बुधवार, 2 दिसंबर 2020

Easy Christmas Punch (Cranberry Orange Punch)

Festive looking and yummy tasting, this Easy Christmas Punch will be your go to this holiday season. This is such a fun punch to serve at your next gathering, and it’s for everyone young or old. So need to worry about keeping it away from the littles. Everyone can raise a glass with holiday cheer this season.

A festive drink makes any gathering just a little brighter and that much more special. Try The Best Homemade Root Beer, Sparkling Pomegranate Lemonade or Classic Eggnog for other fun options.

Christmas punch with cranberries and orange slices.

Non-Alcoholic Christmas Punch

I love this punch for so many reasons. It is truly super easy, and the flavor is so cheery and it looks so joyful. It’s the perfect addition to any party, family gathering or just because. The fizziness is the perfect amount to tingle the taste buds and clean the palate. Cranberry juice and orange juice are a perfect marriage in sweet, tart and the holidays.

You can mix the juices ahead of time and add the fizz right before serving. Or throw it all together right before you need it. I can often forget about the drink at our gatherings till the last minute so this is perfect for me. It tastes terrific and looks so pretty no one will guess I almost forgot about the drinks.

Cranberry Orange Punch

Just a few ingredients make this festive drink

  • Orange Juice: Already made from concentrate or bought.
  • Cranberry Juice: There lots of varieties,
  • Lemon Lime Soda: Lots of options here, use your favorite
  • Orange Slices and Cranberries: These are optional, but it’s what gives it, it’s stellar look

Combining Christmas Punch

  1. Combine: Combine the juices first mixing well.
  2. Mix: Add the soda right before serving and garnish as desired. Serve over ice.

Juice being poured into a glass punch bowl.

Variations and Tips

This really can’t get more easy or more delicious, but here are a few ideas.

  • Soda: To change it up try Ginger Ale, Sparkling Water, or Soda Water so as not to dilute the flavor. There are even flavored sparkling waters that make the cranberry or orange flavor stronger if you want.
  • Juice: There are several cocktail versions of cranberry juice, use whatever you prefer to drink. The 100% Cranberry juice will give you the best cranberry flavor. But make sure it’s not Cranberry Juice Cocktail, needs to be Cranberry Juice. I know it’s confusing.
  • Sherbert:  Want more of a Frappe punch add orange sherbert to the drink.
  • Pineapple: To add a little twist try adding pineapple juice instead of the orange.
  • Flavoring:  You can also add 1/2 tsp almond or vanilla flavoring for more flavor.
  • Stir:  Don’t stir once you’ve added the soda, it’ll deflate the carbonation.

Cranberries and orange slices flavor Christmas punch.

Serving Options

  • Bowl: Serving this in a clear bowl shows off the festive garnish and color. If you don’t have one, you can often find cheap ones at a thrift store, dollar store or walmart. Even a clear plastic one works.
  • Mason Jars:  Serve this class pint mason jars for rustic look
  • Top the Classes:  Color sugar red and dip the rim of the glasses in water first then the sugar for a festive look
  • Green:  Add a bit of green to the punch with rosemary or mint leaves or cut limes. They won’t impart much flavor but will give a festive color.
  • Glasses: Serve in clear plastic glasses too, so all can see the joyful colors.

Christmas punch in glasses.

More Delightful Drinks To Try

Sometimes all you need is a really good drink, try these for delicious flavor and satisfaction.

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Christmas Punch (Cranberry Orange Punch)

Festive looking and yummy tasting, this Easy Christmas Punch will be your go to this holiday season. This is such a fun punch to serve at your next gathering, and it's for everyone young or old. So need to worry about keeping it away from the littles. Everyone can raise a glass with holiday cheer this season.
Course Beverage
Cuisine American
Keyword christmas punch, non alcoholic christmas punch
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 8 People
Calories 388kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

  • 4 cups orange juice
  • 4 liters cranberry juice about 16 cups

Optional For Spakling:

  • 2 liters lemon lime soda
  • orange slices for garnish
  • 1 cup real cranberries for garnish

Instructions

  • In a large punch bowl add the orange juice and cranberry juice. Add soda if using. Give it a good stir and garnish with orange slices and cranberries.

Nutrition

Calories: 388kcal | Carbohydrates: 100g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 36mg | Potassium: 633mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 96g | Vitamin A: 473IU | Vitamin C: 109mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 2mg

Christmas punch collage.



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मंगलवार, 1 दिसंबर 2020

Sweet Potato Chili

Sweet potato chili topped with parsley in a white bowl.

A hearty bowl of chili is a heartwarming meal during the colder months and this Sweet Potato Chili is packed with delicious and healthy ingredients. With options below for making it meatless or changing up the flavor, you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat.

If you’re looking for some delicious and comforting heartwarming fall chili recipes then try this Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili, Healthy Turkey Chili, or this Best Ever Chili Recipe.

Sweet potato chili topped with parsley in a white bowl.

Sweet Potato Chili

Chili is probably one of my most favorite meals to prepare for my family or even when hosting guests. It’s extremely versatile and you don’t have to rely heavily on a recipe. It’s Aimee Mars and I want to share with you a healthy and hearty Sweet Potato Chili that’s one of my favorites and perfect for cuddling up to when it’s cold.

You can easily make this recipe meatless or pack it with even more healthy vegetables. Below I’ve got several options for changing up the flavor and instructions on how to cook this recipe in the crockpot.

Ingredients in Sweet Potato Chili

This sweet potato chili is simple to prepare and made with simple ingredients. The beauty of chili is that many of the ingredients can be changed so if you’d prefer to use different gound meat you can, or you can leave it out altogether.

  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Ground Turkey (or pork, beef, chicken)
  • White Onion
  • Chicken Broth
  • Diced Canned Tomatoes
  • Black Beans
  • Garlic
  • Tomato Paste
  • Cumin
  • Paprika
  • Chili Powder
  • Salt and Pepper

How to Make Easy Sweet Potato Chili

  1. Steam the Sweet Potatoes: Quickly steam the sweet potatoes by placing them in a large microwave-safe bowl and tossing them with 2 tablespoons of water. Cook them for 3 to 4 minutes until they become slightly tender to touch.
  2. Sauté the Meat and Onions: In a large Dutch oven or pot heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and add the ground turkey. Break it apart as it browns and continue to cook until there’s no pink left, about 5 minutes. Move the browned turkey to the side of the pot and add the diced onions. Let sauté for about a minute before mixing in with the turkey.
  3. Bring it All to a Boil: Add the steamed sweet potatoes, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, black beans, and garlic. Mix the ingredients together and then add all the spices. Bring the chili to a boil.
  4. Simmer: Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover. Cook for 30 to 45 minutes until the chili begins to thicken and the sweet potatoes are almost falling apart they’re so tender.

Can This Chili Be Made In The Crockpot?

Yes. To cook this sweet potato chili in the crock steam the sweet potatoes as directed in the recipe and then brown the meat and sauté the onions in a skillet. Place these cooked ingredients and the remaining ingredients into your crockpot and mix them together. Cook on high for 1 to 2 hours or low for 2 to 3 hours.

Can This Sweet Potato Chili Be Made Meatless?

Yes. If you’re looking for an easy meatless weeknight meal then you can make this sweet potato chili and leave out the meat. It will be just as tasty and just as filling with the potatoes and beans.

Can You Freeze Sweet Potato Chili?

Yes. Prepare the chili according to the recipe directions and let it cool completely before placing it in an air-tight freezer-safe container or a Ziplock bag. It can be stored for up to 4 months in the freezer.

Can I Leave The Beans Out?

Yes. If you would like to remove the beans from this recipe you can without altering the taste too much.

Additional Ingredients to Add

  • Vegetables: chopped bell peppers, carrots, diced chilies, cauliflower, and zucchini are all great healthy options to toss into this chili.
  • Meat: instead of using ground turkey try ground beef, chicken, or even pork. You could also try some sliced Kielbasa sausage or leave the meat out altogether.
  • Flavor: for a more smokey flavor try adding chipotles in Adobo sauce, additional paprika, or some liquid smoke.

Dutch oven with sweet potato chili and wooden spoon.

More Delicious Chili Recipes

Sweet potato chili in a large bowl topped with parmesan cheese and parsley.
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Sweet Potato Chili

A hearty bowl of chili is a heartwarming meal during the colder months and this Sweet Potato Chili is packed with delicious and healthy ingredients. With options below for making it meatless or changing up the flavor, you'll want to keep this recipe on repeat.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword chili, sweet potato
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 293kcal
Author Aimee Mars

Ingredients

  • 3 Sweet Potatoes peeled and chopped into cubes
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 1 pound Ground Turkey beef, pork, or chicken
  • 1 medium White Onion chopped
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth
  • 14 ounce Diced Canned Tomatoes
  • 14 ounce Canned Black Beans rinsed and drained
  • 3 Garlic Cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder

Instructions

  • Quickly steam the sweet potatoes by placing them in a large microwave-safe bowl and tossing them with 2 tablespoons of water. Cook them for 3 to 4 minutes until they become slightly tender to touch.
  • In a large Dutch oven or pot heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and add the ground turkey. Break it apart as it browns and continue to cook until there's no pink left, about 5 minutes.
  • Move the browned turkey to the side of the pot and add the diced onions. Let sauté for about a minute before mixing in with the turkey.
  • Add the steamed sweet potatoes, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, black beans, and garlic. Mix the ingredients together and then add all the spices.
  • Bring the chili to a boil and reduce the heat to a simmer and cover. Cook for 30 to 45 minutes until the chili begins to thicken and the sweet potatoes are almost falling apart they're so tender. Season with additional spices if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 293kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 1129mg | Potassium: 1053mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 16354IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 101mg | Iron: 4mg


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सोमवार, 30 नवंबर 2020

Italian Christmas Cookies

Italian Christmas Cookies are soft, buttery, fluffy and melt in your mouth delicious. Flavored with a hint of vanilla and a sweet glaze, these tasty treats are a perfect holiday treat. Take them to your next cookie exchange, party or just for fun occasion!

These will be perfect on a plate along with some Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies, Christmas Crack  and Snow Kiss Cookies for a festive dessert platter. Everyone will love these, and you’ll love how easy they are to make!

Sweet, buttery Italian Christmas Cookies

Easy Italian Christmas Cookies

These Italian cookies are often made with anise, which is a licorice flavor. Not everyone loves that flavor so I swapped it out for vanilla and topped it with an amazing almond glaze. They are fluffy and decadent and very festive. They are a great cookie for kids to help with.

This recipe makes quite a big batch, which is perfect for gift giving and having enough to eat too. You can double the recipe if you need more and you can half the recipe if you’d like less. Perfect!

Christmas Cookie Ingredients

Ricotta cheese is the secret ingredient for moist tender cookies

  • Butter: Soften the butter but don’t melt it.
  • Sugar White sugar not brown.
  • Flour: All purpose flour or unbleached flour all work
  • Baking Soda and Baking Powder: Raising agents for fluffiness
  • Ricotta cheese Look for ricotta cheese with other italian cheeses in the refrigerated section
  • Eggs: Binder for the cookies
  • Vanilla: Delicate flavor

Whipping Up Italian Christmas Cookies

These are quite easy to make, have to love that!

  1. Beat: Place the butter and sugar in a bowl of a stand mixer and beat till fluffy, can also use a hand mixer
  2. Add: Add in the ricotta and eggs and mix till incorporated.
  3. Separate: In another bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda and powder. Slowly add to the wet ingredients and beat till combined
  4. Scoop: Scoop the dough by teaspoon size and roll into a ball. Drop on a parchment lined baking sheet.
  5. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes in a 350 degree oven till just set.

Ingredients for Italian cookies

Almond Glaze Ingredients 

  • Powdered Sugar: Base of the glaze
  • Milk: Add slowly so not to make the glaze too runny.
  • Almond Extract: Gives it the almond taste
  • Sprinkles: Pick the color and style you desire

How to Glaze the Cookies

In a small bowl whisk together the powdered sugar, milk and almond extract till you get the desired consistency. Frost and sprinkle the cookies once cooled.

Cooking and decorating Italian Christmas Cookies

Tips and Variations

These are sure to please any crowd and with these tips and variations they’re a winner!

  • Glaze: Add a tablespoon of milk one at a time to get the desired consistency instead of all at once. You can make it thick or thin, it’s up to you.
  • Sprinkles:  Change the color of the sprinkles for the holiday, or occasion. Example Black and orange for Halloween or pink or blue for a baby shower. You can serve these cookies anytime of the year despite their title!
  • Flavoring: These are very flexible cookies. Change out the vanilla extract for peppermint, almond, coconut, or any other flavoring and add a complimentary flavoring in the icing, orange, cocoa, etc.
  • Don’t Overbake: These shouldn’t be brown on top. If you over bake them, they’ll be dry.
  • Frost: If you glaze the cookies while slightly warm, the glaze can seep into the cookie, yum. Always decorate with your sprinkles right after you glaze so that they’ll stick.
  • Scoop:  If you have one use a cookie scoop so they are the same size, they’ll cook easier that way.

Red, white and green decorated Christmas Italian cookies

Storing Italian Cookies

You probably won’t be able to keep these around for too long, they’re just too fun to eat!

  • Storing:  Let the cookies set for up to 24 hours before transferring to an airtight container to keep for up to a week. Letting them set up will keep the glaze from becoming wet and slimy.
  • Freezing: You can freeze these unglazed once they’ve completely cooled or freeze them glazed. They’ll keep for up to 2 months in a freezer safe container or bag. Just remember freezing the cookies glazed could create the sprinkles to dissolve and the glaze to become melty when thawed. Glaze frozen cookies once thawed.

Decorated Christmas Italian Cookies on a plate.

More Christmas Cookie Recipes to Taste

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Italian Christmas Cookies

Italian Christmas Cookies are soft, buttery, fluffy and melt in your mouth delicious. Flavored with a hint of vanilla and a sweet glaze, these tasty treats are a perfect holiday treat. Take them to your next cookie exchange, party or just for fun occasion! 
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian, Italian American
Keyword italian christmas cookies, italian cookies
Servings 24 Cookies
Calories 164kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 15 ounce container ricotta cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Almond Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-4 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • Christmas sprinkles for topping

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add the butter and sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer and beat until fluffy with the paddle attachment. Add in the ricotta cheese and eggs and mix until incorporated.
  • In a medium sized bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, and powder. Slowly add to the wet ingredients and beat together until combined.
  • Scoop the dough into teaspoons and roll into a ball. Drop on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until just set. Remove onto a wire rack to let cool.

To make the glaze:

  • In a small bowl whisk together the powdered sugar, milk and almond extract until you get the desired consistency. I like to dip the top of the cookies in the glaze and let them set on parchment paper. Sprinkle with Christmas sprinkles immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 164kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 79mg | Potassium: 46mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 222IU | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 1mg


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रविवार, 29 नवंबर 2020

Creamy Parmesan Brussel Sprouts Gratin with Bacon

Creamy Parmesan Brussel Sprouts Gratin with Bacon is cheesy, savory and perfect for your holiday meals. Tender crisp brussels sprouts are smothered in a creamy sauce and topped with cheese and crunchy bacon. It’s sure to be a crowd pleaser.

This splendid side dish will be a crowning fare along with Easy Green Bean Bundles, Jiffy Corn Casserole and The Best Sweet Potato Casserole.

 

Cheesy Creamy Parmesan Brussel Sprouts Gratin with Bacon.

Creamy Parmesan Brussel Sprouts Gratin with Bacon

This super flavorful dish is layered with a creamy cheesy sauce, topped with more cheese and then bacon. All baked to tender perfection. If you have brussels sprout haters in the family, this will make them a believer. It’s just so good.

When you think “au gratin” you think comfort food! Even though this a veggie dish, it’s still full of comfort! Make it for Thanksgiving, or next Tuesday night. Whenever you want to have side dish that steals the show.

Brussel Sprouts Gratin Ingredients

Homey ingredients make for a comfort food recipe to love.

  • Brussels Sprouts: Wash, trim and cut in half.
  • Bacon: Diced or crumbled
  • Butter: Adds creaminess and richness
  • Flour: Thickener for the sauce
  • Salt and Pepper: Add to taste
  • Whipping Cream: Not to be confused with cool whip, may also use half and half.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan cheese works best.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded

Assembling the Creamy Parmesan Gratin

This is pretty easy to throw together. Perfect for a busy day of cooking

  1. Blanch: In a large pot of boiling water add the brussels sprouts and blanch for 7 minutes. Add them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook: Cook the bacon and set aside on a paper towel lined plate to drain.
  3. Place: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place the brussel sprouts in the bottom of 9×13 pan or a large skillet.
  4. Sauce: In a small saucepan add the butter, flour, salt and pepper. Whisk in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese until it starts to thicken.
  5. Layer: Pour over the brussel sprouts and top with bacon and cheese.
  6. Bake: Backe for 20-25 min till golden and bubbly.

Preparing Brussel Sprouts and cheese sauce for gratin.

Why Blanching?

  • What is it? Blanching is a cooking method in which a food, usually a vegetable or fruit, is scalded in boiling water, removed after a brief, timed interval, and finally plunged into iced water or placed under cold running water to halt the cooking process.
  • Why?  Blanching is a great method to use because it stops enzyme actions which can cause a loss of flavor, color, and texture. Further, it cleanses the surface of dirt and organisms, brightens the color, and helps to prevent loss of vitamins. It’s often used before freezing or canning fruits and vegetables. Besides the added benefits of blanching the brussels in this recipe it also begins the cooking process for the them, which can take a long time to cook..
  • Make it Greener: Add a pinch of baking soda for an even brighter green color.

Layering brussels sprouts, cheese sauce, bacon and cheese in a cast iron skillet.

Tips and Variations for Au Gratin

  • Topping: For a bit of added crunch toast some panko or bread crumbs in butter and put on top.
  • Cheese:  Both parmesan and mozzarella are great in this recipe, but can be substituted. For a different flavor try asiago and gruyere. They pair beautifully with brussels sprouts too.
  • Roasting: If you don’t want to blanch your sprouts, you can pre-roast them as well. Toss the sprouts in oil and roast in oven at 400 for 15-20 min. Then layer as recipe directs.
  • Veggies: If desired swap out the brussels sprouts and use broccoli, cauliflower or carrots. Use a variety of all of them or few of them if you want too.

Cheesy Creamy Parmesan Brussel Sprouts Gratin with Bacon.

More Brussel Sprout Loving Recipes

Brussel Sprouts are a vegetable you either love or hate. But having the right recipe can make all the difference. Try these for taste bud winners.

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Creamy Parmesan Brussel Sprouts Gratin with Bacon

Creamy Parmesan Brussel Sprouts Gratin with Bacon is cheesy, savory and perfect for your holiday meals. Tender crisp brussels sprouts are smothered in a creamy sauce and topped with cheese and crunchy bacon. It's sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword brussel sprouts gratin
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 6 People
Calories 239kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds brussels sprouts
  • 6 slices of bacon diced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cup whipping cream can also use half and half
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  • In a large pot of boiling water add the brussels spouts and blanch for 7 minutes. Add them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside. In a medium saucepan add the bacon and cook for 4-5 minutes or until crisp. Remove and set aside on a paper towel lined plate.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add the brussels spouts to the bottom of a 9x13 inch pan or large skillet.
  • In a small saucepan add the butter and flour, salt and peper. Whisk in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese until it starts to thicken. Pour over the brussels sprouts and top with bacon and cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

Nutrition

Calories: 239kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 712mg | Potassium: 499mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1098IU | Vitamin C: 96mg | Calcium: 142mg | Iron: 2mg

Brussel sprouts photo with font lettering over top of it.

 



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