Foolproof Thanksgiving Desserts

If you're anything like me, you haven't decided exactly what to bring to the family potluck on Turkey Day. Fear not, we've got you covered with three tried & true, family tested desserts that promise to impress. No crazy ingredients or unnecessary steps, so you can run to the store tonight and whip up these tasty treats tomorrow.

 

Shannon's Apple Pie

Ingredients:

• Pre-made pie crust
• 3 to 4 Golden Delicious Apples
• 1 stick of salted butter plus 10 "pats" of butter (a "pat" of butter is a small slice from the stick- less than 1/4 inch thick)
• 3/4 cup of sugar
• Cinnamon to taste (we used multiple "dashes")
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 box Jiffy yellow cake mix

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Grease your pie dish including the top edge where the crust will sit.
• Place pie crust in dish and press to fit, using a fork to press around top edges.
• Slice apples into very thin slices, removing peel (Shannon uses a mandolin, but I sliced with a knife).
• Combine apples, sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a large bowl and toss until apples are covered.
• Place half of apple mixture into prepared pie crust and cover with 5 "pats" of butter (evenly spaced around the pie). Add remaining apples to the pie and cover with an additional 5 "pats" of butter (evenly spaced).
• Pour Jiffy cake mix over the top of the pie and cover with a stick of butter, cut into small pieces.
•  Bake at 350 for 40 - 45 minutes or until browned.
• Serve with fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

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Easy (and delicious!) Pecan Pie

Ingredients:

• 2 shallow pre-made pie crusts (or one deep dish); we used Pet Ritz.
• 1.5 cups of pecans, chopped
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup of dark brown sugar
• 1 cup of corn syrup (light or dark)
• 2 tsp vanilla
• Optional: dark chocolate chips, swig of good bourbon

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Combine all ingredients and pour into two shallow prepared pie crusts or one deep dish pie crust.
• Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes or until crust is browned.
• Serve with fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

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Jackie's Sweet Potato Souffle with Praline Topping

Ingredients: 

• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 5 lb fresh sweet potatoes, boiled, drained, peeled and mashed (6 cups)
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup butter, melted
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1/2 tsp. each: ground nutmeg and allspice

Directions for potato mixture:

• Beat eggs in large bowl.
• Stir in potatoes until well blended.
• Add remaining ingredients, mix well.
• Spread evenly into greased shallow 2 quart baking dish.

Topping:

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans
• 1/3 cup butter, cut in small pieces

Directions:

• Mix sugar, flour, and nuts until well blended.
• Work in the butter with hands until well mixed.
• Sprinkle evenly over potato mixture.
• Bake until topping is browned and crumbly, about 60-70 minutes at 350 degrees.

 

Hope these little treats take some of the stress out of your holiday prep so you an enjoy the day and the loved ones in your life!