We could all use a dose of Good Fortune in the New Year! Symbolized by a nice slice of this delicious cornbread!

Who’s with me?!!

While we’re at it, we’re going to load up on Black Eyed Peas (symbolizing coins or wealth), Collard Greens (representing money) and Pork (as a sign of moving forward). Call it superstition or simply a delicious dinner!

Good Fortune & Good Intentions

Heading into the new year, I’ve been pondering my good intentions for 2022. Despite what cliche resolutions come to mind, for me it all comes down to making healthy choices. A healthy lifestyle, a strong healthy body, and mental peace and clarity are what I’m aiming for.

So to begin, I will continue to incorporate fresh ingredients into my cooking. And you know there will be plenty of fresh herb flavor-love woven throughout.

I will spend more time in the woods, my ultimate happy place. Hiking, strolling, deep breathing and looking up. All of which lead to a clear and peaceful mind.

Are you a resolutions kind of person? I certainly view the New Year as an opportunity to reset. Perhaps to a fault, I put off change as the the new year approaches. So I’ll add one more good intention in 2022 – I will be more timely when my path needs adjusting. And forgive myself when I veer off course.

Recipe Inspiration

My Sage Brown Butter Buttermilk Cornbread recipe is bursting with buttery herb flavors. It’s pretty darn good if I might say so. It’s that recipe that has inspired this Good Fortune Golden Cheddar Cornbread with Fire Roasted Poblanos.

Golden Cheddar Cornbread

Herbs and aromatics will elevate your cornbread. In this case, I use fire roasted poblano peppers to infuse the brown butter. While including some nice sharp cheddar cheese adds to the cornbread texture and the flavor.

This easy cornbread recipe is the perfect weekend comfort food yet also quick enough to prepare with a weeknight meal.

Wishing you health, happiness and good fortune in the year ahead. And may your plates be graced with delicious good eats!

Don’t forget to follow us @LemonyThyme on Instagram and Facebook! And check out our latest TikTok videos and Pinterest boards too!

All my best,
xo Libby

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Good Fortune Golden Cheddar Cornbread with Fire Roasted Poblanos

Good Fortune Golden Cheddar Cornbread with Fire Roasted Poblanos is a standout recipe with savory wonderful texture and buttery crisp edges!

Course Bread

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 8

Author Libby with Lemony Thyme

Ingredients

• 2 poblano peppers fire roast, sweat, remove skins and seeds, dice
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
• 2 Tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
• 1 stick butter

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 425° F.
• Fire roast poblanos until well charred on all sides. Place into a metal bowl and cover with plastic wrap for 5 minutes. Run under cold water to remove charred skins. Remove stem and seeds, then fine dice. Reserve.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients flour through salt. In a large bowl, beat buttermilk with eggs. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, reserving 1/2 cup for topping.
• In a large cast iron skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced poblano pepper, reserving 2 Tablespoons for topping. Saute peppers until tender and butter is turning golden brown. Pour all but 1 tablespoon of melted butter/pepper mixture into buttermilk/egg mixture and whisk to combine. Slowly whisk in dry ingredients. Pour batter into cast iron skillet. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and diced poblano pepper.
• Place skillet into preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted into center comes out clean. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

The post Good Fortune Golden Cheddar Cornbread with Fire Roasted Poblanos appeared first on Lemony Thyme.

I know that’s a bold statement for someone who spends hours and hours in the kitchen. However, of all the food groups (and yes stuffing is a food group), stuffing is the one! It evokes emotion.

Warm and fuzzy emotion!

For as far back as I can remember, all of my Thanksgiving memories, include this glorious side dish. Turkey, I can take it or leave it. But it’s just not Thanksgiving to me without stuffing!

I do believe where you grew up has something to do with it! I grew up in New England and our Thanksgiving dinner included the following:

• Roast Turkey with Stuffing (inside the bird)
• Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
• Creamed Onions
• Maple Brown Sugar Baked Acorn Squash
• Mashed Turnips
• Gruyere Cabbage
• Deviled Eggs
• Black Olives & Celery
• Cranberry Sauce
• Sometimes we’d also have Scalloped Corn, green peas or glazed carrots.

Flash forward to the early 90s when I moved from New Hampshire to Georgia. Thanksgiving Dinner took on a new look.

• Roast Turkey (sometimes deep fried) and Baked Ham
• Cornbread Dressing (plus I always made a side of stuffing too)
• Baked Mac ‘n’ Cheese
• Summer Squash Casserole
• Sweet Potato Casserole
• Mashed Potato Casserole
• Green Bean Casserole
• Corn Casserole
• Buttermilk Biscuits
• Deviled Eggs
• Cranberry Sauce

My current-day menu is now a wonderful blend of my New England childhood favorites with some delicious Southern comfort food classics!

Herb Browned Butter Stuffing however, will remain the sentimental favorite! It’s the one holiday side dish that my Shelby requests each year. Here’s how I add the LOVE to this heavenly dish!

The Stuffing Ingredients

Bread Cubes

Bread cubes are the foundation of this recipe and you’ll want a nice variety. You’ll want about 1 1/2 – 2 pounds of bread or about 12 cups of cubes. I find whole French or Italian Loaves, Ciabatta, Brioche, or even dinner rolls or bagels cut or torn into bite-sized pieces work well. Try for at least two different types of bread.

Here’s How To Make Bread Cubes for Stuffing.

The Herbs & Aromatics

When it comes to herbs & aromatics, the list of ‘add-in’ possibilities are abundant. For this recipe I begin with butter and fresh herbs. Lots of butter and chopped herbs that are slowly sautéed until the most fragrant rich browned butter aromas begin to dance around your kitchen.

As with the fresh herbs, a nice variety of diced veggies really gives your stuffing texture and personality. Traditionally onion and celery are the base of classic stuffing recipes. I use a large onion and a whole head of celery, about 3 cups diced of each. They are cooked down in the herb butter until tender.

For this recipe I also include leeks, mushrooms and garlic. All of that herb butter flavor is building throughout each layer.

Optional Veggie/Fruit/Meat Add-Ins

You can also add apple, fennel, carrots, dried cranberries or apricots, roasted chestnuts, water chestnuts, toasted pine nuts, sundried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or olives.

Sometimes I add sausage or diced bacon. I also love Oyster Dressing where fresh shucked oysters are added before baking.

There are so many flavor combinations and directions you can take this stuffing.

The Broth

I traditionally use a nice rich chicken broth for my stuffing. However, you could certainly use veggie broth for a vegetarian stuffing.

You’ll want 4- 5 cups of broth, start with 4 and add more if needed. Once you add the broth to the sautéed aromatics, bring the mixture to a boil. This further incorporates all that buttery herb love.

The last step before baking is to gently fold in the dried bread cubes. The mixture should be quite moist. Transfer to a 3 quart or 9×13 baking dish and bake at 350 degrees F. for about 45 minutes or until the top and edges are nicely browned and crispy.

Herb Browned Butter Stuffing of Love is the perfect balance of buttery crispy edges with an herby soft center. It’s delicious and you’ll want to include this dish on your Thanksgiving menu!

Don’t forget to follow us @LemonyThyme on Instagram and Facebook! And check out our latest TikTok videos and Pinterest boards too!

All my best,
xo Libby

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Herb Browned Butter Stuffing of Love

Herb Browned Butter Stuffing of Love is the perfect balance of buttery crispy edges with an herby soft center. It’s delicious

Course Side Dish

Prep Time 1 hour hour

Cook Time 1 hour hour 20 minutes minutes

Servings 12

Author Libby with Lemony Thyme

Ingredients

For the Bread Cubes

• 2 pounds or about 12 cups crusty bread cut into bite-sized cubes (french or Italian loaf bread works great, as does Ciabatta, Brioche, dinner rolls or bagels). fully dried

For the Stuffing

• 1 cup butter
• 1 1/2 cups finely chopped fresh herbs (parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme)
• 1 large diced onion about 3 cups
• 1 head diced celery about 3 cups
• 1 stalk sliced and rinsed leek about 1 1/2 cups
• 1 pound sliced button mushrooms about 3 cups
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 5 cups chicken broth
• salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

For the Bread Cubes

• Cut or tear bread into bite-sized pieces. Spread onto baking sheets and either air dry for 1-2 days, loosely covered with a clean tea towel. Or oven dry at 275° F. for 45-60 minutes until very hard and dry, but not browned. Can be done up to 2 days in advance (or can freeze bread cubes for 2-3 months).

For the Stuffing

• Grease 3 quart or 9×13 casserole with butter. In a large stock pot or dutch oven, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add in chopped fresh herbs and sauté until butter is golden brown and very fragrant, about 8-10 minutes.
• Add in the diced onions, sauté for 4-5 minutes. Add diced celery, sauté for 4-5 minutes. Add in sliced leeks (be sure to clean well first by soaking in water) and mushrooms, sauté for another 8-10 minutes or until all veggies are cooked through and tender. Add minced garlic and cook 1 additional minute. Stir in 4 cups of chicken broth (reserve 1 cup) increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Season with salt & pepper to taste.
• Gently fold in dry bread cubes and continue to stir until all are coated well. Bread cubes should be soaked with broth (without broth pooling in bottom of pan). Add additional cup of reserved broth if needed. I always go for more moist than dry.
• Transfer stuffing to greased baking dish. Bake at 350° F. for 45 minutes or until edges and top are crispy deep golden brown and center is hot. If making ahead, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Allow to come to rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before baking.

The post Herb Browned Butter Stuffing of Love appeared first on Lemony Thyme.

This recipe is the perfect make-ahead side dish that can be reheated in the oven or the microwave.

These creamy potatoes are fluffy with a nice buttery flavor.

Perfect if you ask me!

The Potatoes

For this recipe you’ll need 5 pounds of russet potatoes, or about 6 bakers. I find this variety of potato to yield the perfect smooth and creamy consistency.

No gritty or gluey mashed potatoes here. Please tell me you know what I’m referring to :)

The Cooking Method

Peel and cut potatoes into about 6-8 pieces each and place in large pot of salted cold water. Add a bay leaf, a few sprigs of fresh thyme, a couple garlic cloves and salt to the water. Thank you to the Kitchn for this recipe tip!

We’re going to take advantage of any opportunity to infuse flavor into our potatoes. If you don’t want flecks of thyme leaves in your potatoes you can place the fresh herbs in a cheese cloth bundle, then discard after boiling.

Cook potatoes just until *fork tender, then drain and return to the hot cooking pot to dry. Remove and discard the thyme and bay leaf before mashing.

*the ideal way to achieve fork tender potatoes is when you can insert a fork easily but still lift the potato from the water before it falls off. Not scientific, but tried and true.

I still use a good old fashioned potato masher but have heard of great results when using a potato ricer as well. For best results, please resist the urge to use an electric mixer which tends to deliver a gluey mash.

Add the following ingredients to the mashed potatoes:

• butter (1/2 cup)
• cream cheese (8 ounces)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• salt & pepper to taste

Continue to mash until well combined. Transfer potatoes to a 9×13 baking dish. Add dollops of butter to top, cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.

The beauty of this recipe is it can be made up to 2 days in advance of serving. And you can reheat in the oven or microwave.

Oven Heating Method

Oven heating is my preferred method because we love the buttery golden top.

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Remove potatoes from refrigerator and allow to rest at room temperature
• Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes or lightly browned and heated through
• Heating times will vary depending on oven and if multiple dishes are being heated together
• Tent with foil If casserole begins to brown too quickly

Microwave Heating Method

Reheating in the microwave comes in very handy, especially during the holidays when oven space is in high demand.

• Microwave potatoes uncovered on high in one minute increments
• Stir after each minute, until hot

Family Favorite Side Dishes

If you’re planning your Thanksgiving or Holiday menu, here are a few our our family’s favorite side dishes.

• Three Cheese Mac ‘n’ Cheese
• Sweet Potato Casserole with Brown Sugar & Pecans
• Summer Squash Casserole
• Herb Browned Butter Stuffing
• Fresh Green Bean & Mushroom Casserole with Crispy Shallots

Everyone loves mashed potatoes. When you’re planning a big meal, go ahead and make this side dish in advance. One less thing to worry about as you’re enjoying the company of friends and family.

Don’t forget to follow us @LemonyThyme on Instagram and Facebook! And check out our latest TikTok videos and Pinterest boards too!

All my best,
xo Libby

The post Easy Creamy Mashed Potato Casserole appeared first on Lemony Thyme.

Super cheesy, ultra creamy, with a little something special to make them go hmmmm.

Macaroni & Cheese Basics

The “Macaroni” Pasta

I LOVE Cavatappi (translated to “corkscrew” in English) or Cellantani (“whirl” in English).

These whirling twirling double elbow hollow pastas are THE BEST at holding on to cheese sauce. And isn’t that what makes a great macaroni and cheese?!!

The White Sauce

For those of us who took home economics in Middle School you’ll remember learning how to make this, the most basic of the five mother sauces.

I always start my cheese sauce by making a white sauce, also known as Béchamel Sauce.

Classically a white sauce is made with the following ratio:

• 2 Tablespoons of butter
• 2 Tablespoons of flour
• 1 cup of whole milk
• salt & pepper to taste

For this recipe, I finish my white sauce with a little seasoning of dry mustard and cayenne. Do not over salt the sauce as the cheeses bring that nice saltiness to the finished dish.

The Cheese

As the title of this post declares – we’ll use three cheeses in this recipe.

• Sharp Cheddar – great melting cheese that brings a deeper flavor profile than the milder varieties
• Gruyere – super creamy, excellent melting cheese with a slightly nutty flavor
• American or better yet, White Queso Dip – that’s right! American cheese gives this cheese sauce it’s incredibly creamy consistency and if your Queso has a little jalapeño kick, even better!

While it will take you a few minutes longer, grate your own cheese. The pre-packed shredded cheese is coated with preservatives like potato starch to keep it from sticking together. This coating changes the consistency and melting qualities.

Plus you get far more for your money when you invest a little elbow grease and grate your own!

Recipe Note: each 8 ounce block of cheese will yield about 3 cups of shredded cheese.

The Crumb Topping

Melted butter, panko breadcrumbs, and shredded parmesan cheese combine to make the most heavenly crumb topping!

Yes, I am squarely on team Crumb Topping. I love a good buttery crispy layer on top of my mac ‘n’ cheese. And my squash casserole. And my cassoulets.

However, for this recipe, if crumbs aren’t your thing (or your kids aren’t fans) then by all means replace the crumb with a little more shredded cheese on top before baking!

Things that make you go hmmm

I’ll never forget the first time I added queso dip to my macaroni & cheese. We were having a family dinner with the kids, a few significant others, and my sister Sarah.

Slowly as everyone began to take bites of the various dishes on their plates I could see a little mac ‘n’ cheese lovefest beginning to brew.

“This is really good mac ‘n’ cheese”

“It’s so creamy and cheesy….I love it”

“Omgeee is there queso in this? It’s sooo good!”

“Mom, this is the best mac ‘n’ cheese you’ve ever made.”

The truth is I’ve never made two the same in my life. Sure, there are certain similarities but I always manage to change it up.

Yesterday I had a neighbor ask for the recipe. Insert the emoji with big wide eyes.

So nearly 10 years after creating Lemony Thyme I’m finally putting the recipe in print! Wishing you a little mac ‘n’ cheese lovefest at your house!!

Don’t forget to follow us @LemonyThyme on Instagram and Facebook! And check out our latest TikTok videos and Pinterest boards too!

All my best,
xo Libby

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The Best Three Cheese Mac ‘n’ Cheese

If you want to deliver comfort, bring them The Best Three Cheese Mac 'n' Cheese. It's super cheesy and ultra creamy, with a little extra love.

Course Entree, Side Dish

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 8

Author Libby with Lemony Thyme

Ingredients

For the Three Cheese Mac 'n' Cheese

• 1 pound dried Cavatappi or Cellentani pasta
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• salt to taste
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated, divided
• 4 ounces gruyere cheese freshly grated
• 16 ounces White Queso Dip or sub small cubed white American cheese

For the Crumb Topping

• 4 Tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Instructions

For the Three Cheese Mac 'n' Cheese

• Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
• Prepare the pasta according to package instructions. Drain.
• Meanwhile, prepare the white sauce by melting butter in a medium heavy bottom pan over medium heat. Once melted and bubbly, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Mixture should be smooth and bubbly. Gradually whisk in milk. Continue whisking for another minute until fully incorporated and smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Continue cooking until mixture has thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Season with mustard powder, cayenne pepper, and salt.
• Reduce heat to low and begin adding grated cheeses and queso, reserving 1/2 cup grated cheddar for assembly. Whisk to combine after each addition, until all cheese is melted and smooth. Pour cheese sauce over cooked pasta and stir well to fully combine.
• Pour half of macaroni mixture into prepared pan. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese. Top with remaining macaroni.

For the Crumb Topping

• Melt butter in microwave or in small pan on stovetop. Remove from heat. Stir in panko and parmesan and mix to combine. Sprinkle crumb topping over mac 'n' cheese. Bake for 20 – 25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

Notes

Recipe can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in refrigerator. Remove from refrigerator and bake at 350° F. for 30 minutes or until heated through.
Remove baking sheet from refrigerator at least 30 minutes prior to baking for more even baking/heating.

The post The Best Three Cheese Mac ‘n’ Cheese appeared first on Lemony Thyme.

The first way is rather traditional made with spaghetti and lots of cheese and pepper!

The second is prepared with spaghetti squash! Equally as delicious, gluten free and low carb friendly!

If I may, for just a minute, share the highlights of our weekend. There’s a Jump to Recipe button just above if you’d like to skip the recap. No hard feelings :)

I planned and delivered a Tailgate Luncheon Birthday Party for 45 people on Saturday! eeeek!

It was such an amazing experience AND they loved it!!

Tailgate Luncheon Menu

• Slow Smoked Pulled Pork Sliders with 4 BBQ Sauces, including White BBQ Sauce
• Classic Coleslaw
• Three Cheese Mac ‘n’ Cheese
• Baked Beans
• Asian Beef Meatballs
• Chili Cheese Dog Tailgate Sliders
• Mardi Gras Wings with Celery/Carrots/Ranch Dressing
• From the Earth Salad with Sherry Vinaigrette
• Buffalo Chicken Dip with Tostitos Scoops
• Apache Bread Dip with Fritos Scoops
• Million Dollar Bacon (for the Bloody Mary Bar)

After being apart for six weeks, our bus is back home – better than ever!! We took her to the VW Invasion at Caffeine & Octane on Sunday. Incredible group of passionate car owners! I made a video recap and shared it on TikTok!

After several days of planning and cooking, followed by the camaraderie we experienced at the car show….I’m pretty high on life!

With that great energy I’m making Cacio e Pepe. Cheese and pepper pasta (or cheese & pepper spaghetti squash).

My first taste of this dish was during a dream Italian vacation Nick and I took a couple years ago. The first leg of our trip was in Rome where we aptly took a “Cooking Class in Rome.”

We have relived this trip over and over through stories we’ve shared and recipes we’ve recreated at home. At the close of our class, our instructor, chef Andrea, gave us these words of advice. Do not leave Rome without having Cacio e Pepe.

He went further and recommended the restaurant Roma Sparita which was walking distance from our hotel. Little did we know at the time that Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservation’s in Rome episode featured this very dish.

I decided to share this recipe made in a parmesan cheese bowl, just the way it was served at Roma Sparita!

Well, almost the same way. I’m serving mine with spaghetti squash, but you do you!

How To Cook Spaghetti Squash

• Cut squash in half
• Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds
• Coat cut side with olive oil, sprinkle with salt & pepper
• Place cut side down on baking sheet
• Bake at 400 degrees F. for 45 minutes
• Using two forks, scrape the squash strands from skins

Cacio e Pepe Basic Steps

• Melt butter in a pan over medium heat
• Add freshly cracked pepper and toast for 1 minute
• If using pasta add in an little pasta water
• Add in cooked pasta or spaghetti squash
• Stir to coat with butter & pepper, reduce heat to low
• Sprinkle with pecorino romano cheese and toss to combine
• For spaghetti squash swirl in a little cream (in place of pasta water)
• Serve in parmesan crisp bowl

This dish is Italian comfort food made from the simplest of ingredients. It’s cheesy with a nice peppery finish. The Parmesan Crisp Bowl is like dessert!

Don’t forget to follow us @LemonyThyme on Instagram and Facebook! And check out our latest TikTok videos and Pinterest boards too!

All my best,
xo Libby

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Cacio e Pepe Spaghetti Squash (served in Parmesan Crisp Bowls

This dish is Italian comfort food made from the simplest of ingredients. It's cheesy with a nice peppery finish. The parmesan crisp bowl is like dessert!

Course Entree

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 55 minutes minutes

Servings 2

Ingredients

For the Spaghetti Squash

• 1 medium spaghetti squash
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• salt & pepper

For the Parmesan Crisp Bowls

• 1 cup parmesan cheese finely shredded

For the Cacio e Pepe

• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 3-4 cups cooked spaghetti squash see above
• 1/2 cup Pecorino Romano cheese grated
• 2 Tablespoons heavy cream
• salt to taste
• 2 Tablespoons Pecorino Romano for garnish

Instructions

For the Spaghetti Squash

• Preheat oven to 400° F.
• Cut squash in half and remove seeds. Coat cut side of each half with olive oil and sprinkle with salt & pepper. Place halves cut side down on a baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes or until a fork pierces skin easily.
• Using two forks, scrape squash to loosen strands. Remove squash to a bowl and reserve.

For the Parmesan Crisp Bowls

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Make 2 6"-7" diameter circles with the parmesan cheese. Bake for 5-7 minutes until lightly golden.
• Remove from oven and allow to cool for 1 minute. Using a spatula, lift cheese circles and place over inverted bowls. Allow to cool.

For Cacio e Pepe

• Melt butter in skillet over medium heat. Add pepper and toast for 1 minute. Add in cooked spaghetti squash and stir to coat with butter. Reduce heat to low and add Pecorino Romano cheese and stir well. Swirl in a little cream and mix well. Season with salt to taste.
• Transfer to parmesan crisp bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of Pecorino Romano.

The post Cacio e Pepe Served Two Ways appeared first on Lemony Thyme.

They come together quickly with simple ingredients and are always a favorite apple season treat!

Did I mention that September 17th is National Apple Dumpling Day?!!

This recipe has been around a long time and was always a favorite. I remember my work bff making them 20+ years ago in our office break room kitchen.

The ingredients stuck with me as well.

Apples, canned Crescent Rolls and Mountain Dew. Plus a good bit of butter, sugar and cinnamon!!

You can shake your head at these ingredients, but once you take a bite of the warm pastry wrapped apples swimming in a heavenly caramel sauce….you won’t judge!

Making the Salted Caramel Sauce

This is meant to be a rustic recipe. I mean the word ‘Easy’ is in the title so let’s not work too hard. For the sauce simply melt the butter with the sugars, vanilla and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.

How To Assemble the Apple Dumplings

• Peel, core and cut apple into 8 wedges
• Open the crescent rolls and lay them out flat
• Place an apple at the wide end of each crescent roll
• Sprinkle with cinnamon and chopped walnuts
• Roll and place in buttered pie plate

• Pour caramel sauce over dumplings
• Pour Mountain Dew around the edges of the dumplings
• Bake at 350 degrees F. for 40-45 minutes until deep golden brown
• Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving with vanilla ice cream

I’m here to tell you that your kitchen will smell like a million bucks! Hell, your whole house will be swirling with the aromas of sweet baked cinnamon caramel apples.

You’ll want to serve these Salted Caramel Apple Dumplings in bowls, drizzled with the heavenly syrup and topped with vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts (if you like).

This is a recipe the whole family will love. It’s perfect for entertaining and can be partially prepped ahead. Wait to add the caramel sauce and Mountain Dew until just before baking.

Don’t forget to follow us @LemonyThyme on Instagram and Facebook! And check out our latest TikTok videos and Pinterest boards too!

All my best,
xo Libby

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Easy Salted Caramel Apple Dumplings

These Easy Salted Caramel Apple Dumplings are mouth-watering and delicious!! They come together quickly with simple ingredients and are always a favorite apple season treat!

Course Dessert

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings 8 Dumplings

Author Libby with Lemony Thyme

Ingredients

• 1 Granny Smith apple peeled, core, and cut ito 8 wedges
• 1 8 count can crescent rolls I used Pillsbury Grands Crescents
• 1 stick salted butter (8 Tablespoons)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon or apple pie spice divided
• 6 ounces Mountain Dew or other lemon lime soda
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts optional

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350° F. Butter a pie plate or 9×9 baking dish.
• In a small saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until butter has melted. Remove from heat.
• Meanwhile, open crescent rolls and lay flat. Place an apple wedge at the wider end of each crescent roll. Sprinkle with cinnamon and a teaspoon of chopped walnuts and roll. Place into buttered pie plate. Repeat with remaining seven apple wedges.
• Pour caramel sauce over apple dumplings. Then pour Mountain Dew around the edges of pie plate. Bake for 40-45 minutes until dumplings are deep golden brown. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Delicious served with vanilla ice cream and chopped walnuts.

Notes

Recipe adapted from various versions across the internet.

The post Easy Salted Caramel Apple Dumplings appeared first on Lemony Thyme.

And run hard!

The fun thing is, this recipe is SOOOO easy!!

Easy enough that even my college kids can handle this recipe. #collegecooking

Back in March I decided to run with a series of meatball recipes called March Meatball Madness. April is National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Month and I embraced that as well.

When May rolled around I challenged myself to put out a new Chicken Wing recipe each week for 5 consecutive weeks. We ate a lot of wings! And no one was complaining.

I’m not sure how many chicken wing flavor combinations is enough for one blog to bear. But we’re committed to find out!!

Random thought. Remember the Tootsie Roll commercial. How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll Tootsie Pop? I’m feeling that. Except I’m not willing to give in at 3 or 5 or even possibly 10 chicken wing flavors. Let’s hold off and see how many flavors it takes to create the perfect Chicken Wing Recipe Roundup!!

The Honey Garlic Butter Sauce

The key is a 5-Ingredient Honey Garlic Butter Sauce that’s out of this world.

• The sauce starts with butter. Because butter.
• Next comes garlic. Lots of garlic.
• Then of course we add honey.
• Soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten free version) adds a salty influence.
• Finish with sriracha hot sauce!

So simple, yet this sticky sweet buttery sauce elevates baked chicken wings to near perfection. Humbly, I hold back!

The Method

For this recipe, start by tossing your chicken wings in garlic powder, salt & pepper. Lay them on a rack over a foil lined baking sheet. Bake them at 400 degrees F. for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

Don’t be afraid to broil them for a few minutes at the end to achieve crispy perfection.

Pour that luscious sauce over the baked wings then toss to coat!

Recipe Note: Depending on your tossing skills you might want to move outside for this step!

Did I mention that these wings are insanely good? They are a fabulous addition to any game day spread or tailgating party!

Don’t forget to follow us @LemonyThyme on Instagram and Facebook! And check out our latest TikTok videos and Pinterest boards too!

All my best,
xo Libby

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The Best Honey Garlic Chicken Wing Recipe

Honey Garlic Chicken Wings are so simple. The sticky sweet buttery sauce elevates the baked chicken wings to near perfection.

Course Appetizer

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 50 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Author Libby with Lemony Thyme

Ingredients

For the Wings

• 2 pounds chicken wings flats & drumettes separated
• 2 Tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper

For the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce

• 4 Tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic fine chopped
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 Tablespoons soy sauce (or coconut aminos for GF version)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sriracha hot sauce

Instructions

For the Wings

• Preheat oven to 400° F. Place a rack over a foil lined baking sheet.
• Combine garlic powder, salt & pepper in a zipper top bag or bowl. Add wings and toss to coat. Arrange wings in a single layer on prepared rack. Bake at 400° F. for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Switch oven to broil for last 5 minutes if needed.

For the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce

• In a small saucepan over medium low heat melt butter. Add finely chopped garlic and simmer for a minute. Add honey, soy sauce and sriracha and simmer for 5 minutes until sauce has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and allow to rest.
• Once wings are cooked through and crispy transfer to a large bowl. Pour sauce over wings and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

The post The Best Honey Garlic Chicken Wing Recipe appeared first on Lemony Thyme.

Yes, I referenced the holidays. They will be here in no time and this year we’ll be ready! We’ll have a whole line up of appetizers queue’d up and ready to go!

It just so happens this warm & cheesy dip is also game day worthy!

For this oven baked dip think bacon-wrapped, cheese-stuffed jalapeño popper flavors! Fresh jalapeños, 3 kinds of cheese, bacon-love, and a buttery crisp topping make this dip a fan favorite.

Jalapeño Popper Dip Ingredients

• For the Dip
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 ounces Monterey jack cheese, shredded
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 5-6 jalapenos, roasted & diced
• 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy & chopped
• For the Topping
• 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
• 4 Tablespoons butter, melted

How to Assemble the Dip

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
• Place a rack in a rimmed baking pan lined with aluminum foil
• Arrange bacon slices and jalapenos on rack and bake for 20 minutes (or until bacon is crispy)
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl combine the remaining dip ingredients
• Chop bacon and jalapenos (discard stems and seeds), mix into dip
• Transfer dip to an 8×8 baking dish coated with cooking spray
• In a small bowl, combine Topping ingredients and spread on top of dip
• Bake for 20 minutes
• Garnish with crispy bacon and sliced jalapeno
• Serve with favorite chips or crackers

Recipe Tips

• You can adjust the ‘heat’ on this dip by adding more jalapenos or including the seeds. I used 5 average sized jalapenos (about 4″ long) and discarded the seeds. The result was mild on the heat meter.
• Cooking the bacon in the oven makes for easy cleanup.
• Roasting the jalapenos first mellows them out a bit and adds a nice smoky flavor.

For my college cooking kids, this Easy & Delicious Jalapeño Popper Dip Recipe is right up your alley! You can even assemble it the day before and just pop it in the oven before serving.

Don’t forget to follow us @LemonyThyme on Instagram and Facebook! And check out our latest TikTok videos and Pinterest boards too!

All my best,
xo Libby

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Easy & Delicious Jalapeño Popper Dip Recipe

This Easy & Delicious Jalapeño Popper Dip Recipe is perfect for holiday entertaining and a great addition to your game day spread!

Course Appetizer

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 8

Author Libby with Lemony Thyme

Ingredients

For the Dip

• 6 slices bacon
• 5-6 jalapenos
• 8 ounces cream cheese softened
• 4 ounces cheddar cheese shredded
• 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese shredded
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

For the Topping

• 4 Tablespoons butter melted
• 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (gluten free for GF version)
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese shredded

To Serve

• garnish with reserved crispy bacon & sliced jalapeno
• serve with favorite chips or crackers

Instructions

For the Dip

• Preheat oven to 400° F. Place a rack in a foil lined rimmed baking sheet. Arrange bacon slices and jalapenos on rack. Bake for 20 minutes or until bacon is crispy.
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl combine remaining Dip ingredients. In a small bowl, combine Topping ingredients.
• Remove bacon and jalapenos from oven. Allow to cool slightly. Dice jalapenos, discarding stem and seeds. Chop bacon, reserving 2 Tablespoons for garnish. Add remaining bacon and diced jalapeno to dip. Transfer mixture to an 8×8 baking dish. Spread topping over dip. Bake for 20 minutes.
• Garnish with sliced jalapeno and crispy bacon. Serve warm from oven with favorite chips or crackers.

The post Easy & Delicious Jalapeño Popper Dip Recipe appeared first on Lemony Thyme.

She thought of us when she saw it in a magazine and cut it out for me. It’s been laying on my desk patiently waiting.

The ingredients are quite basic, most well stocked pantries could handle. The instructions are straight forward, albeit there is yeast and resting/rising involved. However I’m certain most modest cooks could tackle this recipe.

Yet day after day, week after week, I avoided eye contact. What was it about this recipe that I was avoiding?

Oh I knew. Deep down I knew. And I’m here to admit to you.

I’VE NEVER MADE A CINNAMON ROLL.

Nope, not one.

Like you, I’ve seen hundreds of cinnamon roll recipes floating around the internet. I’m fairly sure there are Pinterest boards entirely dedicated to this delicacy. Yet I have managed to avoid making them until now.

Fear of failure is the only thing I can think of that has kept me from attempting this family favorite breakfast treat. But on this day I’m going in!

Making the Dough

Step 1 of the instructions is to “dissolve yeast in warm water and cream until foamy.” Sounds simple enough. The picture above is the 3rd attempt at foamy, which also included sending my husband to the grocery store to buy more heavy cream. That’s how committed I was to making this Giant Cinnamon Roll.

As it turns out the problem was not the temperature of my water and cream. Remember last year when covid first hit and everyone was home. We were all working on our honey-do lists, organizing closets, and baking bread. All that bread baking created a yeast shortage. Not sure the exact facts but my grocery stores were out for weeks, maybe longer. I finally broke down and ordered a 1 pound package of instant dry yeast online. That’s a lot of yeast and the same yeast I was using for this recipe, some 15 months later. There was no foamy action happening.

I thought about backing out. I mean this was part of why I have avoided making cinnamon rolls in the past. He must have seen the look in my eyes when he said “I’m going back to the grocery store to buy you fresh yeast.”

Bless him!

The moral of the story….face your fears & use fresh yeast.

As you can see in the above pictures I achieved “smooth and elastic dough” as Step 2 instructed. The dough also doubled in size and rolled out nicely into a 12″ x 15″ rectangle. The pizza cutter trick was brilliant too. Things were going my way. Confidence filled the air.

I rolled each 2-inch strip around the previous, creating a beautiful giant cinnamon roll, which doubled in size again! The magic that only fresh yeast can deliver (and an hour in a warm spot).

Making the Homemade Caramel Sauce

But then came the homemade caramel sauce. Good God. “Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan, cook over medium heat until it turns light amber.” Amber was no where to be seen. My sugar crystalized and turned to sugar concrete. Two batches in and we’re going with homemade “golden” syrup. It was buttery, sweet and delicious. One day caramel I’ll get you, but not today!

Recipe Note: because this recipe calls for caramel sauce I didn’t want to leave you hanging. But clearly I’m no expert. Here is a great link on how to make Quick and Easy Caramel Sauce. The trick….resist the urge to stir.

The Results

This iconic cinnamon bun, also known as a cinnamon swirl or danish was a giant hit with the whole family, including Ms. Pat. The dough was buttery crisp on the edges with a light center and a wonderful cinnamon flavor swirled throughout. I’m already thinking about my next attempt and how I’ll approach it with conviction.

Today marks what would have been my mom’s 90th birthday. Without question she would have loved this cinnamon roll. I have a folder of recipes cut, torn, rewritten from magazines and newspapers that mom knew I would like. It’s time for me to tackle the next one!

Don’t forget to follow us @LemonyThyme on Instagram and Facebook! And check out our latest TikTok videos and Pinterest boards too!

All my best,
xo Libby

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How To Make a Giant Cinnamon Roll

This Giant Cinnamon Roll was a hit with the entire family. The dough was buttery crisp on the edges with a light center and a wonderful cinnamon flavor swirled throughout.

Course Breads, Breakfast, Brunch

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes minutes

Rise Time 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Servings 12

Author Leah Rekau, Milwaukee, WI

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 1 pkg. (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast be sure yeast is fresh
• 1/2 cup warm water 110° – 115° F.
• 1/2 cup warm heavy whipping cream 110° – 115° F.
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 3-4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg beaten
• 3 Tablespoons butter melted

For the Cinnamon Filling

• 1/4 cup butter softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Caramel Topping

• 1 cup sugar
• 2 Tablespoons water
• 6 Tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions

For the Cinnamon Roll

• Dissolve yeast in warm (110° – 115° F.) water and cream until foamy. I verified the temperature with my instant read thermometer. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, salt and 3 cups flour. Stir in yeast mixture, beaten egg and melted butter. Add enough remaining flour to create a soft dough.
• Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic, adding additional flour if mixture is too sticky. Place in a greased bowl, turn once to grease the top. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean dish towel and allow to rise until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
• Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 12-inch x 15-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over dough, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture. Using a pizza cutter, cut dough into (6) 2-inch wide strips. Roll one strip and place in center of greased 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. Wrap remaining strips around center. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled in size, about an hour.
• Preheat oven to 350° F. Bake until golden brown about 35-40 minutes.

For the Caramel Sauce

• To prepare the topping, combine sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook undisturbed until it turns light amber, about 8-9 minutes. Resist the urge to stir. Add butter, stirring vigorously. Remove from the heat, add cream and continue to stir vigorously. Cool slightly. Pour 3/4 cup over cinnamon roll. Serve with remaining caramel sauce.

The post How To Make a Giant Cinnamon Roll appeared first on Lemony Thyme.

Such a sweet way to incorporate my recent fresh fig score!

And boy are they delicious! The tender crumb is sweet and buttery and the jammy fig layer has a nice hint of lemon.

I wanted to keep this recipe simple and easy to recreate, so I let my food processor do most of the work. Here’s how we break it down.

You’ll have your Crumble and you’ll have your Fig Filling. Both are made in the food processor.

For the Crumble

• Flour, sugar, butter, and baking soda go into the bowl of a food processor
• Pulse until well combined
• Spread half of the mixture in a buttered parchment lined 8″x8″ baking dish
• Pour remaining mixture into a bowl and reserve
• Wipe food processor bowl clean

For the Fig Filling

• Fresh figs, lemon zest, sugar and flour go into the bowl of the food processor
• Process on low for one minute until figs are well blended
• Spread fig mixture over crumble crust

For the Topping

• Take the remaining crumble topping and squeeze handfuls to form clumps
• Place clumps on top of fig filling
• Continue until all crumbs are used
• Bake at 375 degrees F. for 60-65 minutes until lightly golden brown
• Allow to cool completely before cutting

Fresh Fig Crumble Bars have a coffee cake feel about them and are perfect for breakfast. I actually shared them with my neighbors one evening and they were a yummy evening sweet treat.

I’m already thinking about how I can incorporate other fresh seasonal product into crumble bars. Peach Crumb Bars anyone?

If you love figs like we do check out our Prosciutto Wrapped Mascarpone Stuffed Figs of Love!

Are there recipes that remind you of a favorite vacation that you’d like to see us recreate? I’d love for you to comment below. Your feedback is so important to me (and keeps the recipe love fresh).

Don’t forget to follow us @LemonyThyme on Instagram and Facebook! And check out our latest TikTok videos and Pinterest boards too!

All my best,
xo Libby

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Fresh Fig Crumble Bars

Boy are these Fresh Fig Crumble Bars delicious! The tender crumb is sweet and buttery and the jammy fig layer has a nice hint of lemon.

Course Breakfast, Dessert

Keyword Baked Goods, Fresh Figs

Servings 8

Author Libby with Lemony Thyme

Ingredients

For the Crumble

• 3/4 cup cold unsalted butter cut into cubes
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

For the Fig Filling

• 8 ounces fresh figs stems removed
• 2 Tablespoons all purpose flour
• 2 Tablespoons sugar
• 1 zest of 1 lemon about 2 teaspoons

Instructions

For the Crumble

• Preheat oven to 375° F. Spray an 8"x8" baking dish with cooking spray. Line with parchment paper and spray again.
• Place the crumble ingredients into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until butter and flour are incorporated well. Pour half of the mixture into bottom of prepared baking dish. Pour remaining mixture into a bowl and wipe out food processor bowl.

For the Fig Filling

• Add Fig Filling ingredients to the food processor bowl. Blend on low speed for 1 minute. Pour fig mixture over crumble base and spread out to edges.
• Take the remaining crumb mixture and squeeze a handful at a time so clumps form. Place them on top of fig layer. Repeat until all remaining crumb topping is used. Bake for 60-65 minutes until lightly golden on top. Allow to cool completely before slicing.

Recipe adapted from Martha Stewart

The post Fresh Fig Crumble Bars By Popular Demand appeared first on Lemony Thyme.