This apple cranberry crisp merges tart, fresh berries with sweet apples beneath a golden, buttery oat topping. It’s the ultimate effortless dessert for a gathering!

As an avid admirer of apple crisp, I’ve discovered a dessert that may just take the lead: apple cranberry crisp! The tartness of fresh berries blends seamlessly with sweet, cozy crisp apples in a cinnamon-spiced fruit base.

The berries introduce a vibrant flavor and a bright red hue to the fruit layer, which is crowned with golden buttery crisp crumbles. This apple cranberry crisp has solidified its place in my fall and winter baking repertoire. It feels festive enough for a Thanksgiving or Christmas spread, yet is simple enough for a cozy night at home.

Why This Recipe Works

Incorporating cranberries into your apple crisp or apple crumble elevates the flavor, akin to a strawberry rhubarb pie. Here’s why this variation has carved out a permanent space in my recipe collection:

– Zesty sweet-tart profile: While apples are sweet, baking them with cranberries results in a sweet-tart intricacy.
– Ideal crumble texture: The fruit filling reduces to a jammy compote that juxtaposes with the crunch of the rolled oats and butter topping.
– Adaptability: It performs wonderfully with either fresh or frozen cranberries, making it a versatile choice throughout the year.

Ingredient Spotlight: What You Need

This apple cranberry crisp is a twist on the traditional apple dessert with a handful of fresh cranberries mixed in. Here’s what you’ll need:

– Apples: Opt for firm, crisp, sweet-tart cooking apples. Pink Lady and Honeycrisp are my top picks for baking as they retain their shape, but Granny Smith or Golden Delicious are also great alternatives.
– Cranberries: This works with fresh or frozen berries. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover fresh cranberries from cranberry sauce or buy a bag to use the remainder in bread, muffins, or smoothies.
– Orange Zest: Don’t skip this! Orange introduces a floral aroma that enhances the flavor of the filling beautifully.
– Cornstarch: This thickens the juices released by the fruit, keeping the bottom layer from becoming soupy.
– Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: These add the traditional chew and rustic appearance. I steer clear of quick oats here as they may become overly mushy.
– Butter: Chilled butter is crucial for achieving those distinct, crumbly topping bits.
– Sugars: I blend granulated sugar for the fruit with brown sugar for the topping. (Maple syrup or honey aren’t suitable sweeteners as they result in soggy crumbs.)

How to Make Apple Cranberry Crisp

This recipe comes together swiftly, which is why it ranks among my top Thanksgiving desserts. Here are my suggestions for nailing it every time:

1. Prep the Fruit
I prefer cutting my apples into ½-inch chunks instead of slices. I find that chunks make the crisp simpler to scoop and enjoy. Toss the apples and cranberries with the sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and orange zest directly in the baking dish to limit the washing of an extra bowl.

2. Incorporate the Butter
In a medium bowl, whisk your dry ingredients (flour, oats, sugar, spices). Then, cut the chilled butter into small pieces. I utilize a fork or a pastry cutter to mix the butter into the flour blend until it resembles coarse crumbs (by the end, I often combine it with my fingers).

3. Bake Until Bubbling
Distribute the topping evenly over the fruit. Bake at 350°F for about 45 to 50 minutes. The visual indicator is the fruit filling bubbling around the edges and the topping achieving a deep golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

Apple cranberry crisp is the quintessential fall or winter dessert, perfect for serving as a Thanksgiving dessert, during Christmas, or for any meal. Like many crisps, the ideal topping is vanilla ice cream. The contrast of rich cream with the sweet-tart cranberries is divine! Alternatively, consider one of these toppings:

– A La Mode: A scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream is the benchmark. The melting cream blending with the warm spiced fruit is unbeatable.
– Whipped Cream: A dollop of Homemade Whipped Cream or my favorite Yogurt Whipped Cream provides a lighter, tangy finish.
– Breakfast: I won’t tell if you enjoy the leftovers for breakfast! It surprisingly pairs well with a scoop of Greek yogurt and a hot cup of coffee.

Leftover Storage

Cranberry apple crisp tastes best on the day it’s made, but it stores quite well! The crisp texture endures over time. Here are the best practices for storing a crisp:

– Keep it loosely covered at room temperature for 1 to 2 days. Loosely covering helps maintain the crumbly texture.
– Refrigerate for up to 3 days. It holds up nicely in the fridge, and tastes even better.

Prosecco, an effervescent wine hailing from Italy, is a favored option for crafting invigorating cocktails. Grasping the various bottle sizes and their applications can elevate your cocktail preparation experience. A typical 750 ml Prosecco bottle holds 25 ounces, which is ample for creating 8 beverages. This makes it perfect for larger parties or when hosting multiple visitors.

For more intimate occasions or when preparing fewer drinks, smaller bottles are more practical. A mini bottle of Prosecco carries 187 ml, equivalent to roughly 6 ounces, making it ideal for concocting 2 beverages. This size is suited for cozy environments or when you wish to relish a quick drink without opening a full bottle.

If you aim to prepare 4 drinks, a half bottle of Prosecco, containing 375 ml or 12 ounces, is the ideal selection. This size provides a middle ground between mini and standard bottles, supplying enough Prosecco for a small gathering without the risk of wasting a larger bottle.

For crafting 8 drinks, a delightful cocktail can be created by blending 1 ½ cups of Aperol with 1 ½ cups of cranberry juice. To create each drink, pour 3 ounces (or 6 tablespoons) of this blend into a glass and top with 3 ounces of Prosecco from a 750 ml bottle. This mix produces a lively and refreshing drink that is bound to satisfy a crowd.

# Corn Pudding: A Thanksgiving Essential

A warm, creamy favorite that deserves a spot on every Thanksgiving spread, corn pudding is a charming dish that melds basic pantry items to form a sweet, soft, and tasty side. This dish bakes to perfection, delivering a cozy corn taste that is guaranteed to satisfy all your holiday guests.

## Flavor Profile

Corn pudding is defined by its sweet corn essence, enhanced by a rich, light topping. The mixture of cream-style corn with whole kernel corn gives a delightful explosion of sweetness and texture in each mouthful.

## Skill Level

This recipe is incredibly simple to make. With just a few straightforward steps—whisking, pouring, and baking—you’ll whip up a dish that appears and tastes impressive, requiring no expert cooking abilities.

## Texture

In contrast to cornbread casserole, which has a denser texture, corn pudding presents a silky, spoonable custard base interspersed with tender corn pieces. This distinct texture makes it a soothing addition to any meal.

## Serving Suggestions

Corn pudding is an adaptable side that pairs beautifully with Thanksgiving dinner, but it also complements a Sunday ham or any celebratory meal. Its rich texture and sweet taste make it a hit with guests.

## Ingredients

1. **Corn**: Cream-style corn provides the perfect consistency, while whole kernel corn contributes sweetness and texture. Feel free to use canned, frozen, or fresh corn.
2. **Eggs**: Crucial for achieving the custard-like texture; it’s advisable to let the eggs reach room temperature for a smooth mixture.
3. **Dairy**: Milk and butter add creaminess. For a more luxurious touch, swap cream for milk and adjust salt if using salted butter.
4. **Brown Sugar**: This ingredient infuses sweetness and a comforting flavor into the pudding.
5. **Cornstarch**: Assists the pudding in setting while maintaining its softness and creaminess.

## Simple Add-Ins

Personalize your corn pudding with these straightforward add-ins:
– **Veggies**: Introduce finely chopped jalapeños or mild green chilis for a zing, or exchange chives for minced white onion.
– **Cheese**: Mix in shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a savory flair.
– **Bacon**: Top with crumbled bacon before baking for an extra flavor boost.

## How to Create Corn Pudding

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and prepare a 2-quart baking dish with grease.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined.
3. Mix cornstarch and cold milk separately, then incorporate into the egg mixture along with melted butter and brown sugar.
4. Fold in the creamed corn, drained corn kernels, and chives.
5. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and bake for 1 hour or until firm.
6. Let cool slightly before serving.

### Make-Ahead Suggestions

You may prepare the corn pudding mixture as much as 48 hours ahead. Simply blend all ingredients in a bowl, refrigerate, and stir thoroughly before pouring into the baking dish. If the mixture is cool, you might need to extend the baking time by about 10 minutes.

## Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or bake at 300°F until thoroughly warmed. This dish also freezes well; divide into portions and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as required.

## Conclusion

Corn pudding is an essential side dish for any Thanksgiving celebration. Its soothing texture, sweet taste, and simplicity of preparation make it a beloved choice among family and friends. Savor this timeless recipe and incorporate it into your holiday traditions!

Alex & Sonja: The Culinary Pair Behind A Couple Cooks

Introducing Alex and Sonja Overhiser, the energetic pair behind the renowned cooking website, A Couple Cooks. As authors of two celebrated cookbooks and busy parents, Alex and Sonja have perfected the art of juggling family life with their enthusiasm for cooking. Their adventure commenced in 2010 when they established A Couple Cooks to convey their passion for simple, seasonal recipes and the joy that cooking adds to daily life.

Throughout the years, Alex and Sonja have amassed an extensive array of original recipes, presenting thousands of choices for home cooks eager to discover new flavors and techniques. Each recipe is thoughtfully crafted, written, and photographed by the couple, guaranteeing that every dish is both aesthetically pleasing and delectable. Their recipes are thoroughly tested, not only by Alex and Sonja themselves but also by their children, ensuring they are family-friendly and accessible for cooks at all levels.

Apart from recipes, A Couple Cooks offers an abundance of cooking tips and meal planning suggestions, assisting readers in optimizing their kitchen practices and making the most out of seasonal ingredients. Alex and Sonja’s cooking philosophy highlights simplicity and sustainability, motivating home cooks to embrace fresh, nutritious components and minimize food waste.

As a real-life couple who enjoys cooking together, Alex and Sonja contribute a distinct perspective to the culinary realm. Their partnership shines through in every facet of their work, from the collaborative development of recipes to the shared delight of photographing and writing about their culinary endeavors. This authentic connection resonates with their audience, transforming A Couple Cooks into a cherished resource for food lovers worldwide.

Whether you’re an experienced chef or a beginner cook, Alex and Sonja’s approachable style and enthusiasm for food will encourage you to venture into new culinary territories. Through A Couple Cooks, they continue to spread the joy of cooking, one recipe at a time, nurturing a community of food enthusiasts who value the art of preparing and savoring good food together.

**Savory Italian Sausage Bread Pudding: A Delicious Take on Classic Stuffing**

Thanksgiving brings families together for moments of gratitude and, inevitably, a spread of mouthwatering dishes. Among the diverse tastes, stuffing (or dressing) frequently shines as a cherished part of the feast. This year, consider trying a unique twist on this traditional side with a Savory Italian Sausage Bread Pudding. This recipe merges the warm flavors of classic turkey dinner stuffing with the rich, custardy consistency of bread pudding, crafting a dish that’s bound to wow your guests.

**The Concept Behind the Creation**

Stuffing and bread pudding have a shared foundation: stale bread. However, bread pudding enhances this by adding a custard made from eggs and cream, giving it a firmer, cake-like quality. This recipe draws inspiration from the tastes of conventional stuffing and enhances them with the inclusion of Italian sausage and cheese, resulting in a savory bread pudding that is both filling and delightful.

**Ingredients and Steps**

To prepare this dish, gather:

– 1/4 cup butter
– 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed (optional)
– 1 cup onion, chopped
– 1 cup celery, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons sage, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
– 1 tablespoon rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
– 1 tablespoon thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 5 eggs
– 1 1/2 cups milk
– 1 1/2 cups cream
– 2 cups gruyere cheese, shredded (or swiss, gouda, cheddar, mozzarella, etc.)
– 1 pound Italian loaf (or French loaf), stale, cut into 1-inch cubes (gluten-free for gluten-free)
– 1/4 cup parmigiano reggiano (parmesan cheese), grated

**Instructions**

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter, then add the sausage, cooking and breaking it apart for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Introduce the onion and celery into the skillet and cook until soft, about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic, sage, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper, cooking until fragrant, about a minute. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
4. In a bowl, combine the eggs, milk, cream, and half of the cheese.
5. Mix in the bread, sausage, onion, and celery blend, along with the egg mixture until well combined. Transfer into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.
6. Bake, covered, in a preheated 375F/190C oven until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, about 45-55 minutes.

**Optional Enhancements**

– Incorporate 8 ounces of chopped mushrooms for an earthy note.
– Add 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced, for a touch of sweetness.
– Serve with gravy for an added layer of richness.

**Nutritional Details**

Each portion of this savory bread pudding approximately provides 485 calories, 34g of fat, 19g of protein, and 24g of carbohydrates.

**Final Thoughts**

The Savory Italian Sausage Bread Pudding stands out as a tasty alternative to classic stuffing, combining a distinctive mixture of flavors and textures that complement any festive meal. Whether served next to roast turkey or enjoyed solo, this recipe will surely become a new staple at your Thanksgiving gathering. Delight in the warm aromas and rich flavor of this inventive dish, and cherish the moments spent sharing it with those you care about.