Holidays

Thanksgiving Cooking Without the Stress: How to Actually Enjoy the Day

Posted on November 27, 2025December 2, 2025Posted in Family, Holidays, HomeNo Comments

Perfect! Let me create a Thanksgiving-themed non-product blog post that will be posted on Thanksgiving Day itself. Thanksgiving Cooking Without the Stress: How to Actually Enjoy the Day Thanksgiving has earned a reputation as the most stressful cooking day of the year, but it doesn’t have to be. The key to enjoying Thanksgiving lies not in cooking everything from scratch or creating an Instagram-worthy spread, but in planning realistically, letting go of unnecessary expectations, and focusing on what actually matters – sharing a meal with people you care about. This guide strips away the stress and shows you how to approach Thanksgiving cooking in ways that actually work for real kitchens and real people. The cultural pressure around Thanksgiving creates impossible standards that set home cooks up for failure. Magazine spreads featuring twenty dishes, Pinterest-perfect table settings, and cooking timelines that assume you’re a professional chef working in a commercial kitchen all contribute to the anxiety that surrounds this holiday. The reality is that successful Thanksgiving cooking comes from realistic planning, strategic shortcuts, and knowing which traditions actually matter to your family versus which ones you’re maintaining out of obligation. Start With Realistic Expectations The first step toward stress-free Thanksgiving happens before you even write your menu – it involves honest assessment of your actual cooking skills, available time, kitchen capacity, and the preferences of people who’ll actually be eating this meal. Your kitchen has physical limitations that no amount of determination can overcome. One oven can only hold so many dishes at specific temperatures. Your stovetop has a fixed number of burners. Your refrigerator has finite space. Successful Thanksgiving planning acknowledges these constraints and works within them rather than pretending they don’t exist. Cooking skill levels vary enormously, and there’s no shame in being honest about yours. If you’ve never roasted a turkey before, Thanksgiving isn’t the ideal time to wing it with twelve people coming for dinner. Either practice beforehand, choose a simpler main dish, or delegate the turkey to someone with more experience. Time available for cooking matters more than most people admit. If you work Wednesday and have family arriving Thursday morning, you simply cannot prepare fifteen dishes from scratch. Either scale back the menu, prep more earlier in the week, or incorporate quality prepared items without guilt. Family preferences often differ dramatically from Pinterest-perfect Thanksgiving spreads. Your relatives might prefer simple roasted turkey and classic sides over elaborate recipes with artisan ingredients. Ask what people actually want rather than assuming they expect gourmet everything. The number of dishes needed decreases as you focus on quality over quantity. Six well-executed dishes that people actually eat beat twelve mediocre options where half goes uneaten. More isn’t better when it creates stress that prevents you from enjoying your own dinner. Plan Your Menu Around Your Kitchen’s Capacity Smart menu planning considers your kitchen’s physical limitations rather than ignoring them and hoping everything works out through sheer determination. Oven temperature requirements create real conflicts that require planning. If your turkey needs 325°F but your side dishes require 375°F, you need strategies for managing this mismatch. Finish sides before the turkey, use stovetop alternatives, or time dishes to use the oven sequentially rather than simultaneously. Available oven space limits how many dishes can cook at once. A standard oven holds maybe two sheet pans or one turkey with one casserole dish. Plan your cooking schedule around this reality rather than assuming everything will magically fit. Stovetop burner allocation matters when you’re trying to keep mashed potatoes warm while making gravy and reheating green beans. Count your burners and assign them specific jobs in your cooking timeline to prevent last-minute burner shortages. Refrigerator space for prep and storage becomes critical in the days before Thanksgiving. Make room by using coolers for drinks, clearing out unnecessary items, and being strategic about when you prep various ingredients. Counter space for cooling, resting, and staging dishes often gets overlooked until you’re trying to find somewhere to set a hot roasting pan. Clear and assign counter areas for specific purposes before you start cooking. The cooking schedule should account for resting time, reheating needs, and last-minute assembly rather than assuming everything will be ready simultaneously and stay hot perfectly. Build in buffer time for the inevitable delays and complications. Master the Make-Ahead Strategy The difference between stressed and relaxed Thanksgiving cooking often comes down to how much you accomplish before Thursday morning. Dishes that improve with time represent your best make-ahead candidates. Cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, pie crusts, and even some desserts actually taste better when made a day or two ahead, eliminating last-minute work while improving results. Prep work that doesn’t compromise quality saves enormous time on Thanksgiving day. Chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, making stock, and preparing casserole bases the day before means Thursday cooking involves assembly more than starting from scratch. Strategic freezer use extends your make-ahead window beyond just the day before. Pie dough, cookie dough, bread, and even some casseroles freeze successfully, letting you spread work over weeks rather than days. Room temperature items eliminate refrigerator crowding while being perfectly safe. Pies, rolls, some desserts, and certain sides don’t require refrigeration, freeing up precious cold storage for items that actually need it. Knowing what can’t be made ahead prevents disappointing results. Turkey needs to cook the day of, mashed potatoes don’t hold well overnight, and some dishes lose quality when reheated. Focus make-ahead efforts on foods that actually benefit from it. The pre-prep reduces Thanksgiving day to mainly cooking the turkey, finishing a few dishes, and reheating – manageable tasks that let you actually enjoy the morning rather than frantically prepping in a disaster zone kitchen. Simplify Your Turkey Approach Turkey intimidates many cooks unnecessarily, but it’s actually one of the more straightforward parts of Thanksgiving when you strip away the complicated techniques and focus on basics that work. Turkey size matters more than most people consider. Bigger isn’t better when it barely fits your oven, takes forever to cook,

How to Set Up Your Kitchen for Stress-Free Entertaining: Make Hosting a Joy, Not a Chore

Posted on November 13, 2025November 16, 2025Posted in Holidays, Home, How-To, KitchenTagged cooking for guests, efficient entertaining, entertaining at home, entertaining guests, entertaining made easy, home hosting, hosting tips, hosting without stress, kitchen entertaining ideas, kitchen hosting setup, kitchen organization for parties, kitchen party prep, kitchen party zones, kitchen workflow, party food preparation, party kitchen organization, party planning, party prep tips, stress-free entertaining, successful hostingNo Comments

Entertaining at home should be enjoyable, not stressful. Yet many hosts spend the entire party stuck in the kitchen, frantically cooking, cleaning, and managing chaos while guests mingle without them. The secret to stress-free entertaining isn’t just good recipes or perfect timing – it’s setting up your kitchen to support hosting rather than fighting against it. A well-organized, thoughtfully arranged kitchen allows you to prepare impressive meals, serve guests gracefully, and actually enjoy your own parties. With strategic planning and smart setup choices, you can transform your kitchen from a source of hosting anxiety into your greatest entertaining asset. The best part? Most of these changes require no renovation, just rethinking how you use and organize your existing space. Understanding the Entertaining Kitchen Mindset Successful entertaining kitchens function differently than everyday cooking spaces. Your daily kitchen setup prioritizes efficiency for one or two cooks preparing routine meals. An entertaining kitchen needs to accommodate multiple dishes cooking simultaneously, provide easy access for guests, and allow the host to remain socially engaged while managing food preparation. The key difference lies in workflow and accessibility. During parties, you need clear counters for serving platters, easy access to glassware and beverages, and cooking systems that don’t require constant attention. Your kitchen should allow guests to help themselves to drinks without navigating your prep area, while keeping cooking activities organized and manageable. Flexibility becomes crucial when entertaining. You might need to switch from appetizer prep to main course cooking to dessert plating all while keeping drinks flowing and maintaining conversation. Rigid, single-purpose setups create bottlenecks and stress, while flexible arrangements adapt to changing party needs throughout the evening. Visual appeal matters more during entertaining than daily cooking. Guests often gather in kitchens, making appearance and organization more important. Cluttered counters, overflowing trash, and chaotic prep areas create stress for hosts and discomfort for guests, while clean, organized spaces feel welcoming and relaxed. Creating Dedicated Entertaining Zones Successful entertaining kitchens divide space into distinct zones that serve specific functions without interfering with each other. These zones allow multiple activities to happen simultaneously while keeping the kitchen organized and the host in control. The Beverage Station represents one of the most valuable entertaining zones you can create. Designate a specific area away from cooking zones where guests can access drinks independently. Include a small table, cart, or section of counter with space for ice bucket, glasses, wine, mixers, and other beverages. This setup removes the constant interruption of “can I get you a drink” while keeping guests out of your cooking workflow. Stock the beverage station with everything needed for self-service: wine opener, bottle opener, cocktail napkins, and a small trash receptacle for bottle caps and citrus peels. Position this zone near the refrigerator if possible for easy access to cold drinks, but far enough from cooking areas that guests don’t interfere with meal preparation. The Prep Zone should be your primary workspace, equipped with cutting boards, knives, mixing bowls, and other tools needed for food preparation. This area needs good lighting, ample counter space, and proximity to the sink for washing produce and cleaning as you work. Keep this zone clear of decorative items or non-essential tools during parties to maximize usable workspace. The Cooking Zone centers around your range and oven, with pot holders, cooking utensils, and spices within arm’s reach. During parties, this becomes your command center where you manage multiple dishes simultaneously. Keep a timer visible and accessible, and maintain clear counter space nearby for hot items coming out of the oven or off the stovetop. The Serving Zone should be positioned for easy guest access without crossing into cooking areas. A section of counter, kitchen island, or nearby buffet works perfectly for holding serving platters, utensils, and dishes ready for guests. This zone transitions food from cooking to consumption while keeping serving activities separate from ongoing food preparation. The Cleanup Zone near the sink should include space for dirty dishes, trash, and recycling. During parties, this area prevents clutter from spreading across the kitchen while keeping cleanup manageable and out of sight. A designated landing spot for dirty dishes prevents them from piling up in the prep or cooking zones. Strategic Counter Space Management Clear counter space becomes precious during entertaining, and strategic management makes the difference between stressed chaos and smooth hosting. Before guests arrive, clear all counters of everyday items like appliance cords, mail, decorative objects, and anything not essential to the party. Create designated landing zones for specific tasks rather than treating all counter space as general-purpose. One area becomes the plating station where you assemble dishes before serving. Another section holds serving platters waiting to go out. A third area stages appetizers and snacks. This organization prevents the random scattering of items that creates visual chaos and workflow confusion. Utilize vertical space to maximize counter efficiency. Wall-mounted magnetic strips hold knives out of the way. Hanging racks store frequently used utensils. Tiered serving stands display appetizers while using minimal counter footprint. These vertical solutions keep counters clear while maintaining easy access to needed items. Temporary surface solutions expand workspace when needed. Rolling carts provide mobile prep or serving surfaces that tuck away when not needed. Folding tables set up near the kitchen hold beverages or desserts. Cutting boards over the sink create additional prep space during busy cooking periods. These flexible solutions adapt your kitchen capacity to party size without permanent changes. Smart Storage for Entertaining Essentials Keeping entertaining items organized and accessible reduces stress when party time arrives. Designate specific storage areas for items used primarily when hosting, grouping them logically for easy retrieval and return. Glassware Storage should include everyday glasses plus party-specific options like wine glasses, champagne flutes, and cocktail glasses. If cabinet space is limited, store seasonal or specialty glasses in bins on higher shelves, bringing them down only when needed. Keeping a variety of glass types on hand prevents last-minute scrambling when guests prefer wine over beer or vice versa. Serving Platters

Preparing Your Kitchen for Holiday Entertaining: Your Complete Planning Guide

Posted on October 2, 2025October 5, 2025Posted in Holidays, How-To, KitchenTagged celebration cooking, cooking for crowds, entertaining guide, entertaining preparation, holiday cooking timeline, holiday cooking tips, holiday entertaining, holiday hosting, holiday kitchen organization, holiday meal planning, holiday meal prep, holiday party planning, hosting tips, kitchen organization, kitchen preparation, kitchen workflow, meal prep strategies, party planning tips, seasonal entertaining, stress-free hostingNo Comments

Holiday entertaining brings joy, connection, and often considerable stress as kitchens become command centers for feeding family and friends during the busiest time of year. The difference between enjoyable hosting and overwhelming chaos often comes down to preparation and planning that happens weeks before guests arrive. A well-prepared kitchen allows you to focus on enjoying time with loved ones rather than scrambling to find serving dishes or dealing with equipment failures at crucial moments. Smart holiday kitchen preparation addresses both the practical aspects of cooking large meals and the organizational challenges of managing multiple dishes, timing constraints, and space limitations that holiday cooking creates. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner for twelve or preparing treats for neighborhood gatherings, thoughtful preparation transforms potentially stressful situations into smooth, enjoyable experiences that let you be present with your guests. Deep Cleaning and Organization Starting Early Beginning your holiday kitchen preparation with thorough cleaning and organization sets the foundation for smooth holiday cooking while identifying any maintenance issues that need addressing before peak cooking times arrive. Oven cleaning becomes crucial before holiday baking and roasting demands peak performance. Self-cleaning cycles or manual deep cleaning removes buildup that can create smoke or odors during holiday cooking. Complete this task at least two weeks before major cooking begins. Refrigerator purging and cleaning creates space for holiday ingredients and prepared dishes while eliminating forgotten items that waste valuable storage. Remove everything, clean all surfaces, and reorganize with holiday needs in mind. Pantry inventory and organization helps you identify what you have and what you need while creating space for holiday-specific ingredients. Check expiration dates, consolidate partially used items, and create dedicated space for holiday baking supplies. Small appliance testing ensures everything works properly before you need it. Test mixers, food processors, and other equipment you’ll rely on during holiday cooking to identify problems while there’s time to repair or replace. Dishwasher maintenance including cleaning filters and checking spray arms ensures efficient operation when you’ll need it most. A well-maintained dishwasher handles the increased load that holiday entertaining creates. Storage area assessment identifies what serving pieces, platters, and special equipment you have while determining what might need purchasing or borrowing. Finding items weeks early prevents last-minute shopping stress. Creating Your Holiday Cooking Timeline Strategic planning and timeline creation prevent the chaos that occurs when you try to prepare everything at the last minute. Working backward from serving time helps identify what can be done ahead and when each task should happen. Three weeks before involves major shopping for non-perishables, completing any needed equipment purchases, and beginning prep work for items that can be made well ahead and frozen. Two weeks before includes testing new recipes you plan to serve, completing kitchen organization projects, and making detailed shopping lists for perishable ingredients. One week before allows for final grocery shopping for items with longer shelf life, beginning prep work for dishes that can be partially prepared ahead, and confirming final guest counts. Three days before involves shopping for fresh ingredients, beginning prep work for components that can be refrigerated, and setting up serving areas with appropriate dishes and utensils. Two days before includes preparing dishes that taste better after resting, completing as much prep work as possible, and organizing refrigerator space for efficient access during final cooking. The day before allows for maximum advance preparation while leaving only final cooking and reheating for serving day. Completing as much as possible the day before dramatically reduces serving day stress. Smart Shopping Strategies for Holiday Cooking Efficient shopping that anticipates holiday needs while avoiding multiple last-minute trips reduces stress and ensures you have everything needed for successful entertaining. Master shopping lists organized by store section make shopping faster while reducing the chance of forgotten items. Include quantities, specific brands when important, and notes about substitution possibilities. Multiple store strategies balance price, quality, and convenience. Some items are worth buying at specialty stores while others work fine from regular groceries. Early shopping for non-perishables prevents shortages of popular holiday items while spreading costs over several weeks. Buying early also avoids crowded stores during peak shopping times. Fresh ingredient timing ensures optimal quality without requiring multiple shopping trips. Understanding what can be purchased early and what needs last-minute shopping improves planning. Backup planning for potentially unavailable items prevents panic when stores run out of popular ingredients. Having substitution plans ready saves time and stress. Bulk buying for frequently used holiday ingredients often provides better value while ensuring adequate supply. Items like butter, flour, and sugar can be purchased in larger quantities early. Maximizing Kitchen Storage and Workflow Holiday cooking typically involves more dishes, ingredients, and equipment than daily cooking, making strategic use of available space crucial for efficient meal preparation. Refrigerator organization with labeled zones for different meal components prevents confusion while ensuring items are used before spoiling. Designate areas for prepared components, ingredients waiting to be used, and beverages. Freezer space optimization through careful planning allows make-ahead dishes to be stored efficiently. Use stackable containers and label everything clearly with contents and heating instructions. Counter space expansion using folding tables, rolling carts, or cleared surfaces creates additional work areas for prep, cooling, and serving. Temporary solutions work well for short-term holiday needs. Pantry reorganization with holiday items at the front improves access to frequently needed ingredients while preventing waste of time searching through shelves. Serving dish accessibility by moving everyday dishes aside and bringing holiday serving pieces forward makes setup faster while reducing last-minute scrambling. Equipment staging with tools and appliances you’ll need positioned for easy access reduces movement and searching during active cooking times. Make-Ahead Strategies for Stress-Free Hosting Understanding which dishes can be prepared ahead and proper storage techniques allows you to spread work over several days while maintaining food quality and safety. Complete make-ahead dishes including casseroles, desserts, and certain side dishes can be fully prepared and refrigerated or frozen days in advance. Proper labeling with reheating instructions prevents confusion. Partial prep work for items that can’t be completed

Christmas in the Kitchen: A Celebration of Flavor and Festivity

Posted on December 25, 2024December 26, 2024Posted in HolidaysTagged baking, christmas, cookies, cooking, cooking at home, family, festive feast, food, kitchen, merry christmas, warm drinksNo Comments

The holiday season is upon us, and there’s no better place to embrace the Christmas spirit than in the heart of the home: the kitchen. Whether you’re baking cookies with loved ones, preparing a grand feast, or crafting edible gifts, the kitchen is where cherished holiday memories come to life. Let’s dive into ways to make your kitchen the coziest, most festive spot this Christmas. Deck the Halls (and the Counters) Transform your kitchen into a winter wonderland with holiday decor: Bake the Season Bright Christmas baking is a tradition that fills the home with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Try these ideas: Create a Festive Feast The Christmas meal is a highlight of the season. Here are some tips to make it memorable: Savor the Moments with Edible Gifts Homemade treats make thoughtful and personal Christmas gifts: These gifts are not only delicious but also a joy to prepare and share. Warm Drinks for Cold Nights What’s Christmas without a cozy beverage? Consider these options: Involve the Whole Family Make the kitchen a gathering place this Christmas: These moments of togetherness are what make the holidays truly special. Clean-Up Made Merry While cooking and baking bring joy, the clean-up can be daunting. Turn it into a festive activity: Reflect on the Year As you prepare your holiday meals, take a moment to reflect on the year gone by. The kitchen is more than a place for cooking; it’s a space for connection, laughter, and love. Use this time to count your blessings and create new traditions that will carry through the years. This Christmas, let your kitchen become a hub of holiday cheer: The magic of the season starts here. Merry Christmas, and may your kitchen be filled with joy, love, and delicious memories!

Tips for Stress-Free Grocery Shopping During the Holidays

Posted on November 17, 2021November 17, 2021Posted in HolidaysNo Comments

Holiday shopping especially for groceries, can feel hectic and stressful. Check-out lines are longer and popular foods run out of stock. The pressure of a well-executed holiday dinner only adds to the anxiety. Here are insightful tips and tricks to make your shopping enjoyable this holiday season. Don’t stop there! These tips can extend well beyond the holidays. Shop Early in the Week. We’ve all heard the saying “don’t wait until the last minute”, but the same can be applied to shopping. Try getting your shopping done from Monday to Wednesday to ensure all your desired products are available. Space Your Trips Out. Plan out your shopping trips so you get dry goods two to three weeks in advance and perishables closer to the holiday. You can also do your shopping during off-peak hours such as the early mornings or after the evening rush to avoid longer lines. Keep Up with Flyers. If your local supermarket puts out a weekly or monthly flyer with specials and sales, be sure to check up on it. You can be one of the first few to take advantage of a good deal that will pay off during the holidays. Plan Your Menu. Check your pantry to see what you have and what you need. Make a list of your necessities as soon as possible. Secure the non-perishables sooner rather than later. Take into account that ingredients like spices lose their potency over time. If you’re holding onto the same spices for a while it may best to replace them for the best flavor in your dishes. Ask For Help. Your local market is staffed to help you. They can help you find items and answer questions like where ingredients are located or when their next shipment is expected. Don’t hesitate to ask for help! Source: the Kitchn

Carving Pumpkins Safely This Halloween

Posted on October 12, 2021October 12, 2021Posted in HolidaysNo Comments

One of the most integral parts of Halloween, pumpkin carving is a fun pastime but not without its safety tips. Here’s how to ensure a happy and healthy Halloween for all. Precautions. Scooping out pumpkin pulp and seeds is messy work, so it’s smart to work outside. Set up a workstation covered with some newspapers, preferably on a lawn. Pumpkin pulp on a driveway or deck can be slippery if dropped. You’ll want to collect your tools consisting of a marking tool, thick gloves, a kitchen knife, precision knife and a large spoon or garden trowel. Always be mindful of your cutting tools and don’t leave them lying around where children or pets could come across them. Carving. Draw out the pattern first as well as the marks on top to make the lid. Marking beforehand will give you a steadier hand when cutting. When cutting the lid, hold the kitchen knife at a 45-degree angle. You’ll end up with a lid that doesn’t fall through the hole once it begins to dry or lose mass. Afterwards, remove the pulp and seeds with the trowel or spoon. Set the innards in a container or bag, making sure your hands are clean and not slippery afterwards. Use a precision knife for the more intricate parts of the design. Avoid a “saw” motion with the knife as this can result in the knife slipping. Use a series of careful jabs instead. Illumination. A candle is the traditional way to light a jack-o-lantern, but an open candle can be a fire hazard. If using a candle, be thorough when removing any leaves or flammable material around. Never leave the candle unattended. Keep out of reach from trick-or-treaters and away from long, flowing costumes. A safer alternative to candles are glow sticks. There’s no flames, cord or batteries and they’re waterproof. Displaying. Traditionally jack-o-lanterns are placed at home entrances, but they can unintentionally invite rodents and insects to your home. These pests are drawn to the exposed soft inner flesh of the pumpkins. Place pumpkins a few feet away from entry points and make sure any cracks or gaps leading to your home are sealed. As the carved pumpkin begins to rot, pieces could be a slipping hazard. Monitor them daily and dispose of them when they’re not looking at their best anymore. Source: the Spruce

Ghost Cookies Recipe

Posted on October 11, 2021October 11, 2021Posted in Holidays, RecipesNo Comments

Bring the Halloween spirit home with this classic treat that the entire family will enjoy. Ghost cookies are cut-out sugar cookies made with buttery, vanilla-scented sugar cookie dough and a smooth royal icing. They’re easy to pull off at home and have plenty of opportunity to customize to your liking. You’ll want to use the pipe-and-flood method which starts with a thick border icing, followed by a thinner flood icing leaving the cookies with a smooth finish. Yield: Makes 4 dozen cookiesPrep time: 1 hour 41 minutes to 1 hour 48 minutesCook time: 16 minutes to 20 minutes Ingredients For the cookies: 2 sticks (8 ounces) unsalted butter 2 ounces cream cheese 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1 large egg 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract For the icing: 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar (1 pound), plus more as needed 4 large pasteurized egg whites, or 1/2 cup liquid egg whites 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Black food coloring Make the Cookies: Place 2 sticks unsalted butter and 2 ounces cream cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer (or large bowl if using an electric hand mixer). Let sit at room temperature until softened, about 1 hour. Place 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt in a medium bowl and whisk to combine. Add 1 cup granulated sugar to the butter. Attach the paddle attachment and mix briefly on low speed to combine, then increase speed to medium and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Add 1 large egg and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract and beat on medium speed until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add in the flour mixture and beat until just combined and a soft dough is formed, about 1 minute. Divide the dough in half. Shape each piece of dough into a rectangle and lightly dust with flour. Place each rectangle between 2 sheets of parchment paper and roll until 1/8-inch thick. Place each piece of rolled dough, still in the parchment, on a baking sheet (they can stack on the same baking sheet). Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight. Arrange 2 racks to divide the oven into thirds and heat the oven to 350°F. Remove the top sheet of parchment from each piece of dough, and use them to line 2 rimmed baking sheets. Use a 3-inch ghost cookie cutter to make as many cut-outs as possible. Using a thin metal spatula, transfer the cookies the baking sheets, spacing them about 1/2-inch apart, 12 to 16 cookies per baking sheet. The cookies will not spread as they bake. Bake until set and barely golden around the edges, 8 to 12 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, gather and reroll out the dough scraps and cut out more cookies. Repeat the process until all the dough is used. The dough is best cut when it is firm, so you may have to return it to the refrigerator before cutting more shapes. Make the icing: Sift 3 1/2 cups (1 pound) powdered sugar through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl. If any lumps remain, use your fingers to break them up and push them through the strainer. Place 4 large pasteurized egg whites or 1/2 cup liquid egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer (or large bowl if using an electric hand mixer). Beat with the whisk attachment on medium-high speed until foamy, doubled in volume, and opaque, 2 to 3 minutes. Turn the mixer off and add half of the powdered sugar. Mix on low speed until the powdered sugar is completely dissolved and no large lumps remain, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the remaining powdered sugar and continue mixing until completely dissolved, 1 to 2 minutes more. Increase the mixer speed to high and beat until the icing is completely smooth, glossy, and slightly thickened, 4 to 5 minutes. The icing should hold a soft peak and slowly run off of the whisk attachment. If the icing is too loose, add more powdered sugar, 1/4 cup at a time, and continue mixing until combined. Reduce the mixer speed to low and beat in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Transfer 1/2 cup of the icing to a small bowl. Mix in black food coloring until the desired shade is achieved. If necessary, add more powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, for a thicker consistency. Press a sheet of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the black icing to keep it from drying. Transfer about a third of the remaining icing to a piping bag with a small round tip or squeeze bottle. This will be used as the border icing. The remaining icing in the stand mixer will be used as the flood icing. To thin, add water in 1-teaspoon increments, stirring between each, until a pourable consistency is reached, 4 to 6 teaspoons. Transfer the flood icing to a piping bag or squeeze bottle. Decorate the cookies: Place the cooled cookies on parchment paper. Begin with the border icing and trace the outline of each cookie with icing. Let the border icing dry for a few minutes. Use the flood icing to fill the center of the cookies. Use a toothpick to pop any air bubbles and push the icing into corners and against the edges of the border. Let cookies dry for at least 15 minutes. Meanwhile, transfer the black icing to a piping bag with a small round tip. Pipe the eyes and mouth onto the cookies with the black icing. Let the cookies sit undisturbed for at least 24 hours for the icing to fully dry. Source: the Kitchn

Pumpkin Muffins Recipe

Posted on October 5, 2021October 5, 2021Posted in Holidays, RecipesNo Comments

The season is upon us! It’s time to bring out our fall holiday decorations and create our seasonal desserts. These pumpkin muffins incorporate everything you can need from fall. It’s comforting, sweet and cozy with the spices and pumpkin purée. They’re tender and soft, making them great alongside a warm beverage of your choice. You can freeze the muffins for up to 2 months, just defrost them on the counter for a quick weekday breakfast. Prep time: 20 minsCook time: 20 minsTotal time: 40 minsServings: 12 servingsYield: 12 standard muffins Ingredients 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin purée 1 1/4 cups (270g) packed light brown sugar 2 large eggs 1/2 cup vegetable oil Directions Preheat oven and prepare the muffin tin: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a standard muffin pan with muffin liners, or grease each well with butter. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix the wet ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, add the pumpkin purée, brown sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil. Whisk until combined and homogenous. Make the batter: Pour the pumpkin mixture into the flour mixture. Stir with a large spoon or a rubber spatula just until combined and no streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix. It is okay if there are some lumps in the batter. Divide the muffin batter: Divide the batter evenly among the cups. Each well should be filled nearly to the top. Bake the muffins: Bake muffins for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the muffin comes out clean. Cool the muffins and serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool for at least 10 minutes more. Serve warm or at room temperature. Source: Simply Recipes

Air Fried Chocolate Easter Eggs

Posted on April 3, 2021April 2, 2021Posted in Holidays, RecipesNo Comments

If you need a quick dessert recipe for this weekend, look no further than air fried chocolate easter eggs! These can be prepared easily for a delicious treat with minimal mess. Add these to do your to-do list for the whole family to participate. Ingredients: 1 Cadbury Easter Crème Milk Chocolate Egg 2 Pillsbury Grands Cheese cake frosting Directions: Wrap the 2 Pillsbury Grands around the egg Air fry the egg laying on its side for 12 minutes at 400 degrees F. Top with cheese cake frosting Enjoy! From all of us here at Cosmo, we wish you a safe and Happy Easter!

Coloring Easter Eggs Naturally

Posted on March 29, 2021March 29, 2021Posted in HolidaysNo Comments

Easter’s right around the corner, and colored eggs are a staple in many households. While dyeing kits can be convenient, they can get pricey especially if you’re hoping to color a dozen of eggs. You can achieve a similar effect with natural ingredients such as fresh produce and spices. These types of eggs give a more rustic feel but can still achieve a deeper and brighter color the longer you allow the eggs to soak. Some colors can dye within 30 minutes, but other lighter colors can benefit from an overnight soak. Read below on how to achieve your favorite colors. Instructions: Combine 1 qt water and 2 Tbsp white vinegar in a medium pot. Bring it to a boil and add your dye ingredients for the egg color of your choice (listed below). Lower the heat and let simmer for 30 minutes. Let cool. Strain the dye to remove any food fragments. Add the eggs to the strained dye and let soak for at least 30 minutes. When it reaches the desired color, remove the egg with tongs and pat it dry with paper towels. Color Options: Red/Dark Pink: Add 4 cups chopped beets and follow instructions above Orange: Add 4 cups yellow onion skins and follow instructions above. For a brighter orange, let the eggs soak overnight Yellow: Add 3 Tbsp turmeric and follow instructions Light Blue: Add 3 cups chopped red or purple cabbage and follow instructions. For a brighter blue, let the eggs soak overnight Dark Blue: Add 4 cups blueberries and follow instructions Deep Red: Add skins from 6 red onions. Add in 2 cups of water and 3 Tbsp of white vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Let the mixture cool and strain the liquid into a jar. Green: Add spinach leaves to a saucepan and pour in 2 cups cold water and 4 Tbsp white vinegar. Place in bowl and follow the steps above. Purple: Pour a cup of red wine into a jar. Add an egg and let soak until you are happy with the color. Rinse with cool water and let dry. Source: Good Housekeeping