This King Cake Beignets Recipe Is Everything Mardi Gras in One Bite

Bring the Mardi Gras celebration anywhere with the ultimate sweet dessert mash-up that pretty much sums up the best parts of New Orleans. Anyone who’s visited NOLA can attest to the fact that there’s nothing quite like a freshly fried beignet with a cup of coffee at Café du Monde in the French Quarter, but when it comes to the Carnival season there’s one dessert that reigns supreme — the king cake. So naturally we thought to ourselves, how can we combine the two? And thus we present the sweetest dessert you’ll want to eat on Fat Tuesday!

king cake beignets RECIPE

Recipe from Nicole Iizuka, Brit + Co

(Makes ~ 36-40 beignets)

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (or 1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees Fahrenheit)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon, divided
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 7 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup shortening
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • non-stick cooking spray
  • 1 quart vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon water
  • green sanding sugar
  • purple sanding sugar
  • yellow sanding sugar

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand for 5 minutes or until small bubbles start to form. Add sugar, eggs, salt, half of the cinnamon, nutmeg, and evaporated milk, and mix until combined. Then add in about half of the flour and mix until smooth.
  2. Add the shortening, lemon zest, and remaining flour and mix until smooth. Place the dough in a bowl sprayed with non-stick cooking spray, cover with plastic wrap, and chill for at least 2 to 24 hours.
  3. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and lightly flour your work surface. Cut the dough into quarters and then roll the dough out to approximately 1/8 inch thick. Cut into squares. Keep going with the remaining dough.
  4. Place oil in a heavy bottomed pan and heat until the oil reaches 360 degrees Fahrenheit. You can test the oil by frying one of the beignets. If the dough does not pop up then the oil is not hot enough. Fry the beignets for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove from the pot and drain off excess oil on a paper-towel-lined plate.
  5. While the beignets are cooling, in a bowl mix together confectioner’s sugar, remaining cinnamon, lemon juice, and water until a glaze is formed. Dip the tops of the beignets in the glaze and sprinkle with colored sanding sugar.
  6. Serve warm.

When you make these, be sure to tag us on Instagram so we can see your awesome creations.

(Photos via Nicole Iizuka / Brit + Co)

It's 2024; changing up Thanksgiving staple dishes is totally cool. It's almost time to serve stuffing cups and mashed cauliflower puree, but do you dare go beyond the classic pumpkin or apple pie? The answer is yes. There are so many new ways to incorporate your favorite Thanksgiving ingredients that you might as well try them all! (Well, as many as you can anyway).

You can always opt for new takes on apple crisp, unique pecan recipes, and pumpkin pie alternatives. Or, if you'd rather skip the pies altogether, try something completely new. Here are some of the best Thanksgiving desserts that break the mold and taste delicious while doing so.


Pumpkin Recipes

Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread 

Sloane's Table

Nothing says Thanksgiving like delicious pumpkin bread, but have you ever tried the brown butter recipe? It adds "a nutty, caramelized flavor" that'll make it hard for you to eat only one slice.

Pumpkin Pie Spiced Toffee 

Brit + Co

Don't want to deal with any leftovers? This crispy pumpkin-spice toffee is one of our favorite Thanksgiving desserts that aren't pie because it's easy for people to take home in bags. Give some to your friends, your family, and your neighbors!

Einkorn Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Calico + Twine

These aren't your average cookies. Not only are they packed with pumpkin flavor, but they're fluffy like cake instead of dense like other chocolate chip cookie recipes. One thing you'll want to note is that this recipe is specified for Einkorn flour (which hasn't been hybridized, meaning it's full of health benefits and flavor), so if you use another kind, you'll want to follow Kaetlyn's instructions on ratios.

Pumpkin Pie Brownies 

The Cookie Rookie

Boxed brownie mix (which is already a good Thanksgiving dessert) gets a gooey upgrade when layered with pumpkin, cream cheese, and warming spices.

Chocolate Pumpkin Tart with Gingersnap Crust

Completely Delicious

This is like pumpkin pie, only so much better. The rich gingersnap crust pairs so nicely with the dark chocolate ganache and sweet pumpkin filling.

Nutella-Stuffed Pumpkin Beignets

Half-Baked Harvest

Reason 8,453 why Nutella makes everything better: these plump and pillowy pumpkin beignets. Your guests will love the look of these fun Thanksgiving desserts, but they'll really freak out when they take a bite from the gooey center.

Kabak Tatlisi - Turkish Pumpkin Dessert

Give Recipe

This Turkish pumpkin dessert only requires two ingredients (seriously, what could be better than that?), is budget-friendly, and oh-so comforting!

Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll

Image via Give Recipe

Nothing beats a good old cinnamon roll, and this one is only elevated by the addition of pumpkin!

Baked Pumpkin Churros 

Cooking Classy

When churros and hot fudge are involved, there will always be room for dessert. (via Cooking Classy)

Easy Apple Dessert Ideas

Goat Cheese Cheesecake With Honey-Cinnamon Apples

Food Faith Fitness

Turn your favorite charcuterie-board combo into dessert with a rich and sweet goat cheese filling, sliced apples, and honey-cinnamon syrup that is definitely a Thanksgiving dessert to impress.

Puff Pastry Apple Roses

Give Recipe

Not only does this dessert taste amazing, but it looks amazing too! It's perfect to make for a Thanksgiving get-together, as everyone will be ooh-ing and aah-ing over it.

Apple Dumplings With Sparkling Apple Cider Sauce

Sweet Cayenne

Sparkling apple cider, butter, and brown sugar form a sticky sauce when baked with soft apple dumplings. If you listen closely, you can practically hear the dumplings begging to be heaped with ice cream. (via Sweet Cayenne)

Samoa Caramel Apple Nachos

The Girl on Bloor

A unique twist on a classic caramel apple, these nachos are the ultimate treat. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Apple Fritter Bread 

Crazy for Crust

Here's a five-ingredient dessert that won't let you down — and it even has fresh fruit to boot.

(Cheese)cakes Make Awesome Thanksgiving Dessert

Gluten-Free Chocolate Cupcakes

Brit + Co

If you want the taste of a cake without committing to a huge slice, opt for cupcakes instead! They're delicious, they're bite-sized, and they make the perfect Thanksgiving dessert.

Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting 

The Recipe Critic

When there's a crowd, you can't go wrong with a sheet cake.

Glazed Buttermilk Donut Bundt Cake 

The View From Great Island

Why buy a dozen donuts when you can make a giant one? This unique cake is made with oat flour, buttermilk, and nutmeg.

Nutella Gooey Butter Cake

Spicy Southern Kitchen

It's only logical to end an extremely large meal with an extremely rich dessert.

Rum Cake

Averie Cooks

Few things are better than a moist and boozy bundt with a buttery sauce.

Pumpkin Roll

The Recipe Critic

If you want an elegant Thanksgiving dessert that doubles as dessert and a centerpiece, go with this pumpkin roll, which looks complex but is beginner-friendly.

Pumpkin Cheesecake 

The Recipe Critic

Gingersnap crust, caramel drizzle, can't lose.

Pumpkin Carrot Cake

Averie Cooks

The veggie action doesn't have to stop after dinner. Load pumpkin with more carrot!

Cookies, Bars and Other Dessert Recipes for Thanksgiving

Baked Churro Chips 

Brit + Co

These healthy-ish churro chips are an easy Thanksgiving dessert recipe, and they pair oh-so-well with your end-of-feast espresso. Serve them with multiple dipping sauces for a shareable treat.

Caramel Cranberry Nut Bars

Completely Delicious

It's not Thanksgiving without cranberries! This bar is buttery and masterfully combines tart cranberries with sweet caramel.

Brit + Co

Casseroles and sweet potatoes are already turkey day staples — together they make one of the best Thanksgiving dessert recipes!

Gingerbread Pecan Cheesecake

Brit + Co

Gingerbread and pecans come together seamlessly in this festive, unique Thanksgiving dessert. Our stomachs are already grumbling.

Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodles

Brit + Co

Pumpkin spice pairs deliciously with cinnamon-heavy snickerdoodles.

Baked Hot Chocolate Doughnuts

Brit + Co

Hot chocolate is one of our favorite winter treats, and we'd eat doughnuts every day of the year if given the opportunity. The logical next step? Combining the two.

Vegan Butter Board 

Brit + Co

This Thanksgiving dessert can also double as an appetizer, making it double the fun! Since it's vegan, you don't have to worry about your guests with allergies feeling left out. Plus it's a hands-on snack which is great for kids.

Low-Carb Eggnog

Brit + Co

This Keto drink might not technically be a dessert, but it's sweet and delicious so we couldn't pass up the opportunity to include it. It's also the perfect segway from Thanksgiving to the rest of the holiday season.

Caramel Apple Crisp Bars 

Pinch of Yum

Love apple crisp but don't love doing dishes? These squares pack plenty of apple, butter, and cinnamon and make great finger food.

Iced Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

The Novice Chef

Pass a plate of this Thanksgiving baking idea around, and they'll disappear faster than the turkey.

Nutter Butter Acorn Cookies

Wondermom Wannabe

If kids are on dessert duty, they'll love dipping Nutter Butters into chocolate and customizing them with sprinkles — no oven necessary. These cookies are festive, cute, and a great dessert to make for Thanksgiving!

Check out our email newsletter and our online baking classes for more Thanksgiving day desserts and inspiration!

Additional reporting by Maggie McCracken and Sara Cagle

This post has been updated.

Party on! Game nights are the best nights, at least in our opinions. Seriously, what's more fun than sitting around the table playing a game, drinking a cocktail or two and laughing with friends?! We'd totally take that over a night sweating (and very awkwardly dancing) at the club.

We know you've made it through that Cards Against Humanity deck too many times to count, so refresh your adult game night stash with some of the best new party games around.

Game of Phones

Uncommon Goods

This techy card game prompts you and your friends to compete in smartphone-based tasks. With assignments ranging from “Find your best #selfie” to “Create an emoji masterpiece,” you’re guaranteed belly laughs and conversation starters galore. Just like with Cards Against Humanity, each round has a judge that picks the winner, so get your phone stacked with game changers now.

hella awk-ward Card Game

Shopify

If you want to spark real conversations with your guests, this is the game for you. By the end of this game, you’ll be surrounded by plenty of new pals. Play by drawing a card and answering the prompt to get to know friends and strangers alike on a deeper level.

What Do You Meme?

Amazon

This is the perfect game for anyone who has spent way too much time on the internet. Match funny captions with well-known internet memes (a rotating judge picks the best one) to create an afternoon or evening of hilarity.

Exploding Kittens Party Card Game

Amazon

This card game is like Russian Roulette “for people who are into kittens and explosions and laser beams and sometimes goats.” Count us in.

My Ex [A Deck of Conversation Starters]

Amazon

Gather your closest BFFs and spend the night with some good ol’ trash talking (therapeutically, of course). You’ll definitely find out who had the craziest ex. Gather friends that are down for the drama and start by pulling a card. Some of the topics you’ll fill-in-the-blank include: 1. The biggest red flag. 2. What is your ex up to now? 3. The worst rebound.

WHAT DO YOU MEME? for The Girls

Shopify

Grab your girlfriends and stir the pot with this hilarious card game. To play, whoever has the most Instagram followers goes first and rolls the die. “Whichever side of the die lands face-up, take the top card from the corresponding color deck. Read it aloud to the group & perform whatever action is on the card,” the instructions read. “Some cards involve just that player, some require the whole group. The player to their left then rolls the die & the game continues like this. Every winning card gets you a point. 1 Card = 1 Point. The player with the most cards at the end wins!”

Say Anything

Walmart

If you’re looking to reeeally get to know your friends, this is the game for you and your group (um, and maybe an invite to the new person you’ve been dating is in order). By reading questions and providing answers, you’ll quickly and creatively get inside the mind of all your party guests fast.

BAD CHOICES - The Have You Ever? Game + After Dark Edition Set

Amazon

You’ll really get to know the other party guests with this game. This might not be one to play with your new coworkers or mother-in-law!

To play, each player will draw six cards. “When it's your turn, choose one of your six question cards, then ask it to the player you think is most likely to answer YES. If they say YES, you get to discard your card. If they say NO you have to keep the card and try to use it again later,” the instructions read. With Skip Cards, Draw +1, Draw +2, and ALL PLAY cards, there's a surprising amount of strategy. The player who discards all of their cards first becomes the winner.

The Game of Things

Amazon

This provocative game will leave your jaw on the floor from the hilarious, creative and outrageous things your friends say. Simply by drawing topic cards like “Things a chimp thinks about when he sees you at the zoo,” responses are sure to be out of this world. After everyone writes down a response, and the best part starts — you all guess who said what. Let the finger pointing begin.

What’s Yours Like?

Walmart

Tell it like it is and you’ll excel at this one. Players have to guess words based off of creative word clues after asking the question, “What’s yours like?” Seriously, we wanna know.

If You Know You Know IYKYK - The Question Card Game

Amazon

Who knows each other best? This card game will (literally) put everyone’s cards on the table.

Getting started and playing this card game is super simple. A rotating judge asks the group a question about themselves from each of the three levels (indicated on the chosen card). Then, everyone chooses their answer. If you guess the judge's answer correctly, you get a point. The player with the most points wins.

That’s What She Said

Amazon

Are you basically Michael Scott from The Office? Any sucker for jokes and innuendos will love this saucy game.

Bananagrams

Shopify

This one is fun to do with the kids or you can spice it up with an adults-only game. Like speed scrabble, the game comes in a convenient banana-shaped pouch making it great to play on the go.

Never Have I Ever

Amazon

You and your friends can put your trust to the test by sharing your deepest, most embarrassing secrets in this revealing game.

Secret Confessions Game- Adult Version

Amazon

Get ready to laugh the night away with this far too funny game. Each group member will take turns reading the cards’ prompts. With each prompt, every player will answer “yes” or “no.”

The Voting Game

Amazon

In this game, instead of voting for the funniest answer, you vote for the player each card seems to describe. Talk about finding out who your real friends are.

Drawing Without Dignity

Amazon

It’s part Cards Against Humanity, part Pictionary. If you have friends who are particularly good artists (or even if they’re not), this game will bring you hours of fun.

Catan Strategy Board Game

Target

Like a medieval monopoly, full of knights, peasants, robbers and everything prehistoric. This game is focused around building settlements and protecting your land.

Relative Insanity

Walmart

Created by comedian Jeff Foxworthy, this game is based around familial interactions gone wrong with a Cards Against Humanity style of playing.

Influencers in the Wild

Amazon

If you follow the popular Instagram account, then you can probably guess the basics of this board game. Go places, gain followers and get famous to win this pop culture game.

We hope you've enjoyed this round-up of our favorite adult card games, and even if Cards Against Humanity is now somehow worth $500 Million your memories from these nights will always be priceless!

Keep you party going with Brit + Co.

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

When Sonja and Alex Overhiser got hitched, they wanted to start hosting friends and family for dinner. But there was a problem: neither one of them really knew how to cook. “We started the A Couple Cooks blog to document our learning to cook together, and it gradually grew into both of our full-time jobs,” says Sonja. What they found in the process was that cooking together was actually fun. Also: cooking together can bring you closer and inspire new recipes that you love, and it encourages you to build community.

“For us, food has always been about people," adds Alex. "So we thought it would be especially meaningful to write a book about the joy of togetherness in the kitchen, and inspire other people to grab a partner (significant other, family member, or friend) and whip up something delicious together.”

Their new book A Couple Cooks: 100 Recipes to Cook Together releases this week and makes a great holiday, wedding, or anniversary gift for couples, new and seasoned. Here, Sonja shares a few tips for cooking with your partner, plus four comforting and delicious recipes excerpted from the book!

Tips For Cooking With Your Partner

Shelly Westerhausen Worcel

Share in the planning and prep

The holidays can be kind of stressful (and sometimes we look forward with both excitement and dread!). Having another person share in the planning and prepping can de-stress the activity and even make it fun! Plus, you can create fun memories around new dishes you try (like, remember Alex, when we made that amazing apple galette with bourbon salted caramel for Thanksgiving?).

Focus on individual tasks (over a glass of wine?)

We each have our own skills and preferences. Alex is really good at things like making bread or searing meat, so he takes the lead in those sort of recipes. I tend toward prepping soups, salads, quick breads, desserts, and overall meal planning / strategizing. But often we'll change things up depending on the recipe! It's really a kitchen dance.

Put the relationship first

We often argue over the final seasoning and how much salt to add at the end of a recipe! I generally add too much to trying to get the flavor "pop" so Alex has to hold me back. Or we spar over how to style things on a plate (that's more of a food photography argument, but it translates to meals too!).

We've learned to really listen to each other and back down if we find the other person is very passionate about something. Of course, that could end in an "I told you so" moment later, but we've found that we try to remember that relationship and the experience is more important than one person being "right".

Don’t forget the herbs!

Our favorite cooking hack: Using fresh herbs! Every recipe is a little better with a few chopped herbs. We have an herb garden and some favorites are dill, basil, thyme, mint, and tarragon, and our rosemary and sage even hang through late fall to winter. If you don't have a garden, buying fresh herbs is absolutely worth the few extra dollars for the difference in flavor.

Recipes Excerpted From A Couple Cooks

Shelly Westerhausen Worcel

Harvest Caesar Bowl

Here’s a bowl that’s endlessly customizable—a riff on a dinner we started eating on repeat around the birth of our daughter and still do today! What began as a pregnancy craving for Caesar salad turned into a weeknight main dish with a rotating topping of veggies, chicken, or shrimp. (We’ll always remember devouring a takeout version in the hospital room while awaiting the baby’s arrival!) This satisfying combination of roasted sweet potatoes, seasoned chickpeas, and shaved Parmesan cheese is topped with an irresistibly creamy, Greek yogurt–based spin on Caesar (though feel free to use store-bought dressing if you’re pressed for time). Customize the bowl by adding cooked chicken or a grain like rice or quinoa, making it a filling meal that never gets old.

SERVES 4

  • 2 lb [910 g] sweet potatoes (about 2 medium), skin on, scrubbed and cut into ¾ in [2 cm] dice
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning (see Tips)
  • ¾ tsp kosher salt
  • 15 oz [430 g] can chickpeas, drained and rinsed, or 1½ cups [240 g] cooked chickpeas
  • ⅛ tsp cumin
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 bunch (about 8 oz [230 g]) Tuscan kale, washed, torn into bite-size pieces, and massaged
  • 2 romaine hearts (about 8 oz [230 g]), chopped
  • 2 cups [120 g] chopped red cabbage
  • ¼ cup [18 g] Parmesan cheese shavings
  • ¼ cup [35 g] roasted pepitas (see Tips)
  • 1 recipe Creamy Parmesan Dressing (see page 189) or 1 cup [240 g] store-bought Caesar dressing
  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F [230°C].
  2. In a large bowl, mix the sweet potatoes with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, the garlic powder, chili powder, Old Bay, and ¼ teaspoon of the kosher salt. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the sweet potatoes on it in an even layer. Bake, without flipping, until the cubes are tender and browned, 25 to 27 minutes.
  3. In a medium bowl, mix the chickpeas with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the cumin, the remaining ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and several grinds of black pepper.
  4. To serve, divide the kale and romaine among four shallow bowls or plates. Top with the sweet potatoes, chickpeas, cabbage, Parmesan cheese, and pepitas. Drizzle generously with the dressing and serve.

Creamy Parmesan Dressing

  • ¼ cup [60 g] mayonnaise
  • ½ cup [120 g] Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup [8 g] finely grated
  • Parmesan cheese
  • 1 Tbsp red or white wine vinegar
  • ½ Tbsp Dijon mustard
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp dry mustard powder (optional)
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

To make the dressing, in a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, mustard powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until a creamy dressing forms. If necessary, stir in 1 tablespoon of water to bring the dressing to a pourable consistency (this varies based on the yogurt brand).

Tips

Don’t have Old Bay? Substitute ½ teaspoon smoked paprika plus an additional ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt. If all you can find is raw pepitas, you can toast them yourself in a skillet over medium heat until they start to pop and become golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes.

Cooking Together

While one of you gets the sweet potatoes in the oven and chops the fresh vegetables for the bowl, the other can mix up the chickpeas and the dressing.

For Vegan

Use Lemon Tahini Sauce and omit the Parmesan shavings.

Storage

Leftovers will keep, refrigerated, for up to 3 days.

Diet Vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan option

Excerpted from A Couple Cooks: 100 Recipes to Cook Together by Sonja Overhiser and Alex Overhiser, © 2024. Published by Chronicle Books. Photographs © Shelly Westerhausen Worcel.

Shelly Westerhausen Worcel

Spiced Latte Loaf

The moist slices of this fun and funky quick bread are reminiscent of a chai latte, with notes of milky vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. The best part is when you cut the first slice to show the beautiful spiced swirl decoration inside. There are a few components to assemble, so it’s nice to have a partner to help with this baking project. One day we had the crazy idea of slicing up leftovers into strips and baking it to make biscotti, and it’s surprisingly effective. The crunchy strips pair well with morning coffee or an afternoon snack.

MAKES ONE 9 X 5 IN [23 X 13 CM] LOAF

  • 1½ Tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cardamom
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • ¼ cup [52 g] packed light brown sugar
  • 2 ¼ cups [315 g] all-purpose flour
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup [200 g] granulated sugar
  • 1 Tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup [240 ml] milk of choice
  • ¼ cup [60 ml] neutral oil
  • ¼ cup [60 ml] unsweetened applesauce
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F [180°C]. Butter a 9 x 5 in [23 x 13 cm] metal loaf pan.
  2. In a small bowl, stir together the spice mix: cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves.
  3. In a medium bowl, make the streusel topping: Add the brown sugar, ¼ cup [35 g] of the flour, and 1 teaspoon of the spice mix to the bowl and mix lightly with a fork. Continue mixing while pouring in the melted butter until a crumbly mixture forms. Set aside.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 cups [280 g] of flour and the granulated sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt.
  5. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract until completely smooth. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring with a spatula until a smooth batter forms. Pour ¾ cup [180 g] of the batter into a liquid measuring cup and stir the remaining spice mix into the measuring cup to create a darker spiced batter.
  6. Pour about half the vanilla batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth it into an even layer with a spatula. Pour the spiced batter on top and smooth it, then pour on the remaining vanilla batter and smooth it. To swirl the batters together, insert a butter knife in the top corner of the pan so it just touches the bottom. Draw about 3 large S shapes through the entire pan, then repeat in a slightly different position. Rotate the pan 90 degrees and make 2 large S shapes in the other direction. Sprinkle the top of the batter with the streusel.
  7. Bake the loaf for 50 to 55 minutes, until the top springs back when touched and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the bread in the pan for 30 minutes. Run a knife around the edge and invert the loaf onto a cooling rack. Let cool fully to room temperature (30 minutes to 1 hour) before cutting into slices.

Tip

Turn leftovers into biscotti! Cut ¾ in [2 cm] thick slices into 1 in [2.5 cm] wide strips, then bake at 300°F [149°C] for 45 to 55 minutes, until golden brown and mostly crisp (they will firm up as they cool). Let cool for 30 minutes. Store in a sealed container with a paper towel. Serve with coffee or tea.

Cooking Together

Have one person start with the streusel topping while the other makes the batter. Then assemble the loaf together.

Storage

The loaf will keep, wrapped in aluminum foil, at room temperature for 4 days, or refrigerated for 10 days (bring to room temperature before enjoying). To store frozen for up to 3 months, slice the loaf, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer-safe container.

Diet Vegetarian

Excerpted from A Couple Cooks: 100 Recipes to Cook Together by Sonja Overhiser and Alex Overhiser, © 2024. Published by Chronicle Books. Photographs © Shelly Westerhausen Worcel.

Shelly Westerhausen Worcel

Apple Galette with Bourbon Caramel

This rustic French tart lets you skip fiddling with pie dough to make free-form folded layers of golden pastry. Piling the crust full of cinnamon-spiced apples is a fun fall treat, but of course you can indulge any time of the year. There are endless variations on this type of fruit tart. Serve with melty vanilla ice cream, or even better, drizzle with gooey Bourbon Salted Caramel. The mad scientist in you will love how easy it is to make a caramel sauce out of a few basic ingredients.

SERVES 8

Galette Dough

  • 1½ cups [210 g] all-purpose flour
  • 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
  • ¾ tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp baking powder
  • 10 Tbsp [150 g] cold unsalted butter or vegan butter
  • 5 to 6 Tbsp [80 to 90 ml] cold water
  • 1 egg, for the egg wash
  • 1 Tbsp Demerara or turbinado sugar, for sprinkling

Filling

  • 1 lb [455 g] crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp (about 2 large), unpeeled, thinly cut into ⅛ in [3 mm] slices (3½ cups sliced)
  • 2 Tbsp light brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1½ tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp allspice
  • ⅛ tsp nutmeg
  • ½ tsp cornstarch
  • 1 Tbsp unsalted butter, cut into very small pieces Bourbon Salted Caramel (recipe follows)
  1. To make the galette dough, in a medium bowl, mix the flour, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and baking powder. Cut the butter into small pieces, then use a pastry blender or fork to cut it into the flour mixture until mostly incorporated and a pebbly texture forms, with pea-size or smaller pieces.
  2. Sprinkle 5 tablespoons [80 ml] of the cold water over the flour, mixing gradually with a fork until the flour is mostly incorporated. Knead with your fingers until the dough comes together, adding the additional 1 tablespoon water. (If the mixture is still too floury, add ½ tablespoon more water.) Form the dough into a ball, then flatten it into a thick disk. Chill the crust in a covered container in the refrigerator for 1 hour (see Tips).
  3. Preheat the oven to 375°F [190°C] and line a rimmed baking sheet with a sheet of parchment paper. Flour a work surface.
  4. To make the filling, in a medium bowl, stir the apple slices with the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cornstarch until fully coated.
  5. On the floured surface, roll out the dough into an even 12 in [30 cm] circle (if necessary, move the dough around and add a bit more flour underneath to keep it from sticking). Carefully transfer the dough to the parchment paper.
  6. Fan out small handfuls of apple slices and layer them on the crust, reserving the juices at the bottom of the bowl. Leave at least 2 inches of dough uncovered around the outside edge. Fold the outside edges of the dough over the filling, overlapping the folds to form a partial top crust. Pour the reserved juice over the exposed apple slices in the center.
  7. Dot the apple slices evenly with the small pieces of butter. Whisk the egg and use a pastry brush to brush it over the crust. Sprinkle the crust and filling with Demerara or turbinado sugar (or more granulated sugar).
  8. Bake until the crust is golden brown, 38 to 40 minutes. Transfer the galette on the parchment paper to a baking rack and let cool to room temperature (about 30 minutes) before cutting into pieces and serving. Drizzle with Bourbon Salted Caramel (recipe follows) before serving, or top with ice cream.

Bourbon Salted Caramel

MAKES ⅔ CUP [160 ML]

  • ½ cup [100 g] granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup [60 ml] water
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ⅓ cup [80 ml] heavy cream
  • ½ Tbsp bourbon (see Tips)
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract
  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together the sugar, water, and kosher salt. Cook, stirring constantly with a spatula, until the sugar and salt are dissolved and it starts to boil, about 2 minutes.
  2. Reduce the heat slightly to a simmer and cook, constantly bubbling, until the sugar turns deep amber, 8 to 11 minutes. Occasionally give a gentle stir with a spatula to ensure even cooking. Watch closely toward the end of the cooking time, as the color darkens quickly.
  3. Once the sugar turns deep amber, immediately reduce the heat to low. Add the cream, which will cause the mixture to bubble vigorously; stir constantly with a spatula, until it is a rich caramel color, about 90 seconds. Stir in the bourbon and vanilla extract and cook for 20 seconds more.
  4. Transfer the caramel to a small bowl to cool, leaving any hardened bits of sugar in the pan. Let cool and thicken for 10 minutes before serving. It will keep thickening the longer it sits; if it becomes too thick, reheat gently before serving (see Tips).

Tips

Galettes are endlessly customizable! For the filling, use 3 cups of any seasonal fruit, ⅓ to ½ cup [65 to 100 g] of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Taste and adjust the filling as desired based on the sweetness of the fruit. Try peaches, pears, plums, blueberries, and more.

Make the crust in advance for easy prep. The dough will keep, refrigerated, for up to 3 days. Before rolling, allow the dough to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Or wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months, then defrost overnight in the refrigerator and let stand for 30 minutes at room temperature before rolling.

You can also make the caramel sauce in advance. Refrigerate the sauce, then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Omit the bourbon in the caramel sauce if desired. It’s just as tasty!

Liqueur Pairing

After the galette, enjoy a small glass of Amaro Nonino Quintessentia or Amaro Averna. These caramel-colored liqueurs have a bittersweet, smooth finish and an herbal complexity that complements the apples’ natural tartness.

Cooking Together

After the dough is chilled, have one person roll out the dough while the other person makes the filling. Then whip up the caramel sauce together while the galette bakes.

For Vegan

Use vegan butter and, instead of using the egg wash, brush the crust with nondairy milk. Omit the salted caramel.

Storage

Leftovers will keep, refrigerated, for up to 4 days; bring to room temperature before serving.

Diet

Vegetarian, vegan option

Excerpted from A Couple Cooks: 100 Recipes to Cook Together by Sonja Overhiser and Alex Overhiser, © 2024. Published by Chronicle Books. Photographs © Shelly Westerhausen Worcel.

Shelly Westerhausen Worcel

Mini Cardamon Cinnamon Rolls

What’s a better weekend baking project than ooey, gooey cinnamon rolls? The star here is the cardamom-orange filling, inspired by a cardamom bun we had on a Sunday morning bakery run in Chicago. (We couldn’t pass up a visit to Lost Larson bakery, since it’s the name of our son, which he found wildly amusing.)

This makes a 9 x 9 pan of mini rolls, so you can eat more than one and have enough to go around! Baking is a two-day process (since who wants to wake up 3 hours beforehand?). Start the rolls the night before and refrigerate overnight, then bake them in the a.m. and enjoy the cinnamon-spiced scent wafting through your kitchen.

MAKES 16 SMALL ROLLS

Dough

  • 3 cups [420 g] bread flour
  • ¼ cup [50 g] granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) [21 g] instant yeast (see Tips)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 4 Tbsp [55 g] unsalted butter
  • 1 cup [240 ml] milk
  • 1 egg, beaten

Filling

  • ½ cup [100 g] packed light brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1 tsp lightly packed orange zest
  • 1½ Tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Frosting

  • ½ cup [60 g] powdered sugar
  • 1 Tbsp milk
  • ⅛ tsp vanilla extract
  1. To make the dough, in the bowl of a stand mixer, stir together the flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and kosher salt. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the milk and heat until lukewarm (warm to the touch, but not hot, or between 105° and 115°F [40° and 45°C]).
  2. Pour the butter and milk mixture into the flour mixture. Add the egg and stir with a fork until a rough dough forms. Attach a dough hook to the mixer and mix on medium-low speed for 6 minutes, until the dough is smooth and stretchy. The dough should be very sticky and will not form a ball in the mixer. (You can also knead the dough by hand; keep in mind it will be very sticky at first.)
  3. Flour a work surface, scrape the dough onto it, and knead it a few times, then shape it into a rough ball. Place the dough ball in a large clean bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm location until doubled in size, 1 to 1½ hours.
  4. To make the filling, stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, and orange zest. Grease a metal 9 x 9 in [23 x 23 cm] baking dish.
  5. Lightly flour a work surface and scoop the dough onto it. Gently roll out the dough into a 12 x 12 in [30 x 30 cm] square. Tug the corners a bit to make them as square as possible. Brush the dough with the melted butter, leaving a ½ in [13 mm] border unbrushed at the left and right edges.

Tips

Instant yeast (rather than active dry yeast) is required for this recipe, which allows quick rise times. If using active dry yeast, the rise times will be about double.

To bake the cinnamon rolls the day of, proceed immediately to baking. Bake 20 minutes covered with foil, then uncovered about 10 minutes, checking whether they are cooked through using a food thermometer.

Cooking Together

This is a baking project that’s much easier with a partner! It’s often helpful to have one person read the recipe out loud while the other gets their hands into the dough. Trade off on tasks and enjoy the process.

Storage

The cinnamon rolls will keep at room temperature, covered with aluminum foil, for up to 2 days. Reheat, covered, at 350°F [180°C] until warmed through,10 to 12 minutes.

Diet

Vegetarian

Excerpted from A Couple Cooks: 100 Recipes to Cook Together by Sonja Overhiser and Alex Overhiser, © 2024. Published by Chronicle Books. Photographs © Shelly Westerhausen Worcel.

Thanks Sonja and Alex! Check out A Couple Cooks: 100 Recipes to Cook Together for more delicious recipes you can cook together.

Check out our Pinterest for more recipes too!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations

The holidays are here! Well, kind of. Thanksgiving isn’t until November 28 but as far as I’m concerned, November 1 is the day the festivities can begin. I’m pulling out my holiday candles, Christmas PJ’s, and even my How the Grinch Stole Christmas vinyl to make the dreary seasonal blues a little more cheerful. And a huge part of getting into the spirit is stacking up the perfect holiday movie marathon. Thankfully Netflix already has a bunch of holiday titles coming out over the next few weeks. Here are the best (new!!) holiday movies and specials coming to Netflix starting November 1.

Dinner Time Live With David Chang: Holiday Edition — On Netflix Now Until December 10

Adam Rose/Netflix

Nothing says the holidays like tons of delicious meals, and Chef David Chang is cooking some amazing food for his celebrity friends — and he's doing it all live. (Because, a lot of TV cooking uses swaps and stylists to make it look better than it actually is). I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!

Dinner Time Live With David Chang: Holiday Edition is hosted by David Chang.

Meet Me Next Christmas — On Netflix November 6

Sophie Giraud/Netflix

Christmas in New York City is truly a magical experience, and Layla's looking for her own fairytale romance this holiday season. And believe it or not, the ticket to finding her one true love is getting into the Pentatonix Christmas Eve Concert.

Meet Me Next Christmas streams November 6 and stars Christina Milian, Devale Ellis, Kofi Siriboe, Tymika Tafari, Mitch Grassi, Scott Hoying, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin Olusola, Matt Sallee, Kalen Allen, Nikki Duval, and Wesley French.

Hot Frosty — On Netflix November 13

Petr Maur/Netflix

Nobody puts me in the holiday spirit like seeing Lacey Chabert onscreen, and this year, she's playing Kathy, a widow who happens to bring a handsome snowman to life. (I don't remember this in the "Frosty the Snowman" lyrics!). He helps Kathy reconnect with her emotions as they begin to fall for each other — and as he begins to melt.

Hot Frosty will stream on Netflix beginning November 13 and stars Lacey Chabert, Dustin Milligan, Craig Robinson, Joe Lo Truglio, Katy Mixon, Lauren Holly, and Chrishell Stause.

Netflix Stories: A Virgin River Christmas — On Netflix November 19

Petr Maur/Netflix

It's almost time for Virgin River season 6, which means we're getting closer to the ultimate cozy TV show. I mean, just look at those twinkly lights and pine trees in this preview image! It gives me the same exact feeling as drinking a mug of hot cocoa. This year, we're getting closer to Mel and Jack’s wedding, and confronting some serious secrets and drama along the way. This might not count as a Netflix holiday movie but I couldn't NOT include it!!!

Virgin River season 6 hits Netflix November 19 and stars Alexandra Breckenridge, Martin Henderson, John Allen Nelson, Tim Matheson, Annette O’Toole, Colin Lawrence, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Zibby Allen, Sarah Dugdale, Marco Grazzini, Mark Ghanimé, Kai Bradbury, Kandyse McClure, Jessica Rothe, and Callum Kerr.

The Merry Gentlemen — On Netflix November 20

Katrina Marcinowski/Netflix

Remember that One Tree Hill episode where the Ravens take part in the "Boy Toy" charity auction? Complete with a shirtless fashion show? Consider this the Netflix holiday movie response. When former dancer Ashley learns her parents' performing venue is in danger, she puts together the ultimate Christmas-themed show to raise money. Shirts not included.

The Merry Gentlemen hits Netflix November 20 and stars Britt Robertson, Chad Michael Murray, Marla Sokoloff, Beth Broderick, Michael Gross, Maxwell Caulfield, Hector David Jr., Colt Prattes, and Marc Anthony Samuel

Spellbound — On Netflix November 22

Skydance Animation/Netflix

Okay, this fantasy movie might not technically be a Christmas movie, but it has everything I need in my Netflix holiday movies: family, hope, and love. After her parents are turned into monsters, princess Ellian must go on the ultimate quest to put everything right.

Spellbound hits Netflix November 22 and stars Rachel Zegler, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane, Tituss Burgess, Javier Bardem, and Nicole Kidman.

Our Little Secret — On Netflix November 27

Bob Mahoney/Netflix

If EXmas taught us anything, it's that spending the holidays with your ex is anything but calm. And in Lindsay Lohan's new movie, she finds herself at the same Christmas celebration as her ex when they realize their new SO's are siblings. No, that's not awkward at all.

Our Little Secret hits Netflix November 27 stars Lindsay Lohan, Ian Harding, Tim Meadows, Jon Rudnitsky, Henry Czerny, Judy Reyes, Chris Parnell, Kristin Chenoweth, Dan Bucatinsky, Katie Baker, Jake Brennan, Ash Santos, and Brian Unger.

Is It Cake? Holidays — On Netflix November 28

Netflix

The only thing more enjoyable than eating delicious food is watching master bakers create beautiful food. This holiday special features edible ice skates, nutcrackers, and reindeer that will change the way you look at baking forever. Watch it in one sitting and it definitely counts as a holiday movie ;).

Is It Cake? Holidays hits Netflix November 28 and stars Jonny Manganello, Andrew Fuller, April Julian, Elizabeth Rowe, Miko Kaw Hok Uy, Danya Smith, Henderson Gonzalez, Grace Pak, and Jujhar Mann, with judges Rachel Bloom, Hannah Berner, Tiffany Haddish, Devon Walker, James Austin Johnson, Chris Witaske, Sasheer Zamata, Terry Crews, Punkie Johnson, and Randall Park.

The Snow Sister — On Netflix November 29

Netflix

Julian's turning 11 on Christmas Eve, and even though it's usually the best day ever, this year is overshadowed by the death of his older sister. A newfound friendship with Hedwig helps him heal, but he can't help but feel like Hedwig's house — and the old man that's always around — are hiding secrets.

The Snow Sister hits Netflix November 29 and stars Mudit Gupta, Celina Meyer Hovland, Ole Steinkjer Øyen, Jan Sælid, Samsaya, Gunnar Eiriksson, and Advika.

Which Netflix holiday movie are you excited to watch? Let us know in the comments!

This edible crescent-roll cornucopia is our way of making a normal cheese boardmore festive — and definitely more fun — during the holiday season. Our go-to this time of year is a massive cheese plate that can stand alone and be the main attraction, or the starter for a larger meal. Press on for the surprisingly easy steps to braid a breaded cornucopia.

Chris Andre

Materials + Tools:

  • 1 roll of tin foil
  • 2 packages of crescent rolls
  • 1 egg (for egg wash before cornucopia goes into the oven), optional

Chris Andre

Instructions:

Start by sculpting tin foil into the shape of a cornucopia (it looks like a cone with an upturned tail). Pro tip: Lightly pack tin foil so it's easier to remove later from your baked cornucopia. Crescent rolls should be buttery enough that this shouldn't be difficult.

Chris Andre

Your tin foil mold should look a little something like this.

Chris Andre

Pop open the crescent rolls and cut the triangles into strips. Pinch together the ends of strips to make strips longer.

Chris Andre

Braid crescent roll strips. You can make these as fancy as you want. Not a braiding pro? Skip this step and leave those strips alone.

Chris Andre

Wrap tin foil cornucopia with braids/strips. Make sure you cover all the tin foil. Leave a little wiggle room at the opening of the cornucopia, so that when you’re done baking you can pull some of that tin foil out.

Chris Andre

Use any extra dough to cover the bottom of your cornucopia. Pinch the sides and anchor those braids/strips in.

Chris Andre

Brush on egg wash before placing your cornucopia in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and cover spots of cornucopia that are already golden brown with extra tin foil. Bake for another 20 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chris Andre

Let it cool down until it’s easy to handle. Remove tin foil.

Chris Andre

Place cornucopia in corner of your cheese plate. Arrange cheese on your serving tray.

Chris Andre

Add crackers — we like to have two or three options.

Chris Andre

Don’t forget to fill up your cornucopia. It's called "the horn of plenty" for a reason. Fill with fresh fruit like grapes, apples, and pears.

Chris Andre

Add nuts like walnuts and pistachios to fill in any empty spaces. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary and sage to finish it off.

Chris Andre

Voilà! Invite over your friends, open a bottle of wine, and dig in!

Chris Andre

A cornucopia cheese board will become your new favorite holiday tradition.

Show us your crescent-roll cornucopias on Instagram and check out our baking classes (and our Easy Thanksgiving Desserts piece) for more holiday food inspo!

DIY Production and Styling: Paris Fried

Paris Fried: Paris loves any excuse to celebrate and throw a themed party. She loves experimenting in the kitchen and has a terrible sweet tooth. When she's not crafting in her studio, she's at the farmers' market buying seasonal produce or at her favorite local theater watching double features.

This post has been updated.