Fresh and homemade food is always more delicious, flavorful and impressive than their frozen, canned or jarred counterparts. That's just my humble opinion, but... Yeah.
Yes. Sometimes I look around at my house with my infant son scooting around on his walker, drool-faced and screaming, while my 7-year-old son and husband are yelling "SHOOT HIM!! TURN AROUND!! HE'S RIGHT THERE!! C'MON," battling each other on whatever video game they're playing on the X-box, while somehow simultaneously asking what's for dinner, and when will it be ready.
This is when I usually will want to throw the scratch-made this or homemade-that out the window. Fuggedaboutit. I'm just going to throw a frozen something-or-other in the oven. Harrumph!
But, let me share a little secret with you that I only recently learned myself. Homemade doesn't have to be hard. It also doesn't have to be elaborate. A lot of the time, it's cheaper too. Plus, you know EXACTLY what is going into your meal. No added sugars, or crazy things. Unless of course you add them yourself. Duh.
Yes. I'm exhausted by the end of the day with all that it takes to keep this house from burning down with us all inside. You know what it's like. Whatever you do all day, whether it be busy out at work, or home with the kids, when you take just a smidgen of extra time when preparing your family's dinner, it really makes a difference. Seeing my guys smile, hearing, "Wow, this is REALLY good," all while knowing that they are eating good stuff, and you know what's IN the good stuff... Yep. it's all worth it.
So this week, I bring to you not one, but TWO really easy, really delicious and super simple homemade, from scratch, side dishes that you'll be proud to serve this Thanksgiving, or any time during the year.
Two of my favorite sides on the Thanksgiving spread have to be green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce. Both of these dishes have "traditionally" spawned from cans. I mean, no Thanksgiving in my history has been without a jelled formed can of Ocean Spray. I mean... that jiggle... My dad loves the stuff, so what can ya do?
But what if, WHAT IF.... What if you didn't need cans for these beloved dishes, and everything was fresh and delicious? What if for the cranberry sauce, all you needed was 10-15 minutes, some fresh cranberries, sugar, and an orange?
Today I want to show you how to make some delicious, homemade cranberry sauce. Now, this recipe below can be made as-is, and it's awesome and delicious, but it can also be used as a base-recipe.
What I mean is, you can take it and make it whatever your heart desires. If you like things spicy, why not throw in a chopped up chili of your choice along with the sugar and the orange? Like things boozy? Use a couple tablespoons of orange liqueur instead of orange juice! Don't like oranges? Don't use them! Substitute water instead. Want to cut back on sugar? Use Splenda! Like things peppery? Salt and pepper will transform this sauce into something a bit more savory! You get the gist.
Basically, with this recipe and just 3 ingredients, your'e on your way to some of the best cranberry sauce this side of heaven! And it's not just me who thinks so. Even the baby likes it!
Check out this recipe for homemade cranberry sauce! It's so good, and so easy.
Come back soon, because I will have the Green Bean Casserole recipe for you later this week! If you decide to make these recipes, please let me know down in the comments section! And come hang out with me over on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Happy cooking, and don't forget to Slow Down and Savor!
