly dinner that is perfect for busy weeknights.

Chicken Chow Mein is a classic Chinese noodle dish that is quick and easy to make at home in 20 minutes — faster, healthier, and better than takeout. | aheadofthyme.com

Why You'll Love these Chicken Chow Mein

A healthier (and cheaper) alternative to takeout. You are in control of the ingredients when you make chow mein from scratch. Save some money and some room in your daily sodium intake by making these stir fry noodles with leftover chicken at home. It's just as fast as ordering out - if not faster!
Made with leftovers. This stir fry noodle recipe comes together quickly because it includes already-cooked chicken that is leftover from your dinner the night before. You can also use a rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey. This recipe is also a great way to clean out any veggies from your fridge.
Ready in 20 minutes. Chicken chow mein might just be your new go-to for a quick meal on busy weeknights. In only 20 minutes you can have a satisfying, nutritious meal on the table. It is quick and easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
Flavorful and delicious. The combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce is a winning combination that is sure to please the whole family.
Easy to customize. You can also customize these leftover chicken noodles to suit your tastes by adding in different vegetables, making it spicy, or even switching out the protein for something else. It's the perfect dinner to make on busy weeknights or for a quick lunch.

Ingredient Notes

To make these easy and delicious Chicken Chow Mein, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

chicken - you will need cooked chicken for this recipe. You can make some specifically for this recipe (such as our Oven Baked Chicken Breast or Air Fry Chicken Breast) or use leftovers you already have. You can also use a rotisserie chicken from the store.
noodles - chow mein noodles are thin, wheat-based noodles that are used in many Chinese dishes. You can find them at many supermarkets or specialty stores. Alternatively, you can use other types of thin noodles, such as vermicelli rice noodles, udon noodles, or even spaghetti.
vegetables - We used onions, carrots, bell peppers, bok choy, and broccoli (cut them fresh or use pre-cut broccoli from the produce section to cut back on the work and prep time!). You can also use any vegetables that you have on hand or that you enjoy.
avocado oil - olive oil, vegetable oil, and coconut oil are good substitutes for avocado oil.
ginger - fresh ginger will have the best flavor, but you can use the same measure of ginger paste or minced ginger in its place. Ginger adds a warm and spicy note to the chow mein and pairs well with the other ingredients.
soy sauce - soy sauce can vary in saltiness, so you may want to adjust the amount used in the recipe to your liking. Start with less and add more as needed. You can use regular soy sauce or try using a low-sodium variety to reduce the salt content. You can also substitute with coconut aminos or gluten-free soy sauce.
rice vinegar - if you don't have rice vinegar, use white wine or regular white vinegar instead.
sesame oil - sesame oil adds a rich, nutty flavor to the stir fry, but you can omit it if you don't have it.
black pepper
white sesame seeds - you can also use black sesame seeds or a mix of the two.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, large mixing bowl, and skillet or wok.

How to Make the Best Chicken Chow Mein Noodles

Soak noodles. Soak the dry noodles in a large mixing bowl filled with hot water for 1 minute, or according to the package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
Sauté veggies. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until sizzling hot, about 1 minute. Add onion and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add carrot, bell pepper, bok choy, and broccoli, and cook until tender, about 2-3 minutes.
Add chicken. Add cooked chicken and ginger. Use a spatula to mix well until evenly distributed.

Add noodles. Stir in the soaked and drained noodles, and cook for 1 minute.
Add sauce. Add soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper. Toss well and cook for another 1-2 minutes until evenly coated.
Serve. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve immediately.

Recipe Variations

Switch up the protein: You can switch up the protein in this chow mein to anything you have on hand. Try it with cooked shrimp, tofu, beef, or even leftover turkey.
Load up the veggies. You can make this stir fry even healthier by adding more veggies like peas, cauliflower, corn, zucchini, mushrooms, and more.
Spice it up. Like your stir fry on the spicy side? Add your favorite Asian-style hot sauce like szechuan sauce or gochujang to give it a little more kick. You can calso add a little extra chili sauce or some diced fresh chili peppers.
Add herbs: Fresh herbs, such as cilantro or basil, can add a bright and refreshing flavor to this chow mein. Stir them in just before serving.

How to Serve

Chicken Chow Mein is delicious and filling meal on its own, or served as part of a complete meal with sides. Here are some of my favorite side dishes to serve these noodles with:

Vegetables: Serve chicken noodles with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables, such as Oven Roasted Vegetables, Tofu and Mushroom Stir Fry, Roasted Garlic Green Beans, Air Fryer Broccoli, or Stir Fried Lotus Root.
Rice: Serve chow mein over a bed of Steamed White Rice or brown rice.
Dumplings: Chicken chow mein is a classic pairing with Chinese dumplings. You can find dumplings at many supermarkets or specialty stores, or you can make your own. Try our Beef Potstickers, Vegetarian Egg and Chive Dumplings, or Pork Dumplings.
Salad: Serve with an Asian style salad such as Chinese Garlic Cucumber Salad or Asian Chopped Salad.
Dim Sum: You can also serve these Chinese chicken noodles with other bite-sized snacks such as Chive Pancakes, Spicy Chili Oil Wontons, or Steamed Scallion Buns.

Whether you are enjoying it on its own, with a side of rice, or as part of a larger Chinese feast, these stir fried chicken noodles are sure to be a hit.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Make ahead and freeze for an even speedier meal. Combine the chicken, spices, vegetables, and noodles and freeze without the sauce for a toss-and-sauce lunch or dinner. Add the oils, soy sauce, and vinegars and cook as directed when you're ready!
Try rotisserie chicken. This recipe calls for leftover cooked chicken. You can quickly make some such as our Oven Baked Chicken Breast or Air Fry Chicken Breast. You can also pick up a rotisserie chicken from the store and use that. We cut our chicken up but you can also shred it (see How To Make Shredded Chicken). Your choice!
Cut the vegetables into uniform sizes. Cut the veggies into evenly sized pieces so that they cook evenly, are easier to eat, and look good in the finished dish.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Transfer leftover chicken chow mein to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Leftovers can be reheated in a skillet on the stove over medium-low heat until warmed through, or in the microwave

How to Freeze

Allow the chow mein to cool to room temperature first, then transfer it to a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the chicken noodles overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it.

More Noodle Recipes

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Honey Mustard Dressing

Honey mustard dressing is a sweet and tangy sauce that is perfect for adding flavor to salads, sandwiches, meats, and more. With just a few simple ingredients, it is easy to make and adds a ton of flavor to any meal. Plus, it's ready in just minutes.

Making salad dressing from scratch is so much better, tastier, and healthier than store-bought. You might never go back to bottled dressing after realizing just how easy it is to make at home. Homemade honey mustard dressing also means you can customize the ingredients to your liking.

Honey mustard dressing is a sweet and tangy sauce that adds flavor to salads, sandwiches, meats, and more. Make it in minutes with a few simple ingredients. | aheadofthyme.com

Why You'll Love this Honey Mustard Dressing

Quick and easy to make from scratch. If you have never made salad dressing at home before, you may not know how easy it is to make. Simply mix the ingredients together until well combined. That is it. There is no reason to buy store-bought dressing when it's this easy to make it at home.
Healthier than store-bought. Honey mustard dressing is a healthier alternative to many other types of dressing and sauces, which typically contain preservatives, fillers, additives, sugar, or artificial flavors. This homemade dressing is made with real ingredients.
It contains health benefits. Honey mustard dressing is a healthy and nutritious condiment that is low in calories and free of artificial ingredients. Mustard is a good source of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, while honey is a natural sweetener that is lower on the glycemic index than refined sugars.
Use it in so many dishes. Add honey mustard salad dressing to salads, as a sandwich spread, as a dip, or even a marinade for meats. However you use it, this dressing adds delicious flavor to any dish.

Ingredient Notes

To make this easy Honey Mustard Salad Dressing, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

honey - adds sweetness and balances out the tang of the mustard. Look for a high-quality, pure honey for the best flavor.
Dijon mustard - adds tang and flavor. You can substitute with other types of mustard such as yellow mustard or brown mustard.
olive oil - helps to emulsify the dressing and adds richness and flavor.
apple cider vinegar - adds acidity and balance to the dressing. You can use different types of vinegar in place of the apple cider vinegar in the recipe, including white vinegar, red wine vinegar, or balsamic vinegar.
lemon juice - also helps to balance out the sweetness of the honey.
salt and pepper

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowl, and a mason jar or airtight container for storage.

How to Make the Best Honey Mustard Dressing

In a medium mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients. Use a whisk to mix together and stir well to combine.
Store in airtight jar (like a mason jar) in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Recipe Variations

One of the great things about making honey mustard dressing from scratch is that you can easily customize it and make your own.

Add herbs: Fresh herbs, such as parsley, dill, or basil, can add a bright and refreshing flavor to the dressing. Simply chop the herbs and stir them into the dressing.
Mix in spices: You can add spices to the dressing to give it extra flavor and depth. Some good options include paprika, cumin, or chili powder.
Add creaminess: Add some yogurt, sour cream, or mayonnaise to add creaminess and extra flavor to the dressing.
Add extra sweetness: If you want a sweeter dressing, you can add a little extra honey or try mixing in some maple syrup or agave nectar.

How to Serve

Honey mustard dressing pairs can be used to add flavor to a variety of different dishes. Use this dressing as:

Salad dressing. Drizzle honey mustard dressing over a salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and croutons for a delicious and satisfying meal. You can use it to dress any of your favorite salads. We used it in this Christmas Salad, but it works well in Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad, Garden Salad, Fruit Salad, or grain bowls.
Sandwich spread. Use honey mustard dressing as a spread for sandwiches. It pairs well with a variety of fillings including as turkey, ham, cheese, and avocado. You can also use it as a condiment in burgers and hot dogs.
Dipping sauce. Use this honey mustard dressing as a dip for raw vegetables, such as carrots, celery, bell peppers, cauliflower, and cucumbers in a Veggie Tray. You can also use it as a dip for fried foods such Chicken Tenders, French Fries, or Baked Chicken Wings.
Marinade for meats. You can also use honey mustard dressing as a marinade for grilled chicken or pork. Simply coat the meat with the dressing and let it marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours before grilling.

This fresh and festive Christmas Salad is made with delicious winter fruits and has a gorgeous wreath-like appearance. It’s earthy, sweet, nutty, and tangy. | aheadofthyme.com

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use high-quality ingredients. Using quality ingredients, such as pure honey and good-quality vinegar, will give the dressing the best flavor and taste.
Adjust the ratio of ingredients to your liking. The ratio of mustard to honey to vinegar in this recipe can be adjusted to your liking. You can use more or less of any ingredient to suit your taste.
Whisk the ingredients together. Whisking the ingredients together until they are well combined will help to emulsify the dressing and give it a smooth and creamy texture.

Storing Instructions

Since homemade dressings lack preservatives, they are better for you but don't last as long as store-bought. Store homemade honey mustard dressing an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up one week.

It is not recommended to freeze this honey mustard dressing as the texture may be not be the same when thawing.

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Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken and Dumplings are a classic chicken soup that is hearty, comforting, and nourishing. It's loaded with chicken, homemade dumplings, and a flavorful creamy broth. This homemade soup is also quick to make in one pot in just 40 minutes - perfect for weeknight family dinners.

Whether you're craving warm comfort food, fighting a cold, or just craving a hot meal in a hurry, this chicken and dumplings recipe will be your new go-to. Plus, you can save time and use a store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken from the fridge.

Why You'll Love these Chicken and Dumplings

It's a classic comfort dish. Cold weather and bad days are instantly made better with a steaming hot bowl of chicken and dumplings! Juicy chicken, tender dumplings, and soul-warming broth are just what the doctor ordered.
Ready in 40 minutes. It takes less than an hour to make this chicken soup recipe completely from scratch. Just follow our easy recipe and you'll have a warm, comforting pot of chicken and dumplings ready in no time - making it perfect for busy weeknight family dinners. Plus, you can make it even faster by using leftover cooked chicken or a rotisserie chicken.
A one pot meal. With this old fashioned chicken and dumplings, everything is cooking in the same pot, meaning there is only one pot to clean along with the mixing bowl that you used to make the dumpling batter.
It's freezer friendly. Chicken and dumplings store well and freeze well so you can turn this into multiple meals to have on hand to satisfy cravings or serve a crowd when you're short on time and energy. You can make a big batch ahead of time and add to your freezer stash for easy reheating.

Ingredient Notes

To make this delicious Chicken and Dumplings soup, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

avocado oil - feel free to substitute with vegetable oil or olive oil.
chicken thighs or breasts - use boneless chicken thighs and breasts. You can choose to leave the skin on or off. You can also substitute with leftover cooked chicken!
butter - use unsalted butter for the most control of the amount of sodium in the recipe, or use salted butter and reduce or omit the additional salt called for in the recipe.
onion - white onions, yellow onions, shallots, or vidalia onions all work.
carrots - parsnips will work in place of the carrots if you're all out.
celery
Italian seasoning - you can use a store bought or a homemade Italian seasoning blend, whichever you prefer!
flour - all-purpose flour or a gluten-free substitute should produce a similar result.
chicken broth - you can use homemade stock or store-bought. You can also swap it for veggie stock if you want or need to.
salt and pepper
heavy cream - you can also use milk for a slightly less creamy result.
baking soda + baking powder
green onions or chives

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, a large cooking pot, and a mixing bowl.

How to Make the Best Chicken and Dumplings

Cook chicken. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until sizzling hot, about 1-2 minutes. Add chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer onto a large plate and set aside.

Sauté aromatics. In the same pot, add butter and heat until melted, about 1 minute. Add onion, garlic, carrots and celery and sauté until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in Italian seasoning until well combined.
Thicken. Add flour and mix well until thickened to a paste, about 1 minute.

Add broth. Slowly add chicken broth and stir constantly until evenly distributed. Return the chicken to the pot and bring the soup to a gentle simmer over low heat, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Prepare the dumplings. While the soup is simmering, whisk together flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, green onions until evenly combined. Slowly add oil and milk and mix until just combined. Once the batter forms into a soft dough, use a spatula or spoon to fold in the dry pieces that haven't been incorporated. Be careful not to overmix. Note that the dough will be slightly sticky.

Add dumplings. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of batter at a time and add into the soup (the dumplings will expand quite a bit once cooked). Continue to simmer over low heat until the dumplings are fully cooked through, about 5 minutes.

Serve. Stir in cream and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

How to customize. You can customize this chicken and dumplings soup by adding in other veggies. Frozen peas are a common ingredient to add. But you can get creative! Try frozen corn or spinach.
Use leftover chicken. You can substitute the chicken with cooked shredded chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken. Just skip the first step where you cook the chicken, and add it in when the recipe calls for the cooked chicken to be added in. So easy!
Easy on the dumpling dough. Don't get too eager with a mixer when making the dumplings! Overmixing the dough will make tough dumplings, not the soft, tender kind we all crave when we think of chicken and dumplings.
Adjust the consistency. Everyone has a unique preference when it comes to the consistency of their chicken and dumplings - and it usually comes down to the way it was prepared when they were growing up. If you want a thicker broth, allow the soup to simmer a bit longer or add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the liquid. If the soup is too thick, add a little water or broth to thin it out

How to Serve

Chicken and dumplings are the star of the show and don't need any fancy accompaniments to impress. Steamed vegetables, easy mashed potatoes, or your favorite greens salad will do nicely!

Some of our favorite sides to serve with this chicken soup are:

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Once the chicken and dumplings have cooled completely, transfer the soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days.

How to Reheat

Reheat leftover chicken and dumplings in a cooling pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water to thin out the consistency if it has thickened up too much when stored. You can also reheat in the microwave.

How to Freeze

Once cooled, transfer the chicken and dumplings to a large Ziploc bag or another freezer-safe airtight container (such as a plastic deli container) and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use a warm water bath to release it from the container before reheating it using your method of choice.

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How to Cook Quinoa

Making the perfect fluffy quinoa at home is quick and a lot easier to make than you think! Learn how to cook quinoa perfectly every time using our simple recipe including tons of tips and tricks, variations, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Why should you learn to make quinoa at home? This ancient grain has been used in cooking for thousands of years and has recently become a popular health food all around the world. Quinoa a delicious and easy-to-cook ingredient that you can always count on - as long as you know how to cook it correctly.

What is Quinoa?

Quinoa is often thought of as a grain, but it's actually a seed that behaves like a grain when cooked. It starts as tiny, hard, shell-coated balls (usually white but can also be red or black). When cooked, the hard shell gives way and the seed absorbs water, becoming soft and fluffy similar to rice and other grains.

Quinoa is packed with fiber, protein and other nutrients. It cooks quickly and can be enjoyed in any number of ways, making it a popular choice when it comes to mealtime for both vegans and non-vegans alike!

Quinoa was first grown in the Andes but it has become quite popular in recent years and is now grown all over the world, yet it's still mostly grown in Peru and Bolivia.

Why You'll Love this Quinoa Recipe

It's versatile. Quinoa can be used in almost any savory dish you can think of! It's a perfect ingredient to sprinkle over soups and salads, light enough to be served as a side dish, but filling enough to be a main dish all on its own with some extra ingredients.
Packed with protein and fiber. Quinoa naturally contains a high level of protein. As a seed, it also has a lot of fiber, making it a healthy addition to any meal. Quinoa has become especially popular as a protein in plant-based dishes - but it's also a favorite among meat eaters too.
Great for vegan and vegetarian dishes. Quinoa is loaded with plant-based protein, making it an ideal meat substitute or base for all kinds of vegetarian dishes.

Ingredient Notes

To make quinoa at home, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

quinoa - this recipe will work for all colors of quinoa such as white, black, and red, or any combination of the three.
olive oil - you can also use avocado oil or ghee in place of the olive oil called for in this recipe.
water

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, fine mesh sieve or colander and a cooking pot.

How to Cook the Best Quinoa

Rinse. In a large fine-mesh colander, rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold running water for 1 minute (this helps to remove the bitter taste in quinoa). Drain well.
Boil. In a medium cooking pot, add the rinsed and drained quinoa, water, and olive oil. Bring to boil over medium heat, about 5 minutes.
Simmer. Cover with the lid and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes until the quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed.
Rest. Remove from heat and allow the cooked quinoa rest for another 5 minutes. (You will notice that the grains have popped open).
Serve. Fluff with a fork and serve.

Recipe Variations

Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker) Quinoa. You can also make this quinoa in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker for a more hands-off approach. Add your ingredients to a pressure cooker on high pressure for 3 minutes, and then allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork as normal and serve!
Lemon Garlic Quinoa. Once cooked, add the zest of half a lemon, a squeeze of lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder (or more, depending on your preference) as well as a sprinkling of salt and freshly ground black pepper for a lemony, garlicky quinoa that pairs well with everything!
Mediterranean Quinoa. Once cooked, add one quarter to half cup each of raw diced tomatoes, cucumbers, kalamata olives, red onion, and feta cheese for an easy Mediterranean quinoa!

How to Serve

Quinoa is incredibly versatile and can be served in so many different ways. It's a great ingredient to use in a main dish or to serve as a side dish. Some of our favorite ways to use quinoa are:

Salads - quinoa is an ideal topping for salads and compliments the flavors of greens and other vegetables nicely. Toss quinoa in with other salad components for an even more filling dish! Try our Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad or Quinoa Spinach Power Salad.
Soups, Stews, and Casseroles - you can add cooked quinoa to soups, chilis, stews, and casseroles of all kinds to add texture and boost the fiber and protein content.
Burgers and Wraps - you can form the quinoa into shapes and turn it into patties or leave as a loose grain to add to wraps, burgers, and more.
Meatballs and Fritters - quinoa makes a great meat alternative in dishes that typically contain animal products, like meatless meatballs or Vegetarian Bolognese!

This Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad is easy to make, ready in under an hour, delicious, and loaded with health benefits. It's the perfect fall salad. | aheadofthyme.com

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use broth instead of water for a more flavorful quinoa. Try swapping out the water in this quinoa recipe for your favorite broth - veggie, chicken, beef, or seafood broth will work. You can use store-bought or homemade broth to add flavor and some nutritional benefits as well.
Use a fine mesh sieve to rinse the quinoa. While there are several ways to rinse your quinoa, using a fine mesh sieve or other fine strainer will make rinsing easier and lowers the risk of losing a few seeds and making a mess.
Hold off on the salt. Wait until the quinoa is cooked before adding salt and other seasonings. If you add it before, it may not disperse evenly and will absorb into the quinoa, making it easy to oversalt the grains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it really necessary to rinse the quinoa?

Yes, it is absolutely necessary to rinse quinoa every time you cook quinoa! There's a coating on the outside of the shells that tastes bitter and unpleasant, plus dust and other particles from processing the seeds.
Giving the quinoa a quick rinse (it only takes a minute or two, promise!) before cooking it removes the bitterness and makes sure you get fluffy, tasty, perfectly cooked quinoa every time!

How do I know when my quinoa is done?

You can tell when the quinoa is done because all the liquid will have evaporated or will have been absorbed into the quinoa and the seeds have become soft. If the quinoa has turned mushy or chewy, the quinoa has been overcooked and you'll want to start over to get the consistency right. If your grains are crunchy, the quinoa's been undercooked.

Is quinoa good for meal prepping?

Yes, quinoa is a great ingredient to meal prep! Whether you're getting a head start on dinners for the week or trying to create a varied menu with limited ingredients, quinoa is the grain for you. It cooks quickly, stores well, reheats beautifully, and can easily be incorporated into all kinds of dishes!

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Once the cooked quinoa has cooled completely to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to five days.

How to Freeze

Transfer leftover quinoa into an airtight, freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. I recommend labelling the container with the date for easy reference.

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Green Detox Smoothie

This Green Detox Smoothie is quick and easy to make, delicious and nutritious, and is loaded with antioxidants, nutrients, and vitamins. It provides a quick energy boost making it the perfect after workout snack or breakfast on the go.

Make this vibrant detox smoothie with a handful of simple and fresh ingredients in just 5 minutes. It will give you everything you need in the morning and it will help you get back on track and detoxify your body. Follow the recipe as is for the most powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, or feel free to customize it with other fruits and veggies you have on hand.

Why You'll Love this Green Detox Smoothie

Loaded with fresh ingredients. This healthy green detox smoothie is loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables including spinach, parsley, banana, apple, grapefruit, and ginger.
Quick and easy to make. This green smoothie is one of the easiest drinks to make for breakfast on the go or a quick after workout snack. This 5 minute recipe makes hectic mornings a lot easier to handle.
A true detox drink. The base of this vegan smoothie is made with spinach and parsley which both have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant abilities. And combined with the fact that these greens are very low in calories, you're left with one of the most nutrient-dense foods ever. Spinach also soaks up environmental toxins from our bodies, neutralize heavy metals, chemicals, and pesticides, and protect our livers.
It's healthy and nutritious. Smoothies are a quick and easy way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables. I think that this detox smoothie is the most delicious way to get in your a dose of your daily vitamins and minerals. Plus, it's filling and provides you with the energy you need to get through the morning.

Ingredient Notes

To make this healthy Green Detox Smoothie, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in recipe card below):

spinach - the base of this smoothie is spinach, which obviously is also responsible for it's bright and vivid colour. Spinach is the perfect base ingredient because it has a milder flavour than other green, leafy vegetables such as chard or kale, and it is rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. It's a great source of vitamin c, vitamin a, manganese, zinc, and selenium, just to name a few. Spinach also contains anti-aging properties and decreases the risk of heart diseases, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and obesity.
parsley - this is a secret and unexpected ingredient. Parsley is also rich in antioxidants and vitamins and it is kind of known for it's amazing anti-inflammatory properties and positive effect on our liver and kidneys. In fact, for many centuries, parsley has been used to help treat kidney stones and urinary tract infections.
banana - helps to thicken the smoothie, add natural sweetness, and add more vitamins and minerals.
apple - helps to thicken the smoothie, add natural sweetness, and add more vitamins and minerals.
grapefruit - grapefruit packed with nutrients, vitamins and minerals with disease fighting properties. Having grapefruit helps our liver and provides an extra immunity boost. If you don't have any on hand, feel free to substitute with a citrus fruit of your choice such as orange or pomelo.
coconut water - for a hint of coconut flavor, or substitute with water if you don't have any on hand. You can also substitute with milk for a creamier option.
fresh ginger
lemon juice - freshly-squeezed lemon juice is packed health-promoting antioxidants to prevent stress and protect against chronic diseases. You can also substitute with freshly squeezed lime juice.
chia seeds - feel free to substitute with flax seeds or hemp seeds.
maple syrup or honey - this is optional if you want to add a little sweetness to the smoothie.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons and a blender.

How to Make the Best Green Detox Smoothie

First, combine all ingredients into a blender. Blend until perfectly smooth, about 1 minute.

Then, pour into two large glasses (or jars) and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Customize it. You can customize this smoothie by adding in nuts or nut butters, changing up the fruit, adding in some shredded coconut, or sweetening it with maple syrup or honey, if desired.
Use a good blender. The key to a smooth smoothie is a good heavy duty blender. If your blender is not strong enough, you will still end up with a delicious smoothie, but it could have chunks in it.
Add protein powder. You can add in some protein powder to turn it into a great source of protein as well.
Use frozen fruit. Feel free to use frozen fruit instead of fresh ones for a more icy texture and cooler consistency.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

This green detox smoothie is best served immediately. If you happen to have any leftovers, store the smoothie an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Give it a quick stir before drinking.

How to Freeze

To freeze, transfer the leftover smoothie to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to drink, take it out of the freezer and allow it to defrost slightly on the counter for about 10-15 minutes.

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Cheesy Garlic Bread

Cheesy Garlic Bread is toasty and crispy on the outside, tender and soft inside with a garlic butter spread topped with melty cheese. This comforting appetizer is easy to make in under 20 minutes - including prep!

No matter when or how it's served, for garlic bread with cheese is always one of the best parts of any meal. The whole family will go wild for it! From the moment you take one bite, you'll never want to go back to freezer garlic bread again.

Why You'll Love this Cheesy Garlic Bread

Real ingredients. Ditch the ready-made garlic bread from the freezer aisle and make this garlic bread instead! It's made with just a few whole, uncomplicated ingredients that you're probably already familiar with.
Ready in 20 minutes. It takes only five minutes to make this garlic bread recipe before you can pop into in the oven to toast and melt the cheese. After 15 minutes, you'll have hot, gooey, garlicky cheese bread on the table!
The best flavors and texture. A simple combination of French bread, butter, minced garlic, cheese, and some seasoning come together to make a side with a cheesy crust, soft center, and rich flavor that will entice dinner guests to finish it completely before they even look at the rest of the meal! It's fast, fresh, and oh-so-tasty. Love at first bite!
Delicious side to a comforting dinner. Garlic bread with cheese is the ultimate companion to comforting dinners, especially Italian entrees such as spaghetti, lasagna, baked ziti, penne, and even macaroni!

Ingredient Notes

To make this delicious Cheesy Garlic Bread, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

French bread - you can make a loaf at home for this garlic bread, use a store-bought loaf, or swap out the french bread with a rustic italian, ciabatta, or sourdough bread instead.
butter - this recipe calls for salted butter, but you can use unsalted butter and add salt to taste as needed.
olive oil
garlic - freshly minced garlic provides better flavor, but you can use 1 teaspoon of minced garlic from a jar for every clove called for in the recipe.
salt and pepper
mozzarella - you can also use a plant-based mozzarella substitute or a similar cheese like provolone.
parmesan - try swapping the parmesan for pecorino romano, asiago, or a vegan-friendly substitute like nutritional yeast.
parsley - you can use dried parsley flakes if you don't have fresh parsley on hand.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, half sheet baking pan, and mixing bowl.

How to Make the Best Cheesy Garlic Bread

Slice bread. Slice the French bread in half, lengthwise. Place the bread, cut side up, on a large half sheet baking pan lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Make garlic topping. In a small mixing bowl, add butter, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper and stir to combine until smooth. Spread the garlic mixture evenly over the halved bread.

Add cheese. Top with mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese.
Bake. Bake in a 375F preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Broil. Turn on the broiler and broil on HI for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese becomes golden brown and the edges of the bread become crispy.
Serve. Slice and serve.

Recipe Variations

Switch up the cheese. You can easily customize garlic bread by switching up the cheese that you use on top. Opt for a cheese that melts well such as provolone, cheddar, or gouda.
Change the herbs. We topped our garlic bread with fresh parsley. You can change it with other fresh herbs such as oregano, thyme, or basil for a total flavor twist. You could even use dried herbs such as dried parsley, Italian seasoning or oregano.

How to Serve

We like serving Cheesy Garlic Bread on its own as a quick appetizer or snack or with a side of marinara for dipping. You can also serve it with an Italian-inspired dinner including chopped salads, hearty soups, and practically any kind of pasta!

Some of our favorite meals to serve garlic bread with are:

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Don't cut it all right away. Garlic bread will store better if it's uncut because it creates fewer edges to dry out. If you're not completely certain you'll go through the entire batch in one sitting, cut a few pieces at a time and store the remainder of the loaf (if you have any leftover).
Make ahead and freeze. You may already know this, but garlic bread is incredibly freezer-friendly! Prepare the ingredients as instructed and then skip the oven and freeze the uncooked garlic bread on a sheet pan before wrapping tightly in plastic cling wrap and storing in the freezer for up to 3 months, for an even easier side that you can quickly grab and bake directly from frozen.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

You can store leftover cheesy garlic bread in an airtight container on the counter for 2-3 days or refrigerate it for up to one week.

How to Reheat

Reheat garlic bread in a 300F preheated oven for 10-15 minutes until warm and cheesy is melty again.

How to Freeze

Wrap pieces of garlic bread individually in plastic cling wrap and then transfer to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. You can reheat it without thawing in the oven or air fryer. Just add a few minutes to the reheating time.

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25+ Easy Air Fryer Recipes

Wondering what to make for dinner in your air fryer? Whether you just purchased your first air fryer and can't wait to try air fryer recipes, or have had your air fryer for years but are looking for something different to cook with it, then you have come to the right place. We have rounded up over 25 of the best easy air fryer recipes including roasted vegetables in the air fryer, air fried meat like chicken, beef, and lamb, all the air fryer seafood including salmon and shrimp, and air fryer snacks (hello apple chips!). Plus, most of these recipes are quick and easy with minimal prep - perfect for busy weeknights.

A collection of over 25 best quick and easy air fryer recipes including vegetables, chicken, beef, lamb, salmon, shrimp, and more. Perfect for busy people. | aheadofthyme.com

Our Best Air Fryer Recipes

Miso Garlic Chicken Wings

Baked miso garlic chicken wings are crispy, delicious, and easy to make. They're marinated in a savoury Asian marinade, and cooked in the oven or air fryer.

Crispy Air Fryer French Fries

Super crispy air fryer french fries are tender and fluffy on the inside and crunchy on the outside. Make this healthier french fry in just 12 minutes!

Air Fryer Vegetables

Air fryer vegetables are healthy, flavorful, and delicious. This vegan side dish is quick and easy to make in the air fryer in under 15 minutes.

Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs

Sticky honey garlic meatballs are a delicious and flavourful 30-minute meal to add to your weekly dinner rotation. A total crowd pleaser. Air fryer instructions in recipe tips.

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers (Air Fryer)

Bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers are crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy inside, spicy, and wrapped in bacon. Easy to make in the air fryer or oven.

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Air fryer chicken breast is crispy on the outside, juicy and tender inside, and packed with flavor in every bite. Quick and easy dinner on busy weeknights.

Air Fryer Mexican Shrimp

Air fryer Mexican shrimp is juicy, tender, fresh, and delicious. It's packed with classic Mexican flavors and ready in just 10 minutes. So quick and easy.

Air Fryer Broccoli

Quick and easy air fryer broccoli is a healthy side dish that takes just six minutes to cook in the air fryer. It's crispy, delicious, and flavorful.

Greek Salmon

Greek salmon is delicious, flaky, and tender. This healthy oven-baked salmon is packed with Mediterranean flavors and is ready in just 20 minutes. Air fryer instructions included in recipe tips.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air fryer chicken tenders are juicy and moist inside while crispy and golden brown outside. A healthy, delicious, and quick kid-friendly recipe.

Air Fryer Vegetables and Side Dishes

Roasted Garlic Green Beans (Air Fryer or Oven)

Quick easy roasted garlic green beans are tangy, sour, savoury, and sweet, with a tender and crunchy texture. Make them in the oven or air fryer in minutes.

Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

Crispy and tender, easy air fryer baby potatoes are a healthier take on a classic side dish without compromising taste or texture. Cooks in just 20 minutes.

Crispy Roasted Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Tender and crispy roasted air fryer brussels sprouts cooks in less than 12 minutes with very little oil. It is a holiday table game changer.

Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites

Air fryer cauliflower bites have a crispy breaded coating outside, yet tender and light inside. They are bite-sized, flavorful, easy to make, and healthy.

Air Fryer Vegetable "Stir Fry"

Simple air fryer vegetable "stir-fry" with tofu is the ultimate easy dinner ready in less than 10 minutes. It's healthy, vegan and gluten-free.

Simple air fryer spring vegetable "stir-fry" with tofu is the ultimate easy dinner ready in less than 10 minutes. It's healthy, vegan and gluten-free. | aheadofthyme.com

Air Fryer Asparagus

Crisp on the outside and tender inside, air fryer asparagus cooks in just 6 minutes! It is tossed in very little olive oil with garlic and seasonings.

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Air fryer butternut squash is a healthy side dish that is crispy on the outside and soft inside. It's faster than roasting in the oven and needs less oil.

Falafel

Homemade falafel are delicious, golden brown and crispy on the outside, fluffy tender and soft inside. Plus, they're vegan, loaded with plant-based protein. Air fryer instructions in recipe

Air Fryer Chicken and Turkey

The Best Breaded Fried Chicken Wings (Air Fryer)

The BEST breaded fried chicken wings -- extra crispy and crunchy outside, tender and juicy inside. You can't even tell they're air fried, not deep-fried!

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Air fryer chicken thighs are the crispiest, tastiest, and juiciest chicken you'll eat. They take just 25 minutes to cook - perfect for busy weeknights.

Sweet Chili Chicken Bites

Sticky crispy baked sweet chili chicken bites is better than takeout and so easy to make healthier at home. An easy dinner or game day appy. Air fryer instructions in recipe tips.

Chicken Shawarma

Homemade chicken shawarma (donair) with juicy tender chicken marinated in Middle Eastern spices and wrapped in pita bread is easy to make at home. Serve with garlic yogurt sauce or tahini sauce.

Mexican Chicken Breast

Mexican chicken breast is juicy, tender, and flavorful. It's easy to prep with a quick marinade before cooking on the stove, air fryer, or oven.

Mediterranean Chicken Patties

Delicious, moist and juicy Mediterranean chicken patties have everything you want in one bite: protein, veggies, herbs, and they're quick and easy to make. Serve it on it's own, with hamburger buns, or a side of Basmati rice. Air fryer instructions in recipe tips.

Sweet Chili Turkey Meatballs

Sweet chili turkey meatballs are delicious, tender and juicy, loaded with classic Thai flavors, and quick and easy to make. Savory, sweet, and tangy. Air fryer instructions in recipe tips.

Air Fryer Beef and Meat

Air Fryer Lamb Chops

Juicy, tender, and delicious 18-minute air fryer lamb chops is marinated in a dijon sauce and will change the way you cook lamb forever.

Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Bacon wrapped brussels sprouts are the sweet, savory, and salty appetizer that you need at your next holiday gathering this fall. Simple and easy to make. Air fryer instructions in recipe tips.

Swedish Meatballs

Delicious, comforting homemade Swedish meatballs are seared and smothered in a creamy gravy sauce and taste so much better than IKEA meatballs. Air fryer instructions in recipe tips.

Homemade Tater Tots with Bacon

Homemade tater tots with bacon are golden and crispy on the outside, yet soft and tender inside. They're packed with flavour and a total family favourite.

Air Fryer Short Ribs

Air fryer short ribs are crispy, flavorful, and delicious. The easy marinade ensures they're tender and juicy inside, while the air fryer makes them crispy.

Korean Beef Steak Rice Bowl

Korean beef steak rice bowl is loaded with tender and juicy strips of beef, marinated vegetable sides (banchan), and kimchi. Make it in under 30 minutes!

Greek Meatballs

Greek meatballs are juicy, tender, flavorful, and delicious. They are quick and easy to make in 30 minutes or even faster in the air fryer, and freezer-friendly. Serve with tzatziki sauce.

Sweet and Sour Pork

Sweet and sour pork is a delicious, quick and easy Chinese stir fry that takes just 30 minutes to make. Serve this homemade takeout over steamed rice. Cook the pork in the air fryer before tossing into the stir fry.

Korean Beef Steak Tacos

Fusion-style Korean beef steak tacos are made with tender, flavour-packed slices of beef and topped with caramelized pineapple, kimchi, and spicy mayo.

Lion's Head Chinese Meatballs

Lion's Head Chinese Meatballs are tender and juicy homemade pork meatballs packed with Asian seasonings and tossed in a sweet and sticky sauce.

Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)

Char siu (Chinese BBQ pork) is a delicious, flavorful, traditional roasted pork dinner slathered in a distinct sticky, sweet, savory barbecue sauce glaze. Air fryer instructions in recipe tips.

Air Fryer Seafood

Air Fryer Black Cod with Black Bean Sauce

Flaky, oily, and tender air fryer cod with black bean sauce is bursting with flavour and takes less than 20 minutes to make. The perfect Chinese New Year dinner.

Flaky, oily, and tender air fryer cod with black bean sauce is bursting with flavour and takes less than 20 minutes to make. The perfect weeknight dinner. | aheadofthyme.com

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

Sticky and sweet, easy honey garlic glazed salmon is one of the best salmon recipes to add to your weeknight dinner rotation. Ready in under 25 minutes. Air fryer instructions included in recipe tips.

Air Fryer Jumbo Shrimp

10-minute air fryer jumbo shrimp is juicy and tender on the inside, and crispy on the outside. It's so flavourful and garlicky with Asian seasonings.

Miso Salmon

Baked miso salmon brings traditional Japanese flavours to the forefront, with a healthy and delicious meal that's easy to make on busy weeknights. Air fryer instructions included in recipe tips.

Maple Salmon

Quick and easy baked maple salmon is so delicious, flaky and flavourful with the perfect balance between sweet and savoury. The best weeknight dinner. Air fryer instructions included in recipe tips.

Air Fryer Snacks

Apple Chips

One-ingredient homemade baked apple chips are healthy, light, crispy and crave-worthy. Plus, unlike most store-bought chips, these contain no added sugar. Air fryer instructions in recipe tips.

Roasted Chestnuts

Enjoy street vendor roasted chestnuts at home in three different ways - roast in the oven, cook over the stove, or in the air fryer.

Vegetarian Spring Rolls

Better than takeout, light and crispy fried vegetarian spring rolls are packed with a tender mushroom and cabbage vegetarian filling in a crunchy skin. Air fryer instructions in recipe tips.

Mashed Potato Balls

Mashed potato balls are a delicious appetizer that is crisp on the outside and soft, tender, and cheesy inside. Best way to use leftover mashed potatoes! Air fryer instructions in recipe notes.

Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Recipes

Make ahead instructions: You can make some of these air fryer recipes and store in the refrigerator for a few days or even in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can also prep the ingredients in advance and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
How to store: Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator or possible even in the freezer. Check the individual recipe for complete storing instructions and to see if the recipe is freezer-friendly.
How to reheat: Most of the leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 300F for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. If heating from frozen, let it thaw first and then reheat.

Did You Make Any of These Easy Air Fryer Recipes?

Please leave a comment and rating below, and let me know what you thought of this round up of these easy air fryer recipes. Be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.

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Breakfast Potatoes

Breakfast Potatoes are crispy on the outside while soft and tender inside - just how we like it! Simply seasoned with paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper, these skillet potatoes are delicious and flavorful.

Potatoes have been a breakfast classic for as long as they've existed, and these crispy breakfast potatoes are an easy way to prepare them! Ready in just 20 minutes (including prep!), this low-maintenance side is a great addition to your breakfast and brunch plans for busy holiday mornings and beyond.

Why You'll Love these Breakfast Potatoes

They're ready in under half an hour. These quick and easy potatoes are ready in just under 30 minutes, and it only takes a few minutes of dicing and seasoning to get them ready to cook, so you'll have some time to work on other breakfast dishes.
Easier to make than hash browns. These breakfast potatoes share a similar flavor and crispines to hash browns but with less work! No grating needed, just a quick dice, a toss in oil and spices, and quick cooking on the skillet. You can also pop into the oven for a quick broil to crisp up the edges even more if you'd like.
Great for weekend brunch. This is a great way to quickly make a lot of potatoes for a crowd, making it the perfect recipe to whip out on weekend brunch or for holiday breakfasts such as Christmas morning or any of the surrounding days when you've got a lot of people to feed in a hurry.

Ingredient Notes

To make these easy Breakfast Potatoes, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

potatoes - we used red potatoes because they get nice and tender while keeping their shape. We also kept the skin on because it looks gorgeous but it's up to you. You can substitute with whatever type of potatoes you have on hand, including a frozen, pre-diced variety to make preparing breakfast potatoes even faster. A good substitute are yukon gold potatoes.
olive oil - any oil with a high smoke point (like avocado oil) will also work.
paprika - if you don't have paprika on hand, you can try using a little chili powder, cayenne powder, or chipotle powder for a similar taste.
garlic powder - you can substitute this with 2 cloves of garlic (minced).
salt and pepper
parsley - we topped these potatoes with fresh parsley but you can use any herbs that you want - dill, oregano, thyme, or chives. Or leave out the herbs completely.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons and a skillet (I used a 10-inch cast iron skillet for easy transfer to the oven).

How to Make the Best Breakfast Potatoes

Cook potatoes. Heat oil in a large oven-proof skillet (10-inch cast iron skillet) over medium heat until hot, about 1 minute. Add cubed potatoes and toss well to coat. Cook without stirring for 5 minutes.
Add seasoning. Add paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until evenly combined. Continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally.
Broil (optional). Transfer the skillet into the oven and broil on HI for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, cook another 5 minutes on the stove until crisp on the outside.
Serve. Serve immediately.

Recipe Variations

Add some heat. Make these breakfast potatoes hot! Serve with tabasco sauce for those that like their potatoes more on the spicy side.
Make them cheesy. Cheese and potatoes are a match made in heaven. Grate some parmesan or cheddar over the top and pop them back in the oven for a minute or two until the cheese melts. You could also toss in some feta.
Get creative with seasoning. Play around with different seasonings to change up these potatoes each time you make them! Try cumin, curry powder, or a taco seasoning blend.
Top with herbs. We served our potatoes with fresh parsley sprinkled on top. You can try different fresh herbs such as dill, chives, thyme, or basil.

How to Serve

Serve these Breakfast Potatoes as part of a full breakfast or brunch spread. They are great served on the side of:

Mediterranean Scrambled Eggs with spinach, tomato, and feta is loaded with flavor and a quick and easy breakfast to make in under 10 minutes (with prep!). | aheadofthyme.com

This Classic French Toast is light and fluffy, crisp and browned on the edges, and so delicious. The best part? Breakfast is ready in under 15 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Cut the potatoes the same size. Making sure that the potatoes are all the same size is important when it comes to even cooking. Otherwise, the bigger pieces will be underdone, while smaller pieces will be too mushy.
How to cook in the air fryer. Prepare the potatoes and toss with seasoning until combined. Cook in the air fryer at 350F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Store breakfast potatoes in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

How to Reheat

Reheat in a 300F preheated oven for 10 minutes, in a 350F air fryer for 5 minutes, or on the stovetop until crispy and heated through.

How to Freeze

Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on a parchment paper lined baking pan and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Then transfer to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. You can reheat them straight from frozen in the oven, air fryer, or on the stovetop. Just add a few extra minutes to the reheating time.

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Madeleines

Classic Madeleines are soft and spongy mini cakes with a signature shell shape and a dusting of sugar on top. These delicious French butter cakes look complicated to make but are a lot easier than you think!

Enjoy delicate madeleines dipped in hot cocoa or coffee, alongside tea, or eat them on their own as a special snack throughout your day. They are perfect to serve on holidays and special occasions or whenever you are craving a sweet treat.

What are Madeleines?

Madeleines are little, individual cakes that are often referred to as cookies because of their size - you can pick one up and eat like a cookie.

They are baked in a madeleine pan which helps to mold them into their classic shell shape on one side with a bump on the other side.

Why You'll Love these Madeleines

Light and soft texture. The texture of these little cookie cakes are unlike any other - soft, light, and spongy.
Buttery and lemony. These madeleines have a delicate balance of buttery richness, vanilla flavor, and a hint of citrus thanks to the addition of lemon zest.
Only 15 minutes to prep. It only takes a few minutes to get these French butter cakes ready to chill - just beat the eggs and sugar together, add the lemon zest and vanilla, fold in the dry ingredients and then add the butter. That's it! Standard cookie procedures.
Classic shell shape. Classic madeleines are known for their signature scalloped surface - a beautiful, classy cookie that makes any occasion a little more special. You will need a madeleine pan to get that classic shape and pattern.

Ingredient Notes

To make these classic Madeleines, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

all-purpose flour - measure the flour properly. Do not use the measuring cup to scoop the flour, instead fluff the flour first then spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level off. For the most accurate results, use a kitchen scale.
baking powder
salt
eggs - eggs should be room temperature for baking madeleines.
granulated sugar - you can use whatever version of granulated sugar you like, including coconut sugar or cane sugar. Just beware that other alternatives like stevia will alter the overall taste of the cookies.
vanilla extract - an equal amount of vanilla bean paste can be substituted for the vanilla extract.
lemon zest - this adds a hint of citrus that balances out the other flavors so well. You can also use orange zest or leave it out completely if you prefer.
unsalted butter - use unsalted butter in baking to control the flavor. If you need to use salted, omit the additional salt in the recipe.
confectioners' sugar - this is optional, for dusting on top. You can also use powdered Swerve for the most similar flavor.

Baking Equipment

You will also need the following baking tools and equipment:

measuring cups and spoons
mixing bowl
stand mixer (or hand mixer)
madeleine pan
wire cooling rack

How to Make the Best Madeleines

Combine dry ingredients. Add flour, baking powder and salt to a mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Set aside.

Whip eggs and sugar. Add eggs to stand mixer fitted with the whip attachment (or a mixing bowl with a hand mixer). Turn the stand mixer on low and mix the eggs for about 1 minute to break the eggs up. Once the eggs look foamy, turn the mixer to medium and begin sprinkling in the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, every 30 seconds or so.
Add flavors. When all of the sugar has been added, add in the vanilla and lemon zest and turn the stand mixer to high and beat for 2-3 more minutes, or until it looks about triple in volume. Remove the bowl from the stand mixer.

Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Sift the dry ingredients over the wet ingredients. Use a silicone spatula to fold the dry ingredients delicately into the batter until combined.

Prep butter. Scoop some batter into the melted butter and fold together.

Add butter. Then pour that into the rest of the batter, and delicately fold until combined again, making sure that the batter isn't deflated.

Rest. Place plastic cling wrap over the bowl and let the batter rest in the fridge for at least 4 hours (up to 12 hours). The longer you let it rest, the taller the humps on the back with be.
Prep for baking. When you're almost ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F. Prepare a madeleine pan by brushing with very soft butter or spray with cooking oil spray. Place the prepared pan into the freezer for 20 minutes.
Scoop batter. While the pan is in the freezer, remove the rested batter from the fridge and give the batter 2 or 3 stirs. Scoop the batter into a large piping bag, then cut the tip off the piping bag. Remove the pan from the freezer and fill each cavity ⅔ full with batter. Place the pan back into the freezer for 5 more minutes.

Bake. Remove the pan from the freezer and bake for 9 minutes, until bouncy. Allow the madeleines to cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then carefully pop each madeleine out and place onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Dust with sugar. Once completely cooled, dust each madeleine with confectioners sugar (optional).

Recipe Variations

Dip them in chocolate. A popular and widely-loved variation of madeleines includes a quick dunk in the melted chocolate of your choice, like white, milk, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate.
Add nuts. Once dipped in chocolate, immediately add some crushed nuts to stick to the chocolate. Try pistachios, pecans, or almonds.
Add sprinkles. Similarly, add sprinkles on top of the melted chocolate. This way, you can also customize these madeleines based on the particular holiday or theme you are celebrating.
Make chocolate madeleines. For chocolate madeleines, simply substitute 2 tablespoons of the flour with ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder.

How to Serve

These delicious Madeleines are a classic tea time treat. Serve them with a warm drink like:

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use a kitchen scale. If you have a kitchen scale, use it. It's especially important to measure the flour properly. Too much flour will cause the madeleines to be dense and dry rather than light.
Allow the batter to rest. It is important to allow the batter to rest for the full 4 hours. This may seem long but it helps the batter to thicken and and is crucial for getting the classic bump or hump that madeleines are known for.
Wait for them to cool before adding sugar. Patience is key! Wait for them to cool before dusting them with confectioners' sugar or the sugar will melt into them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make madeleines without a mold?

No, you need a madeleine pan in order to make these mini cakes with the iconic shell grooves.

How do I tell if my madeleines are baked?

Gently poke one madeleine with your finger. If it bounces back, it's done. You can also check with a toothpick. If a toothpick inserted into one comes out clean, it's done baking.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Store leftover madeleines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to five days, though you may want to eat or freeze them immediately as they're prone to drying out quickly.

How to Freeze

Wrap each madeleine individually in plastic cling wrap, then place all of the wrapped cookies in a freezer bag and freeze for up to three months.

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Baked Ricotta

Baked ricotta is creamy, smooth, and flavorful. This delicious warm dip is packed with Parmesan and seasoned with dried herbs for the ultimate cheesy dip experience. It's an easy to prepare appetizer (5 minutes of prep!) that is perfect to serve during the holidays - or any time of the year!

Plus, it takes just 30 minutes to bake in the oven before you can serve up this warm dip. It's fast, easy, and delicious - everything you want in a holiday appetizer. Serve with toasted bread, crackers, and/or veggies.

Why You'll Love this Baked Ricotta

Rich and creamy. When it's baked, ricotta becomes even thicker, smoother, and more spreadable as the water content in the cheese evaporates. This warm ricotta dip is cozy and perfect!
Mouthwatering Italian flavors. Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley take this ricotta from good to amazing. The delicious aroma will fill your kitchen while the ricotta bakes and your whole family will be ready to dig right in.
Easy snack or appetizer. Baked ricotta is a prime candidate for the snack table at your next gathering. It takes five minutes to prep the ingredients before it goes in the oven to heat up - perfect for baking while you're preparing other dishes or putting the final touches on your holiday party.

Ingredient Notes

To make this easy Baked Ricotta, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

ricotta cheese - use whole milk ricotta for the best results.
eggs
parmesan cheese - grated asiago or pecorino Romano can be used in place of the parmesan here.
Italian seasoning - you can use a homemade blend, store-bought blend, or a different spice blend to suit your tastes. A similar substitute would be to use dried oregano instead.
red pepper flakes - gives the warm ricotta dip a little bit of a kick, but you can reduce the amount or completely omit them for a milder flavor.
olive oil - add a drizzle on top when serving. This is optional but highly recommended.
parsley - you can also use other fresh herbs to garnish this dish. Try thyme, rosemary, or dill.
for serving - serve with crostinis, baguettes, or your favorite crackers. Veggies like broccoli, carrots, sliced bell peppers, snow peas, celery, and endive also make great dippers for this baked ricotta.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowl, and small baking dish (1.5 quart baking dish).

How to Make the Best Baked Ricotta

Combine ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, eggs, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.

Bake. Transfer mixture into a small baking dish (1.5 quart baking dish). Bake in a 400F preheated oven for 30 minutes until the ricotta is puffy and golden brown.
Serve. Serve warm with a drizzle of olive oil on top and fresh herbs. Serve with toasted bread, crackers, and/or veggies.

How to Serve

Serve Baked Ricotta with crackers, toasted bread, or veggies for dipping. It is also great to include as part of a platter with:

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Serve as a starter or a late-night snack. Warm ricotta dip obviously makes a great appetizer to set out while you're waiting on the main meal, but don't forget about a few hours after lunch or dinner when guests are still hanging out and starting to get hunger pangs again!
Make your own ricotta. Ricotta is one of the easiest cheeses to make at home. If you have extra time on your hands and want a little bit of a challenge, make a batch of homemade ricotta to use in this dip!
Repurpose leftover baked ricotta. Ricotta goes with everything - add leftover baked ricotta to bagels and sandwiches, pastas, salads, and more to make the most of this dish!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you freeze baked ricotta?

Baked ricotta (or fresh ricotta, for that matter) doesn't typically freeze very well, as the high water content causes the cheese to separate when it's frozen and thawed.

Can you make baked ricotta vegan?

This recipe works best with whole milk ricotta, but you can make a vegan version with crumbled tofu. The texture will be different, but it's a delicious alternative. An easy vegan replacement for eggs is aquafaba (also known chickpea liquid, usually from a can). Use 3 tablespoons per egg in this recipe - so 6 tablespoons in total.

Storing Instructions

How to Store

Transfer leftover baked ricotta to an airtight container or cover the serving dish tightly with plastic cling wrap and refrigerate for up to 1 week.

How to Reheat

Reheat leftovers in a 300F preheated oven for 10-20 minutes until warm.

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Peppermint Brownies

Peppermint Brownies are rich and decadent with a fudgy brownie base, a delicious minty chocolate ganache layer, and crushed candy canes sprinkled on top. These quick and easy Christmas brownies made from scratch are the perfect dessert to bake for holiday parties and events.

They're easy to make homemade with simple baking staples that you likely already have in your pantry. Plus, they are easy to store and freezer-friendly so you can make them ahead of time to save you some stress when you have guests over, or as an easy treat on demand when you are having a last minute sugar craving.

Why You'll Love these Peppermint Brownies

Triple the chocolate. These Peppermint Brownies uses melted chocolate and cocoa powder in the brownie batter, plus more chocolate in the ganache topping. It's rich, decadent, and delicious. I mean it's chocolate are talking about!
Festive holiday flavor. If you've ever spent a little too much time at the dessert table agonizing over the decision between gooey, chocolatey Brownies and Chocolate Peppermint Bark, this peppermint brownie recipe is for you. No more difficult choices - now you get both flavor profiles in one easy dessert!
Quick to make. These Christmas brownies are ready in just under 2 hours, which may seem like a long time to make. But, an hour of that they are chilling, and 35 minutes of that they are baking, so really you need to spend 15 minutes of actual prep time to make them. This may become your new go-to holiday dessert when you need to make something impressive but don't have a lot of time.
Easy to make from scratch. You'll start with baking the fudgy brownies, and while they're are cooling, you can start preparing the ganache topping. Then add it to the brownies, sprinkle on crushed candy canes or peppermint candies and let it set. The hardest part will be waiting for these candy cane brownies to cool down enough to eat!

Ingredient Notes

To make these delicious Peppermint Brownies, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

semi-sweet chocolate - you can also use dark chocolate if you prefer the deeper flavor in the brownies and/or the ganache topping.
butter
sugar - sugar is an essential ingredient in most desserts, but you can replace it in this recipe with your favorite sugar alternative, like raw sugar, coconut sugar, stevia, or Swerve.
brown sugar - the same goes for brown sugar. Try a 1:1 brown sugar alternative if you need to.
eggs - the eggs in the brownie batter can be replaced with flaxseed eggs, which are made by combining 1 tablespoon of flax meal with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. Let the mixture set for 10 minutes before using in the recipe.
vanilla extract
all-purpose flour - you can easily make these peppermint brownies gluten-free by swapping the wheat flour for a measure-for-measure gluten free flour substitute.
cocoa powder
salt
heavy cream - an essential ingredient in chocolate ganache.
peppermint extract - adds an extra minty flavor to the ganache topping.
chopped candy canes - to sprinkle on top.

Baking Equipment

You will also need the following baking tools and equipment:

measuring cups and spoons
mixing bowls
9-inch square baking pan
wire cooling rack

How to Make the Best Peppermint Brownies

First, make the brownie layer.

Melt chocolate. Melt the chocolate with butter in a medium heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water. Make sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water, or you will burn the chocolate. Whisk until melted and smooth.

Add sugar. Remove from heat and add sugars into the chocolate mixture and whisk until completely combined. Let the chocolate mixture cool for a few minutes.

Add wet ingredients. Add in eggs and vanilla, and beat with a hand mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes.

Add dry ingredients. Add in flour, cocoa powder, and salt and fold together using a large silicone spatula until just combined.

Fill pan. Grease a 9-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper so that it hangs over two sides to make it easy to life the brownies out of the pan when baked. Transfer the thick batter into the prepared baking pan.
Bake. Bake in a 350°F preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean with moist a few moist crumbs attached. Place the baking pan on a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Second, make the peppermint ganache topping.

Prep chocolate. Place chopped chocolate into a medium mixing bowl.
Heat cream. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it begins to simmer. Immediately remove from heat before it begins to boil.
Add cream to chocolate. Pour hot cream over top of the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow it to soften the chocolate. Use a spoon to slowly stir until completely smooth and creamy. Stir in the peppermint extract.

Spread ganache. Spread the ganache evenly over the cooled brownies.
Add candy canes. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.

Chill. Refrigerate for 1 hour to allow ganache to set. Then, use a sharp knife to cut the brownies in to 16 squares and serve. For clean cuts, wipe the knife after each cut.

Recipe Variations

Get creative with mix-ins: Mix in a cup of mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, or crushed nuts into the brownies batter.
Add sprinkles. Add Christmas colored sprinkles on top instead of crushed peppermints, or make these any time of the year using colored sprinkles that match the theme you are going for. You can also omit the peppermint extract in that case.
Make white chocolate ganache: Use white chocolate in the ganache instead for a white chocolate peppermint topping.

How to Serve

Peppermint Brownies are delicious warm (but a bit messier), at room temperature, or cool. These brownies are especially delicious with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream. I actually like it better warm with ice cream. To reheat up a but, place in the microwave for 10-20 seconds until warm.

Brownies are also delicious with a tasty drink. Some of our favorites to serve with these peppermint treats are:

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Make sure brownies have cooled. Before spreading on the ganache, make sure the brownies have cooked completely. Otherwise the ganache will melt everywhere and you'll end up with a gooey mess.
Try boxed brownie mix. For a quicker option, use boxed brownie mix instead. Then, prepare the ganache and spread on the baked brownies.
Double the recipe. You can make these brownies in a 9x13-inch baking pan simply by doubling the recipe. You will also need to increase the baking time about 5 more minutes.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Once the peppermint brownies have completely cooled, you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days - make sure to keep them cool and out of direct sunlight. They will stay fresh for days! You can also tightly wrap them in plastic cling wrap or aluminum foil. You can store them longer for up to a week in the fridge.

How to Freeze

You can store peppermint brownies before or after frosting with ganache. Once cool, place in a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to two months. You can also slice them first and wrap individually in plastic cling wrap before placing in a freezer bag. When ready to serve, take out the portion that you want and thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Then, bring to room temperature before serving, about 20 minutes on the kitchen counter.

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Oat Porridge

Oat Porridge is a healthy, delicious breakfast that's great for all ages. This homemade porridge is fragrant with warm, comforting notes of maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon - the most perfect way to heat up on cold winter mornings. It's creamy. It's rich. It's just plain cozy.

Plus, it's quick and easy to make oatmeal porridge from scratch. In just ten minutes you can whip up enough hot porridge for your whole family, using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. It takes no time at all to get breakfast ready with this recipe, so you can focus on getting everyone ready for the day ahead.

Why You'll Love this Oat Porridge

Quick and easy breakfast. Hot porridge makes a fast, wholesome breakfast that can be whipped up on even the most hectic mornings. It takes only five minutes to prep the ingredients and five minutes to cook! Plus, oat porridge gives me the energy boost I need to make it through my mornings.
Naturally vegan and gluten-free. This particular oatmeal porridge is made with almond milk, making it perfect for vegans and vegetarians without any substitutions. It is also gluten-free but you have to make sure that you are using certified gluten-free oats to be sure.
No processed sugar. Unlike a lot of the ready-made mixes, this quick homemade porridge is sweetened using maple syrup (or honey) instead of processed sugars. In fact, you leave out the sweetener completely, or adjust it to your desired level of sweetness.
Great for winter mornings. With cozy and warm flavors, this oatmeal porridge is a perfect for cold fall and winter mornings, especially Christmas morning! To make the perfect Christmas morning breakfast, decorate this porridge with some cinnamon powder. You can create a christmas tree, heart, or a happy face garnish and put an instant smile on your children's faces.
Easy to customize. The combination of milk, cinnamon, and vanilla just does something amazing to your taste buds. These ingredients were made for each other! And the best part is that you don't have to ever get sick of this porridge because there are so many ways to change up this recipe. Use this recipe as a base for a basic porridge and experiment with different combinations of nuts and fruits.

Ingredient Notes

To make this quick and easy Oat Porridge, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

rolled oats - make sure to use rolled oats (whole oats) and not quick oats. You could use quick oats but it will change the consistency and make it more mushy. Also, use certified gluten-free oats if someone in your family is celiac or has a gluten intolerance.
milk - you can use other dairy or non-dairy milk. Try almond milk, soy milk, or cow's milk.
water
maple syrup - you can also use the same measure of honey, brown sugar, or white sugar to sweeten the oatmeal porridge. Use maple syrup or sugar to keep the recipe completely vegan. You can also adjust the amount to suit your level of sweetness, and can even leave it out completely if you wish.
salt
vanilla extract - vanilla bean paste can be used in place of the vanilla extract at a 1:1 ratio. You could also leave this out completely if you wish.
ground cinnamon - you can use store-bought or grind your own at home.
walnuts - this is optional to sprinkle on top. You can also use other nuts such as pecans, pistachios, or almonds.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons and a medium saucepan.

How to Make the Best Oat Porridge

Combine ingredients. In a medium saucepan, add oats, milk, water, honey, salt, and vanilla. Stir well and heat over medium heat.
Simmer. Bring mixture to a simmer, and continue to for 5 minutes, stirring often.
Serve. Divide into serving bowls and serve with your favorite toppings such as a sprinkle of cinnamon on top and chopped walnuts.

Porridge Variations

Add fruit. You can add fresh, frozen or dehydrated fruits into your porridge. You can also add them on top as a garnish and mix in slowly as you eat. Try it with apples, banana, and berries.
Change the spices. We adding cinnamon and vanilla, but it is completely optional. Some other spices to add to your oatmeal include pumpkin pie spice blend, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, or almond extract.
Add sweet treats. Add in some chocolate chips or sprinkles. This is also a great way to get the kids to eat porridge. You can also customize the sprinkles based on any holiday that you are celebrating.
Make it nutty. We topped our porridge with walnuts, but you can use any nuts that you like. Try almonds, pistachios, pecans, or hazelnuts.

How to Serve

Serve this oatmeal porridge on it's own or add in your favorite mix-ins including fruits, nuts, and sprinkles, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. I also like preparing a big batch as part of a lunch spread along with some other brunch favorites including:

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Try also baking your oats. You can easily bake the cooked oat porridge (or leftover porridge) for a few minutes to create a chewy crust layer and a more casserole-like texture.
Pair with fresh fruit and bacon. Hot oatmeal porridge is great on its own, but it also makes a great companion to crispy bacon and bananas, strawberries, melons, blueberries, and apples.
Turn leftovers into a smoothie. You can take your leftover porridge and combine it with your favorite fruits (I like banana and berries), add some spinach, and thin it out with more water and milk. You can also just follow your favorite smoothie recipes and a spoonful of oatmeal for added nutrients and flavor.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Once the oat porridge has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 6 days.

How to Reheat

You can reheat leftover porridge in the microwave or on the stove. To reheat in the microwave, place the oatmeal in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes until warm. You can reheat in a saucepan on the stove over medium-low heat until warm, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of water if the oatmeal has thickend too much when stored in the fridge.

How to Freeze

Spoon leftover oatmeal porridge into a freezer bag and freeze flat. When you're ready to reheat it, thaw overnight in the fridge or use a warm water bath to release the oatmeal from the bag. I recommend freezing in portions for easy reheating just the amount that you want.

More Breakfast Recipes

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75+ Easy Appetizer Recipes

Looking for some easy appetizers to make for your next dinner party, happy hour with friends, game day, or work potluck? Well, you are in luck! We are sharing over 75 of our best easy appetizer recipes to snack on including bite-sized finger foods, delicious dips, shareable snack platters, holiday appetizers, and more.

Plus, there is an easy appetizer recipe for everyone, including comforting cheesy snacks, healthy and gluten-free appys, and vegetarian and vegan appetizers. Plus, tons of kid-friendly options too.

Easy Appetizer Recipes

Antipasto Skewers

Antipasto skewers with tortellini are a quick, easy, and delicious appetizer with the best parts of a traditional antipasto platter but easier to eat.

Baked Spinach Dip

Warm, rich, creamy baked spinach dip is a delicious and easy appetizer that is baked until warm and melty. Easy to make ahead and a total crowd pleaser. It's one of my favourite dip recipes of all time.

Easy Tomato Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze

Tomato bruschetta with balsamic glaze is an easy Italian appetizer topped with tomatoes, onions, garlic, basil and olive oil. Delicious, fresh and simple.

Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs

Sticky honey garlic meatballs are a delicious and flavourful 30-minute meal to add to your weekly dinner rotation. A total crowd pleaser.

Jalapeño Poppers

Jalapeño poppers are the perfect appetizer - spicy, crispy, cheesy, and creamy, toasted to golden brown perfection. Plus easy to make ahead and freeze well.

Whipped Ricotta Dip

Light and airy, whipped ricotta dip is so easy to make in just 5 minutes with a few fresh ingredients including fresh herbs, olive oil, garlic, and honey.

Homemade Taquitos

Homemade Taquitos are crispy, delicious and flavorful. These rolled tacos are filled with seasoned ground beef and melty cheese - and can be fried or baked!

Sweet Chili Chicken Bites

Sticky crispy baked sweet chili chicken bites is better than takeout and so easy to make healthier at home. An easy dinner or game day appy.

Bacon Cheddar Cheese Ball

Bacon cheddar cheese ball is an easy to make appetizer and delicious showstopper at holiday parties or game day. It's creamy, cheesy, and nutty.

Easy Charcuterie Board

This easy charcuterie board is the perfect appetizer to impress with minimal effort- made with cheese, cured meats, crackers, dips, olives, fruit, and nuts.

Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

Easy pepperoni pizza rolls are crispy on the bottom, tender and chewy inside, packed with pepperoni and cheese, and baked until bubbly. One of my favorite finger foods!

Queso Mexican Cheese Dip

Homemade queso Mexican cheese dip is smooth, creamy, delicious, flavorful, and so easy to make. It's so much better than store-bought in every way.

Beef Potstickers

Homemade Chinese beef potstickers (dumplings) are crispy on the outside and tender and juicy inside packed with a delicious beef filling.

Whipped Ricotta Crostini

Whipped ricotta crostini is a fancy easy appetizer to make in just minutes or prepare in advance and assemble before serving. A total crowd pleaser.

Cranberry Brie Bites

Cranberry Brie Bites are quick and easy to make with flaky puff pastry, gooey melty brie, and sweet cranberry sauce. The perfect holiday appetizer.

Toasted Ravioli

Toasted Ravioli is a classic Italian appetizer that is crispy and golden on the outside, and tender and gooey on the inside. Ready in less than 30 minutes!

Whipped Feta

Whipped feta is light, airy, and fluffy. It's an easy yet impressive recipe that takes only 5 minutes to make in a blender with 3 simple ingredients.

Miso Garlic Chicken Wings

Baked miso garlic chicken wings are crispy, delicious, and easy to make. They're marinated in a savoury Asian marinade, and cooked in the oven or air fryer.

Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms

Vegetarian stuffed mushrooms are a delicious, flavorful, healthy, and nutritious appetizer. Plus, quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes including prep!

Caprese Skewers

Caprese Skewers are a quick and fresh appetizer made with bite-sized mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and basil leaves with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Fried Mac and Cheese Balls

Fried mac and cheese balls are crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside, and have the perfect crunch. Best way to use leftover mac and cheese. One of our most popular party foods!

Baked Chicken Quesadillas

Baked Chicken Quesadillas are cheesy, crispy, flavorful, and delicious. This family-friendly recipe is quick and easy to make in just 30 minutes!

Tzatziki Sauce

Light and fresh, easy tzatziki sauce is a creamy yogurt cucumber dip packed with fresh cucumbers, garlic, dill, lemon juice and olive oil. So easy to make.

Pigs in a Blanket

Pigs in a blanket from scratch are a delicious and easy appetizer or snack to make for your next party or gathering - juicy, cheesy, flaky, and buttery.

Cauliflower Tots

These Cauliflower Tots are everything you want in a tater tot - but better! They are crunchy on the outside, tender inside, higher in fiber, and cheesy.

Cheese Board

This easy Cheese Board is a popular and classic appetizer arranged with an assortment of cheese, bread and crackers, fresh fruit, and nuts.

Cranberry Baked Brie

Cranberry baked brie is a sweet and savory appetizer you need to try this holiday season. It's quick and easy, melty and gooey, and so delicious.

Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Bacon wrapped brussels sprouts are the sweet, savory, and salty appetizer that you need at your next holiday gathering this fall. Simple and easy to make.

Homemade Chicken Nuggets

Easy homemade chicken nuggets with chicken breast are golden and crisp on the outside and juicy and tender inside. They're freezer-friendly so make extra.

Crispy Air Fryer French Fries

Super crispy air fryer french fries are tender and fluffy on the inside and crunchy on the outside. Make this healthier french fry in just 12 minutes!

Classic Hummus

Whip up smooth and creamy classic hummus dip at home in just 5 minutes, by combining chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice and garlic in the blender.

Cheesy Baked Zucchini with Marinara

Cheesy Baked Zucchini with Marinara will save your weeknight dinner routine (and the kids love it too!). It's low carb, vegetarian, gluten-free, and keto.

Deviled Eggs

Classic deviled eggs are a simple, easy, and healthy appetizer to make when you need something quick for brunch, picnics, barbecues, potlucks, or Easter.

Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Chicken

Vietnamese summer rolls with chicken are fresh, light, and healthy. This Asian summer snack takes less than 20 minutes to make and easier than you think.

Air Fryer Pizza Rolls

Homemade Air Fryer Pizza Rolls are a grown-up version of Totino's pizza rolls and are perfect to serve as an appetizer, snack, or even a quick main dish!

Mashed Potato Balls

Mashed potato balls are a delicious appetizer that is crisp on the outside and soft, tender, and cheesy inside. Best way to use leftover mashed potatoes!

Ba ked Cauliflower Nuggets

Healthy baked cauliflower nuggets are a vegetarian alternative to chicken nuggets. With parmesan panko breading, these bites are baked until crispy.

7 Layer Dip

This easy and delicious 7 layer dip is the perfect dip to serve at your next party, made with layers of beans, guacamole, salsa, cheese, and more.

Falafel

Homemade falafel are delicious, golden brown and crispy on the outside, fluffy tender and soft inside. Plus, they're vegan, loaded with plant-based protein. One of my favorite vegan finger foods!

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

Bacon wrapped jalapeño poppers are crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy inside, spicy, and wrapped in bacon. Easy to make in the air fryer or oven.

Crispy Vegetarian Spring Rolls

Better than takeout, light and crispy fried vegetarian spring rolls are packed with a tender mushroom and cabbage vegetarian filling in a crunchy skin.

Air Fryer Short Ribs

Air fryer short ribs are crispy, flavorful, and delicious. The easy marinade ensures they're tender and juicy inside, while the air fryer makes them crispy.

Whipped Feta Crostini

Whipped feta crostini with a herby olive topping is quick and easy snack or appetizer that is ready in less than 20 minutes - or 10 minutes if you're fast.

Guacamole

This authentic Guacamole recipe is quick and easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients and 5 minutes of time. It's fresh and flavorful.

Pan-Fried Pork and Shrimp Wontons

Better than takeout pan-fried pork and shrimp wontons are so crispy outside and tender and juicy inside with a savoury pork, shrimp and vegetable filling.

Vegetarian Quesadillas

Vegetarian quesadillas are quick and easy, completely customizable, loaded with veggies and beans. Serve this kid-friendly Mexican meal for a snack, lunch, or dinner.

Marinated Mozzarella Balls

Marinated mozzarella balls is a delicious and simple yet stunning appetizer, made with fresh bocconcini soaked in olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs.

Sheet Pan Nachos

Oven-baked loaded sheet pan nachos are a crowd pleaser for an easy weeknight dinner or a crave-worthy appetizer to serve on game day.

Grilled Cheese Roll Ups

Grilled cheese roll ups are a fun twist on a classic grilled cheese that gives you a hot handheld lunch to enjoy. They're kid-friendly and easy to make.

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Smooth creamy roasted red pepper hummus is a delicious, flavourful, vegan + gluten-free dip. This healthy appetizer is easy to make with a few ingredients.

Asparagus Tart

Asparagus tart with Gruyère cheese, a balsamic glaze, and flaky puff pastry, is a flavourful and delicious addition to brunch this spring season.

Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites

Air fryer cauliflower bites have a crispy breaded coating outside, yet tender and light inside. They are a bite-sized, flavorful, easy to make, and healthy finger food.

Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

Bacon wrapped chicken bites are one of the best appys ever - well seasoned tender juicy chicken is wrapped in bacon and oven-baked to crisp perfection.

Shrimp Egg Rolls

Better than takeout, shrimp egg rolls are a delicious, flavourful and easy appetizer to make. They can be deep fried, baked or air fried.

Spinach Artichoke Dip

This baked spinach artichoke dip is quick, easy, creamy, flavorful, and delicious. This warm dip is baked in the oven and served with bread or crackers.

Garlic Breadsticks

Soft garlic breadsticks are fluffy, airy, buttery, and delicious. They're an easy recipe that is perfect for beginners at baking bread.

Pizza Crescent Rolls

Pizza crescent rolls are a delicious, cheesy, easy appetizer ready in under 30 minutes - the perfect last minute bite, lunch or dinner, or party food.

Veggie Tray

This homemade veggie tray is a quick easy healthy snack or appetizer to make for your next party, with a variety of colorful vegetables and delicious dips.

Olive Tapenade

Olive tapenade is a delicious, flavorful, easy dip that comes together in minutes, made with the perfect combination of sharp, tangy, salty, and savory.

Baked Coconut Shrimp

Crispy baked coconut shrimp is a delicious appetizer that is easy to make in 30 minutes. They are more flavourful, tastier and healthier than takeout. One of my favorite finger foods!

Spinach Cheese Rolls

Spinach cheese rolls are an easy appetizer that's creamy, cheesy, comforting, and delicious. Serve as an appy at parties, for a school lunch, or snack.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Garlic Butter Steak Bites are tender, juicy, and flavorful. This quick and easy appetizer or weeknight dinner takes just 15 minutes to make in one skillet. Serve with toothpicks for an easy finger food idea.

Pesto Hummus

Smooth and creamy pesto hummus is a healthy, delicious and flavourful dip that is easy to make in just 5 minutes. It's vegan and gluten-free.

Sweet Chili Turkey Meatballs

Sweet chili turkey meatballs are delicious, tender and juicy, loaded with classic Thai flavors, and quick and easy to make. Savory, sweet, and tangy.

Homemade Tater Tots with Bacon

Homemade tater tots with bacon are golden and crispy on the outside, yet soft and tender inside. They're packed with flavour and a total family favourite.

Zucchini Bites

Zucchini Bites are savory balls that are loaded with fresh zucchini. They're quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes in the air fryer or oven.

Baked Mozzarella Sticks

Crunchy, cheesy, and paired with an awesome dipping sauce, these baked mozzarella sticks are just as amazing as what you would find in a restaurant.

Pizza Dip

Pepperoni pizza dip is creamy, rich, comforting, and delicious. This appetizer is easy to make, easy to prepare ahead of time, and easy to eat.

Air Fryer Breaded Fried Chicken Wings

The BEST breaded fried chicken wings -- extra crispy and crunchy outside, tender and juicy inside. You can't even tell they're air fried, not deep-fried!

Crispy Bottom Pan-Fried Vegetable Buns

Crispy bottom pan-fried fried vegetable buns (no yeast) are crunchy outside yet tender inside with a mushroom, carrot and vermicelli vegetarian filling.

Shrimp Cakes

Quick and easy shrimp cakes are juicy, tender, delicious, and flavorful. They're made simple with a food processor and your choice of three cooking methods.

Garlic Knots

Garlic knots are fluffy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and topped with delicious savory garlic herbed butter that will have you begging for more.

Marinara Sauce

Marinara sauce is rich, vibrant, and loaded with flavor. It's easy to make with a few simple fresh ingredients. Serve as a dip or in pasta and pizza.

Chicken Nachos

Chicken nachos are an easy to make when you're craving something filling, crunchy, cheesy, and satisfying. Perfect game day appetizer or late-night snack.

Fried Goat Cheese Balls

Fried Goat Cheese Balls are flavorful, delicious, and easy to make. With creamy, melty cheese oozing out of a crunchy, golden crust in every bite.

Pork Dumplings

Homemade pork dumplings are quick and easy to make, with perfect crispy bottoms and a tender, juicy pork filling inside. Easy to meal prep and freeze well.

Fig Crostini

Fig crostini topped sweet, juicy figs, tangy goat cheese and crunchy pistachios is flavourful, delicious, and perfect for snacking on or entertaining.

Greek Fries

Homemade Greek fries bring a Mediterranean twist on a classic side dish, crispy fries are topped with crumbled feta cheese, fresh parsley, and lime juice.

Buffalo Hot Wings

Is it even game day without game day buffalo hot wings? This classic appetizer is a total crowd pleaser and one of my most popular Super Bowl recipes.

Caramelized Onion Dip

Caramelized onion dip is creamy, flavorful, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. This easy appetizer is perfect for entertaining, on game day, or for a snack.

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus and Melon

Prosciutto wrapped asparagus and melon are salty, sweet, and juicy. They are easy to make with a handful of simple ingredients, then cooked on the grill.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air fryer chicken tenders are juicy and moist inside while crispy and golden brown outside. A healthy, delicious, and quick kid-friendly recipe.

Jerk Chicken Wings

Jamaican jerk chicken wings with delicious crispy skin and tender and juicy meat are loaded with flavor. They're easy to make on the oven, grill, air fryer.

Cranberry Meatballs

Cranberry Meatballs are sticky, sweet and tangy. These delicious bites are the perfect holiday appetizer, or a great way to use up leftover cranberry sauce.

Zucchini Fritters

Zucchini fritters are crispy outside, tender inside, and loaded with zucchini. These healthy bites are one of my favorite ways to use up summer zucchini.

Baked BBQ Chicken Wings

Sweet and sticky, baked BBQ chicken wings are perfectly crispy, so delicious, and smothered in barbecue sauce. They are the perfect party appetizer.

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Did You Make Any of These Easy Appetizer Recipes?

Please leave a comment and rating below, and let me know what you thought of this round up of easy appetizers. Be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.

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Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are rich and chewy chocolate cookies with a smooth and velvety chocolate ganache filling topped with crunchy pistachios. This twist on classic Jam Thumbprint Cookies is easy to make, absolutely delicious, and perfect for chocolate lovers!

These chocolate thumbprints are perfect to make during the holidays as part of a cookie exchange or holiday cookie box, but are the kind of cookie that you can bake any time of the year. Although they require some chilling time, you can serve these bakery-style two-bite cookies in just an hour and a half.

Why You'll Love these Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Double chocolate flavor. A chocolate cookie dough base and chocolate ganache filling makes these chocolate thumbprints a doubly-decadent experience.
Easy to make. These delicious chocolate thumbprints generally follow standard cookie-making procedure until it comes time to shape the dough when you'll create a shallow indentation in each cookie to fill with simple homemade chocolate ganache once they cool. The whole process takes an hour and a half (1 hour of which is chill time).
Made with simple baking staples. If you are an avid baker, then you will likely have the ingredients called for in this recipe. These cookies are made with typical chocolate cookie ingredients like flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and butter.
Classic Christmastime treat. Thumbprint cookies are a time-tested traditional holiday dessert all over the world - along with classic like Peanut Butter Blossoms, Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, Italian Christmas Cookies, and Ginger Cookies.

Ingredient Notes

To make these delicious Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

flour - you can also try a measure-for-measure gluten free flour to make these more friendly to people with gluten sensitivity.
cocoa powder - use unsweetened cocoa powder to control the sweetness of the cookies.
baking powder
salt
butter - use unsalted butter to control the flavor of the cookies. If you need to use salted butter, omit the salt called for in this recipe.
light brown sugar - you can use an equal amount of dark brown sugar instead for more molasses flavor.
white sugar - use your preferred granulated sugar (like cane sugar, date sugar, or coconut sugar), or use a sugar-free substitute like stevia or monk fruit.
egg - set the eggs out ahead of time or place them in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes to bring them up to room temperature.
vanilla extract - you can use an equal amount of vanilla bean paste for a richer vanilla flavor, or try a different extract flavor such as almond extract or peppermint extract.
semi-sweet chocolate - you can substitute with other chocolates such as milk, white, or dark chocolate. Note that milk and white chocolate add a lot of sweetness, so it will make the cookies sweeter.
heavy whipping cream - you could subsitute this with whole milk, but it will change the texture of the ganache slightly and make it more soft (wont set as easily).
chopped pistachios - you can substitute pistachios with your favorite nuts such as chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans.

Baking Tools and Equipment

You will also need the following baking tools and equipment:

measuring cups and spoons
mixing bowls
hand mixer
cookie scoop
half sheet baking pan and silicone baking mat (or parchment paper)
wire cooling rack

How to Make the Best Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Combine dry ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Combine wet ingredients. Use a stand mixer (or hand mixer) and cream the butter and sugars together in a mixing bowl on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add egg and vanilla and continue to beat on medium until fully incorporated.

Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients until just combined.

Roll cookies and coat. Place granulated sugar for rolling into a shallow bowl. Take 1 tablespoon of dough at a time and roll into 1-inch balls. Roll into the sugar to coat.

Make indentations. Make an indentation with your thumb (or the back of a small spoon or melon baller) into the centre of each ball.
Chill. Place cookies on a silpat or parchment-lined half sheet baking pan, spaced 2 inches apart. Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill the cookies for 1 hour (or place in the freezer for 30 minutes).

Bake. Bake the cookies in a 350F preheated oven for 10-13 minutes until the edges are set. If the indentations have started to close, use the back of a spoon or melon baller to carefully make the indentation bigger again, while the cookies are still hot.
Cool. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

How to Make Chocolate Ganache

Prep chocolate. Place chopped chocolate into a medium mixing bowl.
Heat cream. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it begins to simmer. Immediately remove from heat before it begins to boil.
Add cream to chocolate. Pour hot cream over top of the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow it to soften the chocolate. Then, use a spoon to slowly stir until completely combined.
Cool. Allow the ganache to cool down and thicken uncovered for 10-20 minutes.

How to Assemble Thumbprint Cookies

Use a small spoon to scoop just under a teaspoon of the ganache into each indentation.
Sprinkle crushed pistachios on top of the ganache.
Allow the ganache to set completely (about 1 hour or faster in the refrigerator) before storing the cookie to avoid smudging.

Drizzle chocolate. Want to up the chocolate factor? Drizzle a little melted chocolate over the top of the thumbprint cookies.
Use different nuts. Substitute the pistachios with chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts.
Fill with caramel. Instead of a chocolate ganache filling, fill these thumbprint cookies with Salted Caramel Sauce.
Add sprinkles. Instead of adding pistachios on top, add sprinkles instead. Then you can customize these cookies based on the holiday that you are making them for. Use red and green sprinkles for Christmas, red and pink for Valentine's Day, and so on.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Make sure the dough is completely smooth before pressing it. Many people find that the cookie dough cracks when it's pressed down. To prevent this, take the time to really work and smooth each dough ball before applying pressure.
Freeze before mailing them out. These are a popular type of cookie to send to family during the holidays, but there's a trick to making sure they arrive intact and unmelted: freeze them right up until you're ready to ship them. They will slowly thaw in transit and be ready to eat (depending on the distance) when they arrive!
Get the kids involved! This recipe is very kid-friendly. Children can help with making and shaping the dough (many of us have childhood memories of pressing our thumbs in cookie dough to make the indentations), as well as adding the chocolate ganache filling.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Store chocolate thumbprint cookies in a single layer in an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 4 days (the kitchen counter is usually fine). You can store them longer in the refrigerator, about 10 days.

How to Freeze

Freeze thumbprint cookies uncovered on a parchment lined baking sheet for 1-2 hours until the cookies are completely solid. Then, transfer to an airtight container between layers of parchment paper. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

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Prime Rib Roast

This Prime Rib Roast is a tender and juicy cut of beef marbled with fat. It is incredibly flavorful, delicious, and so good. It is smothered with a few simple ingredients including garlic and herbs that pack on the flavor and served with a homemade chimichurri sauce. This feast is perfect for Chrismas dinner, special occasions, or date night.

If the flavor isn't enough to impress you, the short prep time will! It only takes a few minutes to get the standing rib roast ready to roast so you can go about your day and check on it periodically, though the scent of garlic and herbs will make your mouth water long before the roast is ready to eat.

Why You'll Love this Prime Rib Roast

Perfect holiday main for Christmas dinner. This standing rib roast recipe delivers a lot of flavor without a lot of work. You can get the rib roast ready for the oven in as little as 5 minutes before roasting it and moving on to preparing the sides. It's perfect for Christmas but also great for fancy family dinners.
Delicious flavor with simple ingredients. The simple ingredients used to flavor this prime rib roast perfectly compliment this cut. All you need is some oil, garlic, and dried herbs to bring out the natural flavors of this tender cut of beef.
Homemade chimichurri sauce. The finishing touch on this dish is the homemade chimichurri sauce which only consists of olive oil, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Ingredient Notes

To make this delicious Prime Rib Roast, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

standing rib roast - a bone-in prime rib roast with a layer of fat is the star of this delectable dish and is the main source of flavor. You can pick one up from your local butcher or in the deli section of your grocery store.
avocado oil - we used avocado oil, but you can also use other vegetable oils including olive oil, or use softened butter.
garlic - fresh garlic is the best for flavor, but you can also use store-bought minced garlic or garlic paste.
Italian seasoning -
Worcestershire sauce - this is optional but adds a rich depth of flavor.
salt and pepper
chimichurri sauce - we like pairing our rib roast with a homemade chimichurri sauce, but it is optional. To make it, you will need olive oil, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons and a roasting pan.

How to Make the Best Prime Rib Roast

Prepare the rib roast. Use a paper towel to pat the standing rib roast completely dry. Rub salt, pepper, oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce evenly over the roast. Optionally, use kitchen twine to tie between each rib to help cook more evenly.
Marinate. Set aside for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight. When ready to cook, it's ideal to bring the marinated roast to room temperature to achieve even cooking and juicier meat.
Roast. Preheat the oven to 250 F. Place the prime rib on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.Transfer the pan into the oven and bake until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat (away from the bone) reads 118 F, about 30 minutes per pound of meat. This will result in medium rare meat (most popular for feeding a crowd). For medium, take it out once the reading is 125F.

Rest. Remove the roast from the oven and cover with aluminum foil to keep it moist. Let the roast rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Resting after cooking helps the juices to redistribute into the meat as the internal temperature for the roast continues to rise about 10 degrees. The target temperature after rest should be 127F for medium rare, or 135F for medium.
Sear. While resting the roast, preheat the oven to 500F. Remove the aluminum foil and sear the roast in the oven for 10 minutes until dark brown on the outside.

How to Make Chimichurri Sauce

Combine all the sauce ingredients including parsley, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.

How to Serve

Slice this Prime Rib Roast and serve with chimichurri sauce on top. It also pairs well with a side of vegetables, potatoes, and a dinner roll. Some of our most popular sides include:

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Bring the prime rib to room temperature. Once you have added the seasoning rub, set the roast aside for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. By bringing the marinated meat to room temperature, it will help with even cooking and result in juicier meat.
Keep an eye on the temperature. The best way to do this is use a meat thermometer, especially one that you can leave inserted in the oven and take the reading while it's still inside the oven. The temperature will start increasing faster the closer it gets to the desired temperature of 118F (for medium rare).
Final prime rib temperature. Plan to take out your roast from the oven when it is about 10 degrees under the final desired temperature. The final temperature for medium rare is 125-130°F (after resting) and for medium is 135-140°F (after resting).

Standing Rib Roast Leftovers

Use leftover prime rib roast in almost any recipe that calls for leftover beef. Some of our favorite recipes are:

You can also make leftover rub roast sandwiches with chimichurri sauce which are just as good as the original dish! Looks like tomorrow's lunch is already taken care of.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Once the rib roast has completely cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days.

How to Reheat

Place the prime rib roast in a roasting pan along with any leftover juiced or ¼ cup of beef broth or stock. Reheat in a 300F preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the roast.

How to Freeze

Place leftover prime rib in a freezer bag and freeze for up to three months. I recommend cutting it up first and portioning it out for easy thawing and reheating. When ready to serve, allow it to defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.

More Roast Recipes

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White Hot Chocolate

Homemade White Hot Chocolate is a rich, sweet, and decadent drink that is so quick and easy to make at home from scratch. You may seriously rethink every hot chocolate experience you've ever had after just one cup of this homemade version made with just 3 ingredients including real chocolate. Just in time for the holidays!

In as little as 15 minutes you can serve up tall glasses of warm, creamy, velvety white chocolate as a winter treat or holiday beverage - and only five minutes of active preparation. Pull out this recipe for your next holiday movie marathon and create unforgettable Christmas memories with your loved ones.

Why You'll Love this White Hot Chocolate

Perfect for white chocolate lovers. If you fall on the white chocolate side of the dark-versus-light debate, you'll love a mug of this modern hot chocolate with white chocolate!
Only 5 ingredients! Ditch the mix without making things complicated. This hot chocolate recipe makes luscious white chocolate refreshments by adding milk, vanilla, whipped cream and marshmallows to the white chocolate(plus optional garnishes).
Made with real white chocolate. This hot chocolate with white chocolate gets its namesake flavor by using real, high-quality melted white chocolate. No powders, imitations or artificial flavors here!

Ingredient Notes

To make easy homemade White Hot Chocolate, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

milk - you can use traditional dairy or replace it with your preferred plant-based milk instead!
white chocolate - use high-quality white chocolate for the best flavor and texture.
vanilla extract - you can also use an equal measure of vanilla bean paste.

Optional Toppings and Mix-ins

whipped cream - use canned whipped cream to make things easier or whip your own if you have time!
mini marshmallows - you can use vegan marshmallows if necessary.
crushed candy canes - crush candy canes in a ziplock bag
sprinkles - use your favorite holiday sprinkles to add a pop of color!
caramel
maple syrup

You will also need measuring cups and spoons and a saucepan.

How to Make the Best White Hot Chocolate

In a medium saucepan, add milk, white chocolate, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium-low heat, whisking continuously until smooth (do not boil).

Serve immediately with toppings.

How to Serve

White Hot Chocolate is one of my favorite cozy drinks to enjoy in the cooler fall and winter months. We love serving it with a batch of our favorite homemade holiday cookies, including:

See all of our favorite cookie recipes: 50 Best Cookie Recipes.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Choose your white chocolate carefully. Because there are so few ingredients, the quality of the white chocolate is especially important. Look for high quality white chocolate with cocoa butter listed in the first few ingredients and an off-white or yellowish tint to it.
Make it foamy. Use a handheld frothing whisk to create a layer of foam on the top of each white hot chocolate before adding the whipped cream to create more fluffy, pillowy texture.
Thicken it up. Everyone has an ideal hot chocolate consistency - some like it watery-thin and some like it as thick as melted chocolate itself. You can give this white hot chocolate a little more body by adding more melted chocolate, using a higher-fat milk (or adding a little heavy cream), or adding a tablespoon or two of cornstarch to the mix.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Allow any leftover white hot chocolate to cool to room temperature, then carefully pour the white hot chocolate into a liquid container with an airtight lid (like a large mason jar or sealed pitcher). Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How to Freeze

Once cooled to room temperature, pour leftover white hot chocolate into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid (usually 2-6 hours), then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To use, reheat from frozen on the stovetop over medium-low heat.

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Fried Goat Cheese Balls

Fried Goat Cheese Balls are flavorful, savory, and delicious. With creamy, melty cheese oozing out of a crispy, golden crust in every flavor-packed bite! They are so easy to make using 8 simple ingredients and are done in just 30 minutes. These cheese balls make the best holiday appetizers, game day snacks, or movie night munchies.

Quick and easy appetizers like fried goat cheese are absolute lifesavers when making for a crowd. They do not take a lot of time to prep and cook, and you can even get your whole family involved in coating the goat cheese while you get busy at the stove deep-frying them in batches. I'm sure the kids will love shaping and dunking the cheese balls in flour, egg and breadcrumbs. They are as much fun to make as they are to eat!

Why You'll Love these Fried Goat Cheese Balls

Quick and easy appetizers. This goat cheese ball recipe yields 2 dozens of cheese balls done in just 30 minutes - and even less if you have some help! All you have to do is shape the cheese, coat them in flour, eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs, then deep-frying them to golden perfection. It's a perfect last minute appy to whip up.
Crunchy outside creamy inside. If you are a certified cheese-lover, then you are in for a treat with this goat cheese recipe. These crispy and cheesy poppers will have you coming back for more with their flavors and textures - from the savory, crispy panko crust to soft, creamy, tangy cheese to sweet, silky honey.
A crowd-favorite. Fried goat cheese balls are one of those dishes that instantaneously draws in the crowd and are gone in an instant! They are delicious and packed with flavor. Plus, you can serve them warm with a drizzle of honey for even more flavor. It is a good thing you can easily double or triple the recipe to make plenty for a big party!
Easy to making ahead and freezer-friendly. You can shape and coat the balls the day before and store them in the fridge tightly wrapped ready for frying the next day - or make them months ahead and store in the freezer!). Plus, you can freeze the prepared cheese balls and cook directly from frozen. This will give you more time to prepare other dishes that you are planning to serve to your guests.

Ingredient Notes

To make these Fried Goat Cheese Balls, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

goat cheese - I love how creamy and soft goat cheese is without becoming too gooey when cooked, so they do not leak as much either. I recommend using goat cheese sticks. Do not buy the pre-crumbled goat cheese because that will be much more difficult to form into balls.
all-purpose flour - this will coat the cheese balls and make them firmer so they do not loose their shape during cooking. Flour also absorbs excess moisture from the cheese to allow the egg to cling better.
egg - gives the cheese balls a nice sticky surface for the breadcrumbs to adhere to. It also adds a richer taste and color to the crust.
panko breadcrumbs - we like panko breadcrumbs for a light and crisp crust. If you cannot find panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed toast instead. Take note though that the texture may not be the same, but similar.
garlic powder - to season the breadcrumbs and give it a savory flavor. You can play around with other seasonings like onion powder, white pepper, and herbs and spices.
vegetable oil - or other neutral-tasting, high-smoke point oils like canola, sunflower, or avocado oil will work well for deep frying.
parsley - for garnishing. You can use other fresh herbs like chives, cilantro, or scallions.
honey - we drizzled honey over the fried goat cheese balls before serving to give it a sweet twist! You can also use maple syrup or agave as an alternative.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, shallow dishes, and a cooking pot.

How to Make the Best Fried Goat Cheese Balls

Shape goat cheese. Cut the goat cheese into 24 equal pieces, roughly 1 teaspoon in size. Use your hands to form each piece into a round ball.

Prep for coating. Add flour a shallow dish and beaten egg to another shallow dish, In a third shallow dish, add panko breadcrumbs and garlic powder. Whisk to combine.

Coat goat cheese. Coat each goat cheese ball in flour, then coat it into the egg, and finally dredge in panko and fully coat. Gently press the breadcrumbs around each ball to coat if needed to help it stick.

Deep fry. Add 2-inches of oil into a cooking pot and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering hot, about 3-4 minutes. Add the goat cheese balls in batches (about 4-5 pieces each time) until crisp and golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Turn the balls occasionally to get an even golden crust on all sides.
Cool and serve. Transfer the goat cheese balls to a paper towel lined plate to drain excess oil, and let them cool for 5 minutes before serving. Transfer to a serving platter and drizzle with honey and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Recipe Variations

Make it nutty. Add another element of crunch to the golden crust by adding crush nuts to the mix! This will also give them more flavor. Try using pecans, pistachios or almonds.
Use herbed goat cheese. Herbed goat cheese will instantly give your appetizers a flavor boost without having to take any extra steps!
Skip the honey and go for dips. While we love serving these with honey, you can also try enjoying them with dips and sauces. See below for our favorite dips to serve with this.
Make them spicy. Add chili or cayenne powder to the panko breadcrumb mixture to make spicy goat cheese balls instead.

How to Serve

Goat cheese balls are best served warm - just a few minutes off the pan! This is when they are at their crunchiest and the cheese inside is melty and super creamy. While we love serving these with honey, you can also enjoy them with your favorite dips such as:

They are also ideal as salad and pasta toppers!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Keep the cheese chilled. Keep the goat cheese chilled as much as you can when you are forming them into balls. If you are making a lot and your kitchen is warm, you can place the shaped balls in the fridge while making the rest.
Remove excess flour. Bounce the balls gently in your hands to remove excess flour after coating. If the flour coating is too thick, the panko crust might fall off later on.
Use hot oil. The oil must be shimmering hot before you submerge the cheese balls. If they are not hot enough, the breading will simply absorb the oil and you will end up with soggy, greasy cheese balls.
Cook in batches. Do not overcrowd the cooking pot. Adding too many balls at the same time will affect the oil temperature. It will also be difficult to move them around.
Turn the balls regularly. Use a spatula or a chopstick to turn the balls from time to time. This will give you perfectly round, evenly cooked goat cheese balls!
Do not overcook. Remove them from heat once the crust is golden brown in color. Do not let them become too hot or they will explode
Drain excess oil. Drain excess oil in a paper-towel-lined plate or wire rack to ensure that they turn out super crispy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, you can! Try using mozzarella, gouda, or cheddar.

How do I know when the oil is hot enough?

You can dip a wooden stick into the pan. If the surface immediately bubbles, it should be ready. You can also use a thermometer. The ideal temp for deep frying should be between 350 to 375°F.

Can I make it vegan?

Sure! Just use vegan goat cheese, and swap the eggs with aquafaba and the honey with maple syrup.

Can you cook goat cheese balls in the air fryer or oven?

Yes you can in the oven or air fryer too! See box below for full instructions.

How to Cook Goat Cheese Balls in the Air Fryer or Oven

To bake in the oven: Preheat oven to 375F. Place the coated goat cheese balls evenly on a parchment paper lined half sheet baking pan. Spray with cooking oil spray to coat. Bake for 20 minutes until the crust becomes golden brown.

To cook in the air fryer: Place the goat cheese balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray evenly with cooking oil spray. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to do this in batches. Air fry at 350F for 13-15 minutes until the crust becomes golden brown.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

Make Ahead Instructions

You can prepare and coat the uncooked goat cheese balls and store before deep frying. When making them ahead, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to Store

If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container after they have been cooked and cooled to room temperature. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can re-fry them to bring back the crispiness.

How to Freeze

Freeze goat cheese balls before you cook them. Place the coated cheese balls on a parchment paper lined sheet pan. Freeze for 1-2 hours until hard, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. You can deep fry the balls directly from frozen (it may take a minute or 2 longer to cook), or allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator and follow the recipe as written.

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Christmas Cupcakes

These festive Christmas Cupcakes are made of moist and fluffy vanilla funfetti cake topped with red and green Christmas-themed buttercream frosting. You will have so much fun making them and even more fun if you get the whole family involved. Not only do they look impressive on a dessert table, but they are delicious.

Unleash your jolly holiday spirit by decking these Christmas confetti cupcakes with holiday colored icing and sprinkles. With a step-by-step tutorial for Christmas tree cupcakes, Santa hat cupcakes, or Christmas wreath cupcakes, you can make one or make them all. Christmas cupcakes are the perfect holiday dessert to enjoy at gatherings or to give away to your family and friends.

We love making cupcakes for holidays because it's so much fun to get creative (remember our Bunny Ears Easter Cupcakes or Mother's Day Cupcake with Rose Petal Buttercream Icing?). So of course we have to share a Christmas themed cupcake this year, and we cannot be happier with how they turned out! So, if you are still stumped on what dessert to make this Christmas, these funfetti cupcakes may be exactly what you are looking for.

Why You'll Love these Christmas Cupcakes

Fun and festive cupcakes! Soft and moist funfetti cupcakes topped with melt-in-your-mouth buttercream icing taste absolutely heavenly and are so endearingly cute! We love how the sprinkles give the cakes a pop of color in every bite. We also had so much fun decorating them with icing and even more sprinkles. You can always get creative with other edible embellishments if you like.
An easy to follow, from-scratch recipe. This homemade confetti cupcake recipe does not use boxed cake mixes or ready-made buttercream icing. Everything is made from scratch because it is so easy to do so. It takes some time to decorate but you can be as simple or intricate as you like. You'll be impressed with you as-good-as-bakery cupcakes made right in your kitchen!
Simple ingredients. This recipe requires a few basic pantry and refrigerator staples like flour, baking powder, butter, and eggs. So if you like to bake, you will likely already have most (if not all) of these ingredients already at home.
It is customizable. You can enjoy these Christmas cupcakes treats all season long and beyond by changing the color of the icing and sprinkles. Use pink or white sprinkles for Valentine's Day or Mother's Day, purple pink and yellow for Easter, orange and black for Halloween and so on. These confetti cupcakes can also be enjoyed on birthdays, baby showers, anniversaries too.
Perfect for gift-giving. If you are not into Christmas shopping, place these cute treats in a box and you have a thoughtful, made-with-love present for everyone without stepping into a mall!

Ingredient Notes

To make these fun and festive Christmas Cupcakes, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in the recipe card below):

all-purpose flour - ideal for making perfectly soft and fluffy cupcakes.
baking powder - is the leavening agent used to make the batter rise as it bakes, making them tender and crumbly.
salt - omit the salt in the recipe if using salted butter.
butter - always use this at room temperature for a smoother batter. If you have salted butter, make sure to omit the salt in this recipe to balance the flavors.
granulated sugar
eggs - binds the ingredients together and give the cupcakes a richer flavor, structure, and nice golden color.
vanilla extract - use the same amount of vanilla bean paste for a slight flavor boost.
whole milk
sprinkles - we use red and green Christmas sprinkles to keep it festive, but you can use regular sprinkles if you want, or leave them out completely. We also use rainbow confetti sprinkles for decorating the cupcakes.
confectioners' sugar - this powder-like sugar will give you a smooth and silky buttercream icing.
gel food coloring - you will need festive red and green food coloring for these cupcakes.

Baking Equipment

You will also need the following baking tools and equipment:

12-cup muffin pan
cupcake liners
measuring cups and spoons
mixing bowls
hand mixer and/or stand mixer
wire cooling rack
large and small piping bags
piping tips
- Atecco 808 (large round tip)
- Wilton 68 tip (leaf decorating tip)
- Wilton 1M tip (open star tip)
- Wilton 32 tip (star tip)
- Wilton 18 tip (open star tip)
couplers (for securing the tips to the piping bags)

How to Make the Best Christmas Cupcakes

First, make funfetti cupcakes.

Cream butter and sugar. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to cream butter and sugar together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add in eggs and vanilla, and beat until well incorporated and smooth.

Combine dry ingredients. In a separate medium-sized mixing bowl, add flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together to combine.

Combine ingredients together. Add ⅓ of the flour mixture to the large bowl and mix on low speed until combined. Add ½ of the milk and mix on low until combined. Continue alternating the flour and the milk, until both have been completely added (finishing with the flour mixture).

Add sprinkles. Use a silicone spatula to fold in the sprinkles.

Bake. Line a 12-cup muffin pan by with cupcake liners. Use a cookie scoop or spoons to evenly disperse the batter into the cupcake liners, filling them about ¾ full. Place the pan in a 350F preheated oven and bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of one of the cupcakes comes out clean.
Cool. Allow the cupcakes to cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer them onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

Next, make buttercream frosting.

Make buttercream. In a stand mixer fitted with the whip attachment, add the butter and beat on high speed until fluffy and pale, about 5 minutes (you can also use a hand mixer and large mixing bowl). Turn down to low speed, and begin adding the confectioners' sugar. Once all of the sugar has been added, add the vanilla and salt, then beat on high until very smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Divide frosting. Divide the frosting up into 3 mixing bowls. Add a quarter of the frosting to a small mixing bowl (for the white buttercream). Evenly divide the remaining frosting into 2 large mixing bowls (for the red and green buttercream).
Color the icing. Add red food colouring to one large bowl and beat to combine. Add green food colouring to the other large bowl, and beat to combine.

Transfer buttercream into piping bags.

For the red frosting: Add three-quarters of the red frosting to a large piping bag fitted with a large round tip (Atecco 808). Add the remaining quarter to a small piping bag fitted with a Wilton 68 tip.
For the green frosting: Add three-quarters of the green frosting to a large piping bag fitted with a large Wilton 1M tip. Add the remaining quarter to a small piping bag fitted with a Wilton 32 tip.
For the white frosting: Add three-quarters of the green frosting to a large piping bag fitted with a large round tip (Atecco 808). Add the remaining quarter to a small piping fitted with a Wilton 18 tip.

How to Decorate Christmas Cupcakes

Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Using the large piping bag with green frosting, pipe a tall tree shape on top of one-third of the cupcakes.
Carefully insert a gold star cupcake topper on top of the tree all the way so that you can no longer see the toothpick. Sprinkle with rainbow confetti sprinkles on top. You can also dust some confectioners' sugar on top to look like snow.

Santa Hat Cupcakes

Using the large piping bag with red frosting, and pipe a swirl of frosting onto another one-third of the cupcakes.
Using the small piping bag with white frosting, pipe small stars around the bottom perimeter of the red swirl. Finally, use the same bag to pipe a small dollop onto the top tip if the frosting, then lightly use your finger to press down any edges to make it look more ball/round like.

Wreath Cupcakes

Using the large piping bag with white frosting, pipe a small round circle of frosting onto ⅓ of the cupcakes.
Using the small piping bag with green frosting, pipe a wreath shape on top of the white frosting.
Using the small piping bag with red frosting, pipe a bowl shape at the top of each wreath.
Lastly, sprinkle with rainbow confetti sprinkles.

Recipe Variations

Change the cupcake base. Aside from making these cupcakes with a vanilla funfetti base, you can use any kind of cupcake base that you like and keep the buttercream decoration the same. Try making them with Vanilla Cupcakes, Chocolate Cupcakes, Gingerbread Cupcakes, red velvet, or lemon.
Experiment with flavors. You can even change up the flavor of your homemade buttercream too. Give it a citrusy twist by adding a dash of lemon or orange zest or add a nutty flavor with almond extract.
Get creative with decorating. Add any kind of edible decorations that you like such as nonpareils, crushed peppermint candy, pearl sprinkles, Christmas M&Ms, edible glitters, coconut flakes, marshmallows and chocolate chips.

How to Display Your Christmas Cupcakes

Just because these cute Christmas funfetti cupcakes are already very eye-catching, should not stop you from staging your cupcakes beautifully on your holiday table! Here are a few ideas on how to display them:

Use cake or cupcake stands. A cupcake stand not only give the cupcakes the elevation they need to stand out and allows each cupcake to shine, rather than getting lost in the shuffle. Cupcake or cake stands are also a great way to save some space.
Make a dessert board. This is another ingenious way to display your Christmas cupcakes creatively. Think of a Charcuterie board - but with desserts. Use any board shape you like and place the cupcakes on top. Then arrange other yummy holiday treats around the board. Try cookies, pecan pralines, candies, chocolate, and sprinkles.
Place them in single-serve boxes. If you are planning to use them as a thoughtful party favor to takeaway, place the funfetti cupcakes in festive boxes or wrap individually.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Do not overmix your batter. Mix until everything is just combined, a few small dry spots are fine. Overmixing will result in dry, chewy cupcakes.
Use room temperature ingredients. Make sure to take the butter, milk, and eggs out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before you start baking. This is important to achieve the right texture for the cupcakes. If your batter is too cold, the cupcakes may not bake evenly.
Do not overfill. Pour the batter only ¾ of the way. The cupcakes will rise as they bake, so doing this ensures they have plenty of room to expand without spilling over and creating a mess.
Cool before icing. The cupcakes should be cool before adding the buttercream icing, or else it will just melt into it and create a soggy mess.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

Make Ahead Buttercream Frosting

You can also make the buttercream frosting in advance and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up two weeks or up to 3 months in the freezer. If frozen, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

How to Store

Once the confetti cupcakes have cooled, you can place them in an airtight container and store them at room temperature in a dry, cool area of your kitchen for up to three days. If you want to store them longer, place them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Note that they may loose some moisture and dry out when stored in the fridge.

How to Freeze

You can also freeze Christmas funfetti cupcakes. If you are planning to do this, I recommend freezing them before frosting.

Freeze before frosting: Wrap the unfrosted cupcakes in plastic cling wrap and place them in a freezer-friendly airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to three months.
Freeze after frosting: If you've already frosted the cupcakes, you can still freeze them. Place frosted cupcakes on a baking tray and freeze until hard, about 1 hour. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic cling wrap, and then place in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Allow the cupcakes to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before icing and serving.

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Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Bark

Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Bark is a quick and easy no bake recipe that you can make with just 4 simple ingredients and 15 minutes of prep. This holiday treat is delicious, sweet, minty, and fun to make. It stores well so it is great for gifting to family and friends this holiday season.

This chocolate bark has a layer of dark chocolate, a layer of white chocolate, and is topped with festive candies and peppermints. Make this with the whole family and get the kids involved! Everyone will have fun making this peppermint bark, and even more fun eating it!

Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Bark is a quick and easy no bake recipe that you can make with just 4 simple ingredients and 15 minutes of prep. | aheadofthyme.com

Why You'll Love this Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Bark

A festive Christmas treat. With festive holiday colors of red and green and flavors of peppermint, this bark is the perfect treat to make this Christmas. It's a great dessert to snack on after dinner or to package up and gift to family and friends.
Quick and easy to make. Although peppermint bark takes some time to make because you have to let the chocolate to set and harden, it really just requires about 15 minutes of actual prep work from you. This is a quick and easy no-bake dessert made with just 4 simple ingredients.
Turn it into fun kid's activity. Making Christmas bark is even better when you get the kids involved. Turn the decorating process into a fun activity and let the kids add the toppings. It's safe and easy to supervise since there is no baking required. Be sure to leave out some extra m&m's and peppermint candies because the kids will likely be snacking on them!
Makes a great Christmas gift. This chocolate peppermint bark can last for weeks at room temperature or in the fridge, and months in the freezer, which makes this a great make ahead recipe. This bark is also a great last minute gift idea! You can break it up and package in clear plastic bags tied with string and gift to friends and family.

Ingredient Notes

To make these delicious and festive Peppermint Chocolate Christmas Bark, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

dark chocolate - make sure to pick high quality chocolate as it forms the bulk of this recipe.
white chocolate - same goes for the white chocolate - pick high quality chocolate.
crushed peppermint candy - or crushed candy canes.
Christmas m&m's - you need those red and green m&m's. Smarties in the same color work too. You can also leave out the m&m's for a simple classic peppermint bark.

You will also need measuring cups, a large sheet pan (half sheet baking pan), and parchment paper.

How to Make the Best Christmas Bark

Prep. Line a large half sheet baking pan with parchment paper.
Melt dark chocolate. Melt the dark chocolate in a double broiler on the stove or in the microwave until smooth.
- On the stove: Bring 2 inches of water to a low simmer in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Then, turn the heat to low and place a medium heatproof bowl on the mouth of the pot. Make sure that there is a gap of a few inches in between the bottom of the bowl and the water (You can also place a bowl on a steamer attachment on top of your pot). Add the chocolate and stir constantly as it melts. Stir until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted. This should take a few minutes.
- In the microwave: Place a medium heatproof bowl of chocolate into the microwave and microwave in 30 second intervals. Remove the bowl at each interval and stir well. Repeat until the chocolate has completely melted. Stir until completely smooth.

Spread dark chocolate. Pour the melted chocolate onto the parchment paper and use a rubber spatula to spread it out until it is about ⅓-inch thick. Place in the fridge for 10 minutes to slightly harden.

Melt white chocolate. Melt the white chocolate in a clean bowl and pour on top of the dark chocolate.

Spread white chocolate. Use a spatula to carefully spread out the white chocolate, covering the dark chocolate.

Add peppermint. Sprinkle crushed peppermints and m&m's on top of the white chocolate while it is still melted.

Chill. Place the sheet pan in the refrigerator for 2 hours (or 45 minutes in the freezer) until the chocolate hardens.
Serve. Break the chocolate apart into pieces and enjoy.

Christmas Bark Variations

Use festive sprinkles. You can also top this holiday bark with anything festive. I often like adding Christmas sprinkles. It's easy to find red and green sprinkles, tree and star shaped sprinkles, red pearl sprinkles, and so on. Get creative!
Adapt to different holidays. This bark recipe can be adapted to fit almost any holiday - Halloween, Easter, Valentine's Day, etc. Just change the crushed peppermint with a themed candy (ie. cinnamon hearts for Valentine's Day, mini eggs for Easter), and change the colors of m&m's to reflect the theme colors.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Kid-friendly activity: To make this activity even easier for young kids, portion out the crushed peppermints and m&m's into small bowls so that they can easily dump a small quantity on the chocolate, instead of setting out a large amount of toppings.
Get every drop of melted chocolate: When pouring the chocolate onto the prepared pan, you can get every last drop by using a rubber spatula to wipe the sides of the bowls clean.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Once the peppermint bark has completely cooled and set, you can break it up and transfer it to an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag and store at room temperature for 3-4 weeks. Keep it in a cool area to prevent it from melting. You can also store in the fridge.

How to Freeze

Because this bark is specific to Christmas, you may not want to keep it around until Easter, but if you're making it ahead of the holidays, store it in a freezer-safe airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

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Pecan Pralines

Pecan Pralines are sweet, rich, nutty, and crunchy candies that are so quick and easy to make. These melt-in-your-mouth Southern confectioneries are popular in the South but have started to become a holiday staple across the country.

Make them during Christmas as a treat in holiday cookie boxes or as a weekend pick-me-up. Making pecan candy may seem complicated, but pecan pralines only take 20 minutes to come together. They're a cross between a cookie and candy that you need to try!

Why You'll Love these Pecan Pralines

Nutty caramel flavor. Pecan pralines are world-famous for the caramel-y taste and soft-meets-crunchy nut texture. It's seriously the best.
Fast, easy homemade candy. Even though they're made completely from scratch, these pecan candies take about 20 minutes to make before letting it set, and require a few easy to follow steps to complete.
Great as Christmas gifts! Pecan pralines are on everyone's Christmas list. These pecan candies are great to wrap up in cute holiday themed packaging and give to friends, family, and local businesses to show your appreciation this season.

Ingredient Notes

To make these delicious Pecan Pralines, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

pecan halves - you can shell your own pecans if you have time, or you can buy shelled pecan halves for a faster and easier pecan candy.
granulated sugar - you can also use a granulated sugar alternative like stevia in place of the white cane sugar in these pecan pralines.
dark brown sugar - similarly, you can use a sugar-free brown sugar alternative in the same amount.
evaporated milk
unsalted butter - you can use salted butter if you prefer, but exercise caution when adding the salt that is called for in this recipe, as you may have to decrease the amount or omit it altogether to make sure the candied aren't too salty.
baking soda
salt - opt for a coarser salt like coarse sea salt, kosher salt, or flaky salt.
vanilla extract - you can use the same amount of vanilla bean paste if you want to intensify the vanilla flavor a bit.

Equipment

You will also need the following tools and equipment:

measuring cups and spoons
large cooking pot (try a 4 quart Dutch oven)
candy thermometer
half sheet baking pan lined with parchment paper

How to Make the Best Pecan Pralines

Make candy base. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and baking soda to a large pot fitted with a candy thermometer. Heat over medium heat, stirring regularly until everything has melted and begins to bubble. Once the mixture begins to bubble, stir constantly until the mixture reaches 236°F on the candy thermometer.

Add pecans. Remove from heat and immediately add the pecans, vanilla, and salt. Stir vigorously until the mixture has thickened but is still very workable, about 3 minutes.

Scoop. Using 2 spoons that have been sprayed with cooking spray, spoon heaping tablespoons of the praline mixture onto a half sheet baking pan lined with parchment paper.
Set. Allow the pralines to cool and harden at room temperature before enjoying or storing.

Pecan Praline Variations

You can customize the recipe by playing around with some ingredients

Dip them in chocolate. This is optional, but you can add an extra layer of flavor by dunking these pecan pralines in melted chocolate! Try dark chocolate or white chocolate.
Switch up the nuts. You can make pralines with any kind of nuts you'd like. Try walnuts or almonds.
Drizzle with chocolate. Just like you could dip them in chocolate, you could also drizzle them with melted chocolate.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Gather your ingredients and equipment before starting. Once the sugars and milk mixture comes up to temperature, things move quickly! Make sure you're prepared by gathering everything you'll need, measuring it out, and organizing on the counter before you start.
Package them in Christmas container. Pop these in a cute Christmas tin to double as storage and serveware, then send them off to their final destination or display them at holiday parties for people to serve themselves. It adds an extra festive touch.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Allow the pecan pralines to completely cool to room temperature, then wrap each candy individually in plastic cling wrap and place in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for 3-4 weeks.

How to Freeze

Once cooled, wrap each praline individually in plastic cling wrap and then transfer all of the wrapped pralines to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat them, defrost in the fridge overnight and then allow them to come up to room temperature on the counter.

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Non-Alcoholic Homemade Eggnog

Non-alcoholic homemade eggnog is thick, sweet, creamy, and smooth. This popular Christmas drink is cooked on the stove, made without alcohol, and loaded with eggs for that classic holiday flavor. I mean nothing says the holidays more than a cup of festive classic eggnog, am I right?

Plus, making homemade nog from scratch is way easier to make than you think. You only need simple pantry staple ingredients and about 20 minutes to make before letting it chill. So, if you are still buying store-bought eggnog, take one sip of this homemade version and I bet you'll never look back!

Non-alcoholic homemade eggnog is thick, sweet, creamy, and smooth. This family-friendly version of a classic holiday drink is way better than store-bought. | aheadofthyme.com

Why You'll Love Non-Alcoholic Homemade Eggnog

Easy to make. Homemade eggnog is so easy to make. It takes just 15 minutes of prep work, and some patience to allow the nog to set and chill in the fridge for 2 hours (or longer if you have the time). In fact, the longer it chills, the better. I would suggest making a batch in the evening when you get home from work, letting it sit overnight in the refrigerator, and pour yourself a perfect glass of nog the next day.
The toppings. This eggnog is delicious, luscious, and creamy all on its own. It has enough flavor to satisfy your strongest cravings. But you can dress it up with whipped cream, cinnamon, and extra nutmeg on top for added flavor and to make it extra festive. Some other fun toppings you can add are sprinkles or shaved chocolate.
Family-friendly eggnog. This eggnog is safely cooked on the stove and contains no alcohol. It's the perfect holiday drink to enjoy with the whole family, kids and adults alike. So double up and enjoy this perfect Christmas beverage with your family and friends after Christmas dinner and all season long.

Ingredient Notes

To make this homemade eggnog without alcohol, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in recipe card below):

dairy - heavy cream and whole milk.
spices and seasoning - nutmeg, vanilla extract, sugar, and salt.
egg - you will need eggs and extra egg yolks. It is eggnog after all!
toppings - the topping is optional but makes the drink look that much more pretty and festive. I topped the eggnog with whipped cream, ground cinnamon, and extra nutmeg.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons and cooking pot.

How to Make the Best Non-Alcoholic Eggnog

Prep. Place heavy cream and grated nutmeg in a large mixing bowl with a fine mesh strainer on top. Set aside.

Heat milk. In a medium saucepan, combine milk and vanilla. Cook over medium heat, swirling occasionally, until bubbles form around the sides and the milk starts steaming.

Beat egg mixture. In another mixing bowl, vigorously beat together the eggs, yolks, sugar, and salt for approximately 3-5 minutes until the mixture is thickened and pale.

Add milk. Add in the milk in a slow stream and whisk to incorporate. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon for about 6 minutes, or until the mixture reaches 165 F as read on a cooking thermometer.

Strain. Immediately strain into the mixing bowl with the heavy cream.

Chill. Place in refrigerator uncovered and allow the eggnog to cool completely for at least 2 hours.
Serve. Pour eggnog into glasses filling only ¾ of the glass. Top with whipped cream, cinnamon, and freshly grated nutmeg.

Eggnog Variations

Add alcohol. You can add alcohol to this homemade eggnog for a spiked version for adults. You can use any kind of alcohol that you prefer. Some traditional options are dark rum, cognac, and bourbon.
Add coffee. Need a little pick me up, add some coffee for a flavor twist with extra energy.
Get creative with the spices. We added nutmeg and vanilla extract for the flavoring of this eggnog, but you can add anything you like. Try almond extract, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, or allspice.
Sweeten it. Want to make it even more sweeter? Try adding a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
Make eggnog hot chocolate. For eggnog hot chocolate, add 1 cup of milk for every cup of eggnog, and 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder for every cup of eggnog. Then sweeten to taste with extra sugar.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Store leftover eggnog a sealed airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator. Homemade eggnog can last for up to a month in the fridge, depending on the expiration dates on the milk and cream used. Go by the earliest expiration date when determining how long to store it for.

How to Freeze

You can also freeze homemade eggnog! Store the chilled eggnog in an airtight container, leaving some extra room at the top to allow for expansion during freezing. Freeze for up to 6 months. To serve, allow the eggnog to thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

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Christmas Salad

This Christmas Salad is a fresh, fruity, and festive salad that is super easy to make. From its delicious winter flavors to its gorgeous wreath-like appearance - this side dish will definitely mark its presence on your holiday table. Made of 6 simple raw ingredients and ready in less than 10 minutes, you'll probably be making this persimmon salad all season long!

This winter salad is made with fresh seasonal persimmons and pomegranates nestled amidst salad greens with a sprinkling of crunchy nuts and crumbly cheese. It is served as a beautiful wreath with homemade honey mustard salad dressing that adds another layer of sweetness and tanginess to this fresh, raw salad.

Why You'll Love this Christmas Salad

A simple and easy dish. Make your holiday preparations less stressful by investing in quick and easy side dishes like this salad - where no cooking required! All you have to do is to assemble all the ingredients in a bowl in less than 5 minutes for a flavor-packed salad in no time. This will give you more time to focus on perfecting your Sunday Pot Roast, Pineapple Glazed Ham Slices, or other holiday main or entree.
It makes a festive and elegant centrepiece. Just look at those stunning colors and textures artfully placed on a round platter. This salad is designed to look like a Christmas wreath which makes it so beautiful. It can even be the centerpiece of your holiday feast!
Healthy and refreshing. With its sweet and tangy flavor combination, this salad is ideal for cleansing your palate from all the saucy and seasoned main courses. It is a low-calorie salad made of nutritious fruits that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber.
Loaded with fresh fruit. This holiday salad is made with fresh seasonal fruits including persimmons and pomegranates - which is what sets this delicious salad apart from others. Aside from their ample sweetness and juicy goodness, they also make this salad so pretty with their vibrant colors and unique textures.
It is a party in your mouth. This salad is a mix of different flavors and textures that works perfectly with each other! It is earthy, sweet, nutty, tart, and tangy all at the same time. Enjoy crisp salad greens, plump and juicy persimmons, popping pomegranate seeds, crunchy walnuts, and soft cheese in every bite!

Ingredient Notes

To make this easy and festive Christmas Salad, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in the recipe card below):

salad greens - you can buy spring mix salad greens pre-packed and chopped for easier preparation. A bag usually includes baby lettuce, spinach, arugula, chard, radicchio, kale, and endive. You can also buy these separately and just use any kind of salad greens that you like.
fruits - aside from persimmons and pomegranate seeds, you can also try other berries and fruits that you like. You could substitute the persimmons for mandarin orange slices which is also quite popular.
walnuts - other nuts such as shaved almonds, pistachios, or pecans will also work for this recipe.
feta cheese - feta adds a soft, creamy texture and tangy flavor to the salad. You can substitute this with goat cheese or a vegan feta if you prefer.
honey mustard salad dressing - feel free to use store-bough dressing or make your own in just minutes. Make homemade dressing by simply mixing balsamic vinegar, olive oil, dijon mustard, honey, salt, and ground black pepper in a bowl.

How to Make the Best Christmas Salad

Place dressing. In a large serving dish, place a small round bowl in the center. Pour the honey mustard salad dressing into the small bowl in the center of the salad to make it look like a wreath.
Arrange salad ingredients. Arrange the salad greens around the bowl. Add persimmons and walnuts over the greens.

Add toppings. Sprinkle pomegranate seeds and feta cheese on top.

How to Make Homemade Honey Mustard Dressing

To make homemade honey mustard salad dressing, simply combine and stir together:

2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
¼ teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper.

Recipe Variations

Make it vegan. To make this salad vegan, you have to just use vegan feta cheese and a vegan honey mustard dressing (if making your own use maple syrup instead of honey). That's all it takes to make this Christmas Wreath Salad plant-based.
Use different fruits. Raspberries, blackberries, cranberries, cherries, mandarin oranges, kiwis, avocados, and apples can also be used to make this salad! Make sure to be mindful of colors and textures when choosing your fruits.
Veggie-fy your salad! Aside from salad greens, why not add more vegetables like Brussels sprouts, beets, carrots, bell peppers, cucumber, and tomatoes? Add you favorite veggies.

How to Serve

Christmas Salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. Since the dressing is placed in a bowl in the center and not mixed in the salad, it will stay crisp and fresh longer so you can make it ahead of time. This is perfect served on the side of holiday dishes such as:

Recipe Tips and Tricks

No to watery salad. Drain or wipe any excess liquids from the greens and fruits before assembling the salad to make sure it does not become watery. A salad spinner works wonderfully for drying washed leafy vegetables.
Be creative. Put some thought into designing your Christmas Salad. Spread the different colors and textures around to make it look as pretty as can be.
Save time. Buy packed pomegranate seeds and mixed spring greens instead of buying them fresh and whole. This will cut your preparation time in half. You can also make the salad dressing ahead of time and just keep it chilled in the fridge until you're ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really have to peel the persimmons?

The answer is no, as persimmon peel is edible. This is a matter of personal preference, so if you want to keep the peel-on, that is entirely okay!

Can I use other salad dressings?

Yes, of course. Just make sure to keep it light to complement the salad itself. You can try my Greek Salad Dressing or Homemade Italian Dressing.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can keep it chilled it in the fridge overnight. Make sure it is covered with plastic wrap to keep it fresh.

Storing Salad

Make Ahead Instructions

To make ahead, assemble the salad and make the dressing but store them in separate airtight containers. The salad ingredients can last up to 5 days, and the dressing up to 2 weeks. When ready to serve, serve the dressing in the middle as a wreath or pour it on and toss to combine.

How to Store

You can store leftover Christmas salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, and more if the dressing is not yet drizzled over the salad. With dressing, the greens will start to wilt the longer they're stores. I do not recommend freezing this salad because the greens will wilt and lose their texture and the fruits will become dry.

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Whipped Shortbread Cookies

Whipped Shortbread Cookies are sweet and buttery cookies that melt in your mouth. These light tea time treats have crisp edges and a crumbly center. They are perfect served with a hot drink or packaged up as gifts during the holiday season.

With just a handful of simple pantry staple ingredients and a few basic steps, you can make whipped shortbread from scratch. Plus, shortbread dough is freezer-friendly so make a big batch to keep your freezer stocked up for cookies on demand.

Why You'll Love these Whipped Shortbread Cookies

Simple and easy to make. Whipped shortbread cookies only require 6 common ingredients (only 5 if not adding sprinkles) and about 15 minutes of active preparation before waiting for them to chill and then bake in the oven. This sweet and buttery cookie is totally worth the wait.
They last for weeks or months. These shortbread cookies with sprinkles last up to a week at room temperature and can last for months when frozen. Plus, shortbread cookie dough freezes well too so you can have freshly baked cookies on demand whenever you feel like it!
They're customizable. This easy shortbread cookie recipe can easily be customized with chocolate, cocoa powder, and different colored sprinkles. Keep scrolling to read the variations below.
Switch up the sprinkles for your holiday. We used Christmas colored sprinkles because we made these whipped shortbread cookies during the holiday season. You can witch up the sprinkles based on whatever holiday you are making these cookies for. Try red and pink for Valentine's Day or Mother's Day, orange and purple for Halloween, and red and blue for 4th of July.

Ingredient Notes

To make these easy Whipped Shortbread Cookies, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

butter - use unsalted butter so that the cookies don't turn our overly salty. You also want to make sure that your butter is softened to room temperature or it won't cream and incorporate with the rest of the ingredients correctly.
confectioners' sugar - we use confectioners' sugar for a melt-in-your mouth texture. You can substitute with granulated sugar for the same taste but the texture won't be the same.
vanilla - or substitute with almond extract
all-purpose flour - you could make this recipe gluten-free by swapping the wheat flour for a gluten free measure-for-measure flour. You may have to play with the ratios of cornstarch and butter to make sure the texture is similar.
cornstarch - if you're out of cornstarch, potato starch is the next best thing. If you can't get your hands on any, you can substitute with flour and make sure to use confectioners' sugar.
Christmas sprinkles - switch up the sprinkles to match your theme.

Baking Equipment

You will also need the following kitchen equipment and tools:

measuring cups and spoons
mixing bowls
hand mixer or stand mixer
cookie scoop
half sheet baking pan with parchment paper or silicone baking mat
wire cooling rack

How to Make the Best Whipped Shortbread Cookies

Cream butter and sugar. Cream butter and sugar together using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or in a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer) on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. The mixture will get very light in color.

Add vanilla. Add vanilla and beat until incorporated.

Combine with dry ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and cornstarch. Gradually add in to the wet ingredients and beat on low speed until just combined. Turn the mixer to high speed and beat for 1 minute until dough becomes more breadcrumb like and less dry (You should be able to easily shape the dough into a ball using your hands).

Scoop cookies. Line 2 large half sheet baking pans with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to take a tablespoon of dough and use your hands to roll it into a 1-inch ball. Transfer the shaped cookies to the lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1.5 inches apart (you will fit about 12 cookies per sheet).

Add indentation. Dip a fork into flour or cornstarch and gently press in the tops of each cookie to make a linear indentation.

Add sprinkles. Top with sprinkles.

Bake. Bake in a 300F preheated oven for 20 minutes until the tops look set and the bottoms are just starting to brown. Leave the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before very carefully transferring them onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely. (they are quite fragile when warm).

How to Serve

These Whipped Shortbread Cookies pair really well with a hot beverage like a decadent hot chocolate, a cup of coffee, or a hot mug of earl grey or chamomile tea. Some of our favorites to serve with these cookies are:

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Make ahead and freeze. Double or triple the batch and freeze the extra dough or the baked cookies. You'll have cookies ready to eat or bake any time you want! Your future self will thank you.
Dip in chocolate. Melt 4 ounces of chocolate in a double broiler or in the microwave in 30 second increments and dip the cooled whipped shortbread cookies in halfway or coat them completely in chocolate. If planning to do this, I would hold off on baking the cookies with sprinkles. Instead, add sprinkles immediately over the melted chocolate once dipped.
Make them chocolate. Turn these cookies into whipped chocolate shortbread cookies by substituting the cornstarch in the recipe with cocoa powder.
Repurpose leftovers. Shortbread cookies can actually be repurposed into a completely new dessert. You can crush them up with a food processor and add a little more sugar, salt, and butter to create a shortbread crust for a pie or layer them with other sweet ingredients to create a trifle or freezer cake.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Once the shortbread cookies have cooled completely, carefully transfer them to a large ziploc bag or airtight container lined with parchment paper and store at room temperature for up to 7 days. I like to store them in mini cupcake liners in a single layer, stacked in between pieces of parchment paper. This helps prevent the sprinkles from falling off the cookies.

How to Freeze

Freeze shortbread cookies in between layers of parchment paper in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

How to Store and Freeze Cookie Dough

Shape the shortbread cookie dough into a ball or disc and wrap it tightly in plastic cling wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. When ready to shape the cookies, allow the dough to come to room temperature (about 20-30 minutes) to make the dough soft enough to work with.

You can also transfer the wrapped dough to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To use, allow the dough to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and then bring it to room temperature on the kitchen counter for about 20-30 minutes to one hour.

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Breakfast Strata

Breakfast Strata is a hearty baked casserole dish loaded with bread, eggs, ham, cheese, and veggies that will fill you up and keep you going until lunchtime.

This protein-rich and carb-loaded meal is easy to put together and can even be prepared the night before so all you have to do is pop it in the oven in the morning. It is filling, meaty, and cheesy - a holiday brunch comfort classic that can be enjoyed all year long!

Breakfast Strata is a hearty baked casserole dish loaded with bread, eggs, ham, cheese, and veggies that will keep you full until lunchtime. | aheadofthyme.com

Preparing breakfast for your family can be quite an ordeal. Aside from the mad rush to get your kids ready for school and putting yourself together for work, you also have to deal with deciding what to make that will make everyone happy without spending too much time in the kitchen. If this dilemma resonates with you, then this delicious Breakfast Strata is exactly what you need! It is quick and fuss-free, packed with breakfast essentials and so dang delicious - it will be the newest addition to your breakfast rotation for sure.

What is a Strata?

A strata is a classic American breakfast or brunch dish traditionally made from eggs, cheese, and bread layered in a casserole thus the name. However, different veggies and meats are also often added to make the dish more substantial. Once the bread has absorbed the egg mixture, it is then baked until firm and custard-like. It reminds me of our Quiche and Egg Muffin recipes - however, this breakfast casserole is made heartier with bread and more veggies mixed in.

Why You'll Love this Breakfast Strata

Easy and fuss-free recipe. It will only take you 10 minutes to put everything together, and then it is just a matter of putting the egg and ham casserole in the fridge, then transferring it to the oven. The total time is more than an hour, but in reality, it is just a few minutes of work for you.
Can be made ahead of time. You can assemble this breakfast strata in the baking pan the night before and keep it fresh in the fridge overnight. All that is left to do in the morning is to bake it! You'll have an hour to get all your morning tasks done and come back to enjoy a scrumptious breakfast!
Perfect with day-old bread and leftovers. Do not throw away tough and dry bread that has been sitting on your counter for days. This breakfast casserole is the perfect recipe to use them. You can also rummage through your chiller for those half-forgotten vegetable cut-offs and use them here and use any leftover ham from a holiday dinner.
A customizable recipe. Feel free to sub the type of bread, meat, cheese, and veggies to use based on what you have or what you like. I added some ideas on the ingredient notes below.
Kid-friendly and healthy. This ham and egg breakfast recipe is also a great way to sneak veggies into your children's breakfast without them being the wiser. Just chop them into small pieces and add more cheese.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

To make this easy make ahead Breakfast Strata, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

bread - I like using crusty and chewy bread like French bread for this recipe because they absorb the milky egg mixture better without disintegrating. This will give you a chewier and fluffier Strata. Baguette, brioche, sourdough, challah, ciabatta, and boule are great options! However, feel free to use any type of plain bread.
vegetables - I used red bell pepper and green onions for this recipe. You can use other vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, onions, scallions, mushrooms, asparagus, basil, tomatoes, kale, and parsley. If using any veggies with water content such as mushrooms, tomatoes, kale, and spinach, pre-cook them first otherwise the strata will be too soggy.
meat - you can use ham or bacon (a great recipe to use up any leftover ham for!). For a lighter option, you can also use chicken or turkey shreds. For a vegetarian option, leave out the meat completely.
Parmesan cheese - or any type of melty cheese to achieve the perfect gooey texture. Try cheddar, gouda, Gruyere, Fontina, Havarti, and Monterey Jack. You can also use crumbled goat or feta cheese.
eggs - I used 10 large eggs in this recipe, so you will need to adjust the number if you are using smaller ones. If using small eggs, 15 small eggs should be equivalent.
milk - this is mixed with the egg to make a creamier mixture and custard-like texture. I prefer using whole milk because it gives a thicker texture. Feel free to also use half-and-half as an alternative.
Dijon mustard - this will give the dish a robust zesty taste with a hint of flavor! If you do not have this, you can use plain mustard or ground mustard, or leave it out completely.
garlic powder
salt and pepper

How to Make the Best Breakfast Strata

Add bottom layer of bread. Grease a 9x13-inch casserole pan with some oil or butter and arrange chopped bread evenly in the pan.
Add veggies, meat, and cheese. Spread the bell peppers, ham, and cheese evenly over the bread.

Make egg mixture. In a large mixing bowl, add eggs, milk, mustard, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk well until evenly combined.

Add egg mixture layer Pour the egg custard mixture evenly over the bread. Use a spatula to press down gently to ensure that all the bread pieces are soaked with the egg custard.
Rest. Cover the casserole pan with plastic cling wrap and set aside for at least 20 minutes. You can also store it in the fridge overnight until ready to bake, for an easy make ahead breakfast.
Bake. Preheat oven to 375F. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes until golden brown on the edges and the egg mixture is completely set (or a knife inserted near the center comes out clean).

Recipe Variations

Meat-lover's version. Bulk it up with your favorite meats like sausages, pork, and beef if you are craving more meat. Whatever you choose, make sure you cook it before assembling in the strata.
A lighter alternative. If you want a lighter breakfast, swap the whole milk with low-fat milk, the meats with turkey or chicken bits, and the bread with a multi-grain loaf.
Make it spicy. If you are a family of spicy food fans, simply add jalapeños or Serrano peppers. You can also add chili or paprika powder to add a bit of heat.

How to Serve Breakfast Strata

It is always better to enjoy a freshly baked strata straight out if the oven! Serve this filling breakfast casserole with a healthy smoothie such as:

This dish is also perfect for weekend brunch get-togethers served with Skillet Cinnamon Rolls, Cranberry Scones, and Butter Croissants.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Adjust the milky egg mixture. You might need to add more milk to the egg mixture depending on how dry and crumbly the bread you are using is. Just make sure that they are moist and evenly soaked before popping into the oven for the best results.
Resting time. It may even be better to let the strata casserole rest overnight to allow the bread to really soak in the liquids, especially if they are really dry and crumbly. However, you can also do it on the same day. Again, the soaking time may depend on the bread you are using, so make any necessary adjustments.
Doneness check. Check if the Strata is cooked through by inserting a knife in the center. If it comes out clean, it means it is ready for serving. Do not overcook it or it will turn dry and tough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make it gluten-free?

Sure, make it gluten-free by using any type of gluten-free bread to make this breakfast special available to those who are celiac or have a gluten sensitivity.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just skip the ham or bacon and load your breakfast casserole with more plant proteins!

Is this the same as a Frittata?

They are both egg-based casserole dishes. However, the Italian frittata is simply made with egg, veggies and cheese, while the American Strata comes with a layer of bread and more meat.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

How to Reheat

Reheat cold breakfast strata in a 300F preheated oven for 10-20 minutes until warmed through and crispy on the edges (depending on how much you are reheating). You can also reheat in a 350F air fryer for 5-10 minutes until warm.

How to Freeze

Allow the breakfast strata to cool to room temperature, then wrap the strata in aluminum foil and then place in a freezer-safe airtight container or freezer bag (to prevent freezer burn) for up to 3 months. I recommend slicing the strata first and wrapping individual pieces for easy thawing and reheating. When ready to serve, that overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Hot Chocolate Cookies

Hot Chocolate Cookies are soft and chewy, loaded with classic hot chocolate ingredients, and is so easy to make. In just 20 minutes, you can take a bite into a warm and gooey hot cocoa cookie packed with chocolate and marshmallows. It's the perfect cookie recipe to make when a sugar craving hits at the last minute (no chilling required!).

Hot chocolate is arguably one of the most popular drinks in the world, and when you combine it with the most popular cookie (chocolate chip cookie), it's bound to be good. Hot cocoa cookies are similar to chocolate chip cookies except they have even more chocolate. We add real hot chocolate mix and cocoa powder, switch out the chocolate chips for chopped chocolate, and add marshmallows of course. These cookies are a hot chocolate lover's dream dessert.

Why You'll Love these Hot Chocolate Cookies

Hot chocolate in cookie form. Hot chocolate is all about the chocolate and marshmallows, and these cookies feature it all - actual hot chocolate mix, fluffy marshmallows, and decadent chocolate. And it's brought to you in cookie form!
Rich chocolatey flavor. Chocolate chip cookies are great, but hot chocolate cookies are even better, and require a few simple change. Hot chocolate mix and cocoa powder changes the cookie base into a cocoa flavored chocolate on, that pairs perfectly with chopped chocolate and ooey gooey marshmallows.
They're so quick. Ever been struck by a last minute sweet craving? Well, lucky for you these hot cocoa cookies fit the bill. This recipe is ready in less than 20 minutes, from prep to table using a few simply pantry staples. You only need to wait about 10 excruciating minutes until your cookies are done baking.
Easy and simple. These chocolate cookies come together in just a few easy steps: cream the butter and sugar, add the remaining wet ingredients, mix in the dry ingredients, fold in the mix ins, shape the cookies, bake, and add toppings!

Ingredient Notes

To make these cozy Hot Chocolate Cookies, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

unsalted butter - bringing the butter up to room temperature is crucial when it comes to creaming the butter and sugars properly otherwise the cookies will overly spread. We also use unsalted butter for more control over the flavor in this recipe, but if you only have salted butter - use it and omit the salt called for in the recipe.
sugar - you will need both light brown sugar and granulated sugar in this recipe.
eggs
vanilla extract - vanilla bean paste can also be substituted at a 1:1 ratio.
all-purpose flour
hot chocolate mix - this is what gives these cookies their iconic hot cocoa flavor.
cocoa powder - use an unsweetened natural cocoa powder so the cookies don't get over-sweetened. You can also use Dutch process cocoa powder, but the flavor will be richer and color will be darker.
baking soda
salt - if you choose to use salted butter in this recipe, omit the salt here.
chocolate - semi-sweet chocolate will balance the sweetness in these cookies well. You can also use semi-sweet chocolate chips instead of chopped chocolate, or even dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips.
mini marshmallows - the mini marshmallows melt in the cookie dough making them extra gooey (and also why we add the marshmallows on top after the cookies have been baked). If you want a more solid look mixed throughout, use mallow bits which do not melt.

Equipment Needed

You will also need the following kitchen tools and equipment:

measuring cups and spoons
mixing bowls
hand mixer or stand mixer
cookie scoop
half sheet baking pan and silicone baking mat (or parchment paper)
wire cooling rack

How to Make the Best Hot Chocolate Cookies

Combine wet ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer cream together butter and sugars on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg and vanilla, and beat on low until incorporated.

Add dry ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, hot chocolate mix, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and beat until just combined.

Add mix ins. Fold in 1 cup of the chopped chocolate and ½ cup mini marshmallows.

Scoop cookie balls. Line a large half sheet baking tray with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Use a medium cookie scoop to scoop out 2 tablespoons of cookie dough. Use your hands to roll it into a ball. Place the cookie balls onto the lined baking sheet, spaced at least 2 inches apart (you can fit about 6-8 on a large cookie sheet).

Bake. Bake in a 350F preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until edges just start to brown. Do not overbake. The cookies may not look done in the middle, but they will continue to cook as they are cooling.
Add toppings. Remove from oven and allow the cookies to cool in the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then carefully press in the extra ½ cup chopped chocolate and ½ cup mini marshmallows into the top of the cookies. Transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

How to Serve

Serve these Hot Chocolate Cookies warm out of the oven or at room-temperature. I personally love them warm and gooey so that the chocolate and marshmallows start to soften and melt. They are especially delicious served warm with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream. You need to try it!

You can also double down on the flavor and serve them warm with a cup of Peppermint Hot Chocolate or White Hot Chocolate.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Brown the butter. If you have extra time, you can brown and cool the butter first, and then making the dough with browned butter for richer flavored cookies. You can also brown large batches of butter and freeze them for use in recipes like this to save time.
Add nuts. For a nutty twist, fold in ½ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds. Although not technically no longer a hot cocoa cookie, adding nuts to these cookies are delicious and add flavor as well as a crunch.
Prepare the dough ahead. Frozen cookie dough keeps for months and keeping a batch of ready-to-bake cookie balls on hand will make your baking life easier, especially during the busy holiday season.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Store leftover hot chocolate cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also store them in the fridge for up to one month, but they may lose some of their chewiness. To add moisture back in, reheat the refrigerated cookies on a microwave-safe plate for 5-15 seconds until warm or in the air fryer at 300F for about a minute.

How to Freeze

Hot chocolate cookies freeze well both baked and before baking. To freeze baked cookies, let them cool completely first, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat or place on the counter to bring them up to room temperature (about 15-20 minutes).

How to Freeze Cookie Dough

To freeze hot chocolate cookie dough before baking, scoop out the cookie balls and place on the lined baking sheet. Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and freeze for 1 hour until hard. Then, transfer the cookie dough balls into a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw the cookie dough balls in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature until thawed. Then, bake according to recipe instructions.

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Fruitcake Cookies

Fruitcake Cookies take all the best parts of fruitcake and make it even more appealing in cookie form. These soft, chewy, and thick holiday cookies are golden brown with crisp edges and loaded with colorful candied fruit and flavor.

Add these fruitcake cookies to your holiday baking list to round out your cookie lineup and satisfy guests young and old! They're quick and easy to make with a handful of baking staples in under 25 minutes (with no chilling required!). Plus, make ahead and freezer-friendly too!

Fruitcake Cookies take all the best parts of fruitcake and turn it into cookie form. They’re soft, chewy, and thick holiday cookies with crisp edges. | aheadofthyme.com

Why You'll Love these Fruitcake Cookies

They're perfect for Christmas. Fruitcake and Christmas go hand in hand. Loaded with candied red and green cherries and yellow candied pineapple that makes a festive array of colors that your eyes will feast on before your tongue even gets a taste. Serve these anytime this holiday season and watch your friends and families' faces light up!
They're made with real fruit. Though most of the fruit in this recipe is candied (with the exception of the raisins), the raisins, pineapple, and cherries called for here are real fruits that are dried, not substitutes or synthetics.
A classic soft and chewy texture. These cookies are tall, thick, and chewy - no thin, crisp, and brittle cookies here! They are similar in texture to our Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies. So satisfying!
Quick and easy to make. Fruitcake cookies are easy to prepare in about 10 minutes before popping into the oven for 15 minutes to bake. They are perfect for a last minute sugar fix!
Get the best of both desserts. When you make these fruitcake cookies, you essentially get 2 desserts in one. Enjoy the classic taste of fruitcake with the texture and portability of a cookie. It's seriously the best!

Ingredient Notes

To make these easy and festive Fruitcake Cookies, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

all-purpose flour - if you or someone in your family has a sensitivity to gluten, use a measure-for-measure gluten free flour instead.
baking soda - 3 teaspoons of baking powder can be used in place of every one teaspoon in the recipe, but the texture of the cookies may change slightly.
dark brown sugar - use light brown sugar or white sugar and molasses if you need to find a replacement for dark brown sugar.
granulated sugar - you can use virtually any kind of sugar or sugar substitute here, like coconut sugar, date sugar, erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit, but beware that your selection may slightly alter the flavor of the cookies.
butter - use your favorite plant-based butter to make this recipe dairy-free.
egg and egg yolk - use an egg yolk separator to easily remove the yolk from the whites if you need to.
vanilla extract - vanilla bean paste can be used in place of extract at a 1:1 ratio for richer flavor.
red candied cherries - these can be found in the baking aisle or seasonal aisle of your local grocery store this time of year, or you're welcome to use homemade candied cherries instead.
green candied cherries - the same goes for the green ones - store bought and homemade are equally as useful in this recipe.
candied pineapple - candied pineapple should be found near the candied cherries in the baking section or seasonal section or in the dry fruits and nuts section.
raisins - you can also try using chopped dried dates or figs if you prefer.
walnuts - use chopped pecans, pistachios, or omit nuts altogether to suit your tastes.
salt

Baking Tools Needed

You will also need the following baking tools and equipment:

measuring cups and spoons
mixing bowls
hand mixer or stand mixer
cookie scoop
half sheet baking pan and silicone baking mat (or parchment paper)
wire cooling rack

How to Make the Best Fruitcake Cookies

Combine dry ingredients. In a small mixing bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Combine sugars with butter. In the bowl of a stand mixer with paddle attachment fitted (or in a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer), combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, and melted butter together and beat until well mixed, about 1 minute.
Add wet ingredients. Add egg, egg yolk, and vanilla, and mix for 1 more minute. Scrape down the sides, then mix again until combined.

Add dry ingredients. With the mixer running on low, add the dry ingredients and mix until just incorporated.

Fold in mix ins. Fold in candied cherries, candied pineapple, raisins, and walnuts.

Scoop cookies. Use a medium cookie scoop to scoop out 2 tablespoons of dough. Use your hands to roll into balls. Place each cookie ball 2 inches apart on a half sheet baking pan lined with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.

Bake. Bake in a 325F preheated oven for 15 minutes, rotating the tray about halfway through cook time. Let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool for about 5 minutes further.

How to Serve

Serve these Fruitcake Cookies with other traditional Christmas treats. What's more festive than fruitcake? Fruitcake cookies served with an assortment of classic holiday cookies:

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Spread some cheer. Fruitcake cookies make great gifts for friends, family, and local businesses. Drop off festive holiday tins full of fruitcake cookies to your neighbors and loved ones to spread the Christmas cheer and show you're thinking about them this holiday season!
Make ahead for easy serving. Make the dough and refrigerate overnight or freeze for a few days before baking to make holiday preparations even easier! They freeze well both before and after baking, so go ahead and make a big batch and watch how easily they disappear!

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Store leftover fruitcake cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also store them in the fridge for up to one month, but they may lose some of their chewiness.

How to Freeze

Fruitcake cookies also freeze well. Let them cool completely first, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

How to Freeze Cookie Dough

To freeze fruitcake cookie dough before baking, scoop out the cookie balls and place them on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and freeze for 1 hour until hard. Then, transfer the cookie dough balls into a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw the cookie dough balls in the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake according to recipe instructions. You may need to add a couple minutes to the cook time if the cookie dough is not at room temperature before baking.

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Peppermint Macarons

Peppermint Macarons with festive red shells, creamy peppermint buttercream, and a white chocolate candy cane topping are the ultimate Christmas cookies. They're delicate and melt-in-your-mouth - crisp on the outside and chewy inside.

These Christmas macarons are perfect for holiday gatherings, as part of holiday cookie boxes, or wrapped up as stocking stuffers. These cookies look like they came from a fancy bakery and are seriously worthy of a magazine cover - but you will be pleasantly surprised that making candy cane macarons from scratch at home are actually a lot easier than you think!

Why You'll Love these Peppermint Macarons

Delicate and chewy texture. Macarons are well-known (and loved!) for the delicate crispness of the outer shells that gives way to a chewy interior. Paired with the melt-in-your-mouth creaminess of the peppermint buttercream, it's impossible not to love these peppermint macarons.
Fancy but not difficult. Though the number of steps may look longer than you're used to for cookies, these candy cane macarons are easier to make than you might think. They look elegant and complicated, but when broken down, the steps are quite simple!
Festive peppermint flavor. Vibrant red food coloring, peppermint extract, and a white chocolate topping with real crushed candy canes makes these Christmas macarons the ultimate holiday cookie with classic peppermint flavor.
Quicker than you think. It only takes one hour to create Christmas macarons. You'll just need to follow nine easy steps to create the shiny, dainty shells, white chocolate candy cane topping, and silky buttercream before assembling these exquisite peppermint macarons.

Ingredient Notes

To make this delicious and festive Peppermint Macaroons, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

For the macarons:

almond flour - you need to use super fine almond flour for macarons. You can actually make your own almond flour at home if you want by finely grinding blanched almonds until you have a grainy powder.
confectioners' sugar - use your preferred powdered sugar or sugar substitute like powdered cane sugar, coconut sugar, date sugar, stevia, or Swerve.
egg whites - you can bring these up to room temperature faster by placing the whole egg in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes before cracking and separating them.
super fine white sugar
red gel food coloring - if you don't want red macarons, you can use whatever color you like. Just make sure to use powdered or gel food colouring as liquid coloring will change the consistency of your macarons.

For the macaron tops and peppermint buttercream:

white chocolate
crushed peppermint candy canes - carefully smash candy canes in a sealed, flattened Ziploc bag with a rolling pin.
butter - make sure the butter is room temperature for the best result. Cut it into smaller pieces to soften more quickly.
confectioners' sugar
peppermint extract - create different variations of these macarons by switching using other extract flavors.

Baking Tools

To make macarons, you will need the following baking tools and equipment

measuring cups and spoons or a kitchen scale
mixing bowl
piping bag and large ½ inch round tip
silicone baking mat (or parchment paper)
large half sheet baking pan
wire cooling rack

How to Make the Best Peppermint Macarons

Prep. Prepare a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat (or if you have enough, prepare 2 baking sheets).
Combine dry ingredients. Using a fine mesh sieve over a large mixing bowl on a scale, sift almond flour until you reach 140 grams. Discard any large pieces of almond flour. Repeat with the confectioners' sugar. Whisk together the almond flour and confectioners' sugar until very well-combined. Set aside.

Beat egg whites and sugar. Add egg whites to the bowl of your stand mixer. Using a whip attachment, beat the mixture, starting on low. Once soft peaks have been formed (about 2 minutes), add the sugar and increase the speed to medium. Once medium peaks are achieved, increase the speed to high. Beat on high until stiff peaks have formed, about 2 minutes.

Color. Add in the food colouring and beat until just combined.

Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Remove the bowl from the stand mixer, and place a sieve over top. Pour the dry mixture into the sieve, then sift the dry ingredients into the meringue.

Fold. Use a rubber spatula to fold the dry ingredients into the meringue. Be careful not to overmix and over-deflate the meringue.
- The mixture is ready to be piped when it ribbons off your spatula. The batter, when lifted with a spatula, should keep flowing off the spatula in ribbon shapes nonstop, without drizzling off too quickly. If it is coming off in large V shaped chunks it needs to be folded more.
- Another test is the figure 8 test: If you can lift some batter up and use it to draw several figure 8's without the stream breaking, it is ready!

Pipe macaron shells. Add batter to a piping bag with a medium to large sized round tip (I recommend a large ½-inch top). Pipe 1 to 1 ½-inch small circles of batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the piping bag is held straight up and perpendicular to the baking sheet.
Tap. After you've piped all the macarons, gently tap the baking sheet multiple times against the counter to remove any air bubbles from the macarons. If some air bubbles still remain, use a tooth pick to gently poke them out.
Rest. Preheat oven to 300°F. While the oven is preheating, allow the macarons to sit and form a "skin". This "skin" should form anywhere from 8 minutes to an hour. You know the macarons are ready to be baked when you can touch them lightly without having the batter stick to your finger. Keep checking them periodically to see if they have formed a skin.

Bake. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Check at 15 minutes, and if they are not ready then keep checking every minute. The macarons are ready when the tops are firm and do not move around their base at all. Allow the macarons to cool completely before attempting to remove them from the silicone mat.

Decorating the Macaron Tops

Melt chocolate. Melt the white chocolate in a double broiler or in the microwave.

How to Melt Chocolate

You can melt chocolate either on the stovetop or in the microwave.

On the stove: Bring about 2 inches of water to a gentle simmer in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Reduce the heat to low and place a medium heatproof bowl over the saucepan, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water (you can also use a steamer insert). Add the chocolate and stir constantly as it melts. Continue stirring until completely smooth and gloss. This should take just a few minutes.
In the microwave: For a quicker method, place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each one. Continue until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Be sure to stir between intervals to prevent overheating or scorching.

Dip macaron tops. Dip the tops of half of the macarons into the melted white chocolate.
Add candy canes. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes on top.
Chill. Set aside in the fridge to harden.

How to Make Peppermint Buttercream

Add butter to a stand mixer fitted with the whip attachment. Beat on high until butter is doubled in volume, and looks light and fluffy.

Turn the stand mixer to low and slowly add the confectioners sugar. Beat until completely incorporated, then add in the peppermint extract. Beat until well-combined and fully incorporated.

Assembling Macarons

Place buttercream into a piping bag fitted with a large ½ inch round tip.
Pipe the buttercream onto the bottom half of the macaron shells (undecorated half).
Top each bottom half with the decorated macaron tops.
Place into the fridge overnight to mature and meld together.

Peppermint Macaron Variations

There a few ways you can customize these Christmas macarons:

Drizzle in chocolate. Instead of dipping the tops in white chocolate, add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top. Sprinkle some chopped candy canes on the drizzle and let it set. Then shake off any excess candy.
Omit the chocolate. Omit the chocolate off the macaron tops completely. Instead assemble the macaron sandwich cookies and roll the edges in crushed candy canes.
Make chocolate peppermint buttercream. Add ¼ cup natural cocoa powder to the buttercream. Add a teaspoon of water at a time if needed to thin out the icing to the right consistency.
Simplify it. Or just keep it simple without decorating the macaron tops with chocolate and candy canes.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use a template to get uniform macarons. The best way to get uniform macaron shells is to use a silicone macaron mat with circles already outlined or create your own template on parchment paper as a cheat-sheet for making all your Christmas macarons exactly the same shape and size!
Use an oven thermometer. Temperature is key in making macarons. Use an oven thermometer to verify the actual temperature in your oven to prevent macaron mishaps like over- or undercooking.
Stay grease-free. Give all your bowls, utensils, and mixers a quick wash and dry before starting the recipe, as even the tiniest amount of greasy residue or oils left on your tools can affect the outcome of these peppermint macarons.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Store macarons in a sealed ziploc bag or airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

To store in the fridge, Gently transfer macarons into an airtight container in a single layer, being careful not to crack the delicate shells. Refrigerate for up to 6 weeks.

How to Freeze

Allow macarons to sit at room temperature for 24 hours before freezing in a single layer on a parchment paper lined sheet pan until solid (about 1-2 hours). Once completely frozen, carefully stack the peppermint macarons in an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve, allow them to thaw overnight in the fridge.

You can also store unassembled macaron shells in this same way. Allow the shells to thaw in the fridge overnight before coating the tops, making the buttercream, and assembling.

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Butter Pecan Cookies

Butter Pecan Cookies are soft and chewy, have perfect golden crisp edges, and are loaded with crunchy toasted pecans throughout. They are quick and easy to make in under 20 minutes making them ideal for a last minute craving situation.

Switch things up this season and add these butter pecan cookies to your holiday baking list - or for any time of the year. These chewy cookies with pecans and with a rich buttery flavor will leave you wanting more. Luckily both the cookie dough and baked cookies are freezer-friendly, so go ahead and make a double or triple batch! You will thank me later.

Butter Pecan Cookies are soft and chewy, have perfect golden crisp edges and loaded with crunchy toasted pecans. Quick and easy to make in under 20 minutes. | aheadofthyme.com

Why You'll Love these Butter Pecan Cookies

Classic butter pecan flavor. These soft and chewy cookies have the best flavor. They taste like chocolate chip cookies without the chocolate but with buttery pecans instead. These pecan cookies were created with butter pecan fans in mind. If you know, you know.
Ready in under 30 minutes. These butter pecan cookies are fast to bake. After only 15 minutes of active preparation and 10 minutes of baking time, you can have warm butter pecan cookies out of the oven. It's the perfect last minute cookie to make whenever a craving hits.
Simple ingredients. Along with standard baking components like butter, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and flour, easy to find ingredients like pecans and cornstarch are what gives these simple cookies their complex flavor.
Easy to make. After you toast the pecans and cream the butter, you'll start to incorporate all of the ingredients to create the dough base. Then you'll add the toasted pecans, scoop the cookies, and bake them. It truly couldn't be any easier to make these!

Ingredient Notes

To make these easy Butter Pecan Cookies, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

pecan halves - walnuts would also work similarly, but you'll lose the signature pecan look and taste of the recipe.
butter - if you're out of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter if it's what you have on hand. Just don't add any extra salt that is called for in the recipe.
dark brown sugar - use light brown sugar if you don't have the dark version, or try white sugar and molasses if you need to find a replacement.
granulated sugar - you can use your favorite granulated sugar or sugar substitute here, like coconut sugar, date sugar, erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit.
eggs
vanilla extract - vanilla bean paste can be used in place of extract at a 1:1 ratio for richer flavor.
all-purpose flour - if you or someone in your family has a sensitivity to gluten, use a measure-for-measure gluten free flour instead.
cornstarch - potato starch is a close enough swap for cornstarch. You could even leave out the cornstarch if you don't have any on hand. The cornstarch makes the cookies more tender.
baking soda - 3 teaspoons of baking powder can be used in place of every one teaspoon in the recipe if you're in a pinch, but the texture of the cookies may change slightly.
salt

Baking Tools Needed

You will also need the following baking tools and equipment:

measuring cups and spoons
mixing bowls
hand mixer or stand mixer
cookie scoop
half sheet baking pan and silicone baking mat (or parchment paper)
wire cooling rack

How to Make the Best Butter Pecan Cookies

Toast pecans. Toast chopped pecans in a large skillet over medium heat until fragrant and browned (roughly one shade darker), about 3-5 minutes. Set aside.

Make cookie dough. Cream butter and sugar together using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or in a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer) on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs and vanilla, and beat on low speed until combined. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until just combined.
Fold in pecans. Fold in the toasted pecans, reserving ¼ cup for the tops of the cookies.

Scoop cookies. Line large cookie sheets with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Set aside. Use a medium cookie scoop to scoop out 1.5-2 tablespoons of cookie dough. Use your hands to roll it into a ball (this will ensure cookies with smooth edges). Place the cookie balls onto the lined baking sheet, spaced at least 2 inches apart. Press the extra pecans on top of the cookie balls.
Bake. Bake cookies in a 350F preheated oven for 8-11 minutes, until starting to brown on the edges but still soft or slightly underdone in the middle.

Cool. Leave on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Recipe Variations

There a few ways that you can customize these pecan cookies with different ingredients and flavors.

Add chocolate chips. Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips into the cookie dough for a pecan chocolate chip cookie!
Use different nuts. Switch up the nuts for different flavors. Try this with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts.
Add cocoa powder. Substitute ¼ cup of flour with cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist for chocolate lovers.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Serve à la mode. These cookies are perfect companions to a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also double down on the flavor and serve them warm with a scoop of butter pecan ice cream!
Brown the butter. If you have extra time, you can brown and cool the butter before making the dough to make the flavor richer. You can also brown large batches of butter and freeze them for use in recipes like this one to save time.
Top with a candied pecan. Go the extra mile and top these with an individual candied pecan instead for a glittery, sugar-crusted embellishment.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Keep leftover butter pecan cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also store the in the fridge for up to one month, but they may lose some of their chewiness.

How to Freeze

Butter pecan cookies freeze really well too. Let them cool completely first, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

How to Freeze Cookie Dough

To freeze the pecan cookie dough before baking, scoop out the cookie balls and place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and freeze for 1 hour until hard. Then, transfer the cookie dough balls into a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw the cookie dough balls in the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake according to recipe instructions. You may need to add a couple minutes to the cook time if the cookie dough is not at room temperature before baking.

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Almond Crescent Cookies

Almond Crescent Cookies are delicious and crumbly half-moon shaped cookies with a fragrant, sweet almond flavor and a delicate dusting of powdered sugar on top. The best part? They're quick and easy to make in 40 minutes.

These almond crescents are also known as Vanillekipferl - a popular Austrian or German Christmas cookie that is perfect for your holiday baking list, cookie exchanges, or wrapped up as gifts. Although they're popular during Christmas, there is no reason not to make these tea cookies all year long.

Why You'll Love these Almond Crescent Cookies

They're a traditional holiday cookie. Almond crescent cookies have long been a Christmastime favorite in several European countries before coming to America, where they've cemented themselves as a classic holiday treat. It's the perfect cookie to add to a Holiday Cookie Box. They are also known as Kourabiedes in Greek or Vanillekipferl in German.
Delicate and crunchy. These almond cookies have an addictingly light crispness to them that makes them irresistible. Once you try these almond crescents, you'll crave them all season long.
Sweet and buttery almond flavor. The two most pronounced flavors in this recipe are the butter and almond extract, which pair together nicely to create these delightful almond crescents.
Quick and easy. These almond crescents take just 40 minutes to make with just 7 simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry or can easily find at the grocery store or online.

Ingredient Notes

To make these simple Almond Crescent Cookies, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

butter - unsalted butter works best in this recipe (not salted butter), otherwise the cookies will be overly salty.
sugar - you can use a granulated sugar substitute if you prefer, like coconut sugar or date sugar.
vanilla extract - use the same amount of vanilla bean paste for a slight flavor boost.
almond extract - if you don't have almond extract on hand, use the same amount of almond liqueur or a different nut extract in its place.
all-purpose flour - you can use a measure-for-measure gluten free flour to make this recipe friendlier to those with celiac or gluten intolerance.
almond flour - you can use ground blanched almonds if you can't find almond flour - the texture might be slightly more grainy but the taste will be the same.
confectioners' sugar - you can swap the confectioners' sugar for an equal amount of any powdered sugar substitute like powdered Swerve, powdered stevia, or monk fruit powder.

Baking Tools Needed

You will also need the following baking tools and equipment:

measuring cups and spoons
mixing bowls
hand mixer or stand mixer
cookie scoop
half sheet baking pan and silicone baking mat (or parchment paper)
sifter or fine mesh sieve
wire cooling rack

How to Make the Best Almond Crescent Cookies

Cream butter and sugar. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer cream together butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Add wet ingredients. Then, add vanilla and almond extract, and beat on low until incorporated.

Add dry ingredients. Add flour and almond flour and beat until combined. The dough will be quite crumbly and dry at first but will become smooth as it is combined and forms into a dough.

Shape cookies. Line a large half sheet baking pan with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Use a medium cookie scoop to scoop out 1 tablespoon of cookie dough. Use your hands to roll it into a 1-inch ball. Then use your hands to shape it into a crescent (half-moon) shape.

Bake. Place the crescents onto the lined baking sheet, spaced about an inch apart. Bake in a 350F preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until light golden brown.

Cool and dust. Allow the cookies to cool in the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then use a sifter (or fine mesh sieve) to dust the cookies with confectioners' sugar on top. Carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Dust on more confectioners' sugar as needed.

How to Serve

These almond crescents pair beautifully with a hot beverage like a decadent hot chocolate or a piping hot mug of earl grey or English breakfast tea. Some of our favorites to serve with this are:

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Try a glaze instead. Not a fan of the powdered sugar dusting? Try making a glaze instead with powdered sugar and a few tablespoons of water or milk for a similar flavor with a different texture! Just drizzle some over top of the almond cookies.
Customize the flavor. Though these cookies are traditionally almond flavored, you can easily customize them to your tastes by changing the type of extract used or by adding citrus zest, a drizzle of melted chocolate, cocoa powder, or other similar ingredients.
Dip in chocolate. Instead of confectioners' sugar, coat the cookies with chocolate. Melt 4 ounces of chocolate in a double broiler or in the microwave in 30 second increments and dip the cooled almond crescent cookies in halfway or coat them completely.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

You can store almond cresent cookies in an airtight container or cookie tin at room temperature for up to 4 days. I suggest storing each in a mini cupcake liners so that they don't smudge into each other. You can extend their shelf life by storing in the fridge for up to 10 days.

How to Freeze

Almond crescents can also be frozen but the texture of the confectioners' sugar coating is best fresh. Arrange them in an airtight container, in single layers layered in between pieces of parchment paper. Another way to freeze them is to place cookies on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 1-2 hours until frozen solid. Then, transfer the frozen cookies into a freezer bag and freeze. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When ready to serve, allow the cookies to thaw overnight in the fridge. The confectioners' sugar gets a little sticky after thawing so I recommend dusting a new layer of confectioners' sugar on top before serving.

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Red Velvet Cookies

These moist and chewy Red Velvet Cookies are every cookie lover's dream come true with their delicious chocolate and vanilla flavor, velvety cake-like texture, and striking red color! Generously speckled with chunks of chopped white chocolate, every bite will give you a rush of rich chocolate goodness. Plus, these delicious cookies are ready in just 20 minutes with no chilling required!

These red velvet cookies with white chocolate are reminiscent of my Red Velvet Crinkles, but instead of a sprinkling of confectioners' sugar, I used a liberal amount of white chocolate to give them pockets of gooey goodness! This from-scratch recipe is tried and true, all you have to do is follow the recipe to a T and you'll be rewarded with the best Red Velvet Cookies ever! Once you have tried them, you'll may never go back to buying them from the bakery. With their festive red color, these homemade cookies are perfect for Christmas and Valentine's Day, and every holiday in between.

Why You'll Love these Red Velvet Cookies

A simple and easy cookie recipe. Even if you are not an avid baker, this super easy cookie recipe will make you proud. These red velvet cookies with white chocolate are made of simple baking essentials and you can get bite into a freshly baked cookie in about 20 minutes - including prep!
Plenty of festive charm. We added drops of red food coloring to give it a bright ruby hue which is the perfect backdrop for the white chocolate chunks. You can add more edible embellishments to make them even more festive-looking.
Moist and chewy texture. You'll get all the lusciousness of a red velvet cake but in a compact cookie form loaded with sweetness and velvety goodness. These cookies are moist, soft, and chewy. All the best things!
Can be made gluten-free and vegan. With some simple substitutions, you can make these cookies friendly to your plant-based and gluten-allergic friends and family. Read our recipe tips below for all the substitutions.

Ingredient Notes

To make these festive Red Velvet Cookies with White Chocolate, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

butter - unsalted and softened to room temperature. This will give the cookies tender crumbs and a rich and moist texture. You can also use applesauce 1:1 or half the amount of coconut oil.
sugars - I used light brown sugar and granulated sugar for this recipe. These are both essential in the texture development of the cookies. While white sugar helps make the cookies thick when creamed with butter, brown sugar allows the cookies to spread as they bake, making them softer and chewier.
eggs - aside from binding the ingredients together and adding a richer taste, eggs also help in making the cookies rise and spread as they bake to give them the perfect texture.
vanilla extract - gives the cookies a delicate flavor and aroma while further enhancing the cocoa and chocolate flavor.
red food coloring - this makes the cookies more pleasing to the eye! You can also use gel food color or another natural food coloring you like. Take note that the vibrancy of color would depend on what brand and type you use.
all-purpose flour - this is ideal for making cookies with tender and moist crumbs.
baking soda - the leavening agent used to make these cookies.
cocoa powder - use natural and not dutch processed or dark cocoa powder because they tend to result in darker cookies and they will not be as vibrantly red.
white chocolate - I used roughly chopped white chocolate because they give the cookies more texture. Their bigger size also makes the cookies more indulgent compared to chocolate chips. But you can choose to substitute with white chocolate chips if you prefer.
salt

Baking Tools

You will also need the following baking tools and equipment:

measuring cups and spoons
mixing bowls
hand mixer or stand mixer
cookie scoop
half sheet baking pan and silicone baking mat (or parchment paper)
wire cooling rack

How to Make the Best Red Velvet Cookies

Combine wet ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer cream together butter and sugars on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla and beat on low until incorporated. Add the red food coloring and beat until incorporated.
Add dry ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and beat until just combined.

Fold in chocolate. Fold in 1 ¼ cup of chopped white chocolate (reserving the remaining ¼ cup for the tops).

Scoop cookies. Line a large half sheet baking tray with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Use a medium cookie scoop to scoop out 1.5-2 tablespoons of cookie dough. Use your hands to roll it into a ball. Place the cookie balls onto the lined baking sheet, spaced at least 2 inches apart.
Bake. Bake cookies in a 350F preheated oven for 8-11 minutes, until starting to brown on the edges but still soft or slightly underdone in the middle.
Add chocolate. After a minute, press in the extra chocolate on the top of the cookies. Leave on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Variations for Red Velvet Cookies

Make it gluten-free- All you have to do is to swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free brand. As for the rest of the ingredients, they should all be naturally free of gluten, but it is always best to check as some may be contaminated upon manufacturing.
Make vegan red velvet cookies. Not only will these substitutions make the cookies vegan-friendly, but they will also be lighter and healthier. Here are the possible alternatives: use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter. You can also swap the eggs with mashed bananas or applesauce and use vegan white chocolate.
Make red velvet cookie sandwiches. Your kids will go bonkers over this one! Spread vanilla cream over the bottom of one cookie and place another cookie on top - you instantly have a delicious cookie sandwich with double the chocolate and velvety goodness!
Make it more Christmas-y! Sprinkle Christmas sprinkles or sugar dust on top of the cookies before baking to double up on the holiday vibes! You can also add a dash of cinnamon powder to give the cookies a warmer flavor.
Drizzle with cream cheese glaze. Adding a drizzle of cream cheese glaze will add a layer of tangy-sweetness to the cookies!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

The butter should be softened but not melted. This is important to achieve a fudgier texture and allows the sugar to properly cream with the butter.
Do not over mix the cookie dough. Mix only until just combined. Mixing it too much will create lots of air pockets that will pop later on and make the cookies flat and hard. Exactly the opposite of what we want!
Use your hands to form the cookie into balls. This will result in cookies with smooth edges. You can skip this part and just scoop out your cookie dough onto the baking sheet but the edges will be more rustic rather than smooth.
Place them with space. Place the cookies at least 2 inches apart in the baking pan to give them space to spread and cook evenly.
Do not over bake the cookies. I always take them out of the oven once the edges start to brown and they are still soft in the middle. They will continue to bake with the residual heat but not enough to make them hard and crisp.
Cooling time. Leave the cookies on the baking pan to cool after taking them out of the oven. They will still be soft and pliant after baking so moving them right away will result in tearing. They will firm up after a few minutes then you can transfer them to the wire rack to fully cool

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I eat the cookie dough raw?

No, I do not recommend this because it contains eggs and flour. If you enjoy eating raw cookie dough, swap eggs with mashed bananas or applesauce instead. You also cannot eat raw cookie dough because of the flour. It needs to at least be toasted first.

What rack should I place the cookies on?

Always place the baking pan on the middle rack because that is where the hot air circulates evenly. This way, the cookies will be uniformly baked.

Can I skip the food color?

Yes, you can. Or you can just use natural food coloring if you are averse to use artificial coloring. But take note that they will not turn as vibrantly red as you see them in the pictures above.

Can I make the Red velvet cookie dough ahead of time?

Sure you can! Place the dough in a freezer bag and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, scoop and bake when you want some!

Storing and Freezing Instructions

Make sure that the cookies are cool before storing them in airtight containers. If you store cookies while they are still warm, it will create steam and make them soggy.

How to Store

Place leftover red velvet cookies in an airtight container in a cool, dry area on your counter or pantry and they should last for about 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for a week, however, the longer they are stored the less moist they will be.

How to Freeze

Red velvet cookies freeze well both baked and before baking. To freeze baked cookies, let them cool completely first, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat or place on the counter to bring them up to room temperature (about 15-20 minutes).

How to Freeze Cookie Dough

To freeze red velvet cookie dough, scoop out the cookie balls and place on a lined baking sheet. Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and freeze for 1-2 hours until hard. Then, transfer the cookie dough balls into a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw the cookie dough balls in the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake according to recipe instructions.

More Cookie Recipes

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Coconut Macaroons

Coconut macaroons are crispy on the outside with a soft and chewy center. Dip or drizzle with chocolate for an even more delicious flavor combo. Macaroons might just be the most perfect coconut cookie ever created.

Coconut macaroons are a classic for a reason - your family will ask you to make them every opportunity they get. So it's a good thing that they're a lot easier to make than you think. You can serve bakery-style macaroons in under an hour.

Coconut macaroons are crispy on the outside with a soft and chewy center. Dip or drizzle with chocolate for an even more delicious flavor combo. | aheadofthyme.com

Why You'll Love the Coconut Macaroons

Simple ingredients. There are only 6 ingredients required to make coconut macaroons - and none of them are uncommon or hard to find. You may already have everything you need!
Chocolatey coconut flavor. When the coconut cookies are out of the oven, they get a quick dip in chocolate (if you want) before they're ready to eat. Sweet, fragrant coconut and luscious chocolate are a perfect combination that makes these macaroons nearly impossible to eat just one at a time.
So easy to make. This coconut macaroon recipe is simple and straightforward. They're easy to prepare with a little help from a hand or stand mixer. You'll mix ingredients together, beat egg whites to give the cookies structure, and then combine them to bake to get their signature golden color and crunch.
They're fast. You can get them in the oven after just 15 minutes of prep.

Ingredient Notes

To make these easy Coconut Macaroons, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

sweetened coconut flakes - you can also use unsweetened coconut flakes if you prefer less-sweet macaroons.
sweetened condensed milk
vanilla extract - vanilla bean paste can be used in place of extract at a 1:1 ratio for richer flavor.
almond extract - if you don't have almond extract on hand, use the same amount of almond liqueur or a different nut extract in its place.
egg whites - you can use fresh egg whites or egg whites from a carton to save a little time.
salt
semi-sweet chocolate - chocolate is optional if you want to dip your macarons in chocolate. If so, I recommend semi-sweet chocolate but milk chocolate or dark chocolate works too.

Baking Tools

You will also need the following baking tools and equipment:

measuring cups and spoons
mixing bowls
hand mixer or stand mixer
cookie scoop
half sheet baking pan and silicone baking mat (or parchment paper)
wire cooling rack

How to Make the Best Coconut Macaroons

Beat egg whites. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer (or stand mixer) to beat the egg whites and salt together until stiff peaks form, about 3 minutes. Set aside.

Add to dry ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the coconut, condensed milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Use a large rubber spatula to fold the egg whites into the coconut mixture.

Scoop cookies. Line two large half sheet baking pans with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Using a cookie scoop, scoop 2 tablespoons of the batter and place on the line baking sheets, spacing about 1 inch apart.
Bake. Bake in a 325F preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the tops and edges are golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the pans for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Melt chocolate. Melt the semi-sweet chocolate in microwave, stopping and stirring at every 30-second interval until smooth or creamy, or melt in a double broiler over a pot of boiling water.

How to Melt Chocolate

You can melt chocolate either on the stovetop or in the microwave.

On the stove: Bring about 2 inches of water to a gentle simmer in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Reduce the heat to low and place a medium heatproof bowl over the saucepan, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water (you can also use a steamer insert). Add the chocolate and stir constantly as it melts. Continue stirring until completely smooth and gloss. This should take just a few minutes.
In the microwave: For a quicker method, place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each one. Continue until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Be sure to stir between intervals to prevent overheating or scorching.

Dip macaroons in chocolate. Dip the bottoms of the cooled macaroons in the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl. Place the macaroons back onto the lined baking sheets.

Cool. Let them completely cool and set before serving. You can speed up the time by placing in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes until set.

Coconut Macaroon Variations

Add more chocolate. Want to up the chocolate factor? Drizzle a little extra melted chocolate over the top of the macaroons or coat a larger portion of the bottom to add a little more indulgence.
Add sprinkles. After dipping the macaroons in chocolate, add sprinkles and place the macaroons upside down to let them dry.
Add nuts. Similarly, after dipping in chocolate, sprinkle on some nuts such as chopped peanuts, pecans, walnuts, almonds, or pistachios.
Add color. Use semi-sweet chocolate instead and add food coloring to make it festive based on the holiday that you are making these cookies for.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use the 2-spoon method. If you don't have a cookie scoop handy, you can use two spoons to scoop and shape balls of the macaroon mixture into uniform shapes. Take a spoon in each hand, scoop the amount you wish to shape, and pass the dough between the two spoons a few times until a ball forms.
Intensify the coconut flavor. Using toasted coconut or toasting the coconut flakes yourself will make the coconut flavor a bit richer than using raw coconut flakes. Toast the flakes in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat for a few seconds, just until the coconut starts to change color.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Store coconut macaroons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If planning to store a little longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

How to Freeze

To freeze, place cooled coconut cookies on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 1-2 hours until frozen solid, or wrap them individually in plastic wrap. Then, transfer the macaroons into a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

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Eggnog Cookies

Eggnog cookies are a delicious soft and chewy holiday cookie with a perfect crackly top. They are made with eggnog, spiced warmly with cinnamon and nutmeg, and have a drizzle of homemade eggnog glaze on top. The coziest Christmas cookie ever!

Plus, this quick and easy no chill cookie recipe takes less than 20 minutes to make using simple pantry staple ingredients - meaning you likely already have them in your pantry and fridge. These cookies with eggnog might just become your all-time favorite holiday treat.

Why You'll Love these Eggnog Cookies

Delicious holiday flavor. If you're the type of person that waits all year long for eggnog season to begin, these soft and chewy eggnog cookies are perfect for you. There's eggnog in the cookie batter and eggnog in the glaze. It's a two-in-one deal.
A quick and easy 20 minute recipe. If their delightful seasonal flavor wasn't enough reason to start a batch of these as soon as possible, the fact that they take less than 20 minutes to make from scratch might further entice you. It's perfect for a last minute dessert craving!
The best texture. These eggnog cookies are soft and chewy with a perfect crackly top. They get a boost of even more tenderness and Christmas flavor with the addition of real eggnog and warming spices.
Great for Christmas parties. These simple cookies are an excellent offering for the dessert table at holiday parties everywhere. Next year, guests will petition you to bring your famous cookies with eggnog. They're also great for holiday cookie exchanges, bake sales, and Christmas cookie boxes.

Ingredient Notes

To make these soft and chewy Eggnog Cookies, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

eggnog - you can use a traditional eggnog with alcohol, or use a Non-Alcoholic Eggnog. You can also try a plant-based eggnog if you're sensitive to dairy!
all-purpose flour - try an equal-exchange gluten free flour to make this recipe gluten free. The texture of the cookies may change slightly but it should produce a similar result.
baking powder
salt
nutmeg - you can use ground nutmeg from the grocery store or grind your own at home using a spice grinder, if you have extra time on your hands.
cinnamon - the same goes for the cinnamon! Store bought and freshly ground work equally as well in this eggnog cookie recipe.
butter - unsalted butter works best in these cookies, but you can use salted butter if you prefer. It will slightly alter the taste of the cookies. You can also use a plant-based butter alternative to make these cookies dairy-free.
granulated sugar - you can use your favorite granulated sugar or sugar substitute here, like coconut sugar, date sugar, erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit.
egg yolks - use a yolk separator tool to easily remove the yolk from the whites, or use egg yolks from a carton if you need to! 2 tablespoons is typically equal to one yolk.
vanilla extract - if you have some on hand, an equal amount of vanilla bean paste can be used in place of extract.
eggnog glaze - optional, to drizzle over the cookies. The glaze is made with powdered sugar, eggnog, and nutmeg. You can swap the confectioners' sugar for an equal measure of any powdered sugar substitute like powdered Swerve, powdered stevia, or monk fruit powder.

Baking Tools

You will also need the following baking tools and equipment:

measuring cups and spoons
mixing bowls
hand mixer
cookie scoop
half sheet baking pan and silicone baking mat (or parchment paper)
wire cooling rack

How to Make the Best Eggnog Cookies

Combine dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Whisk well to combine, then set aside.
Combine wet ingredients. In another large mixing bowl, add melted butter, brown sugar, white sugar, eggnog, egg yolks, and vanilla. Beat with a hand mixer or whisk until well combined and smooth.

Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until combined, scraping down the edges of the bowl. Ensure the batter is well combined, but do not overmix.

Scoop cookie dough. Prepare 3 half sheet baking pans with parchment paper (or one, if working in batches). Using your hands or a cookie scoop, scoop 2 tablespoons of cookie dough. Place the cookie balls evenly onto the baking sheets, spacing them 2-3 inches apart (I do about 6 per sheet).
Bake. Bake in a 350F preheated oven for 11-13 minutes, until the edges are set. Allow the cookies to cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring onto a wire rack to fully cool before glazing.

How to Make Eggnog Glaze

Add all of the ingredients (confectioners' sugar, eggnog, and nutmeg) to a medium mixing bowl and whisk until smooth.

Using a spoon, drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies. Allow the glaze to set for an hour before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve Eggnog Cookies with a glass of Homemade Eggnog, a warm glass of milk, or another hot drink. Some of our favorites are:

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Make ahead to speed up holiday prep. You have two options to check these off your baking list prior to big holiday engagements: making the dough and refrigerating or freezing it, or baking the cookies as directed and then freezing them to enjoy at a later date. If you fully bake them ahead of time, leave the icing off until you're ready to serve them.
Make them colorful. These cookies are eye-catching as made here, but if you're craving a little more Christmas color, a few drops of red or green food coloring in the batter or glaze (or both!) will transform them without affecting the flavor. You could also add Christmas sprinkes on top before the icing sets.
Add some crunch. Want to add a touch more texture to these soft and chewy cookies? Chop up walnuts, pecans, or pistachios and add them to the dough before baking to mix things up a little.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Store leftover eggnog cookies (unglazed) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Once glazed, these cookies will need to stored in the refrigerator because of the eggnog in the glaze. Store them for up to 1 week in the fridge.

How to Freeze

Freeze eggnog cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. If possible, it is best to freeze them before icing for the best results. Then, when ready to eat, allow the cookie to thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add the eggnog icing before serving.

You can also freeze the rolled cookie balls for up to 3 months. Simply scoop the cookies and place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and place in the freezer for 1-2 hours until hard. Then, transfer the hard cookie balls to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply allow the cookie dough to defrost in the refrigerator, overnight before baking.

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Coffee Cookies

Coffee Cookies are soft and chewy, loaded with real coffee, and sweetened with chocolate chunks. Plus, they are quick and easy to make. This one bowl cookie recipe takes under 20 minutes to prep, bake, and serve (no chilling required!). It's the perfect chocolate chip cookie for coffee lovers!

Make these for your next gathering and watch your guests' faces light up as they realize these aren't ordinary chocolate chip cookies - they're coffee chocolate chip cookies! We love playing around with different ingredients to give the quintessential Chocolate Chip Cookie new twists, and these coffee cookies are our latest creation. Some other fun variations we have made are Smores Cookies, Double Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Butter Pecan Cookies.

Why You'll Love these Coffee Cookies

Rich coffee flavor. Coffee and chocolate are a popular pairing, and for good reason. The flavors are said to enhance one another and bring out the best in each, enhancing the sweet earthiness of chocolate and the bold, roasty, bitterness of coffee. It's a perfect match.
They're soft and chewy. Phenomenal flavor aside, these coffee cookies have what many dub the perfect cookie texture: they're not fluffy like cake or crunchy, but they have just the right amount of give when you bite into them.
Minimal work for maximum flavor. These incredible chocolate chip coffee cookies take no more than 10 minutes to prep before popping into the oven to bake for 8 minutes. You can toss them together while dinner is cooking for freshly baked cookies after supper, or add them to your roster of desserts to make for the holidays.
Chocolate chip cookies with a twist. You may never see a chocolate chip cookie the same way after trying out these coffee cookies. This recipe upgrades America's favorite cookie by adding real espresso grounds for a complex flavor you won't soon forget.

Ingredient Notes

To make these chocolate chip Coffee Cookies, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

butter - use unsalted butter when baking cookies, or use salted butter and omit the additional salt to offset the salt in the butter.
brown sugar - out of brown sugar? Mix one tablespoon of molasses with one cup of white sugar instead.
white sugar - you can use whatever version of granulated sugar you like, including coconut sugar, cane sugar, or Swerve sugar alternative.
eggs
vanilla extract - an equal amount of vanilla bean paste can be substituted for the vanilla extract.
flour - make these coffee chocolate chip cookies gluten free by replacing the flour with a measure-for-measure gluten free flour instead.
espresso grounds - you can use instant coffee or ground coffee granules as well, instead of espresso powder.
baking soda
salt
chocolate - we use coarsely chopped chocolate but chocolate chips will also work.
flaked salt - optional, for sprinkling on top when serving.

Equipment Needed

You will also need the following kitchen tools and equipment:

measuring cups and spoons
mixing bowls
hand mixer or stand mixer
cookie scoop
half sheet baking pan and silicone baking mat (or parchment paper)
wire cooling rack

How to Make the Best Coffee Cookies

Cream butter and sugars. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer cream together butter and sugars on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Add wet ingredients. Next, add egg and vanilla, and beat on low until incorporated.

Add dry ingredients. Add in flour, coffee grounds, baking soda, and salt and beat until just combined.

Fold in chocolate. Reserve ¼ cup of the chocolate for the tops and set aside. Fold in the remaining chocolate chunks.

Scoop cookies. Line a large half sheet baking tray with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper and set aside. Use a medium cookie scoop to scoop out 2 tablespoons of cookie dough. Use your hands to roll it into a ball. Place the cookie balls onto the lined baking sheet, spaced at least 2 inches apart (you can fit about 6-8 on a large cookie sheet). If you don't care to have smooth edges, you can just drop the cookie dough onto the baking sheet without smoothing it into a ball.
Bake. Bake in a 350F preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until edges just start to brown. Do not overbake. The cookies may not look done in the middle, but they will continue to cook as they are cooling.

Cool. Remove from oven and allow the cookies to cool in the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then carefully press in some the chocolate chunks into the top of the cookies, and transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

How to Serve

These Coffee Cookies are delicious paired with a tall glass of milk or a warm drink such as:

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Mix up the flavors. You can put your own spin on these chocolate chip coffee cookies to mimic your usual coffee order. Try adding butterscotch chips or caramel to make a cookie version of your favorite latte.
Watch the acidity. Coffee beans can come from different regions of the world and have different flavor profiles, and some are more acidic than others. Stick to whichever espresso that you like. We prefer medium or dark roast.
Add nuts for some crunch. The flavors in these coffee chocolate chip cookies are perfect for pairing with chopped walnuts, macadamia nuts, or pecans.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Store leftover chocolate chip coffee cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also store the in the fridge for up to one month, but they may lose some of their chewiness.

How to Freeze

These coffee cookies also freeze well. To freeze, let the cookies cool completely to room temperature first, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

How to Freeze Cookie Dough

The cookie dough is also freezer-friendly. Scoop out the cookie balls and place on the lined baking sheet. Then, transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and freeze for 1-2 hours until hard. Once frozen, transfer the cookie dough balls into a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw the amount of cookie balls that you want overnight in the refrigerator. Then, bake according to recipe instructions.

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Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies are a soft, tender, and chewy Christmas cookie that is easy to make with no chilling required! They're coated in powdered sugar, with cracks thoughout exposing the rich, fudgy, red velvet center.

Welcome the holidays the right way by making a big batch of red velvet crinkle cookies! These festive delights are a true wintertime treat and aren't as hard to make as you might think. It's the perfect holiday cookie to make for new bakers as well as seasoned pros.

Why You'll Love these Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

So easy to make. Red velvet crinkle cookies only take 25 minutes to make from scratch and don't require any special tools or advanced baking skills. Just make the dough, roll the balls in the powdered sugar, and bake!
They're visually stunning. Once baked, these cookies have a pretty, powdery white exterior that is contrasted by bright veins of red velvet marbled over the surface. They're picture-perfect with minimal effort!
Festive for the holidays. Red velvet is a hallmark of the holidays, and the coat of powdered sugar on these crinkle cookies looks like fresh snow. They're great for holiday parties, cookie boxes, and potlucks.
Delicious red velvet flavor. Get the luscious flavor of red velvet without having to make an entire cake! The heavenly scent of cocoa and vanilla will fill the house when these red velvet cookies are fresh out of the oven.

Ingredient Notes

To make these festive Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

flour - if you're sensitive to gluten, make these cookies gluten free by using a measure-for-measure gluten free flour in its place.
cocoa powder - make sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder so the cookies don't accidentally get a double-dose of sugar.
baking powder
salt
butter - be sure to use unsalted butter when baking cookies, or if salted is all you have, don't add the salt called for in the recipe.
white sugar - use your favorite granulated sugar alternative if you want. Just beware that alternatives like stevia will alter the overall taste of the cookies.
brown sugar
vanilla extract - use an equal amount of vanilla bean paste for more intense flavor if you have some on hand.
red food coloring - you can choose to omit the food coloring, but they'll no longer be red velvet cookies - they'll just be cocoa cookies.
eggs
confectioners' sugar - you can also use powdered Swerve for the most similar flavor.

Baking Equipment

You will also need the following kitchen tools and baking equipment:

measuring cups and spoons
mixing bowls
hand mixer (or stand mixer)
cookie scoop
half sheet baking pan lined with parchment paper or silicone mat
wire cooling rack

How to Make the Best Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Cream butter and sugars. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened butter until smooth. Add the sugars and beat on medium-low speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Add wet ingredients. Add vanilla and food coloring and beat until combined. Add eggs, one at a time, and beat to incorporate.

Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, and beat on low speed until just combined, scraping down the sides.

Prep for baking. Line 2 large half sheet baking pans with parchment paper. Place confectioners' sugar into a shallow plate.
Scoop cookies. Use a cookie scoop to scoop out 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and roll into a ball. Roll the cookie ball into the confectioners' sugar and coat it completely with a thick layer of sugar. Place the cookie balls 2 inches apart on the lined baking sheets. Repeat until you have used up all the cookie dough.

Bake. Bake in a 350F preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until just set. They will be soft to the touch and may appear slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool. Allow the cookies to cool in the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Let frozen dough thaw first. You can totally refrigerate or freeze the cookie dough before you bake it, but let it come up to room temperature before you toss it in the oven or the cookies won't spread correctly.
Go heavy on the confectioner's sugar. Some of the confectioner's sugar may dissolve with the moisture of the cookie while they're baking, so make sure you've got a nice, thick coat on the surface to ensure you get the signature look!
Watch the timer. These cookies are known for being soft and chewy, but it's easy to overbake them and make them dry and overly crisp. The centers should still be a little gooey when you take them out of the oven, and they should set a little more as they cool.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Store leftover red velvet crinkle cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. I recommend storing in a signal layer to prevent the sugar coating from getting too smudged.

How to Freeze

You can freeze the rolled dough balls (before they are coated in confectioners' sugar) in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To bake, allow the dough balls to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then roll in confectioners' sugar and bake as per recipe instructions.

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Italian Christmas Cookies (Ricotta Cookies)

Super moist and sweet Italian Christmas Cookies are easy, festive holiday treats ready in just 30 minutes! These soft, fluffy, and buttery ricotta cookies are topped with homemade icing and colorful sprinkles. Made of simple pantry ingredients, you'll be pleasantly surprised by how these holiday cookies taste.

Italian Christmas Cookies can also be made ahead of time and stored for months so you can enjoy them anytime the craving hits. They are perfect for snacking with hot chocolate or coffee, sweet enough for dessert, great for a cookie exchange, and would make adorable holiday gifts too.

Super moist, soft, and sweet Italian Christmas Cookies (Ricotta Cookies) are easy festive holiday treats that are ready in just 30 minutes! | aheadofthyme.com

If you love baking cookies for the holidays as much as we do, then you are in for a real treat! These traditional Italian Christmas cookies are the newest addition to our Holiday Cookie Box this year. The cookies are infused with whole-milk ricotta cheese and vanilla extract, giving them a creamy, cake-like texture and mildly sweet and tangy tones.

Topping them with sweet, from-scratch icing and sprinkles gives these goodies a touch of decadence and jolly vibes! They would look so cute next to Linzer Cookies, Candy Cane Cookies, Gingerbread Cookies, and Christmas Sugar Cookies (just to name a few!).

Why You'll Love these Italian Christmas Cookies

Quick, easy, and fuss-free. Making these Italian Christmas Cookies are super easy, even novice bakers can ace them! All you have to do is to cream the butter, add the wet ingredients, stir in the dry ingredients, shape the dough, and bake and you'll have delicious ricotta cookies in no time. The icing is made using 3 ingredients and a bowl - plus, the hand mixer will do the work for you.
Not just a Christmas cookie. Though this is traditionally made for the merriest time of the year, nothing is stopping you from enjoying this cookie all year round. Just swap the red and green sprinkles with red and pink heart-shaped sprinkles for Valentine's day, green for St. Patrick's day, or blue and pink for baby showers. These ricotta cookies can be enjoyed all year long.
Tastes like it's from a bakery. These homemade Italian cookies are super delicious and would rival any that you can buy at your local bakery - without any preservatives or unnecessary additives that commercial cookies sometimes contain. It's amazing how delicious and bakery-quality cookies you can make at home in no time!

Ingredient Notes

To make these festive Italian Christmas Cookies, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in the recipe card below):

ricotta cheese - we recommend using whole milk (not part skim) for this recipe because it gives has more fat content and is creamier, which results in moister and softer cookies. Giving these ricotta cookies the right texture that they need.
all-purpose flour - the perfect base for soft and moist cookies. If you want to make them gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour brand and sub 1:1.
baking soda - is the leavening agent for this recipe.
butter - you will need butter both in the cookies and also for the icing. Aside from adding a richer taste to the cookies, the fats and moisture content in butter also help in their overall texture and structure.
sugar - aside from sweetening the cookies, sugar also helps in locking the moisture of the cookies so they do not dry out easily after baking.
egg - binds all the ingredients together and aids in the rising and spreading of the cookies as they bake.
vanilla extract - for flavor and fragrance.
salt
confectioners' sugar - also called powdered sugar or icing sugar. They incorporate easier compared to granulated sugar and are important when making smooth and silky icing.
milk - to help thin out the icing. Add more or less until you reach the desired consistency.
Christmas sprinkles

Equipment Needed

You will also need the following baking equipment and tools:

measuring cups and spoons
mixing bowls
hand mixer or stand mixer
cookie scoop
half sheet baking pan and silicone baking mat (or parchment paper)
wire cooling rack

How to Make the Best Italian Christmas Cookies (Ricotta Cookies)

Cream butter and sugar. In a medium to large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the butter until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add sugar and cream until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Add wet ingredients. Add the egg and beat until well combined. Add ricotta cheese and vanilla. Beat until combined.

Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. In a small mixing bowl, whisk to combine flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add in the dry ingredients and beat until just combined.

Scoop dough. Line large half sheet baking pans with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to scoop up 1 tablespoon of dough. Place the cookie balls 2-inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake. Bake in a 350 F preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the bottoms start to turn golden brown (the tops will remain pretty pale). Leave the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before very carefully transferring them onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

How to Make Icing for Italian Ricotta Cookies

In a medium mixing bowl, cream together butter and confectioners' sugar, about 2 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of milk and whisk to combine. If the icing is too thick, whisk in more milk (1 teaspoon at a time), if it is too runny, add more sugar.

Spread the icing on the cookies or turn the cookies upside down and dip into the icing. Place the cookies back upright on the wire rack and add sprinkles on top while the icing is still wet. (Note that the sprinkles may start to bleed the next day or two - avoid this by icing the cookies just before serving).

Recipe Variations

Use a different flavoring: Instead of vanilla extract, you can use almond, coconut, or anise extract if you prefer. This will give the cookies a different taste.
Have fun with toppings: Instead of sprinkles, you can try topping these ricotta cookies with coconut flakes, edible glitters, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, crushed peppermint candies, or whatever your heart desires. Get creative!
Add flavor to the icing: A few drops of lemon, lime, or orange zest to the icing will instantly brighten it up and give it a nice flavor. You can also add vanilla or almond extract to the mixture if you please.

How to Serve

These Italian Christmas Cookies are best enjoyed with a steaming cup of milk, Peppermint Hot Chocolate, or Hot Apple Cider to chase the cold away! Take note that if you are planning on serving them at a later date, it is much better to store them unfrosted. Just add the icing and sprinkles right before you serve them to keep them intact and pretty.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use room temperature ingredients. Make sure that you take the butter and eggs out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before. This makes it easier for you to combine everything together and prevent overmixing the dough.
Space the cookie dough balls apart. Place them at least 2 inches away from each other to give room for them to spread.
Do not over-bake. The goal is to have very moist and tender cookies, so take them out of the oven as soon as the bottoms start to turn golden brown. The more you bake them, the drier they will be!
Let them cool. The cookies will still be pliant and prone to breaking after baking. They need to firm up for a few minutes on the baking sheet before moving them to a cooling rack.
Do not add icing to warm cookies. This is big no-no! The cookies should be completely cool before icing them. If they are still warm, the icing will melt and seep into the cookies, making them mushy and overly sweet!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to strain the ricotta before using it?

If it is too watery then yes, you should. This will prevent the dough from becoming soggy.

Why are my cookies tough and crumbly?

It can be because of two things. First, you might have over-mixed the dough, or second, they are over-baked.

Can I double the recipe?

For sure! If you are planning to make more to keep, give away to loved ones, or sell on bake sales just double the amount of ingredients on the recipe card below. The cookies last days at room temperature and months in the fridge so you don't have to worry about them spoiling right away.

Storing and Freezing Italian Christmas Cookies

How to Store

Place baked Italian Christmas Cookies in a jar or tightly lidded container. They will remain moist and tender for a week as long as you keep them in a cool area in your pantry or counter. If your kitchen is warm, place them in the fridge instead. Note that the sprinkles may start to bleed the next day or two - avoid this by icing the cookies just before serving.

How to Freeze

They can also be frozen for up to three months. Refrain from adding icing and sprinkles right away if you plan to freeze the cookies. Thaw them in the fridge overnight and let them come to room temperature for a few minutes before assembling and serving.

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Easy Baked Meatballs

Easy Baked Meatballs are tender, loaded with flavor, and kid-friendly. Enjoy delicious, protein-packed homemade meatballs that are juicy (no dry meatballs here!) in under an hour using simple ingredients that you know and love. They are a delicious appetizer served with Marinara Sauce, or pair it with some sides for a filling, family dinner.

If you are looking for a quick and easy recipe that is a true fan favorite, then you have found it in these baked meatballs. Plus, they can be customized with different seasoning to switch up the flavors. They also store really well too and are freezer-friendly (both before and after cooking) making them perfect for meal prep throughout the week or for months to come.

Why You'll Love these Baked Meatballs

Quick and easy. Meatballs are our go to weeknight dinner because they're so easy to make. This recipe takes under an hour to make - 20 minutes of which are spent in the oven. See our 15 Best Meatball Recipes for more easy favorites.
Loaded with flavor. These baked meatballs are well-seasoned with a few simple ingredients that pack on the flavor, including onions and garlic. We also share a few ways that you can customize the recipe to create different variations of meatballs.
Great for meal prep. These easy baked meatballs are perfect for meal prep. They freeze well both before and after baking. If storing after baking, portion them out into meal prep containers along with mashed potatoes (or rice) and veggies which will last for easy to reheat lunches for 3-4 days .

Ingredient Notes

To make these Easy Baked Meatballs, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

ground beef - use this recipe for meatballs made with any meat. You can easily wrap out the ground beef for ground chicken, ground turkey, or ground pork.
onion
garlic - if you don't fresh garlic on hand, you can use 2 teaspoons of pre-minced garlic for this recipe.
breadcrumbs - toasted almond flour or a gluten-free breadcrumb blend works for those who have gluten intolerance or allergy.
parmesan cheese - a similar cheese like Pecorino Romano or asiago can be substituted for the parmesan. If you're lactose intolerant or sensitive to dairy, then a parmesan-style vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast will work in its place instead.
Worcestershire sauce - if you're out of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or coconut aminos can be a good substitute.
egg - you can use one tablespoon of ground flaxseed plus three tablespoons of water as a binder in the meatballs instead of egg.
salt and pepper

Kitchen Tools and Equipment

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowl, and quarter sheet baking pan lined with parchment paper. Other useful tools are a meat thermometer for checking for doneness, and disposable gloves for easy clean up after handling raw meat.

How to Make the Best Baked Meatballs

Combine ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Worcestershire sauce, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly combined. Set aside to marinate for 15-20 minutes.

Shape meatballs. Take 2 spoonfuls of the beef mixture at a time and use your hands to roll into meatballs. (I recommend using disposable gloves for easy clean up). Transfer the meatballs to a quarter sheet baking pan lined with parchment paper.
Bake. Bake in a 375F preheated oven for 18-20 minutes until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165F as read on a meat thermometer. Serve warm.

How to Cook Meatballs in the Air Fryer or Deep Fryer

In the air fryer: Place the meatballs in a single layer into the air fryer basket and lightly coat with some cooking oil spray to keep them from sticking. Air fry the meatballs at 350F for 13-15 minutes until browned nicely and fully cooked through, gently shaking the basket halfway during cooking to brown evenly. The internal temperature for the beef should reach 165F as read on a meat thermometer. You will have to cook in multiple batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
In the deep fryer: Cook meatballs in a deep fryer or a deep cooking pot or skillet with high sides. Add cooking oil to fill up the pot with 1-2 inches of oil (enough to submerge the meatballs). Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 300F. Use a slotted spoon to add the meatballs in. Deep fry for 5-7 minutes until cooked.

Recipe Variations

Asian style. Add soy sauce, ginger, and Shaoxing wine. See our Teriyaki Meatballs.
A Middle Eastern twist. Add fresh parsley, ground cumin, cardamom, and sumac. See our Beef Kofta Kebabs.
Mediterranean style. Add lemon juice, fresh dill, and feta. See our Greek Meatballs.
Mexican version. Add cilantro, jalapeño, ground cumin, and paprika.

How to Serve

Serve these easy Baked Meatballs as an appetizer with some dipping sauce. Our recommendation sauces are:

Meatballs are also a delicious and filling meal for lunch or dinner paired with some sides. Try it with:

Rice: Steamed Rice, Coconut Rice, or Vegetarian Fried Rice.
Mashed potatoes: Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, or Cheddar Mashed Potatoes.
Bread: Ciabatta Rolls, French Baguettes, or Potato Dinner Rolls.
Vegetables: Oven Roasted Vegetables, Mashed Cauliflower, or Sautéed Garlic Mushrooms.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Make ahead of time for easy prep. Looking for a way to make dinner easier? Prep the meatballs in the morning and store in the refrigerator until you are ready to pop into the oven. Once ready to bake, allow the meatballs to come to room temperature, about 20 minutes.
Taste test ahead of time. Want to know a simple trick to figuring out if you've seasoned your meatballs well before you cook the entire batch? Here's the hack - fry off a forkful of the meatball mixture and taste it. Then, adjust the seasoning as necessary, fry and try again, and repeat until you get the exact balance you're looking for.
Use a small cookie scoop for uniform meatballs. This trick reduces the amount of mess and ensures that the meatballs are all exactly the same size, which helps them cook evenly at the same rate.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Place leftover baked meatballs in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to four days.

How to Freeze

These meatballs freeze well both before and after baking.

To freeze uncooked meatballs: Place the shaped meatballs on a large half sheet baking pan lined with parchment paper. Transfer the pan to the freezer and freeze until hard, about 1 hour. Then, transfer the meatballs into a frezer bag or freezer-safe airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To cook, allow the meatballs to thaw overnight in the refrigerator first, then cook as per recipe instructions in the oven.
To freeze cooked meatballs: Once cooled, store the meatballs in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to reheat.

I would recommend separating the meatballs into individual serving sizes or family servings and freeze in freezer bags. This way, you can easily defrost the exact portion that you want.

How to Reheat

Reheat meatballs in a 350F preheated oven for 10 minutes until warmed through, or air fryer for 5 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave until warm.

More Meatball Recipes

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One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

This Chili Mac and Cheese recipe combines the goodness of two of the best classic comfort dishes using one pot only in just 30 minutes. It is meaty, gooey, and perfectly spiced - the ideal weeknight dinner that you can enjoy all year round! You can even make this flavor-packed pasta dish in less time using your Instant Pot.

This Chili Mac and Cheese recipe combines two of the best classic comfort dishes using one pot only in just 30 minutes. A family-friendly weeknight dinner. | aheadofthyme.com

Nothing is more satisfying than homemade comfort food to go home to after a busy day. And when you are in the mood for something savory and filling, this recipe is exactly what you need to make! It is a mash-up of our all-time favorites: Chili and Mac and Cheese! You'll enjoy all the cheesy delights of classic macaroni and cheese but with the added meatiness and appetizing punch of heat from the chili. It is a hearty, soul-warming meal that you will find yourself making again and again!

Why You'll Love this One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

Quick and easy. It will only take you 30 minutes to make this using your stovetop - and even less if you are using your Instant Pot. Just sauté the aromatics, veggies, and beef, then stir in the rest of the ingredients to the pot (including the pasta), so no pre-cooking is required. You'll have a delicious dinner on your table in no time!
A simple and wholesome dish. This pasta dish is made using pantry staples and fresh ingredients. We do not use ready-made cheese sauce or bottled chili because it is super easy to make everything from scratch. It is a carb-loaded, protein-rich, family-friendly dish that is perfect for sharing.
Ideal for meal prep. Since this chili with macaroni a freezer-friendly dish, you can make a big batch over the weekend and keep it chilled and ready for warming any time you are in the mood for good food! It' so convenient! Just place your portions in freezer bags, reheat and enjoy.
Versatile and adaptable. You can make this chili macaroni and cheese as cheesy, beefy, and spicy as you want it to be by tweaking the measurements to your liking. The ingredients are easy to find, but can also be easily substituted with what you have on hand. Have fun with it by sprucing it up with simple add-ons too. It is also very easy to modify to fit certain dietary needs. It can be adapted for vegetarians and vegans, and be made gluten-free as well.

Ingredient Notes

To make this quick and easy One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in the recipe card below):

oil - I used avocado oil but feel free to use other neutral oils like canola or sunflower.
aromatics - you will need red onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to make the savory chili base.
ground beef - use an 80/20 meat-to-fat ratio for best results. This will give you a meaty and less greasy sauce. If you are looking for a lighter alternative, use ground chicken or ground turkey instead.
spices - a combination of ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and salt will give your homemade chili the perfect balance of warm, spicy, and earthy flavor.
fire-roasted diced tomatoes - using fire-roasted tomatoes gives the mac and cheese a hint of smokiness that makes it all the more delicious. However, if you do not have this, you can use regular diced tomatoes too.
broth - you can use either chicken or beef broth for this recipe. It is easier to buy them and there are a lot of great brands that sell organic, low-sodium broth nowadays. Or you can make one from scratch using our Bone Broth recipe.
red kidney beans - rinsed and drained. Pinto and black beans are also great for this recipe.
elbow macaroni pasta - no pre-boiling needed at all - just throw the dry noodles into the pot. Althrough elbow macaroni is used for classic mac and cheese, you can also use other tubular noodles like ziti and penne or shells like orecchiette or conchigliette.
shredded cheddar cheese - cheddar gives the pasta sauce an amazing cheesy flavor and melty, gooey texture! Monterey Jack and mozzarella are great options too, or you can use a combination of different cheeses.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons and a large cooking pot. We used our 4 quart Dutch oven.

How to Make the Best One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

You can cook this one pot chili mac and cheese on the stove or in an Instant Pot. We're included step-by-step instructions for both methods. To cook this on the stove:

Cook beef. Heat oil in a 4 quart Dutch oven or a large pot over medium-high heat until the hot oil is sizzling, about 1 minute. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned, stirring well. Use a spatula to break up the beef into small pieces.
Sauté aromatics. Add onion, garlic and bell pepper. Sauté until tender, about 2-3 minutes.

Add seasoning. Stir in the all the seasoning, including salt, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and oregano. Mix until well combined.
Add soup base. Add diced tomatoes, broth, and kidney beans. Stir well and bring it to a boil, about 5 minutes.
Add pasta. Add pasta and mix well to incorporate it in. Cover the lid and cook until the pasta is al dente, about 10 minutes (or according to package instructions).

Stir in cheese. Turn off the heat and stir in the cheese. Mix until it is melted, about 2 minutes.
Serve. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top (if desired) and serve immediately.

How to Cook Chili Mac and Cheese in an Instant Pot

Cook beef. On the Instant Pot, turn the Sauté function on high. Add oil and heat until the hot oil is sizzling, about 1 minute. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned, stirring well. Use a spatula to break up the beef into small pieces.
Sauté aromatics. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until tender, about 2-3 minutes.
Add remaining ingredients. Stir in the all the seasoning, including salt, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and oregano. Mix until well combined. Add diced tomatoes, broth, kidney beans, and pasta. Stir to incorporate.
Pressure cook. Seal the lid and turn the steam release knob to SEAL position. Pressure cook for 5-7 minutes. Once the time is up, quick release the remaining pressure by turning the steam release valve to the venting position.
Stir in cheese. Stir in cheese and serve immediately.

Recipe Variations

Make it meatier! Aside from ground beef, you can also add bacon, sliced sausages, or ham to make it heftier. Your kids would go bonkers if you add hotdogs too!
Go vegetarian or vegan. If you are having plant-eaters over for dinner, you can simply omit the beef and use vegetable broth. Beans are actually one of the best plant proteins, so you will still enjoy a hearty dish without the meat. To make it wholly vegan, use vegan cheddar cheese.
Gluten-free chili mac and cheese. All the ingredients used are free of gluten except the pasta. Use a certified gluten-free macaroni pasta brand instead.

How to Serve

One pot chili mac and cheese is best served immediately while the sauce is warm and ooey-gooey! It goes great with a side of bread to wipe all the yummy sauce clean off the bowl. Try some of our favorites like:

A serving of fresh salad to balance all the robust savory and spicy taste would also not go amiss. A Mexican Caesar Salad, a sweet and refreshing Strawberry Avocado Salad or a zesty Lemon Kale Salad would make an awesome accompaniment to this pasta.

One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese Tips and Tricks

How to perfectly brown beef: For perfectly browned beef, make sure it is at room temperature before cooking. Once it is in the pot, break them into smaller pieces and distribute them evenly on the surface. Allow it to cook without stirring for a few minutes. Only stir once you see the edges becoming brown and crisp.
Pasta cooking tip: Pasta typically takes about 10 minutes to cook until al dente. However, check on the package instruction when cooking the pasta. Make sure to not overcook it because it will turn mushy and unappetizing.
How to change the consistency: If the pasta sauce becomes too thick after boiling the pasta, add more broth to make it thinner. Take note that it will further thicken on the cheese is added and melted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pasta sauce instead of diced tomatoes?

Yes, you can, however, ready-mix pasta sauces already have spices and herbs included so make sure to adjust the recipe accordingly.

What add-ons can I use to jazz it up?

I sprinkled freshly chopped parsley (optional) before serving to give it a touch of freshness and color. You can also use chives, cilantro, or green onions if you please. You can have fun with toppings too! A dollop of sour cream or yogurt, more cheese, and a sprinkling of crushed chips, tortilla strips, or jalapeno rounds would be awesome!

Can I make a Kid-friendly version?

If your kids are not into spicy food (most are probably not), you can reduce the amount of chili powder. Or you can try our Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe instead. You will still get the same meaty and cheesy mac and cheese, but not the hot spices that are included in this recipe.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

If you have leftovers or are planning to store portions for your weekly meal prep, allow the Chili Mac and Cheese to cool down before transferring it to a lidded container.

How to Store

If you are planning to eat it in the next few days, place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

How to Reheat

Reheat for 30 seconds to a minute (depending on portion size) using your microwave. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water if the mac and cheese has thickened too much when stored.

How to Freeze

Use a freezer-friendly bag or airtight container and keep the pasta frozen for up to three months. Make sure to write the storage date so you know up until when it is good to consume. Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the microwave or stovetop before serving.

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Cranberry Scones with Orange Glaze

Cranberry Scones with Orange Glaze are a quick and easy brunch recipe that is flavorful and flaky. These delicious scones are soft and moist on the inside yet crisp and crumbly on the outside. They are loaded with fresh cranberries with a drizzle of orange glaze for the best combination of sweet and tangy flavor. Enjoy freshly baked cranberry orange scones in under 30 minutes using simple ingredients.

Cranberries and oranges are an absolute match made in food heaven. Cranberry scones with orange glaze channel these two festive holiday flavors into a soft, crumbly, convenient package for breakfast, snacking, or dessert. They are perfect for the holiday season - or serve them any time of the year!

Why You'll Love these Cranberry Scones with Orange Glaze

They have the best texture. These cranberry orange scones are soft and moist in the inside, yet crunchy and golden brown outside with the perfect crumbly edges. Your whole family will fall in love with these scones.
No complicated baking skills required. Scones can seem intimidating, but they're actually really simple to make - and you don't even need a fancy KitchenAid mixer to do it. The process for making these cranberry scones with an orange glaze is similar to a cross between a biscuit and a cookie, so if you have experience with either, these scones will be a snap. Just mix the ingredients, form the scones, bake, and serve!
A quick brunch recipe. You can quickly gather your ingredients and prepare these holiday scones in about 20 minutes before you are ready to pop them into the oven. Which means that you can even decide to bake these on the morning of, and be enjoying them with a cup of coffee or tea within the hour!
They're made with real fruit. No artificial flavors here. The fruity flavors in these glazed scones come from fresh cranberries and real orange juice. As an added bonus, using real fruit gives them the prettiest pops of color. Cranberry scones are the perfect treat while fresh cranberries are in season (or any time since you could even use frozen cranberries!).
They're great for holiday breakfast. Cranberry and orange are a popular holiday flavor pairing, and these cranberry orange scones are just elaborate enough for a special occasion. They're festive, fast, and easy to make, which are all the top qualities for holiday breakfast dishes. For more, see our 50 Best Christmas Brunch Recipes.

Ingredient Notes

To make these easy Cranberry Scones with Orange Glaze, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

all-purpose flour - if you're sensitive to gluten or have celiac disease, try using a gluten free measure-for-measure flour instead.
sugar - a sugar substitute like Swerve, monk fruit, or stevia will work instead of the sugar but may change the overall taste of the finished product.
baking powder
salt
ground cinnamon
unsalted butter - if you only have salted butter on hand, reduce or disregard the rest of the salt called for in the recipe.
fresh cranberries - we love making these when cranberries are in season and there is an abundance of fresh cranberries at the local grocery store. But you can make these any time of the year with frozen cranberries - and don't need to be thawed before adding to the batter as long as they're individually frozen.
heavy cream - half and half will also work if you don't have heavy cream.
eggs
vanilla extract - vanilla bean paste used in the same amount will intensify the flavor a little bit.
confectioner's sugar - powdered or confectioner's sugar is best for making a light glaze. Granulated sugar won't quite result in the right texture.
orange juice - freshly squeezed orange juice is best, but store-bought will also work in its place if you can't get your hands on oranges.

Equipment Needed for Making Scones

measuring cups and spoons
mixing bowls
pastry cutter (optional)
bench scraper or knife
half sheet baking pan lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat
silicone brush or pastry brush
wire cooling rack

How to Make the Best Cranberry Scones

Combine dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, 4 tablespoons sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Cut in butter. Add butter and using your hands or a pastry cutter, cut the butter into the flour until they are the size of peas, working quickly so the butter stays cold. Then, carefully fold in the cranberries. Set aside.

Combine wet ingredients. In a small mixing bowl, combine ½ cup heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients (flour mixture). Pour the liquid mixture into the well. Use a spatula to carefully fold the ingredients until the liquid is just incorporated.

Shape dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and pat it into a small rectangle, measuring about 6-inches by 8-inches, and approximately 1-inch thick. (Add more flour to the surface as needed if the dough is too sticky).

Cut dough. Use a bench scraper or knife to cut the dough in half horizontally (1 cut) and into thirds vertically (2 cuts) to create 6 equal rectangles. Slice each rectangle in half diagonally to form 12 triangle-shaped scones.

Arrange scones. Line a large half sheet baking pan with parchment paper or a silpat baking mat. Carefully transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet, placing them about 2 inches apart.
Add egg wash. In a small mixing bowl, beat the remaining egg. Add 1 tablespoon heavy cream and whisk together. Use a silicone brush to brush the tops of the scones with the egg wash and sprinkle with remaining tablespoon of sugar.

Bake. Bake in a 400F preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, or until scones are lightly golden brown. Let cool 5 minutes in the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

How to Make Orange Glaze for Cranberry Scones

While the scones are cooling, combine confectioners' sugar and half the orange juice in a small mixing bowl. Whisk until combined, adding more orange juice as needed to reach desired glaze consistency.

When the scones are completely cool, drizzle the orange glaze on top. Let set and serve.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

The colder the butter, the better. The butter in the dough should be as cold as possible to get the best texture and rise from your scones. Keep it in a chilled bowl and cut it with a chilled knife to prevent it from warming up too much.
Serve in a breakfast spread. These scones are irresistible on a buffet of scrambled eggs, toast, sausage, muffins, bagels, and more. Be the host with the most and create a continental breakfast spread worthy of a 5-star hotel!
Serve warm with spreadable butter. Though these cranberry orange scones certainly don't need anything else, you can always choose to serve them the traditional way: warmed up with butter.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

Make Ahead

Make cranberry scones ahead and freeze for easy serving. You can freeze fully baked scones for up to three months before serving them, which makes them great for busy holiday prep. Don't glaze them if you freeze them first, so you can add the glaze once they've been reheated.

How to Store

Transfer cooled scones to an airtight container or large Ziploc and store in a cool, dry place for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

How to Freeze

Transfer to a freezer bag and freeze for up to three months. Reheat in the oven until warm or microwave in ten second bursts until heated through.

If making a batch to freeze, I recommend not adding the glaze before freezing. Once you are ready to serve, whip up a batch of glaze and drizzle on top, if desired.

More Cranberry Recipes

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Florentines

If you've ever had Almond Florentines, you already know there's nothing else quite like them. They're made with sliced almonds, a sticky-sweet coating that acts like hardened caramel, and a layer of dark chocolate to round out the flavors. These delicious cookies are sweet, crunchy, and so good.

Florentine cookies are an Italian classic, and like many Italian cookies, they're simple enough to make regularly but they look and taste like they came straight from a bakery. You can perfect your own batch in a little over an hour, leaving you plenty of time to finish holiday preparations.

These crunchy Almond Florentines are made with sliced almonds, a sticky sweet coating that acts like hardened caramel, and a layer of dark chocolate. | aheadofthyme.com

What are Florentines?

Florentine cooked are thin and crispy cookies made with nuts (usually almonds), butter, and cream. They often also contain candied cherries.

The first time I tried florentines was at my local Whole Foods years ago and I was hooked. Many florentine cookie recipes are made with almonds that are processed into a fine crumb in a food processor, but the Whole Foods version uses sliced almonds in tact. Hence, our copycat cookies are made this way too.

Why You'll Love these Florentines

Chocolate-almond flavor. The classic combination of dark chocolate and real almonds in this florentine recipe is simple but oh so satisfying. The almonds add a crunch, while the chocolate just adds delicious and complimentary flavor.
A cookie-candy hybrid. These almond lace cookies are the best of both worlds so you won't have to choose between cookies and candy. Florentine cookies are a hybrid of crunchy almond cookies with a chewy, caramel-like web that holds it all together to satisfy both cravings at once. It's so good.
They're naturally gluten-free. These almond florentines aren't made with wheat flour like most cookies. The foundation is instead made of slivered almonds, making these naturally gluten-free, no substitutions needed! Perfect for those who are celiac or have dietary restrictions.

Ingredient Notes

To make these delicious Florentines, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

butter - salted and unsalted butter are both fine in this recipe, so use whichever you prefer.
sugar
heavy cream
honey - you can swap an equal measure of maple syrup or brown sugar for the honey in this recipe.
sliced almonds - it should be easy to find sliced almonds without skins in the store, but you can blanch your own at home if needed (see tips below).
dark chocolate - semisweet or bittersweet chocolate would also work for a different flavor.

Baking Equipment

You will also need the following baking equipment and kitchen tools:

measuring cups and spoons
cooking pot
half sheet baking pan lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
bowl (to melt the chocolate in)

How to Make the Best Florentines

Make almond mixture. Melt butter in a heavy saucepan. Stir in sugar, cream, and honey. Heat over medium heat and then cook at a rolling boil (full boil) for 90 seconds. Remove from heat and gently stir in the sliced almonds.

Scoop cookies. Line a large half sheet baking pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Once cool enough to touch, scoop out a tablespoonful of the mixture and shape into a 1-inch ball. Place them 4 inches apart on the prepared baking pan and use the back of a spoon to flatten them into 2-inch discs. (You should only fit about 6 on a baking sheet as they will spread a lot).

Bake. Bake in a 375 F preheated oven for 11-14 minutes depending on your oven. They need to be dark golden brown or the candy will not set. If it is hasn't browned, cook for a few minutes longer but keep a close eye on them so they don't burn. Do not undercook.

Cool. Allow the cookies to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to the fridge until hard, about 30 minutes.
Melt chocolate. Melt the dark chocolate in a double broiler or in the microwave.

How to Melt Chocolate

You can melt chocolate either on the stovetop or in the microwave.

On the stove: Bring about 2 inches of water to a gentle simmer in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Reduce the heat to low and place a medium heatproof bowl over the saucepan, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water (you can also use a steamer insert). Add the chocolate and stir constantly as it melts. Continue stirring until completely smooth and gloss. This should take just a few minutes.
In the microwave: For a quicker method, place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each one. Continue until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Be sure to stir between intervals to prevent overheating or scorching.

Add chocolate. Use a spatula or knife to spread the melted on the smooth side (bottom) of candy. You can also use a fork to make a wave-like pattern in the chocolate. Place face down back on the baking sheet (chocolate side up) to set.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Blanch your own almonds. Blanching almonds at home is simple! Add almonds to a pot of boiling water for 60 seconds, then drain and rinse with cold water. Immediately peel the skins away - they should slip right off. Then, slice almonds to desired thickness.
Don't skimp on the spacing. We're all tempted from time to time to ignore spacing directions in between cookies. In some cases you can get away with fudging the margins to add more cookies and speed up the baking process, but spacing is especially important for these almond florentines. They spread more than your average cookie, so if you don't give them a lot of space, you'll end up with one solid sheet of florentine mess.
Add fruit for more texture and flavor variation. Some recipes for florentine cookies call for dried cranberries, candied ginger pieces, or candied orange peels to add a pop of color and just a hint of fruity flavor. Feel free to add some into your almond mixture.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Store baked florentine cookies in an airtight container in a single layer or stacked with parchment paper or wax paper in between. They will last for up to 3 weeks at room temperature in a cool place, or 3 weeks in the refrigerator.

How to Freeze

Once cooled and the chocolate has set, tightly wrap the cookies in plastic cling wrap (separated in between layers of parchment paper). Wrap again in a layer of aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Let the florentines that overnight in the fridge before serving.