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Some of my favorite recipes for the Thanksgiving feast. Included are some low carb options and some beginner 101 tutorials (check out the gravy one).

New England Apple Cheddar Cheese Rustic Tart (Galette)

This buttery galette dough makes a free-form tart that is not only easy but is crisp and flaky and can be made ahead by several days without drying out. The filling is the popular New England combination of apples and cheddar cheese, along with aromatic Fall spices. A beautiful addition to your Thanksgiving table! Jump …

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Easy Swedish Potato Bake for the Holidays (aka Jansson’s Temptation)

This simple potato side dish is a mainstay on the Swedish smorgasbord at Christmastime, where it is referred to as Jansson’s Temptation or Janssons frestelse. It is a rich and creamy comfort food made with potatoes, onions, cream and the secret ingredient of anchovies. Perfect for the holiday table, no matter which country you celebrate …

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Turkey Gravy, Make-Ahead Stock, & Gravy Rescue Tips

If you’re stressing about gravy this Thanksgiving, stop. Gravy can be a handful because it’s usually the last thing to make, and you want to serve it hot. Make this homemade turkey stock a day or two ahead of time to avoid the last-minute stress, and ensure your gravy is full of flavor. Even with …

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Low Carb Baked Cauliflower with Saffron & Olives 

Cauliflower is a mainstay of many low carb diets. There are many different ways to prepare it however, and this simple baked cauliflower dish becomes special with the robust additions of saffron and Mediterranean green olives. It is easy enough for weeknight dinners and elegant enough for the Thanksgiving table. Jump to: RECIPE | About …

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Sopa de Fideo (Mexican Noodle Soup): Adding Leftover Turkey

Mexico’s version of kid-friendly comfort food is Sopa de Fideo. Like mac and cheese in the US, it is a classic lunchtime dish that many kids in Mexico grow up on. This version of fideo adds leftover turkey to the tomato and pasta base. Keeps the turkey moist and the adults are just as happy …

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Calabaza en Tacha (Candied Pumpkin) Recipe

Calabaza en Tacha (aka candied pumpkin) is one of the traditional treats served on Mexico’s Day of the Dead Celebration, “Dia de Muertos”. The flavor is similar to what is served in the US as candied yams or sweet potatoes, but the key ingredients to this Mexican recipe include piloncillo syrup, cinnamon sticks, orange peel …

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Make-Ahead Breakfast Strata (Casserole) with Swiss Chard & Sausage

Strata is basically an egg casserole with varied fillings and a creamy custard base. It is often likened to a bread pudding. This breakfast strata is filled with swiss chard and sausage and topped with a smoky cheese. It is perfect for serving a crowd at brunch or as a stress-free make-ahead dish for holiday …

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Slow Cooker Turkey Chili with Squash & Beans

Slow-cooker turkey and butternut squash chili is the perfect dish to make for cold nights, especially if you’re looking for a tasty way to use leftover turkey from Thanksgiving. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, spicy and smoky. Jump to: RECIPE | Ingredients & Substitutions | How to Get Smoky Flavor | Illustrated Step by …

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Root Vegetables, Low Carb to High Carb: + Root Veggie Recipe

Although root vegetables are generally higher in carbohydrates than other vegetable choices, if you choose the right ones, and roast them or sauté them without adding sugar or sauces, you can still get high-flavor (and healthy) comfort food without going over your daily carb count. This ”Ragù” recipe is a sauté of root vegetables on …

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Ginger Lime Sweet Potato Casserole: No Marshmallows

Sweet potato casseroles are often way too sweet for many palates, especially when they are served around the holidays with an abundance of other rich dishes. This casserole, or side dish, gets all of its sweetness from the sweet potato itself and enhances the flavor by roasting it with ginger, fresh lime juice and some …

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Brazilian Shrimp in Pumpkins – Camarão na Moranga

Camarão na Moranga (Shrimp in Pumpkin) is a creamy seafood stew from Brazil beautifully served in a colorful pumpkin. Traditionally it would be served in a pinkish heirloom variety of pumpkin called Moranga (see photo below). If you can’t find this variety however, an orange baking pumpkin will work just fine. The flavor and the presentation …

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Preserving Fresh Herbs as Herbal Compound Butters

Dried herbs can’t compete with fresh herbs when it comes to cooking with flavor. If you have a garden, a nearby farmers market, or a good grocery store, preserving fresh herbs as herbal compound butters is my favorite way to ensure fresh flavor year-round. It’s very easy, you can create wonderful blends, and herb butters …

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Low Carb Brussel Sprouts Caesar Salad

Brussel sprouts are often hailed as one of the most-hated foods.  However, Caesar salad is one of the most popular.  This unique combination of brussel sprouts and Caesar salad brings out the best in both dishes for a spectacular side dish to any meal. Jump to: RECIPE | Health Benefits of Brussels | Substitutions | …

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