Grazing boards have become super popular lately, and for good reason! Not only do they offer lots of options for hungry guests, but being able to set-and-forget these boards makes them a very easy option for the host/cook! There are many types of grazing boards to choose from. Some are themed based on the holiday … Continue reading Building a Cheese Board
Holiday cooking
Mainstay Signature Cranberry Compote
These are our Mainstay Signature Holiday Cranberry Compote. I make it every single year! A little goes a long way, and one recipe makes enough to get me through all my Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, plus a few half-pint jars given to friends. Word to the wise: it's not traditional Cranberry Sauce. This compote is … Continue reading Mainstay Signature Cranberry Compote
Savory Pumpkin Soup
Pumpkin Soup is one of my favorite parts of Thanksgiving. I serve it as a starter every year! But this is not your grandma's strangely sweet yet weirdly bland pumpkin soup. My recipe is different than most, as I omit all the traditional sweeter spices. No ginger, no cinnamon, no nutmeg. I'm after a bowl … Continue reading Savory Pumpkin Soup
Classic Pumpkin Pie with Mascarpone Whipped Cream
Pumpkin Pie. Can we have Thanksgiving without it? This is my recipe for a simple Classic Pumpkin Pie, but it's a little different than others. Mine doesn't include cloves and substitutes a bit of brown sugar for the traditional white. I will also confess that I have yet to master pastry. It outsmarts me every … Continue reading Classic Pumpkin Pie with Mascarpone Whipped Cream
Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy
The best way to enjoy a stress-free Thanksgiving is to take full advantage of make-ahead dishes. And since gravy can be one of the most uncertain elements of every holiday dinner, having make-ahead gravy in the fridge is a valuable resource! I only recently discovered this recipe from another creator, and I was impressed at … Continue reading Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy
Traditional Roasted Chicken Stock
This week, we're kicking off Thanksgiving Prep! And what better to start with than the lifeblood of the holiday: chicken stock! For day-to-day cooking, I use Kitchen Basics stock almost exclusively. However, in certain instances, I opt to make it from scratch. When anyone in my home isn't feeling well, I turn to my Flu-Fighter … Continue reading Traditional Roasted Chicken Stock
Holiday Planners and Printables
The only thing I love more than organization is the autumn/Thanksgiving/Christmas season! After Labor Day, I kick into high gear, keen on squeezing every last moment of fall and Christmas fun out of the next four months. If I'm not careful, however, this fervor can easily turn into overwhelmed burnout by New Year's Eve. So how do … Continue reading Holiday Planners and Printables
Dalgona Coffee for the Holiday Season
If you've fallen in love with the Dalgona coffee fad, you'll be thrilled to know how easy it is to incorporate this delicious drink into your seasonal celebrations! For fall and Thanksgiving, whip up Apple Pie Dalgona Coffee. With one easy substitution, you can make Pumpkin Pie Dalgona Coffee, as well. At Christmas, try Egg … Continue reading Dalgona Coffee for the Holiday Season
Savory Roasted Acorn Squash, Two Ways
Mmmm, fall and winter squash season! The majority of fall/winter squash recipes have a sweeter flavor profile. It's common to dress them up with brown sugar, maple sugar, cinnamon, and allspice, even the ever-popular marshmallow topping on Thanksgiving yams and sweet potatoes. Here's where I admit my unpopular opinion. Unless the squash is being used … Continue reading Savory Roasted Acorn Squash, Two Ways
Pear, Bacon, Roquefort, and Pecan Salad
This is my favorite salad to serve in the fall! Celebrating delicious in-season pears, this salad works just as well as a light addition to your holiday meals as it does alongside a simple roast chicken on a busy weeknight. In fact, toss in some shredded roast chicken for additional protein to make it a … Continue reading Pear, Bacon, Roquefort, and Pecan Salad
Mainstay Kitchen & Home 