The holiday season is fast approaching and I am going to spice up Thanksgiving with seasonings that remind me of my grandma’s cooking. h I started to reminisce about family gatherings and all the amazing food we always ate, boy do we eat a lot of great food. These are just a few of the recipes I learned along the way.

Favorite Family Entrees To Spice Up Thanksgiving With Seasonings

Almost every recipe my family creates during the holidays includes the yummy flavors of Extract, Herbs & Spices, or Gravy products. From stews, to appetizers to desserts, we love food, and we love making food together.

Grandma’s Beef Stew

One of my favorite family entrees to make when the weather starts to get cool is Grandma’s Beef Stew. Sometimes we will throw noodles in it, but this is the traditional way we make it.

Items Needed

• Beef Stew Meat
• ½ Bag of baby carrots cut into chunks
• 3 Cups of potatoes cut into chunks
• 1 Medium Sweet Potato cut into chunks
• 1 Can of peas
• ½ Teaspoon of salt
• ½ Teaspoon of Pepper
• 3 Bay leaves
• 32 oz of beef broth
• 2 heaping tablespoons of cornstarch
• Crock Pot or Large Pot

 

Directions

1. Brown the stew meat in a saucepan, only cook until brown on all sides.
2. Cut all the vegetables into chunks, except the peas.
3. Place the meat and vegetables (minus the peas) into the crock pot or large pot.
4. Pour the beef broth into the crock pot.
5. Add all the Seasonings.
6. Cook on high for 3 hours, or until all vegetables are soft.
7. If using a pot on the stove, cook on med-high for 3 hours.
8. Add the peas once the other vegetables are soft.
9. Make a rue out of the corn starch and add 2 tablespoons of milk, add more if it is too thick.
10. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the beef stew.
11. Cook an additional 5 minutes.
12. Remove the bay leaves and serve.
13. A great addition to this dinner is biscuits or crescent rolls.

Zesty Sweet Stuffing Balls

I finally got the family stuffing ball recipe a few years ago, and it is a staple dish in my family now. This zesty, sweet and filling Thanksgiving treat is easy to make and so very tasty. There are a few seasonings in this one. There is also alcohol in it, but that cooks off, so the kids can enjoy this one too.

Items Needed

• 1 Package of Breakfast Sausage
• 1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt
• 1/4 Teaspoon Black Pepper Blend
• ½ Teaspoon of Sage
• ½ Teaspoon of Tyme
• 1/2 Cup Finely Minced Onions
• 1 Celery Stalk, Finely Minced
• 1/2 Cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• 1/3 Cup Dried Cranberries
• 1 Package of Stuffing Mix, Do Not Prepare
• 2 Eggs, Beaten
• 1 Cup Chicken Broth

 

Directions

• Brown Sausage in a large skillet on medium heat
• Add salt, and pepper and cook until fully brown.
• Place cooked sausage on paper towel lined plate.
• Add onions and celery to skillet and cook until the onions are clear, and celery is soft.
• Cool for 10 – 15 minutes.
• Place onions, celery, sausage, cheese, cranberries and stuffing in a large bowl and mix.
• Stir in eggs and add chicken broth a little at a time until completely mixed.
• Scoop a heaping tablespoon and shape into a ball, place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake at 375 for 18 – 20 minutes, or until the tops are brown.
• Cranberry Dipping Sauce
• 1 Can Cranberry Sauce, whole berry works best
• 1/4 Cup Orange Juice
• Pinch of Sea Salt

 

Directions

1. Place cranberry sauce and orange juice in a saucepan and cook on medium heat.
2. Add salt and cook until thinned out and hot.
3. Place in dish for dipping.

Desserts and Drinks That Spice Up Thanksgiving With Seasonings

Don’t forget dessert. McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract goes in every one of my Holiday desserts. My all-time favorite is the sugar cookie recipe that has been passed down through the years. And there is nothing better to drink with your Holiday desserts then some yummy apple cider with a McCormick® cinnamon stick to stir it.

Grandma’s Cranberry Orange Sugar Cookies

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
• ½ to 1 Cup of Cranberry/Raisins

Directions

1. Mix your dry ingredients together in a bowl, flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Mix your wet ingredients in a bowl or mixer, butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
3. Add the cranberries.
4. Roll out balls and flatten them onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 – 10 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Let the cookies cool before adding the glaze.
7. Orange Cranberry Glaze
8. 4 Tablespoons butter, softened
9. 2 Cups powdered sugar
10. 2 – 4 Tablespoons orange juice
11. 1 ½ Teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
12. Mix butter and powdered sugar together in a mixer.
13. Add orange juice and vanilla.
14. Pour over cooled cookies.

Apple Cider Twisted

The easiest way to make this yummy drink is to use the premix apple cider mix. Follow the instructions, then add a cinnamon stick for flavor and as a stirrer.

To make this as an adult cocktail, add a shot of your favorite whiskey.

Related – The Best Thanksgiving Recipes