Ingredients

• 1 jar (7-1/2 ounces) marshmallow creme
• 2/3 cup instant hot cocoa mix (about 4 packets)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
• Assorted cookies, crackers and pretzels

Ingredients

• 6 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 2 pounds)
• 1-1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/3 cup maple syrup

Ingredients

• 1 (7-1/2 ounce) sheet refrigerated pie crust
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 6 cups chopped peeled apples (Granny Smith)
• 1 can (17-1/2 ounces) large refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing

Ingredients

• 2 cans (21 ounces each) apple pie filling
• 2 cans (17-1/2 ounces each) large refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing, chopped
• Confectioners' sugar, optional

Let’s start with what’s new: The latest flavor to join Baskin-Robbins’ holiday collection is Brie My Guest, which sounds like the chain’s attempt to go toe-to-toe with premium brands like Van Leeuwen or Salt & Straw. The press release describes this cheeseboard-inspired flavor as Brie- and burrata-flavored ice creams mixed with almonds, pistachio pieces and apricot swirls. It seems like Baskin-Robbins is playing in an ever-widening sandbox of the best fast-food ice cream innovations.

What is the turkey ice cream cake?

The real star of the show is Baskin-Robbins’ ice cream turkey cake, a three-dimensional feat of dairy design that features ice cream covered in a caramel praline glaze to suggest roasted brown turkey skin. It even has “legs” made of sugar cones (which the press release describes as “iconic”).

According to Business Insider, Baskin-Robbins has been releasing this version of the turkey cake since 2008, and it remains popular each holiday season. It’s a centerpiece all its own, and it’s the closest you’ll come to eating one of those animated whole turkeys that always look so delicious in cartoons. (Just me?)

The cake serves 12 to 16 people and can be customized to your preferences, filling it with any flavor of Baskin-Robbins ice cream. There are plenty of options that would pair well with a caramel praline glaze, though it defaults to Oreo Cookies ‘n Cream on the order page. If you really wanted seasonal flavor alignment, you could fill it with some Brie My Guest.

How much is a Baskin-Robbins turkey-shaped ice cream cake?

The cake’s price varies by location, but it costs $41.99 at my nearest Baskin-Robbins. Given that it serves up to 16 people, that’s well within range of other Baskin-Robbins specialty desserts. For example, an Oreo Cookies ‘n Cream Polar Pizza costs $21.99 and has eight slices, so you’d have to purchase two to serve the same size crowd.

And hey, if you live in an area of the country where Thanksgiving falls on a dark and chilly day, it would be understandable if you wanted to pass on the ice cream altogether. For you, we have a recipe for an equally cute turkey cake that can be served at room temperature.

The post You Need This Turkey-Shaped Ice Cream Cake on Your Thanksgiving Table appeared first on Taste of Home.

Ingredients

• MEATS AND CHEESES:
• Blue cheese
• Brie cheese
• Colby cheese, cubed
• Hot uncured capocollo
• Merlot Bellavitano cheese
• CONDIMENTS:
• Highbush Cranberry Jam
• Marinated Olives
• Pickles
• FRUITS AND VEGETABLES:
• Apples
• Blanched green beans
• Dried apricots
• Pears
• Pomegranates
• Red grapes
• GARNISHES:
• Fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary sprigs, for garnish
• Mini pumpkins, for garnish
• SNACKS:
• Cinnamon Praline Nuts
• Maple sandwich cookies

Ingredients

• 4 small pears
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup honey
• 1 small lemon, halved
• 3 cinnamon sticks (3 inches)
• 6 to 8 whole cloves
• 1 vanilla bean
• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

The Farm Bureau, a lobbying group that represents farmers and ranchers, reports that some individual items in the spread are more expensive than last year, namely dinner rolls, fresh cranberries, whipping cream and cubed stuffing. However, the price of sweet potatoes, frozen peas, celery, carrots, pumpkin pie mix, pie crusts, whole milk and turkey all dropped.

Turkey historically accounts for nearly half the cost of any Thanksgiving meal, so a cheaper turkey means a cheaper overall dinner.

How much is Thanksgiving dinner in 2024?

Accounting for all the mains and sides listed above, a Thanksgiving meal for 10 people in 2024 will cost an average of $58.08. The price of turkey is 6% lower than last year, a stat the Farm Bureau calls “a bit of an anomaly.”

This year, farmers raised an estimated 205 million turkeys. That’s actually a decrease from 2023, and the lowest number since 1985, due in part to the ongoing bird flu that has affected poultry flocks. The law of supply and demand might dictate that the price of the remaining turkeys would go up…except that, at the same time the number of turkeys fell, the level of demand for turkey fell, too. Prices have fallen to match that lower demand. (Dare we blame the proliferation of delicious vegetarian Thanksgiving mains?)

As The Hustle points out, there’s another factor affecting turkey prices right now. Before the holidays, major retailers treat whole turkeys as loss leaders, meaning they can artificially lower turkey prices and make less profit on them (or none at all). The goal is to lure customers in with the promise of good value and spur those shoppers to make other major purchases at the store.

If you host Thanksgiving and want to trim costs, skip the items that the Farm Bureau cites as having the steepest price increases. Processed products like premade rolls and cubed stuffing have spiked the most in price (8%), partly due to labor shortages, so homemade dinner rolls might be best!

The post Your Thanksgiving Turkey Will Be Cheaper This Year—Here’s Why appeared first on Taste of Home.

If you’ve beendebating whether to spend money onKing of Christmas or Balsam Hill, these low prices may decide for you. And if you’re not in the market for a new tree, there are still plenty of holiday picks on deep discount. Perhaps a new ornament storage box or a stocking holder will make spirits bright. Here’s everything you need to know about this flash sale.

What is the Balsam Hill Black Friday sale?

If you’re pining (get it?) to upgrade your old, dusty artificial tree, now is the time. Today only, customers save up to 50% on the Balsam Hill website. Sale items include both lit and unlit artificial Christmas treesand decor. Additionally, shoppers receive free shipping on any order made before the sale ends. Pick up a Balsam Hill wreath or Balsam Hill garland to zhuzh up your holiday decorboth of our favorite options are available at a deep discount!

The Best Balsam Hill Trees on Sale

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Best Smart Tree

BH Fraser Fir Tree with Twinkly Light Show

If your a colored lights lover, don't sleep on the Balsam Hill Twinkly tree. The 7.5-foot option is on sale for $1199, which saves you $700!

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In our Balsam Hill smart tree review, wediscuss this charmingFraser Fir and its capabilities. Choose the Twinkly light option, which is compatible with a user-friendly app. The smart Christmas tree comes with five preset light functions that the included control box turns on. The functions are Rainbow, Snow, UpDown, Fireworks and Glow. You can also display countless more effects on your tree with help from the app. It’s well worth the full priceand now you can snag the 7.5-foot version for $700 off!

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Best Flip Tree

BH Balsam Fir Flip Tree

Ready, set, flip! If easy setup is a must, the Balsam Hill flip tree makes decorating prep a breeze. Bring home a 6.5-foot flip tree with clear lights for $999and save $400 in the process!

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We’ve covered the benefits of this Balsam Fir in our flip tree review, but for those who haven’t heard, this Balsam Fir flip tree offers just about the easiest setup possible. The tree smartly sits on caster wheels and effortlessly rolls into place. Then, to set it up, all you need to do is press the foot pedal, pull the tree stem toward you and voila! Gravity does the rest. No struggle, no fuss, just fluff and go. If you’ve been on the fence, now is the time to grab a 6.5-foot flip tree at a whopping $400 discount.

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Most Realistic

Classic Blue Spruce

Go back to the basics with a realistic Blue Spruce. The 6.5-foot tree with clear lights is on sale for just $349; that's a 50% savings!

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Not all Balsam Hill trees have excessive bells and whistles. For those seeking a tried and true classic, this Blue Spruce brings buckets of merriment to any holiday celebration. We love it so much that it even earned a place as the most realistic option we’ve tested! If you looked up Christmas tree in the dictionary, theres a chance youd find an image of the Balsam Hill Classic Blue Spruce. And now, you can score this 6.5-foot cheery tree at a 50% markdown!

How We Tested Balsam Hill

To find the best Balsam Hill Christmas trees, we spent countless hours researching and reading reviews. We evaluated specs, light options, shape and branch structure. We then called in three of our front-runners for thorough, in-person testing, split between our Milwaukee studio and editors homes. Our testing involved timing setup and fluffing, hanging ornaments of different weights, measuring and packing the tree away. We also read up on the brands trusty warrantyand even contacted customer service for troubleshooting support.

Then, to see what else the brand has to offer, we called in a garland, wreath, ornament set and ornament storage option. Just like the trees, we were impressed by the quality and realism. Across the board, we find Balsam Hill products live up to the hype.

How to Shop the Balsam Hill Cyber Monday Sale

Visit the Balsam Hill website to shop the Cyber Monday deals. As a reminder, the sale runs December 2 and only lasts while products are in stock.

Today only, get an extra $50 off orders over $350 using code CYBERSLEIGH.

Through December 31, you can save even more with promo codes, depending on how much you spend:

• $15 off $350: Use codeBALSAMHILL15
• $20 off $500: Use codeBALSAMHILL20
• $25 off $600: Use codeBALSAM25OFF
• $30 off $730: Use codeBALSAMHILL30
• $40 off $1100: Use codeBALSAMHILL40
• $50 off $1500: Use code50BALSAMHILL
• $90 off $2100: Use codeBALSAMHILL90

The post The Balsam Hill Cyber Monday Sale Is Your Excuse to Get a Lifelike Christmas Tree for Less appeared first on Taste of Home.

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 ounces) canned pumpkin
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
• 1 package (15-1/4 ounces) yellow cake mix
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• Confectioners' sugar, optional

Ingredients

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• FROSTING:
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 6 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Ingredients

• Ice cubes
• 1-1/2 ounces peppermint vodka
• 1-1/2 ounces coffee liqueur
• 1 ounce brewed espresso
• 1 ounce half-and-half cream
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole milk
• 8 ounces white baking chips
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• Whipped cream and white chocolate curls

Ingredients

• 1-3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 5 tablespoons sugar
• 1/3 cup butter, melted
• CHEESCAKE FILLING:
• 4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• TOPPING:
• 1-1/2 cups pecan halves
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 6 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

The best artificial Christmas trees have come a long way. Today’s options are incredibly lifelike with easy-connect lights, meaning you can skip the tedious setup and get straight to the fun partdecorating! The only hard part is choosing from a behemoth of options, many of which look much different in their online listing photo than they do in real life.

If you’re stuck, we evaluated two of the top artificial Christmas tree brands on the market. We tested seven trees to judge quality, realism and value. Here’s everything you need to know about the King of Christmas vs. Balsam Hill debate.

What’s the difference between King of Christmas and Balsam Hill?

King of Christmas and Balsam Hill are two of the biggest names in the artificial Christmas tree game. You can shop their offerings year-round on their respective websites. Each brand carries trees of various shapes, sizes and light types, so whether you’re looking for a fat Blue Spruce or a skinny Alpine-style fir, you’re likely to find it on either brand’s site.

Both brand’s trees are on the premium end of the spectrum, especially compared to big-box retailer selections. You definitely pay for the quality, realism and easy setup. Prices run the gamut, but Balsam Hill trees range from $349 to $4,199, while King of Christmas trees start at $229 and go up to $3,299. Both brands do run frequent sales, so you can often find a tree for less.

In addition to trees, King of Christmas and Balsam Hill sell other holiday items like garlands, wreaths and ornaments.

How We Tested King of Christmas

To make sure King of Christmas trees live up to the hype, we called in four assorted options for firsthand testing. I, along with editor Emily Way, evaluated each option in our respective homes. Our testing criteria judged the unboxing experience, setup, lights, fluffing process, realism, ornament-friendliness, takedown and price of each tree.

While we ran into a few set-up snags, each King of Christmas tree was incredibly easy to light, thanks to a built-in power pole. Goodbye, fumbling for plugs between scratchy branches! Our trees all came with remote controls, which was a convenient touch. And we absolutely loved the dimmable light feature (among other twinkling settings).

Some of the trees looked more real than others, but the branches were generally sturdy and held ornaments of all sizes with ease. The real darling was the Queen Flock, which was less messy than other flocked trees we tried and looked perfectly snow-kissed.

The Best King of Christmas Trees

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We Tried It

King of Christmas Tribeca Spruce

Even the most expensive trees can take forever to fluff. If you want a tree that looks good without too much finagling, give the Tribeca Spruce a try.

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We Tried It

King of Christmas King Noble Fir

We found setup to be a cinch, thanks to this trees light, 22-pound weight. Its one of the most manageable trees weve come across in our testing.

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We Tried It

King of Christmas Queen Flock

The flocking on this tree is some of the best weve seen; snowy and very lifelike. The thick coating on the branches makes fluffing easy, and ornaments hang securely, too.

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How We Tested Balsam Hill

Do Balsam Hill Christmas trees look as good in real life as they do in Hallmark movies? We went on a mission to find out, testing three assorted options in both our editors’ homes and our Product Testing Lab. We followed the same criteria we applied to King of Christmas trees.

Right out of the box, we knew these trees were the real deal. The mix of branch tips looked incredibly lifelike. The only downside is that Balsam Hill trees require a lot of fluffing. We spent at least 20 minutes on each tree, bending and plying branches into place. Our work was ultimately rewarded by trees that looked just like their online listing photos.

The lights go on through a similar power pole technology as King of Christmas, and we loved the array of lights you can choose. Whether you’re a white light purist or twinkly colored light devotee, there’s an option for everyone.

And, if you’re looking for smart features, the Balsam Hill flip tree is one of the most impressive firs we’ve ever seen. Its unique setup style allows you to roll and then flip the tree into place. The minimal lifting makes this an excellent option for older adults or anyone with mobility issues.

The Best Balsam Hill Trees

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$599 at Amazon

We Tried It

Balsam Hill Classic Blue Spruce

If you looked up Christmas tree in the dictionary, theres a chance youd find an image of this Blue Spruce. Its the quintessential tree, with its full shape and real-looking needles.

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$599 at Amazon

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We Tried It

Balsam Hill Balsam Fir Flip Tree

To date, we have yet to find a tree that outperforms the flip tree in the easy setup class. You get a fully assembled Christmas tree in less than two minutes.

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We Tried It

Balsam Hill Fraser Fir Tree with Twinkly Light Show

Our testers had tons of fun toying around with the handful of presets and couldve kept exploring this smart trees capabilities for hours if time allowed.

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The Bottom Line: King of Christmas vs. Balsam Hill

Both King of Christmas and Balsam Hill make beautiful, lifelike, high-end Christmas trees. From our extensive firsthand experience, we are confident that these trees will hold up for many seasons. The construction is solid. And we appreciate the smart inclusions found in most tree boxes, like light repair kits and custom storage bags. You really can’t go wrong with either brand.

That said, depending on what you’re specifically looking for, there are scenarios where one brand is preferable to the other. If realism is your top concern, look no further than Balsam Hill. These truly are some of the most realistic trees you can find on the market. We also strongly recommend the patented Balsam Hill flip tree for anyone who struggles to set up a traditional tree. These features come at a price, though. Balsam Hill trees are typically more expensive than comparable King of Christmas options.

If a flocked tree is on your wish list, we adore the King of Christmas Queen Flock. We also really appreciate the built-in dimming feature, which is ideal for anyone who’s ever felt their Christmas tree was a little too bright at times.

The post King of Christmas vs. Balsam Hill: Which Brand Makes a Better Christmas Tree? appeared first on Taste of Home.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds medium potatoes, peeled
• 2 teaspoons salt, divided
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 to 1 tablespoon truffle oil
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon truffle salt, optional

Ingredients

• SIMPLE SYRUP:
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 Earl Grey tea bags
• CAKE:
• 3/4 cup 2% milk
• 3 Earl Grey tea bags, divided
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1-1/2 cups sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2-1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• FROSTING:
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 tablespoon 2% milk

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup water
• 1-1/2 cups sugar, divided
• 1 package (12 ounces) fresh cranberries (about 3-1/2 cups)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar, divided
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 tablespoons dark rum
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups chopped peeled apple
• 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

Ingredients

• 3 maraschino cherries with stems, divided
• Ice cubes
• 1 ounce grenadine syrup
• 8 ounces chilled ginger ale

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Size options:7-, 8- and 9-foot |Warranty:2 years| Light options:LED white, Unlit |Inclusions:Stand, storage bag, fluffing gloves, remote |Price: $529 (7-foot with LED white lights)

The holiday task we hate, hate, hatedouble hateand loathe entirely? Fluffing the Christmas tree. Call us a Grinch, but no one wants to spend hours finagling scratchy branches when there are garlands and ornaments to hang!

Luckily, the King of Christmas Tribeca Spruce makes the process pretty painless, according to tester and Editor Emily Way. The first time she put the spruce up, she found it took less time to shape than other trees. The full shape and intuitively shaped branches make for easy bending, and ornaments of various weights hang securely. Plus, after fluffing, only a handful of needles came off during Emily’s testing.

As a pet parent, Emily was impressed with how sturdy this tree felt, especially compared to budget options. She has hope it will stand up to her active cats! Plus, it looks incredibly realistic, thanks to a mix of branch tips and a dreamy blue-green hue.

The lights on this tree connect with built-in trunk technology, so all you have to do is plug the tree in once it’s assembled. It also comes with a remote control that oversees eight twinkling functions and three dimmer settings. One note: Emily found the remote was a bit unresponsive at times.

The post The Best King of Christmas Trees, Tested by Holiday Experts appeared first on Taste of Home.

Ingredients

• 1 pound uncooked fettuccine
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup half-and-half cream
• 1/2 cup vodka
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• Grated Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper, for serving

Ingredients

• 12 bacon strips
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 cups buttermilk or 2% milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons butter, for cooking
• Whipped topping in a can
• 24 fresh blueberries
• 12 fresh strawberries, tops removed
• Maple syrup, for serving

That’s right! Through November 18 (or while supplies last), you can score your own 10- to 14-pound bird, five pounds of turkey breast or a stunning holiday ham with a new subscription to ButcherBox. And these aren’t just any turkeys, eitherthey’re free-range, antibiotic- and hormone-free and 100% organic, just like BucherBox’s other meaty offerings.

What is ButcherBox?

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ButcherBox

ButcherBox provides high-quality, humanely raised meat and seafood delivered straight to your door.

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ButcherBox is a mail-order subscription service like Good Chop or Snake River Farms. Like many meat subscriptions, they offer a variety of prime cuts, from chicken thighs to beef and Italian sausage. Unlike other services, however, the quality of the cuts isn’t the only focus. Instead, ButcherBox uses high-quality, humanely raised meat and seafood for its plentiful offerings.

All of ButcherBoxs meat comes from farms committed to sustainable agriculture and fair labor practices. This means that each piece of meat is free from hormones or antibiotics. The cuts are shipped directly to your door, ready to be thawed, cooked and enjoyed. Because they’re frozen solid prior to shipping, they arrive just as fresh and delicious as the day they ship.

There are three standard ButcherBoxes to choose frombeef and pork, beef and chicken, and mixed (with beef, chicken and pork). Apart from their myriad subscription offeringsincluding custom boxesButcherBox also offers an assortment ofone-time gift boxes that you can ship to loved ones or use to stock your freezer.

How We Tested ButcherBox

In 2024, Taste of Home contributor, former chef and James-Beard award nominee Allison Robicelli reviewed ButcherBox. Her custom ButcherBox included two filet mignons, four boneless pork chops, a flank steak, a whole chicken and a bag of individually frozen salmon filets.

“ButcherBoxs grass-fed filet mignons deliver plenty of big, beefy flavor while also being impossibly tender. Theyre cut on the thinner side, so they cook quickly and go from rare to well-done in a matter of seconds,” says Allison. She was equally impressed with her salmon, noting that the filets she received were “stellar, rich and buttery.” As for the pork? Well, let’s just say she was smitten at first bite.

“Its easy to make boneless pork chops that are dry and underwhelming, and thats due to the quality of factory-farmed pork,” she notes. “ButcherBoxs humanely raised pork is (literally) an entirely different animalone that remains juicy and succulent during cooking. With so much flavor, it isnt necessary to marinate or slather with strongly flavored sauce.”

How to Get a Free ButcherBox Turkey in 2024

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ButcherBox

Want a free holiday turkeyand delicious meats delivered right to your door? Sign up today for ButcherBox.

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To get a free Thanksgiving turkey from ButcherBox, just head to ButcherBox’s website and sign up for your first subscription box. That’s it! Not a big fan of turkey, or don’t feel like carving up a whole bird? No worries. Upon signup, the site prompts you to choose from either a 10- to 14-pound turkey, eight-pound spiral ham or five pounds of boneless turkey breasts.

But hurrythis deal only lasts through November 18 or as long as supplies last. It’s also limited to new members only. We expect these to sell out fast, so don’t delay!

The post You Can Get a FREE ButcherBox Turkey for Thanksgiving—Here’s How appeared first on Taste of Home.

5. Lester’s Fixins Pumpkin Pie Soda

The novelty soda brand Lester’s Fixins has no shortage of odd flavors: Bacon, Peanut Butter & Jelly and Buffalo Wing are some of the quirky sips sold in 12-ounce glass bottles. The Pumpkin Pie flavor doesn’t taste nearly as unpleasant as I was bracing for, and it’s significantly more like pumpkin pie than Jelly Belly’s attempt (more on that later). Each sip offers prominent cinnamon notes, and the pure cane sugar from which the soda is made suggests something baked at home from scratchat least as much as a bright orange soft drink can possibly suggest that. This sits last because it’s the last thing I’d reach for a second time, but I have no ill will toward Lester or his fixins.

The post 5 ‘Thanksgiving’-Flavored Foods, Ranked appeared first on Taste of Home.

I chatted with Kelsey Shepard, a cookie exchange expert, professional baker and owner of Kelsey Elizabeth Cakes, to get her top tips on hosting a successful Christmas cookie party. Kelsey has hosted cookie exchange parties since her high school days and has picked up tons of tips, tricks and ideas over the years. She’s now in her second year of hosting The Cookie Exchange, an event in Northern Ohio that brings together more than 200 bakers in a single evening. And this year, Taste of Home is a sponsor!

Below, youll find the blueprint for hosting a stress-free cookie exchange party. With proper planning and a detailed to-do list, youll be able to actually enjoy your party and maybe even have a festive Christmas cocktail or two.

How does a cookie exchange work?

A Christmas cookie exchange is exactly how it sounds: a festive event where guests bring a large batch of one type of homemade cookie to share, plus copies of the recipe. After the exchange, everyone goes home with an assortment of Christmas cookies.

When the guests arrive, Kelsey has everyone set up their cookies on a large buffet table. The first hour is for mingling, introducing people, taste-testing cookies and enjoying light bites and fizzy drinks. The second hour is for the main event: exchanging cookies! She encourages guests to go around the table with a container, grab the allotted cookie amount per person and pick up a recipe card copy.

Kelsey suggests adding to the fun with a superlative voting aspect. Have guests vote and give awards for the favorite cookie,” like the most festive or most original. The prizes don’t have to be fancy; they could be anything from bragging rights to a cute spatula or ornament!

How to Plan a Stress-Free Cookie Exchange

The key to hosting a stress-free cookie exchange is slowly chipping away at a to-do list over time. Our timeline starts one month before the party, so theres plenty of time to get everything done.

Keep in mind, you can plan any size event you like. It can be among just a few friends or a few hundred (like Kelsey’s). You can also decide to take on all of the hosting duties yourself or delegate specific tasks to other guests. For example, ask volunteers to bring drinks and light bites, or task a musically gifted friend to create the partys playlist.

Christmas Cookie Exchange Timeline

1 Month Before the Cookie Party

• Prepare your guest list: Before you make a long list of friends, family, neighbors and co-workers, Kelsey advises you to consider your space. I like to have the cookies all on one table for aesthetic reasons, so if your table seats six, I would make the guest list no bigger than that. If you want to host more guests, set up a table nearby and make sure there is an organic flow for people to move around when it comes time to package up the cookies.
• Set a date: The holiday season can fill up quickly, so Kelsey suggests setting a date in early December before people’s calendars become too chaotic. Keep the party around two hours, three at most, and consider hosting on a weekday evening.
• Choose your rules: A must-have rule is how many cookies each guest should bring to the exchange. Other rules to consider are whether the cookies must be homemade and if it’s OK for guests to bring non-cookie items, like Christmas candies or chocolate bark.
• Create and deliver the invites: Turn to evites for ease, or get crafty and send handmade invitations via snail mail. Include the date, time and RSVP due date. Let the guests know about any rules, including the number of cookies each guest should bring. Provide a space for guests to list their cookie choice, too. Kelsey likes to “be cheeky” and says, “The first one to RSVP gets to make the cookie, and any later duplicates will be asked to change, so RSVP sooner rather than later!”

3 Weeks Before the Party

• Follow up on RSVPs: On the due date, sit down and review your guest list. Did everyone respond? Are there any cookie duplicates you overlooked? While this may seem menial, these small logistical tasks will ensure your party is a sweet success.
• Choose your own bake: If youre unsure which cookie to make yourself, Kelsey suggests beautifully decorated sugar cookies to impress guests or a batch of peanut butter blossoms for an easier option.
• Shop for party supplies: Now is the time to shop for non-edible party supplies, like plates, napkins, cups, silverware, festive tablecloths and cookie trays. Make sure to grab a pack of blank place cards for guests to write their cookie name on, or spread out butcher paper on the table and have guests write it right on the table, advises Kelsey. Either way, make sure everyone knows which cookies are which!
• Buy or make gifts for any prize winners: If you plan to give awards, start thinking about prizes. This could be a baking spatula, apron, gift card, funny trophy or any practical gift for bakers.
• Acquire cookie boxes: This step is optional, as guests can bring their own containers. However, you can go the extra mile by providing festive Christmas cookie packaging. Kelsey likes to use brown craft boxes, writing each guest’s name on their box and adding a festive finish with red and white bakers twine.

2 Weeks Before the Party

• Create a menu: It’s always nice for guests to mingle and get to know one another over light bites and bubbly Christmas drinks. To keep it stress-free, stick to easy appetizers and no-cook dishes, like a Christmas tree charcuterie board. As far as drinks go, Kelsey suggests party punchbowl recipes. I like to have a punch ready to go and chilled as well, so guests can serve themselves all night, and Im not stuck making individual cocktails.
• Make a shopping list: Now that your menu is set, write a grocery list. Tack it to your fridge so it’s easy to add items as you think of them. (Dont forget to include your cookies ingredients!)
• Curate a playlist: Start thinking about the party’s mood and create a Christmas cookie exchange playlist. Not sure what to play? Christmas songs, of course! You can’t go wrong with classics like Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, either.

2 Days Before the Party

• Go grocery shopping: Now that you’re in the home stretch, its time to do The Big Shop. Grab your grocery list and head to the store.
• Set up tables and chairs: Your dining table is the perfect place to set up cookies for the exchange, but you may want to move the chairs away from the table to make room. You can set them up elsewhere for extra seating.
• Make your cookie dough: In culinary school, I learned how important it was to chill cookie dough. Letting it sit in the fridge for 24 hours gives the fats time to solidify and helps the ingredients meld together, creating cookies with the best flavor and texture.

1 Day Before the Party

• Set up decorations: It’s time to get festive! Set up your Christmas decorations and lay down the tablecloth. Arrange the cookie trays on the table so guests can lay out their cookies once they arrive. Feel free to set out plates, napkins, cups and silverware, too.
• Bake your cookies: I highly recommend baking your cookies the day before the party, especially if they need to be decorated. Most cookies will last for up to five days at room temperature. Store the cookies properly to keep them fresh for tomorrow.
• Make the drinks: If youve decided to do a large-batch pitcher or bowl of punch, mix up your drinks and let them chill in the fridge. If your drink has a fizzy component, wait to add the bubbles until right before the event.
• Prepare the food: Now is a good time to double-check that you have everything you need, as there’s still time for one final run to the store. You can also prepare any make-ahead items, like dips, skewered light bites or charcuterie boards. Tightly wrap any prepared items in storage wrap and store them in the fridge.
• Clean, clean, clean: Spruce up any areas of the house where guests will mingle. Our holiday cleaning checklist can help to manage this often-tedious task.

Party Day!

• Create the Christmas feeling: Light some candles, start a fire in the fireplace and turn on your Christmas cookie party playlist.
• Set up food and drinks: About 30 minutes before the party starts, set up the appetizers and drinks in their designated area. When your guests arrive, help them set up their cookie trays. If you asked guests to bake a few extra cookies for everyone to try at the exchange, cut them up and set them out in front of each tray.
• Mingle and graze: Introduce your guests to each other and encourage them to mingle as they enjoy the snacks. If youre voting on cookie superlatives, make sure everyone tries the cookies and casts their vote.
• Exchange cookies: You’ve arrived at the main event! Inform everyone how many cookies they can take from each tray and give them time to build their cookie boxes.
• Announce the winners: If you have cookie exchange superlatives, tally up the votes. Once everyone’s boxes are packed, announce the winners and hand out awards, if any.

Christmas Cookie Party FAQ

How many cookies should you bring to a holiday cookie exchange?

Every cookie exchange is a little different, so the number of cookies to bring really depends on the number of guests. Kelsey recommends planning on 10 of each cookie per person for parties with four to six guests. So, for a party with five people, each guest would bake 50 cookies. If youre hosting 7 to 10 people, you can reduce the number of cookies to five per person, so guests at a 10-person party would still only bake 50 cookies.

Remember that people will probably want to try everyone’s cookies, so encourage guests to bake a few extra so they can be cut up and sampled at the party.

What are the rules for a cookie exchange?

One of the most prominent rules for a cookie exchange is that the cookies must be homemade. Another common rule is that cookie choices must be unique. An assortment of special Christmas cookies is the secret to the best cookie platter!

Otherwise, the rules are at the discretion of the host. Sometimes, the host will specify that they only want to exchange cookiesno Christmas candy, chocolate bark or truffles. Another rule is to skip everyday cookies, like chocolate chip cookies. No matter what rules you choose, be sure that everyone brings the appropriate number of cookies so each guest goes home with an equal amount.

What is the most popular cookie at Christmas?

Some of the most popular Christmas cookie recipes are gingerbread men and decorated sugar cookies. Those can be a little time-consuming, so feel free to go with easy Christmas cookies for a stress-free holiday. If youre keen on bringing a unique cookie, take a peek at some cookies from around the world. Alfajores or Jammy Dodgers, anyone?

The post How to Plan a Stress-Free Christmas Cookie Exchange, Straight from a Pro appeared first on Taste of Home.

Ingredients

• 3 slices bacon strips
• 2 pounds fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and quartered
• 1 shallot, minced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
• 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup shredded white sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Ingredients

• 6 cups fresh broccoli spears
• 2 tablespoons plus 1-1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: Grilled lemon slices and red pepper flakes

Storing that collection, though, can be a bit of a headache. I’ve tried a number of different methods, such as wrapping each trinket in tissue paper and nestling inside a storage bin or packing each piece inside its own tiny box. So far, these DIY methods haven’t met my standards. They either take up too much space or leave my precious (and fragile!) pieces vulnerable to breakage.

For Christmas 2024, I made it my mission to find a solution. And that’s when I stumbled upon the Balsam Hill rolling ornament storage chest. I tested this organizer, along with a set of Balsam Hill ornaments, to see if my storage woes would finally meet their match.

What is Balsam Hill ornament storage?

Balsam Hill ornament storage offers a sleek, compact way to keep your adornments safe. Available in three sizes to fit 100, 120 or 150 ornaments, each holder features a bright red exterior. It’s built like a suitcase, rolling around on four caster wheels and including a retractable handle. Each chest includes several easy-to-remove trays with fabric-lined dividers for nestling ornaments of all shapes and sizes. There’s even a front zippered pocket for holding ornament hooks! This smart storage solution thought of everything, and it’s beholden to the high quality we’ve come to expect from Balsam Hill.

VIA MERCHANT

Shop on Balsam Hill

We Tried It

Balsam Hill Rolling Ornament Organizer

Keep your precious ornaments safe with this genius chest organizer. It's pricey, but worth it for the peace of mind!

Shop on Balsam Hill

How We Tested It

I’ve been testing the 100-ornament rolling storage chest and 35-piece Alpine Grove ornament collection since September 2024.

Unboxing and Assembly

Both the ornaments and ornament chest arrived in standard Balsam Hill boxes. The ornaments were split between two boxes, each lined with styrofoam packing material. A few of the less breakable ornaments, like the twig balls, were wrapped in paper. I was impressed that there was zero breakage. Some glitter had fallen off, but none of the glass ornaments were chipped, cracked or otherwise harmed.

The ornament storage arrived flat and required some light assembly. For only needing to put in two screws, it was surprisingly challenging. The angle and black interior made it tricky to get the correct angle aligned to put the screw ineven with a flashlight. I’d recommend a helper so someone can gently tug on the metal framing while the other person screws. By myself, this step took about 15 minutes.

Next, you need to unfold the ornament holders and add the dividers. This step is very simple and cathartic. To finish assembly, stack each of the five holders inside the case.

Once assembled, I was able to fully appreciate the high quality of the organizer. It’s made of the same durable material as the Balsam Hill flip tree’s storage bag. The zippers glide easily and the handle feels like a nice piece of luggage. I also love that there’s a pocket on the front for ornament hooks and a label on the side. (I have multiple trees in my home, so I love this detail for keeping collections straight!)

Ornament Storage

Once assembled, it was time to test the fit. I began arranging the Alpine ornamentswhich I picked for their wide array of shapes and sizesin the organizer.The dividers create 20 pockets in each holder. But you could remove a slot or two to make space for large or long ornaments. Additionally, if you have really small ornaments, you could get away with placing a few in each slot.

I found that the Balsam Hill ornaments fit nicely. The longer, finial shapes required me to remove a divider, and some of the extra-large pieces, like the twine balls, didn’t fit at all. That said, this ornament collection runs large overallwhich is why they make such an impact on the tree!

As far as security goes, each ornament was snug. If you have really delicate pieces, you could wrap them in tissue paper before nestling inside, but I don’t think it’s necessary for most baubles. I like that there’s a large black piece that goes on the top of the last row, too, for extra protection.I rolled the case around a bit, jostling the ornaments inside, and they didn’t budge.

Value

Now, there’s no denying this ornament organizer is an investment. It costs $269, with larger sizes going for even more. If you primarily have plastic, felt, shatterproof or otherwise durable pieces, it’s likely not worth the cost. But if you’re an ornament collector with highly delicate pieces, this chest is worth it for peace of mind. I’m already planning to buy a second for my ever-growing Old World Christmas assortment and treasured Patience Brewster “Dash Away” reindeer set.

Pros

• Safe and secure way to stash fragile ornaments
• Includes wheels and a retractable handle for easy maneuvering
• Fits up to 100 ornaments (or even more if they’re small)
• High-quality canvas
• Smart details, like a front pocket and label

Cons

• Pricey
• A little tricky to assemble
• Not suitable for extra-large ornaments

Why You Should Trust us

Im a holiday gifting and Christmas decorating expert with nearly a decade of editorial experience. My work has been featured inFamily Handyman,Readers Digest,Better Homes & Gardensand, of course,Taste of Home. To date, Ive contributed to testing over a dozenartificial Christmas treesincluding Balsam Hill trees (like the smart Twinkly tree) and King of Christmas trees. I also have experience testing a Balsam Hill wreath and garland. An avid holiday enthusiast, my goal is to help our readers find the best products for making merry.

Where To Buy Balsam Hill Ornament Storage

VIA MERCHANT

Shop on Balsam Hill

We Tried It

Balsam Hill Rolling Ornament Organizer

Ornament collectors, this one's for you! We were impressed with this rolling chest's quality and ample storage space.

Shop on Balsam Hill

You can pick up all three sizes of the ornament organizer, including the 100-ornament chest we tested, at Balsam Hill. Prices start at $269. While pricey, it’s a worthwhile investment to keep your ornaments safe season after season.

The Alpine Grove ornament collection we tested is also available at Balsam Hill. The set includes 35 handcrafted pieces in an assortment of forest-themed shapes for $299, or roughly $8.50 an ornament. Considering the quality and detail, this is a great set for anyone starting or looking to grow their ornament collection.

The post Balsam Hill Ornament Storage Review: The Safest Way To Store Your Baubles appeared first on Taste of Home.

Ingredients

• 1 large heirloom tomato, sliced
• 2 medium peaches, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 8 fresh basil leaves
• 1 package (8 ounces) fresh mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Sea salt, to taste
• Coarsely ground pepper, to taste