Hi Cooking Moms, Dads & Friends,

I hope you all had a great week! I can’t believe Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away! I can hardly wait! I know it’s going to be a lot different this year. I’m still not sure how many people will be at our table. I’m guessing it will just be a few. That’s okay! I just want everyone to stay safe! My plan is to make this Thanksgiving simple but delicious!

I put together some really fun, delicious recipes that won't have you stuck in the kitchen all day. My Turkey Appetizer Platter is a great way to get the pre-Thanksgiving munching started! Isn't it cute? I know it looks hard to do, but I promise it’s not! It serves as a centerpiece for your buffet too. Take a picture quick though because it will disappear before you know it! LOL!

I like to put out a bunch of appetizers earlier in the day before dinner. We like to watch football, play board games, and just hang out together before the big meal. My hot Baked Spinach and Artichoke Dip is always a hit! Looks so pretty in a bread bowl and it's so good! My Cranberry Brie Bites are also a winner! Talk about easy! Just 3 ingredients! They are a great way to use leftover cranberry sauce too. Click Appetizers for more tempting recipes.

Speaking of cranberry sauce, instead of the stuff in the can, why not make your own this year? It’s so much better! My recipe for Cranberry Sauce is super simple! The orange zest makes it extra special! Makes the house smell like oranges too!

Thanksgiving dinner is over before you know it. That’s why I try to make it last as long as possible! I like to start out Thanksgiving dinner with a nice, beautiful salad. My Apple Cranberry Salad is so pretty! Super yummy and fresh too! The homemade dressing makes it really special!

Pick up some grapes and make my Heavenly Grape Salad. You can make it ahead. It really is heavenly! Click Salads for more of my favorite holiday salad recipes.

For dinner, if you aren’t feeling turkey this year why not make my Just Peachy Pork Tenderloin! It’s a family favorite!

Or get out your crockpot and make my Apple Cranberry Pork Roast. It so easy! Makes the house smells so good! LOVE THAT!

This year why not free up oven space and make my Slow Cooker Stuffing? It’s the best!

You can make your mashers in there too. Here’s my recipe for Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes.

I LOVE brussel sprouts. My Bacon Brussel Sprouts are delicious! Click Sides, Dinner and Slow Cooker for more delicious recipes.

Finally, for dessert, instead of pumpkin pie, why not make my Pumpkin Cheesecake Parfaits? That way you don't have to fuss with a pie crust. Plus, everybody gets their own dessert. So special!

Or watch the kiddos light up when you put out my Turkey Cupcakes. They'll gobble, gobble these right up. In fact, why not get the kids in the kitchen to help decorate them? What fun! Click Desserts for more of my favorites for the holidays.

Join Me Next Year for Some AMAZING Culinary Trips!

Have you heard I’m hosting culinary vacations? I’m super excited for my next trip in June 2021 to gorgeous Mackinac Island, Michigan. We’ll catch the ferry over to the Island and then check into the absolute best hotel! The Mission Point Resort was even voted one of the best hotels in the Midwest! We’ll spend 3 nights. We’ll have plenty of time to experience it all. We can take a carriage ride around the island, rent bikes, and take a sunset cocktail cruise. We’ll learn how to make Mackinac Island fudge at one of the island's best fudge shops. If you like wine, you’ll want to enjoy a 5-course gourmet wine dinner! We’ll be there when the lilacs are in full bloom, too! It’s going to be magical! The trip is already booking up! Click on Join The Cooking Mom on a Trip to Mackinac Island to read my blog post with details, pictures and pricing for the trip.

In September 2021, if it’s safe to travel I’m planning another big trip! Have you always wanted to go on a river cruise through Europe? It’s been on my bucket list! We’ll take a trip to Germany for Oktoberfest and a top-of-the-line river cruise through Germany, Austria, and Switzerland! In 2022, I’m working on trips to Ireland, Italy and more! To find out more about my other upcoming trips, click Culinary Vacations with The Cooking Mom. I’d also love to hear where you’d like to go, so email me at info@thecookingmom.com!

Order My Cookbooks for The Holidays!

If you like my recipes, I think you will love my cookbooks. Order one for yourself and they make great gifts too! Both cookbooks are filled with nearly 200 unique recipes. They're available on Amazon. Click Amy's Books on Amazon to order.

Watch Me on TV Next Week!

Looking for more recipes and ideas for Thanksgiving? Watch me on TV next week! I’ll be cooking up a storm from my kitchen! Monday I’ll be LIVE on The Jason Show in Minneapolis! Next Thursday morning I’ll be on Fox 6 Wakeup in Milwaukee. Thursday afternoon catch me on Twin Cities Live!

You can always see what I'm up to on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Check out my videos on YouTube, too. Follow me!

I hope you all have wonderful weekend. Stay safe and as I always say cook up some memories!

Take care,
Amy, The Cooking Mom

Order Amy's Cookbooks Online!