{"id":2975,"date":"2024-11-14T20:56:52","date_gmt":"2024-11-14T20:56:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thehomemagsarasota.com\/blog\/?p=2975"},"modified":"2024-11-18T08:46:19","modified_gmt":"2024-11-18T08:46:19","slug":"4-must-have-dishes-for-your-holiday-menu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thehomemagsarasota.com\/blog\/4-must-have-dishes-for-your-holiday-menu\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Must-Have Dishes for Your Holiday Menu"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1073\" src=\"https:\/\/thehomemagsarasota.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/table-with-plate-food-pumpkin-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2976\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thehomemagsarasota.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/table-with-plate-food-pumpkin-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/thehomemagsarasota.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/table-with-plate-food-pumpkin-300x126.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thehomemagsarasota.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/table-with-plate-food-pumpkin-768x322.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thehomemagsarasota.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/table-with-plate-food-pumpkin-1536x644.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/thehomemagsarasota.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/table-with-plate-food-pumpkin-2048x858.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As we gather to celebrate the festive season, let\u2019s not forget that <strong>food<\/strong> is the heart of any holiday gathering. What\u2019s better than sharing sumptuous dishes with those we love? Join us as we explore four must-have holiday dishes that promise to elevate your celebrations with their flavors, textures, and the joy they bring to your table. Get ready to delight your taste buds and create lasting memories!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1118\" src=\"https:\/\/thehomemagsarasota.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/roasted-vegetables-served-festive-gathering-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2977\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thehomemagsarasota.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/roasted-vegetables-served-festive-gathering-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/thehomemagsarasota.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/roasted-vegetables-served-festive-gathering-300x131.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thehomemagsarasota.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/roasted-vegetables-served-festive-gathering-768x336.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thehomemagsarasota.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/roasted-vegetables-served-festive-gathering-1536x671.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Roasted vegetables served during a festive gathering<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Roasted Vegetable Medley<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Embrace the flavors of fall with a Roasted Vegetable Medley! \ud83e\udd55\ud83c\udf83 This colorful dish is perfect for sharing at gatherings. While you\u2019re prepping, why not spruce up your dining space with some cozy fall d\u00e9cor? A fresh tablecloth or new centerpiece can elevate your feast! \ud83c\udf7d\ufe0f\u2728<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Prep Time: 25 mins<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cook Time: 1 hr<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additional Time: 30 mins<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Total Time: 1 hr 55 mins<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Servings: 6<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ingredients<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Original recipe yields 6 servings<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>2\u00a0tablespoons\u00a0olive oil, divided<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1\u00a0large\u00a0yam, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1\u00a0large\u00a0parsnip, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1\u00a0cup\u00a0baby carrots<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1\u00a0zucchini, cut into 1 inch slices<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1\u00a0bunch\u00a0fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u00bd\u00a0cup\u00a0roasted red peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u00bc\u00a0cup\u00a0chopped fresh basil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2\u00a0cloves\u00a0garlic, minced<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u00bd\u00a0teaspoon\u00a0kosher salt<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u00bd\u00a0teaspoon\u00a0ground black pepper<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Directions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Grease two baking sheets with 1\/2 tablespoon olive oil each.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Place yam, parsnip, and carrots onto the baking sheets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, then add zucchini and asparagus, and drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Continue baking until all the vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes more.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Once tender, remove from the oven, and allow to cool for 30 minutes on the baking sheet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Toss roasted peppers together with basil, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until combined.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add the roasted vegetables, and toss to mix. Serve at room temperature or cold.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Recipe Source: https:\/\/www.allrecipes.com\/recipe\/165649\/roasted-vegetable-medley\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https:\/\/thehomemagsarasota.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/chicken-pot-pie-view-from-ultra-realistic-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2978\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thehomemagsarasota.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/chicken-pot-pie-view-from-ultra-realistic-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/thehomemagsarasota.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/chicken-pot-pie-view-from-ultra-realistic-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thehomemagsarasota.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/chicken-pot-pie-view-from-ultra-realistic-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thehomemagsarasota.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/chicken-pot-pie-view-from-ultra-realistic-1536x768.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/thehomemagsarasota.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/chicken-pot-pie-view-from-ultra-realistic-2048x1024.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Homemade Chicken Pot Pie<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Warm up your home with a comforting Homemade Chicken Pot Pie! \ud83e\udd44\u2764\ufe0f This hearty meal is ideal for chilly nights. As you enjoy cooking, consider updating your kitchen lighting to create a cozier atmosphere. \ud83d\udca1\u2728 A warm, inviting space makes all the difference!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Prep Time: 20 mins<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cook Time: 50 mins<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additional Time: 10 mins<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Servings: 8<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1\u00a0pound\u00a0skinless, boneless chicken breast halves &#8211; cubed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1\u00a0cup\u00a0sliced carrots<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1\u00a0cup\u00a0frozen green peas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u00bd\u00a0cup\u00a0sliced celery<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u2153\u00a0cup\u00a0butter<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u2153\u00a0cup\u00a0chopped onion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u2153\u00a0cup\u00a0all-purpose flour<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u00bd\u00a0teaspoon\u00a0salt<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u00bc\u00a0teaspoon\u00a0black pepper<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u00bc\u00a0teaspoon\u00a0celery seed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 \u00be\u00a0cups\u00a0chicken broth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u2154\u00a0cup\u00a0milk<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2\u00a0(9-inch)\u00a0unbaked pie crusts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Directions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gather all ingredients and preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Combine chicken, carrots, peas, and celery in a saucepan; add water to cover and bring to a boil. Boil for 15 minutes, then remove from the heat and drain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>While chicken is cooking, melt butter in another saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft and translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and celery seed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Slowly stir in chicken broth and milk.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until thick, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Place chicken and vegetables in the bottom pie crust. Pour hot broth mixture over top.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cover with top crust, seal the edges, and cut away any excess dough. Make several small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bake in the preheated oven until pastry is golden brown and filling is bubbly, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enjoy!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Recipe Source: https:\/\/www.allrecipes.com\/recipe\/26317\/chicken-pot-pie-ix\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https:\/\/thehomemagsarasota.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/closeup-savory-bread-stuffing-with-cranberries-green-onions-white-bowl-1-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2980\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thehomemagsarasota.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/closeup-savory-bread-stuffing-with-cranberries-green-onions-white-bowl-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/thehomemagsarasota.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/closeup-savory-bread-stuffing-with-cranberries-green-onions-white-bowl-1-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thehomemagsarasota.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/closeup-savory-bread-stuffing-with-cranberries-green-onions-white-bowl-1-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thehomemagsarasota.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/closeup-savory-bread-stuffing-with-cranberries-green-onions-white-bowl-1-1536x768.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/thehomemagsarasota.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/closeup-savory-bread-stuffing-with-cranberries-green-onions-white-bowl-1-2048x1024.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Closeup of savory bread stuffing with cranberries and green onions in a white bowl.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Classic Stuffing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Get ready for Thanksgiving with our Classic Stuffing recipe, featuring a delicious twist of cranberries and sausage! \ud83c\udf42\ud83c\udf57 As you prep for the big meal, check your kitchen organization. \ud83d\uddc2\ufe0f\ud83e\uddf9 A tidy space can make cooking so much easier!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Yield:&nbsp;<\/em>8&nbsp;to 12 people<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Prep Time:&nbsp;<\/em>45minutes&nbsp;mins<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Cook Time:&nbsp;<\/em>50minutes&nbsp;mins<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Total Time:&nbsp;<\/em>1hour&nbsp;hr&nbsp;35minutes&nbsp;mins<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ingredients<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>18 to 24\u00a0ounces\u00a0bread cubes, (1.5 loaves of bread, or about 12 to 14 cups)\u00a0preferably toasted or stale<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1\u00a0cup\u00a0unsalted butter<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3\u00a0cups\u00a0diced sweet onion,\u00a0roughly 2 large onions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2\u00a0cups\u00a0diced celery<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>6\u00a0garlic cloves,\u00a0minced<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>kosher salt and pepper<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3\u00a0tablespoons\u00a0chopped fresh sage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3\u00a0tablespoons\u00a0chopped fresh parsley<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3\u00a0tablespoons\u00a0chopped fresh rosemary<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2 1\/2\u00a0cups\u00a0chicken or vegetable stock<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2\u00a0large eggs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a mixture of fresh herbs for sprinkling<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Instructions&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Note about the bread cubes! You have options here. Stale or toasty bread works best. The first option is that you can cut 1 \u00bd pounds of bread into cubes, place it in a large baking dish, loosely tent with foil and let it sit overnight. You can also cut the cubes and put them in oven, toasting them at 350 degrees F until they are like croutons, about 15 minutes or so. Finally, you can buy the toasted bread cubes in bags from the store. It\u2019s your choice! You can also choose the size of your cubes. They can be small or larger for a more rustic stuffing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You can use a mixture of stale and fresh bread. Also, I like to use different kinds of bread (usually two), like a sourdough and italian, and mix the cubes. It provides great texture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Brush a 9&#215;13 baking dish (you can also use a larger baking dish or a larger foil roasting pan too!) with melted butter, olive oil or spray with nonstick spray. Place the bread in a large mixing bowl (this may be easier for you to stir!) or the baking dish that you will bake it in. You can also separate this into two baking dishes if it&#8217;s easier.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Heat the butter in a large skillet or dutch oven over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the onion, celery and garlic with a big pinch of salt and pepper &#8211; at least \u00bd to 1 teaspoon each. Cook until the onions and celery soften, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the sage, parsley and rosemary. Cook for another minute. Stir in 1 cup of stock.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pour the onion celery mixture over the bread crumbs and toss well to coat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the remaining 1 \u00bd cups stock and 2 eggs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pour that mixture into the bread cubes and stir and fold the bread cubes until thoroughly combined. Bake the stuffing for 45 to 50 minutes, until the internal temperature registers 160 degrees F. If the stuffing is getting too browned, you can tent it with foil.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>I have successfully made this a day ahead of time and reheated it &#8211; it\u2019s just as good! emove the pan from the fridge 60 minutes before reheating it. You can also use this mixture to stuff the bird if you wish!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To serve 4: Cut this recipe in half exactly and bake it in an 8&#215;8 or 9&#215;9 inch dish. I bake for the same amount of time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To serve 12 to 18: Double this recipe exactly. Bake in a large baking dish, like a 10&#215;15 roasting pan, or baking in two 9&#215;13 baking dishes. I bake for roughly the same amount of time, or about 15 minutes longer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Recipe Source: https:\/\/www.howsweeteats.com\/2020\/11\/best-stuffing-recipe\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https:\/\/thehomemagsarasota.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/delicious-iced-cookies-rustic-wooden-cutting-board-perfect-bakery-cooking-concepts-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2981\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thehomemagsarasota.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/delicious-iced-cookies-rustic-wooden-cutting-board-perfect-bakery-cooking-concepts-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/thehomemagsarasota.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/delicious-iced-cookies-rustic-wooden-cutting-board-perfect-bakery-cooking-concepts-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thehomemagsarasota.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/delicious-iced-cookies-rustic-wooden-cutting-board-perfect-bakery-cooking-concepts-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thehomemagsarasota.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/delicious-iced-cookies-rustic-wooden-cutting-board-perfect-bakery-cooking-concepts-1536x768.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/thehomemagsarasota.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/delicious-iced-cookies-rustic-wooden-cutting-board-perfect-bakery-cooking-concepts-2048x1024.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Delicious iced cookies on a rustic wooden cutting board. Perfect for bakery or cooking concepts.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Pumpkin Spice Cookies w\/ Maple Frosting\ud83c\udf83\ud83c\udf6a<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Kick off the holiday season with these delightful Pumpkin Spice Cookies! \ud83c\udf42\u2728 Perfect for sharing (or not!). As you bake, consider setting up a festive baking station. \ud83c\udf89\ud83d\udc69\u200d\ud83c\udf73 A little organization can turn your kitchen into a holiday wonderland!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Prep Time:<\/strong>&nbsp;20 minutes<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cook Time:<\/strong>&nbsp;15 minutes<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Total Time:<\/strong>&nbsp;45 minutes<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Yield:<\/strong>&nbsp;32 cookies<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ingredients<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1\u00a0and 1\/2 cups (340g) fresh or canned\u00a0<strong>pumpkin puree<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3 cups (375g)\u00a0<strong>all-purpose flour<\/strong>\u00a0(<a href=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/how-to-measure-baking-ingredients\/\">spooned &amp; leveled<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1\u00a0and 1\/2 teaspoons\u00a0<strong>baking powder<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 teaspoon\u00a0<strong>baking soda<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 teaspoon\u00a0<strong>salt<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2 teaspoons\u00a0<strong>pumpkin pie spice<\/strong>*<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1\u00a0and 1\/2 teaspoons\u00a0<strong>ground cinnamon<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1\/4 teaspoon\u00a0<strong>ground ginger<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3\/4 cup\u00a0(12 Tbsp;\u00a0170g)\u00a0<strong>unsalted butter<\/strong>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/room-temperature-butter\/\">softened to room temperature<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1 cup\u00a0(200g) packed light or dark\u00a0<strong>brown sugar\u00a0<\/strong>(I use and recommend dark)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3\/4 cup\u00a0(150g)\u00a0<strong>granulated sugar<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1\u00a0large\u00a0<strong>egg<\/strong>, at room temperature<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2 teaspoons\u00a0<strong>pure maple syrup<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>milk<\/strong>, or\u00a0<strong>orange juice<\/strong>\u00a0(see note)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1\u00a0and 1\/2 teaspoons\u00a0<strong>pure vanilla extract<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maple Cream Cheese Icing (Optional)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>3 ounces\u00a0(85g) full-fat brick\u00a0<strong>cream cheese<\/strong>, softened to room temperature<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2 Tablespoons\u00a0(28g)\u00a0<strong>unsalted butter<\/strong>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/room-temperature-butter\/\">softened to room temperature<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>3\/4 cup\u00a0(90g)\u00a0<strong>confectioners\u2019 sugar<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2 Tablespoons\u00a0(30ml)\u00a0<strong>pure maple syrup<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>pinch\u00a0<strong>ground cinnamon<\/strong>\u00a0(about 1\/8 teaspoon)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Instructions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In this recipe, it\u2019s best to use pumpkin that has had some moisture removed. Blot the pumpkin with paper towels to rid excess moisture. No need to squeeze it completely dry. I usually place it in a paper towel lined bowl and let the paper towel soak up some moisture. A clean kitchen towel works too, but the pumpkin can stain. After ridding some moisture, you\u2019ll have a little less than 1 and 1\/2 cups of pumpkin\u2014I usually have about 1 and 1\/3 cups (315g). Using anywhere between 1.33 \u2013 1.5 cups of pumpkin is fine. Set aside until step 4. Or cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day. It can be cold when you add it to the dough.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F (177\u00b0C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and ginger together in a large bowl. Set aside.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and both sugars together on medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the egg and mix on high until combined, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Add the maple syrup, vanilla, and blotted pumpkin and mix on high until combined. Mixture will look a little curdled\u2014that\u2019s ok.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, then mix on low speed until combined. Dough is thick and sticky.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3nUd4d4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Scoop<\/a>\u00a0or roll cookie dough, around 1.5 Tablespoons of dough per cookie, and place 3 inches apart on the baking sheets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bake for 14-15 minutes or until edges appear set. The centers will look soft. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. The longer the cookies cool, the better their flavor\u2014I like them best on day 2!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Optional Icing:<\/strong>\u00a0Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the cream cheese in a medium bowl on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy. Beat in the butter until combined. Add the confectioners\u2019 sugar, maple syrup, and a pinch of cinnamon (about 1\/8 teaspoon), then beat on low speed until smooth and creamy. Taste. Add more cinnamon if desired. Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into icing or spread it onto each cookie with a knife.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cover leftover iced cookies tightly and store at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Cookies without icing can be covered tightly and stored at room temperature for up to 1 week.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Recipe Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/pumpkin-cookies\/\"><em>https:\/\/sallysbakingaddiction.com\/pumpkin-cookies\/<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By incorporating these standout dishes into your Thanksgiving, you&#8217;re not just serving food; you\u2019re crafting a joyful experience that reflects the spirit of the season. So, gather your ingredients, invite your closest friends and family, and let the magic of good food transform your holiday gathering into an unforgettable feast. Cheers to delicious moments and happy hearts this holiday season!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As we gather to celebrate the festive season, let\u2019s not forget that food is the heart of any holiday gathering. What\u2019s better than sharing sumptuous dishes with those we love? 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