When it comes to traditional family gatherings such as Thanksgiving, many families have favorite recipes that are used every year and shared with newlyweds, friends, relatives and neighbors—anyone lucky enough to be invited to dinner. In my family, one of those recipes is Cranberry Fruit Sauce that I introduced November 27, 1975. In the 37 years since, it has become an annual family tradition. This year, my sister-in-law is preparing Thanksgiving for the extended family, and you can be sure this cranberry sauce will be on the table. (See below for recipe.)

Time & energy saving TIP: 

Cranberry sauce can be prepared a week or more before serving.
If you plan to make cranberry sauce with fresh cranberries, you don’t need to do the work on Thanksgiving Day. Make it ahead and store it in the fridge.

Looking for some fresh cooking tools?
Visting Solutions.com for a great selection >

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While in my backyard yesterday evening, I couldn’t help but breathe in the inviting aroma of my neighbor’s barbecue. The scent of my neighbor’s cooking put me in the mood for summer grilling. Bring on the ribs!

There are many way to cook ribs and even more recommendations for spices and sauces. This tasty recipe (named after the son of our Senior Director of eCommerce) will surely please a crowd.  Remember to start your rib preparation early, it’s better not to rush the process. Happy grilling…

Servings: 10-15 servings
Prep Time:
Spice Rub: 10 minutes
Ribs refrigerated: 8 hours
Ribs Cooking: 6 hours

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Tired of your brown sugar turning hard before you’ve had a chance to use it up? Just toss a couple of marshmallows into the bag. It will help keep the brown sugar soft.

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Here is an excellent side dish you can add to any flavorful meal.  With a splash of lemon and Indian spices, this citrus-infused recipe is light, healthy and perfect for summer. Grating carrots and mincing ginger do add a little extra prep time to this recipe…but it’s well worth the effort.

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups grated carrots (5 medium carrots)
3 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 tablespoon finely minced fresh ginger
1 15oz can of Garbanzo beans
1/2 cup lightly chopped cilantro
2 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pinch ground red pepper (optional)
1 tablespoon cumin seeds
1 tablespoon mustard seeds
1 tablespoon fennel seeds

Stir all ingredients well in a medium mixing bowl.
Recipe yields 4 servings.

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My reputation as a baker would be on the line if this news ever got out: I have fear of pie crusts. Not eating it, mind you, but making it. And it’s really put a crimp (uh, sorry) in my repertoire because it limits me to cookies, cakes, quick breads and bars. I’ll still clip pie recipes from magazines and newspapers, and peel off labels from cans in the hope that one day my fear can be conquered. I confess to making the occasional pie, but only thanks to those perfectly shaped, pre-rolled discs available in the dairy case. For a long time, I avoided buying even those, thinking, How hard can it be, really, to make pie crust from scratch? It’s a little flour, a little butter, a little water…or is it lard? Vegetable shortening? A combination? Pastry flour or all-purpose? And what about additives, like sugar, orange zest, ground almonds, baking powder, cream cheese, and yes, even vinegar and vodka? Then there’s the hand mixing (and I mean with your hands) vs. food processor vs. pastry blender method.

Best-ever. Easiest. No-fail. Flakiest. Easy as pie. Grandma’s Favorite.

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Decorated Paper Bakeware

With October being kitchen month at Solutions (and the holidays around the corner), we thought we’d share a new product that is fitting for any occasion. This oven-safe paper bakeware makes it easy to create a wonderful home-baked gift for your neighbors, family and friends. Best of all, there’s no need to grease it—and there’s no messy clean up.

Our creative director tested this festive and disposable bakeware firsthand, and she loved it because it was so easy to use! See how beautiful her piece turned out in the picture below.

Once your creation comes out of the oven and has cooled down, it’s ready to present. There’s no need to giftwrap, thanks to the decorative paper. If you want to add a more festive touch, you can wrap it up in a cellophane bag tied with a pretty ribbon.
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Summer’s around the corner, and it’s a great time to start thinking about outdoor entertaining. Here are some quick ideas to help you create that perfect party.

1) Host a potluck-themed event and prepare foods in advance, as much as possible. It will save time and work!

2) Clean your yard and make sure there’s enough seating for everyone. Place blankets on the grass for kids.

3) Grill skewers: Grilled vegetables make a great side dish, are easy to prepare ahead of time, and take a few minutes to cook.

4) Keep your guests cool! Consider a portable fan to keep outside during hot summer days.

5) Set out a few yard games to play so your guests have some fun activities to choose from.

6) Create an inviting atmosphere with lights for nighttime. Consider natural bug repellant candles to keep the insects away.

7) Add some color to your table with vibrant dishware. Top it off with an eye-catching centerpiece. Fill up a glass bowl with colorful fruits, such as bright lemons and limes, or fill glass jars with fresh-cut flowers.

8) Don’t forget to relax with your guests and enjoy all your efforts!

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Save time with an early start on holiday favorites.

Ingredients:

6 lbs. potatoes, peeled, cooked, drained and mashed
1 c. sour cream
6 oz. cream cheese
5 tbsp. butter
1/2 c. milk
3 tsp. onion salt
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

Mix together all the ingredients and transfer to a baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Cover and refrigerate up to 2 days prior to serving. Allow to return to room temperature, then bake it in an oven preheated to 400° F for half an hour. Serves 12.

View all of our recipes here.

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