Buttery, sweet, and full of spice, homemade pumpkin pies are the perfect finisher for a delicious turkey dinner. Homemade pumpkin pie may seem like a challenging dessert to conquer, but I assure you that with these simple steps, you can create a mouthwatering pie that will blow the store-bought options out of the water!  

Building The Perfect Pie Crust 

Ingredients Needed:  

¾ Cup Cold Butter 

1 ½ Cups All-Purpose Flour 

2 Tbsp. Sugar  

½ Teaspoon Salt 

½ Cup Ice Water  

Instructions:  

1. Using frozen sticks of butter, measure out ¾ of a cup. Dice the butter into small cubes and place it back into the freezer.  
2. In a large mixing bowl, add 1 ½ cups of flour, two tablespoons of sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt and mix.  
3. Add the cubed butter and blend the cold butter into the flour using a pastry cutter. If you do not own a pastry cutter, you can use a fork or your fingers to create a crumb-like texture with the flour and butter. 
4. Once you have a crumbly flour mixture, add small amounts of ice water and stir. Only mix in a small amount at a time. Never dump in the whole ½ cup of water. You’ll know it’s the right consistently when the dough begins to come together. Make sure it isn’t wet or too dry. If it is a bit wet, add in a tablespoon of flour at a time. If it is too dry, add in a bit more ice water.  
5. Shape the dough into an inch-thick disk, wrap it in saran wrap, and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight.  

Creating A Delicious Pumpkin Pie Filling     

Ingredients Needed: 

1 Can (15oz.) of Pumpkin Pie Puree, Not Pie Filling, OR 2 Cups of Homemade Pumpkin Puree 

2 Eggs  

½ Cup Granulated Sugar 

⅓ Cup Brown Sugar  

¾ Cup Heavy Whipping Cream  

1 Tsp. Vanilla  

½ Tsp. Salt 

1 Tbsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice 

½ Tsp. Cinnamon 

Instructions: 

1. Add the eggs and sugar to a large mixing bowl and blend until smooth using a hand mixer, blend until smooth.  
2. Next, add the pumpkin puree and blend.  
3. Pour in the heavy cream, vanilla, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. Blend on low until everything is combined. 

Preparing And Baking The Pumpkin Pie  

Remove the crust from the fridge and let it warm before rolling out. In about 20 minutes, flour a flat cooking surface along with a rolling pin and roll out a 12-inch circle for a 9-inch pie plate.  

Place the pie crust into the pie place and flute the edges with your forefinger and thumb.  

Pour the pie filling into the crust and place it in the oven at 425 degrees for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to 375 and continue cooking for 30 to 40 minutes or until the pie has fully set.  

Once you remove the pie from the oven, let it rest until there is no movement to the filling and it is room temperature. You can serve it up or top with some delicious whipped cream!  

Wrapping Up The Perfect Homemade Pumpkin Pie  

There you have it! An easy, beginner-friendly pie recipe that will top any store-bought pie out there. Following this simple recipe, you’re ready to conquer that traditional Thanksgiving dessert.   

Thanksgiving Day is a day to be thankful for everything we have in our lives. It’s also a day to be grateful for all the delicious food we will be partaking in with our family and friends! With these three delicious Thanksgiving appetizers, our guests will almost completely forget about the turkey waiting to be carved!   

Cranberry Brie Bites  

Beautiful and easy to make, your guest will love the delicious combination of brie and cranberry.  

Ingredients: 

1 Package of Crescent Roll Sheets 

1 Cup of Homemade or Store-Bought Fresh Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce 

8 Ounce Brie Wheel  

2 Sprigs of Fresh Rosemary  

Instructions:  

1. Grease a muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray and preheat the oven to 375 degrees.  
2. Roll out the crescent roll sheets on a floured surface. Cut 24 equal-sized squares, placing each square into a muffin slot.  
3. Cube the brie into small, bite-sized pieces and place them in the center of each crescent dough pocket. Then, add a small spoonful of the cranberry sauce.  
4. Finish it off with a leaf or two of rosemary on top as added flavor and garnish.  
5. Bake until golden, about 10 to 15 minutes, and enjoy!  

Antipasto Skewers  

Simple yet scrumptious! These skewers are the perfect accompaniment with a nice glass of wine while awaiting a delicious dinner.  

Ingredients:  

1 Jar of Roasted Red Peppers 

1 Jar Pitted Olives 

12 Cherry Tomatoes  

1 Jar of Marinated Artichokes  

12 Slices of Salami 

12 Slices Mortadella  

24 Mozzarella Pearls 

Balsamic Glaze 

Fresh Basil Leaves for Garnish  

Instructions: 

1. Using 6-inch cocktail skewers, begin by lagering your ingredients.  
2. Begin with a marinated artichoke cut into a bite-sized piece, a pitted olive, a cherry tomato, a slice of salami, a mozzarella pearl, a slice of mortadella, and finish with either another artichoke or mozzarella pearl.  
3. Place on a serving platter and garnish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and fresh basil. 
4. You could always add the basil to the skewer for flavor and color or use it as a garnish. 

Bacon Wrapped Dates  

These bacon-wrapped dates perfectly blend sweet and salty and pair perfectly before a mouthwatering feast.  

Ingredients: 

1 Pound Thin Sliced Bacon 

16 to 20 Dates  

4 to 6 Ounces of Goat Cheese  

Instructions: 

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.  
2. Slice each date lengthwise and remove the pit. 
3. Stuff each date with a small amount of goat cheese.  
4. Wrap a thin slice of bacon around each date and use a toothpick to seal the date to prevent the goat cheese from leaking out and the bacon from shriveling up too much.  
5. Bake for 10 minutes on a lined sheet tray. Once the 10 minutes are up, flip and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes or until the bacon has crisped up.  
6. Place on a paper towel to drain some grease before serving.  

Wrapping Up 3 Of The Most Delicious Thanksgiving Appetizers 

Appetizers give your guests something to enjoy before the main course, and with these appetizers, you may find your guests wanting more! Not only are they simple, they are quick to make and can please all taste buds!   

Peaches are in abundance, and you’ll want to take full advantage of the surplus while you can! These delicious and versatile stone fruits can be used in an array of ways to offer summertime sweet treats that everyone will love. So, let’s dive into the five summer peach ideas you’ll be tempted to make immediately! 

Peach Cobbler 

This classic dessert is a summertime must-have. This peach cobbler is a simple and mouthwatering dessert perfect for a warm summer’s night—especially topped with vanilla ice cream!  

The filling is so simple. You only need peaches, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, salt, nutmeg, and almond extract. For the biscuit topping, you can use a Bisquick mix, follow the directions, and top the peach and sugar mixture. Or you can make them from scratch.   

Bake until the top is golden and the peaches are nice and bubbly!  

Grilled Peaches 

Grilled peaches are an absolute dream. Due to their high sugar content, they will caramelize once placed on the grill. You can serve them as is or add them to sweet or savory dishes!  

Our favorites are placed atop Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey for a delicious, low-calorie summer dessert!  

Fresh Peach Sorbet  

Unlike ice cream, sorbet can be made in your home without an expensive machine. You only need fresh peaches, sugar, lemon juice, and water!  

All you need to do is place the peaches and sugar into a food processor or high-speed blender. Blend or process until you have a very smooth consistency. Once you do, add a touch of lemon juice to taste. Stick in your freezer until firm. Serve with a mint sprig for a fancy, fresh dessert.  

Rustic Peach Tart 

This is what summer baking is all about. It comes together in minutes and is perfect with a big dollop of sweet whipped cream. To make the crust, combine sugar, flour, and butter until it has a nice crumb. Chill for an hour before rolling out into a 12-inch circle.  

To make the filling, combine fresh peach slices with sugar, lemon juice, salt, and cornstarch. Once you have the filling, place it into the center of the crust and crimp up the edges to make a freeform pie crust dish.  

Bake on a sheet pan until the center is bubbly and the crust appears golden and flaky.  

Peach Yogurt Parfait  

This recipe is super easy yet oh so delicious. You can even prep these peach yogurt parfaits and keep them in the fridge for quick desserts, breakfast sides, or lunches!  

In an airtight container, place a layer of Greek yogurt, freshly sliced peaches, and a drizzle of honey. Repeat this until you fill the container and top with sweet granola and extra sliced peaches!  

Wrapping Up The Top Five Summer Peach Ideas  

Here are our five favorite summertime peach treats that will satisfy your sweet tooth and make the most of one of our favorite stone fruits! From classic cobblers to refreshing sorbets, these recipes will surely make your summer delightfully sweeter. 

Are you looking for some quick yet satisfying snacks for a busy day? Like many of us, sometimes you need a quick pick-me-up in the middle of the day, but you want it to be healthy and take little time to prepare. These five-minute snacks are the perfect blend of health and satisfaction. So say goodbye to the hot pockets and read on for your new favorite quick snacks!  

Apple and Peanut Butter Slices 

Simple yet effective. Peanut butter and apple slices are nothing new, but they work so well because of the natural sugars in the apples and the fat and protein in the peanut butter, which give you a boost when you are feeling sluggish. 

You can always make it your own by making apple “nachos.” Slice the apple, then warm up the peanut butter until you drizzle it on top of your apples. Add nuts, mini chocolate chips, and blueberries.  

Greek Yogurt and Berry Parfait 

This delicious combination is perfect for a quick snack or even a quick breakfast. Filled with healthy protein, it’s the ideal pick-me-up. Better yet, you can make so many variations of this parfait that it’s impossible to get bored of it.   

Layer Greek yogurt, blueberries, and granola for a healthy treat. Drizzle with honey, add mini chocolate chips, or switch up the fruit or toppings. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!  

Hummus and Veggies  

With so many hummus varieties, you can get creative with this five-minute snack. Slice up some of your favorite veggies, such as cucumbers, carrots, celery, broccoli, and bell peppers, and dip them into hummus. Choose between classic garlic hummus, roasted red pepper hummus, and spicy buffalo hummus— the options are endless and delicious!  

Cheese and Ancient Grain Crackers 

Everyone loves cheese and crackers. Plus, this may be the easiest five-minute snack on the list! The cheese options are endless—purchase cracker-ready cuts or slice some cheese right off the block. Choose a more nutrient-dense cracker, like ancient or whole-grain crackers, for extra fiber and nutrition.  

Arrange the cheese and crackers onto a place and add some grapes for a sweet, juicy texture change and enjoy!   

Banana and Almond Butter Wrap  

Looking for a quick, easy, and mobile snack? These banana and almond butter wraps are perfect. Using a whole-grain tortilla, spread a thin layer of almond butter over the entire thing. Slice up a banana into thin slices and add to the tortilla.  

Sprinkle chia seeds before rolling up for some extra nutrients. This simple, quick snack, filled with healthy fat and natural sugars, will surely satisfy you till your next meal.  

Wrapping Up The Best 5-Minute Snacks 

These five quick and easy snacks are perfect for satisfying your cravings in just five minutes. Just because you need a quick snack doesn’t mean you have to turn to frozen foods. Go ahead and give these healthy alternatives a try! 

Prepping for a dinner party but at a loss on what to serve before the actual meal? Appetizers don’t need to be complicated. In fact, the simpler the appetizer, the better they go over with your guests. Here are four appetizers your guest will love and won’t cause you any more cooking stress!  

Caprese Skewers 

Perfect for summer dinner parties on the back porch, these caprese skewers are simple, require minimal prep, and are absolutely delish!   

Begin by cutting bamboo skewers in half and giving them a quick rinse. Then, skewer cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and fresh basil. Place on a serving platter and sprinkle with a homemade or store-bought balsamic reduction. Fresh and easy, these are always a hit!  

Stuffed Mushrooms 

Savory and full of fresh herbs, these stuffed mushrooms are the perfect bite-sized appetizer.   

Begin by removing the stems of button mushrooms. Dice the stems and add to a bowl. In that same bowl, add fresh thyme, parsley, and rosemary. Add softened cream cheese and a few cracks of fresh pepper and stir until combined. Fill each mushroom and top with breadcrumbs and a sprinkling of parmesan cheese. Bake until golden and bubbly!   

Spinach and Artichoke Dip 

This creamy dip is a famous appetizer that everyone loves diving into. Perfect for any kind of party, this simple yet delicious appetizer comes together in no time!  

Begin by placing softened cream cheese into a large mixing bowl. Add shredded parmesan cheese and set to the side. In a pan, sautee garlic and spinach until wilted and losing its moisture. Chop up a can of artichoke hearts and add everything to the mixing bowl with the cheeses. Blend with a hand mixer until thoroughly combined.   

Serve with cut-up Hawaiian bread, carrots, pretzels, celery sticks, and fresh broccoli. Creamy and oh-so-good, this will be one of everyone’s favorites!  

Mini Quiche  

Another extremely popular, well-loved party appetizer is mini quiches. These savory snacks include a buttery crust, cheese, egg, and veggie center, making them the perfect tasty bite.  

Begin by preparing a muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray. Using pie crust, cut small circles out of the dough. Place each circle into the muffin tin, forming multiple mini pie crusts. Set to the side.   

In a mixing bowl, prepare your egg mixture. You can make a variety or stick with a ham, broccoli, and Swiss cheese mix. Whisk your eggs and add heavy cream, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, cooked broccoli florets, diced ham, and shredded Swiss cheese.  

Bake until set and serve warm.  

Wrapping Up Simple Yet Impressive Dinner Party Appetizers  

With these four tasty ideas, preparing appetizers for your next dinner party will be simpler than ever. They won’t take up too much extra time, and your guests will love the quick bite before the dinner is served. Just be sure to pair them with some fresh cocktails!  

Bread may seem a bit intimidating to beginner bakers, but honestly, once you have the proper technique, the right ingredients, and the best step-by-step guide (the one you’ll find here), you’ll be baking all your sandwich bread before you know it, using menial time and effort and saving you on that ever-growing grocery bill!  

Ingredients And Equipment:   

Ingredients Needed 

4 – 5 Cups All Purpose Flour 

1 Tablespoon Dry Active Yeast  

¼ Cup Honey or Sugar  

2 ½ Teaspoons Salt 

2 Tablespoons Oil  

2 Cups Warm Water 

Equipment Needed

You don’t need the best high-end mixers or top-notch equipment to make the most delicious baked bread—all you need are the following: 

Large Mixing Bowl  

Wooden Spoon 

Measuring Cups and Spoons  

Clean Kitchen Towel 

Bread Pan  

How To Bake The Best Yeast Bread: Step-By-Step: 

Step 1 

Add warm water, yeast, and sugar to a large mixing bowl. Stir and allow the mixture to rest on the counter undisturbed for 5 to 10 minutes or until the top becomes foamy and bubbly.  

Step 2 

In another large mixing bowl, add flour, salt, oil, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough begins to form.  

Step 3 

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 to 10 minutes. The dough should be soft and bounce back when touched. If it is too wet and sticky, add a bit more flour—if it is too dry, knead in more water.  

Step 4 

Place the dough ball in a greased mixing bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel and allow to rise in a warm location for 1 to 2 hours or until doubled in size.  

Step 5  

Punch the dough down and shape it into a loaf. Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan and allow it to prove (rise) a second time. This could be anywhere from an hour to two or until doubled in size.   

Step 6  

Bake for 20 to 30 minutes in a 375-degree oven. The top should be golden brown, and the bottom, when tapped, should sound hollow.   

Step 7  

Allow the bread to completely cool on a wired rack before slicing into it. Enjoy!  

Pro Tips: 

Here are some excellent tips to remember while baking, especially bread!  

1. Always measure correctly. Baking is a science that requires the proper measurements to form a cohesive final product. 
2. Temperature control. When adding warmed water to your yeast, the water should be around 110 degrees. Any warmer could kill the yeast and cause your bread not to rise. 
3. When proving your dough, ensure it is in a warm location, free from drafts and temperature fluctuations, for the best rise possible.  

Wrapping Up The Best Homemade Yeast Bread For Beginner Bakers  

There you have it! A simple yeast bread that is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or anything else. It is simple to make, inexpensive, and will be your new Sunday morning routine in no time!