Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes *

There’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy bowl of mashed potatoes to complete a meal, and when you can make them in a crockpot, they become even more irresistible. Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes are the epitome of comfort food — they’re easy to prepare, full of rich flavor, and the perfect side dish for any occasion, from a weeknight dinner to a holiday feast.

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Let's Get Cooking!

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Serves: 12

Ingredients :

• 5 pounds cubed Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes peeled, washed and cut into chunks
• 1 cup salted butter divided
• 32 ounces chicken broth
• 8 ounces cream cheese softened, regular or ⅓-less fat
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
• Garnish options: chopped fresh parsley, sliced chives, or pats of butter.

Instructions :

• Place the peeled and cut russet potatoes into a crockpot.
• Pour broth over the potatoes and half of the butter, cubed.
• Cover the crockpot and cook on high heat for 3-4 hours, or on low heat for 6-7 hours, until the potatoes are tender and easily mashed with a fork.
• Once the potatoes are fully cooked, carefully drain any excess broth from the crockpot, and add the remaining butter, cream cheese, and heavy whipping cream. Cover and cook on high for 10 minutes. 
• Add salt. Using a potato masher or an electric mixer, mash the potatoes directly in the crockpot until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the salt as needed. Cover and keep potatoes on the warm setting until ready to serve.
• Garnish the top of potatoes with fresh chives, parsley, or extra butter, if desired.

Why you will Love this recipe :

• Hands-Off Cooking: Set it and forget it! The crockpot does all the work, freeing up oven space and allowing you to focus on other dishes or simply relax.
• Creamy and Delicious: The combination of butter, cream cheese, and heavy whipping cream makes these creamy potatoes incredibly rich and velvety.
• Perfect for Entertaining: These slow cooker mashed potatoes can stay warm in the crockpot, making them ideal for serving during large gatherings or a holiday meal.
• Versatile Garnishes: Whether you prefer a sprinkle of chives or a pat of butter, you can customize this easy slow cooker dish to your liking.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can easily prepare this make-ahead crockpot mashed potatoes recipe in advance, which is a lifesaver during busy cooking days.
• Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream for a lighter version. You can also use low-fat cream cheese or greek yogurt.

Notes, Tips and Variations :

• Cut Potatoes Evenly: Cut the potatoes into even-sized chunks to ensure they cook at the same rate.
• Make It Vegan: Replace butter with vegan butter, cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative, and chicken broth with vegetable broth.
• Seasoning Boost: Incorporate fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or dill for an earthy, aromatic flavor. You can also add onion powder, white pepper, or black pepper.
• Chunky or Smooth: For chunkier mashed potatoes, mash lightly with a potato masher; for ultra-smooth potatoes, use a hand mixer, potato ricer, or immersion blender.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Add minced cloves of garlic or garlic powder to the potatoes before cooking for a delicious garlic flavor.
• Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese before serving for a cheesy twist.
• Bacon-Infused: Mix in crispy bacon bits for a smoky, savory addition.

Storage and Freezing :

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the crockpot, microwave, or on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.
You can freeze mashed potatoes in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition:

Calories: 393kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 707mg | Potassium: 881mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 870IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 73mg | Iron: 2mg

Source:  Dinner321

Cinnamon Puff Pastry Apple Rings *

These Puff Pastry Apple Rings are a delicious treat that are perfect for any occasion. Buttery, flakey puff pastry is wrapped around an apple slice, tossed in cinnamon sugar, and then baked to golden brown perfection!

Perfect holiday appetizer! Easy, but elevated! 10/10 flavor, these will be a hit at any gathering! Thanksgiving or Christmas! 

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Let's Get Cooking!

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Serves: 6 apple rings

Why You'll Love this recipe :

• They are beautiful, yummy and simple!
• Puff Pastry Apple Rings come together in just under 20 minutes!
• You only need five simple ingredients to make these.
• They are buttery, flakey and sweet.
• Tastes amazing with some melted cookie butter for a dipping sauce.
• A great appetizer or dessert for any occasion!
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• This recipe is so simple to make but seriously addicting!

Ingredients :

• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed (can also use GF puff pastry)
• 1 apple, sliced into rings and core removed
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 egg wash, 1 egg whisked with splash of water
• Optional: Powdered Sugar to sift on top when cooked

Instructions:

• Thaw puff pastry on the counter for at least 30 minutes.
• When ready, preheat oven to 350F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Then, use a pizza cutter or knife to cut long strips in the puff pastry dough and set aside.
• Mix together the coconut sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.
• Then, slice apple into rings and core out the center of each one. Use any small round object that you have such as an oil cap. Then dip each slice in cinnamon and sugar mixture to coat both sides.
• Wrap a piece of puff pastry around the apple and through the center hole util it's fully covered. Place them on a baking sheet that's lined with parchment paper and brush with an egg wash.
• Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before enjoying.

Notes :

• A pizza cutter works best for creating the long strips in the puff pastry dough.
• Use any round object that you have to core out the center, I used the cap of a spray oil.
• Make sure the apple is fully covered with the puff pastry dough before baking.

Ingredients and Substitutions:

• You can use store bought pre-made puff pastry dough, it’s found in the freezer section at most grocery stores, or you can use a homemade version if preferred.
• I like to use Fuji, Honey crisp or Pink Lady apples as I believe these tend to be on the sweeter side, however any kind of apple will work!
• I used coconut sugar for this recipe, but you can also use cane sugar, brown sugar or monk fruit sweetener.
• Ground cinnamon is a must!
• Brush an egg wash over the puff pastry before baking to give these apple rings a nice golden brown glow. If you are vegan, use milk or oil instead.

How to Serve and Store :

• Serve these Puff Pastry Apple Rings warm and with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or melted cookie butter for a delicious dipping sauce!
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge, reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes.

Frequently  Asked  Questions :

Are these vegan?

• As long as you use vegan puff pastry and oil or milk instead of egg then yes!

Can these be made gluten free?

• Yes, with the use of gluten free puff pastry.

Can I use something else instead of apple?

• I bet you a pear would taste really yummy too!

Can these be made in the air fryer?

• Yes! Air fry at 350F for 10 minutes or longer if needed.

Source: Lovely Delights

Sausage Stuffing Meatballs with Cranberry Dipping Sauce

 

The perfect holiday appetizer! Easy, but elevated! 10/10 flavor, these will be a hit at any gathering! Thanksgiving or Christmas! 

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Let's Get Cooking!

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Serves: 8

Ingredients :

Sausage Stuffing Bites

• 2.5 cups Homemade Stuffing or Stove Top

• ½ pound of hot Italian sausage 

• ½ pound of mild Italian sausage
• Pinch of sea salt
• Sea salt and pepper to taste
• ¼- ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 beaten eggs
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries minced
• ½ cup of shredded cheese cheddar

Cranberry Dipping Sauce

• 1 cup cranberry sauce either homemade or canned WHOLE BERRY
• ¼ cup of orange juice

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Combine all stuffing ingredients into a mixing bowl and mix with your hands.
• Using a cookie scoop, (or hands) scoop the sausage balls onto a greased baking pan OR a baking pan lined with parchment paper. I prefer the parchment paper method for easy clean up. You should get about 40 sausage bites.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, till they are browned on top.
• While they are baking, prepare the cranberry sauce in a small saucepan. Combine the ingredients, stirring frequently to help break the cranberry sauce down. Simmer until sauce has thicken a little.
• Place dipping sauce in a serving bowl and surround with Sausage Stuffing Bites.

Nutrition:

Calories: 354kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 800mg | Potassium: 231mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 285IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 2mg

Source:  Family Fresh Meals