Midwest Living November/December 2013 Recipes
Cider-Brined Turkey with Roasted Apples [1]
Even better than the pretty glazed fruit and crazy-juicy bird? The appley gravy made from the drippings.
Pumpkin Parsnip Bisque with Hazelnut Toasts [5]
Puree wintry vegetables like potato, leek and parsnip into a velvety soup. Don't skip the crisp, buttery dippers. They're delicious dunked in the soup.
White Christmas Peppermint Layer Cake [9]
Fanciful pink peppermint frosting and snowy cake layers will brighten any holiday party. To decorate, choose between simple candy adornments (pictured) or whimsical white-chocolate trees.
Nutella Cherry Hazelnut Fudge [14]
Chocolate-hazelnut spread (Nutella) gives this fudge a smooth texture and luscious nutty flavor. The recipe comes from Annie Marshall of the Indianapolis-based blog Annie's Eats.
Parmesan-Crusted Goat Cheese with Basil Oil [18]
This beautiful and unusual recipe makes one small cheese ball, but easily doubles or triples to make multiple for a party. The recipe comes from Annie Marshall of the Indianapolis-based blog Annie's Eats.
Candy Cane Snack Mix [22]
What's better than sweet and salty? Sweet, salty and pepperminty! This easy-as-could-be snack mix is fantastic for holiday gifts.
Candy Cane Snack Mix [23]
Triple Pear Pie with Walnut Crust [26]
You can't mistake the fruit in this cardamom-spiced beauty. Pear nectar and dried pears complement thick slices of fresh, juicy Bosc pears.
Maple-Butternut Puree [30]
Roasting brings out squash's natural sugars. Blending with maple syrup, butter and nutmeg makes it utterly addictive. Bonus: This dish reheats beautifully.
Cornmeal Pumpkin Cake with Dried Fruit Compote [34]
Riesling-poached fruit and billowy whipped cream crown a dense spice cake inspired by ingredients from the first Thanksgiving.
Raspberry Truffles [38]
These five-ingredient truffles come together in a snap. Blending jam into the chocolate makes for a subtle fruit flavor perfectly balancing the rich, smooth chocolate. The recipe comes from Annie Marshall of the Indianapolis-based blog Annie's Eats.
Raspberry Truffles [39]
French Onion Sliders [42]
These totally indulgent sliders pack all the flavor of French onion soup into a tidy little sandwich. The recipe comes from Annie Marshall of the Indianapolis-based blog Annie's Eats.
French Onion Sliders [43]
Cranberry Margarita [46]
Stir up a pitcher of these rosy margaritas for your next holiday bash. The Simple Syrup recipe makes enough syrup for 30 margaritas but is easily halved or quartered.
Cranberry Margarita [47]
Chocolate Cream Pie [50]
The filling of this chocolate-crust pie is luscious, but not too rich. (Think old-fashioned chocolate pudding.) A bit of sour cream in the whipped topping balances the chocolate perfectly.
Chocolate Cream Pie [51]
Cauliflower Gratin [54]
Tossing cauliflower with bread crumbs, Dijon, cheddar, herbs and almonds makes this humble veg holiday-special.
Cauliflower Gratin [55]
Lemony Green Beans [58]
Garlic, shallots and lemon brighten crisp-tender beans. Save time by parboiling the green beans a day early.
Lemony Green Beans [59]
Sausage-and-Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms [62]
Unlike most stuffed mushroom recipes, these savory sausage-filled gems don't contain cheese, so they're a great choice for people avoiding dairy. The recipe comes from Annie Marshall of the Indianapolis-based blog Annie's Eats.
Lemon-Vanilla Ornament Cookies [66]
Whether you hang theses sugar cookies on a decorative tree like blogger Annie Marshall does or share them at a cookie exchange, these cutouts hold their shape beautifully. A standby on the blog Annie's Eats, it's a great recipe to have in your repertoire.
Sparkling Cranberry Brie Bites [70]
This festive holiday appetizer couldn't be simpler. Find easy-to-slice logs of Brie at large supermarkets. The common brand President is available at Super Target.
Turkey Pesto Sliders [74]
These six-ingredient party sandwiches are simple and delicious. The recipe comes from Annie Marshall of the Indianapolis-based blog Annie's Eats.
Turkey Pesto Sliders [75]
Sweet Potato Biscuits [78]
Orange zest, nutmeg and smoked paprika add layers of flavor to these tender biscuits.
Cucumber Bites with Herbed Cheese and Salmon Mousse [82]
The recipe makes half the bites with pink salmon mousse filling and half with white herbed cheese. If you like, streamline by choosing just one filling and doubling its ingredients. This recipe comes from Annie Marshall of the Indianapolis-based blog Annie's Eats.
Peppermint Sugar Cookies [86]
Peppermint extract infuses these crisp, buttery cookies with holiday flavor. Choose between slice-and-bake swirls or candy-cane shape cookies.
Calico Corn Bread Dressing [90]
Homey corn bread meets woodsy sage, thyme and shitake mushrooms. Carrots and apricots add color and sweetness.
Eggnog Cheesecake Bars [94]
A spiced graham cracker crust and bourbon-infused egg nog filling give these simple bars a delicious holiday twist. The recipe comes from Annie Marshall of the Indianapolis-based blog Annie's Eats.
Cranberry Chutney [98]
Cranberries and apple simmer with red onion, ginger and mustard seeds for a spiced variation on traditional sauce. Try it on a sandwich with leftover turkey.
Cranberry Chutney [99]
Roasted Pork and Beet Salad [102]
Heart-healthy walnuts and lean pork tenderloin make this dinner salad as nutritious as it is colorful. You can pop a package of whole-grain take-and-bake rolls in the oven after you remove the pork. By the time you've assembled the salad, the rolls will be ready.
Sausage Polenta with Nestled Eggs [106]
Green chiles and shredded cheese lend Southwest flavor to this hearty breakfast casserole that you can prepare the night before and bake in the morning.