18 Last-Minute Thanksgiving Recipes for When You Have *No* Time

Cassandra Pisone
Nov 24, 2015

Whether you are hosting your first Friendsgiving feast or you’re looking for a dish to bring to that family potluck, you’re going to need a few quick and easy recipes this season. From appetizers, side dishes, mains and dessert, one (or more!) of these Thanksgiving recipes will definitely become your back pocket go-to for when you have *no* time during the holidays. They’re sure to please and there are options for every guest — Paleo, vegan, gluten-free or just picky-eater status.

1. Paleo Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Sweet Potatoes and Bacon: No one will want to pass over the veggies with this gluten-free, healthy side dish that only has five ingredients. One of those five ingredients is bacon, so you know it’s good. (via Food Faith Fitness)

2. Spiralized Sweet Potato Casserole: Who has time to cut sweet potatoes this time of year? Spiralizing them takes only a few minutes, and this dish will look like it took you all day to make. (via Kitchen of Eatin’)

3. Sesame & Sage Roasted Veggies With Barley: 10 minutes of prep time is all you need for this gorgeous vegan main dish or side dish. Let the veggies roast while you get ready before Friendsgiving. (via My California Roots)

4. Small Batch Three-Minute Cranberry Pistachio Fudge: Microwave a bag of white chocolate chips, mix with dried fruits and nuts you have in your pantry and then just stick it all in the freezer to get this yummy dessert. (via Mom on Time Out)

5. Gluten-Free Crustless Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes: You can actually make these cupcakes a day ahead, which can be a total lifesaver this time of year. Plus, they are dairy-free, gluten-free and a lot quicker to make than traditional pumpkin pie. (via Meaningful Eats)

6. Roasted Root Vegetables With Herb-Chip Salt: If chips had been part of the veggie dishes on our table growing up, we would have been way bigger fans. The chip crunch topping makes these veggies extra delicious. (via Brit + Co)

7. Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Throw out the hand-masher this year and make your mashed potatoes in the stand-mixer for a quick, hands-free approach. Garlic, butter and fresh chives make these next-level delicious. (via Lou Lou Biscuit)

8. Cranberry Moscow Mules: Don’t worry about picking out the perfect wine. Instead, mix up a batch of festive cocktails. Moscow mules are delicious any time of year, and you can use extra cranberries from your cranberry sauce as garnish. (via Blackberry Babe)

9. Cauliflower Rice Stuffing: This is a stuffing *everyone* can enjoy. Cauliflower stands in for bread, and it only takes 30 minutes to make. (via The Healthy Maven)

10. Slow Cooker Sage Butter Turkey Thighs: When you’re pressed for time, the last thing you want to do is baste your turkey. In the morning, throw your turkey thighs in with butter and sage and you’ll have dinner ready by the time your guests arrive with no extra work on your end. You can easily substitute turkey breast for the thighs as well. (via Chattavore)

11. Parmesan and Walnut Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts are all the rage right now, and a nutty, cheesy topping will have your guests going back for seconds or maybe even thirds. (via Brit + Co)

12. Chard and Prosciutto Stuffed Turkey Breast: Don’t feel like you need to roast an entire turkey for your friends. A breast is often more than enough meat for a few people, and this recipe is both simple and delicious. (via Simply Recipes)

13. Homemade Red Wine Gravy Recipe: This gravy doesn’t require drippings from the Friendsgiving bird, so you can easily make it ahead. And it’s even vegan, so everyone at the table can enjoy it over their mashed potatoes. (via Savory Experiments)

14. Soft and Fluffy One-Hour Dinner Rolls Recipe: You forgot to buy rolls, the grocery store’s closed for Thanksgiving and your guests will be over in just a couple hours. Have no fear — these rolls are ready in an hour and are *way* better than the store-bought kind. (via Little Spice Jar)

15. Veggie Pot Pie Muffins: Crunched for time and need your entire dinner (minus the bird) in one dish? Use cut veggies, Pillsbury biscuits and cream of broccoli soup for this all-in-one meal (or side!). (via A Million Moments)

16. Cabernet Cranberry Sauce: If there’s ever a time to put booze in cranberry sauce, it’s Friendsgiving. Pour just a touch of your favorite Cabernet in this super simple and super tasty fresh cranberry sauce. (via Brit + Co)

17. Roasted Butternut Squash Kale Sauté: When all else fails, throw all the veggies you have in your fridge in the skillet and roast until cooked. This healthy and quick dish will wow your guests. (via Simply Recipes)

18. Healthy Green Bean Casserole: Yes, green bean casserole can be healthy! It is made with a creamy garlic cauliflower sauce and will be loved by vegans and omnivores alike. (via The Almond Eater)

What is your go-to last-minute Friendsgiving dish? Tell us below in the comments.

The '1923' Ending Finally Answers This Major Question About Alex & Spencer

1923 season 2 has finally come to a close and I can't stop thinking about the end. I knew the 1923 season finale would be emotional after all the drama of the season, and Jack's death, but nothing could have prepared me for what would unfold with Jacob, Cara, Alex, & Spencer. Man, oh man, I'm going to be thinking about this episode for awhile.

Warning: this article contains every single kind of 1923 season finale spoiler you could think of.

Here's everything that went down in the 1923 season 2 finale, starring Harrison Ford, Brandon Sklenar, & Julia Schlaepfer and streaming on Paramount+ now.

The '1923' season 2 finale opens with some surprisingly emotional moments.

Trae Patton/Paramount+

After lies and betrayal of the highest order, Banner finally seems to reach his limit after Jack is killed in cold blood. Banner decides to leave Montana after he realizes he can barely look his son in the eyes anymore. So with his son and wife beside him, he heads to the train station, which is where we see Jacob and his men preparing for Spencer's arrival.

There's a very tense moment as Banner and Jacob lock eyes, and Banner seemingly warns Jacob that not only are Whitfield's men trying to kill Spencer, but Jacob and the rest of his family are in danger, too. Yeah, I for sure already knew that but it's nice to see Banner looking out for someone else...even if it feels like a dramatic 180 in Banner's character. Never underestimate the power of wanting to be a better person for the people you love, I guess.

What happened to Spencer and Alex in 1923?

Trae Patton/Paramount+

Alex is alive but not quite well after surviving a snowstorm inside a car — and finding her new friends Hillary and Paul have died from hypothermia. Slowly freezing to death, Alex grabs supplies from their dead bodies and starts a fire in the car to keep warm. (Now, how did the car not explode? Maybe that's a question for another day). As the fire begins to dwindle, Alex has to BURN SPENCER'S LETTERS TO SURVIVE, leaving both Alex and me heartbroken.

Meanwhile Spencer is warm and cozy on his train, and makes friends with a little boy in front of him, telling him about lions in Africa and his hopes for a son one day. But low and behold, when Alex hears the train whistle, she does indeed set the whole car on fire and Spencer finally sees her, leaps from the train, and runs to meet her. That's true love baby!

And after 2 years of wondering Will Spencer and Alex ever get back together?! (at least, 2 years for viewers), they've finally reunited! The train comes to a stop, allowing Spencer to carry Alex on board to a bed. But nothing can ever go smoothly for these characters — and these women can never catch a break. Alex's blackened feet and fingers reveal she has hypothermia. Spencer and the doc use washcloths to warm her up, and it looks like only time will tell if their baby survives.

Spencer Dutton finally returns home to the Yellowstone ranch.

Lauren Smith/ Paramount+

And if the hypothermia and survival of it all wasn't dramatic enough, when Spencer spots some suspicious activity on the train platform, he finds himself in the middle of a shootout that ends with more than a few characters dead — including Banner Creighton, who protects Jacob before meeting his end. After Jacob explains that there might not be a home to return to if Spencer doesn't come to the ranch, Spencer has a beautiful exchange with Alex, who says the idea of "war" isn't an exaggeration for this family, and that Spencer has a duty.

Our favorite younger Dutton proves himself (again) when he returns home. Earlier in the day, Whitfield's men ambushed the Yellowstone ranch, where Zane, Cara, and Elizabeth are all hunkered down. In a truly heartbreaking moment, Cara's confidence wavers and she asks Zane "what they should do" in a voice that made me want to cry! Suddenly there are men on the roof, there are men trying to set the house on fire, and then there's Cara, shooting the bad guys from the attic like the boss she is.

But all it takes is Spencer coming in with a hand gun to end the fight — and he quite literally wipes everyone out before any of Jacob's men can get a shot in.

How does 1923 season 2 end?

Lauren Smith/ Paramount+

The 1923 season 2 ending is one of the most emotional on TV this spring, for better or worse. Teonna, who's been on the run this whole time, finally comes face to face with Deputy Marshall Mamie Fossett and her men, who discover the bodies of Father Renaud and Teonna's father.

Mamie acknowledges that their warrant comes "from a judge we don't know in a territory we don't serve," and that if the trouble ends with the priest, so does their search. But when Teonna lashes out trying to escape, and kills one of Mamie's men, she does end up in front of a judge.

However, her case gets dismissed, and she's free to go. But even though Teonna can hold her head high, fighting back cost her everything, which really left me to wonder what victory, freedom, and even satisfaction looks like in this story. Don't mind me, I'm just having a 1923 existential crisis.

Trae Patton/Paramount+

Back in town, Jacob stays at the hospital with Alex, who gives birth to her son, and refuses to give up the premature baby or amputate her hand and her feet. Spencer shows up just in time to meet his son and say goodbye to his wife; He curls up beside her in the hospital bed and wakes up to find her gone. And at the very end of 1923 season 2 before the credits roll, Elsa's voiceover tells us Spencer never truly loved another woman after Alex. After he dies 45 years later, we see Spencer and Alex reunite at a 1920s ball that feels like some kind of Titanic-inspired fever dream.

Pause. I'm actually so upset about this because it just feels like horror after horror has been piled on Alex (and the rest of the women in 1923) this whole time. You're telling me she had to die for this story to be the best it could be?! It's doesn't even feel like a romantic tragedy it just feels depressing. Spencer gets the tiniest bit of satisfaction by killing Whitfield but it clearly doesn't begin to cover the loss.

Jacob's men finally find Jack's body, and without her husband, both Cara and Elizabeth decide there's no real reason for Elizabeth to stay on the ranch. Spencer also sets off (although he'll definitely be back), while Cara and Jacob sit on the porch with the newest addition to the Dutton family (who, it appears, is Yellowstone lead John Dutton's father?!) Despite my complicated feelings about the end of 1923, I do love this scene. Cara and Jacob are simply my favorite characters, and their final moments onscreen prove they've been the steady, consistent heartbeat of the story the whole time.

Check out the 5 Best Shows To Watch After You Finish 1923 Season 2!

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How Much Does It Actually Cost To Stay At 'The White Lotus' Season 3 Resort?

The White Lotus has a reputation for corralling groups of attractive actors, giving them insufferable characters to portray, and allowing audiences to gawk at the insane situations these ultra-privileged people get themselves into.

However, aside from offering a healthy dose of drama, this series also provides viewers with stunning cinematography, partly thanks to the gorgeous The White Lotusfilming locations.

The series almost serves as a sort of subtle commercial for these destinations, too. Of course, everyone knew that Hawaii and Sicily were both stunning. But after seeing such opulent accommodations and scenery from both spots on-screen during season 1 and season 2, hotels in Hawaii and Sicily equally enjoyed increased hotel bookings.

So, now that season 3 is nearly over, it's safe to assume that plenty of fans wouldn't mind visiting the island of Koh Samui in Thailand, as portrayed by the show.

Not to burst your bubble, but we do have to make one thing clear: there isn't actually a "White Lotus Hotel" in Thailand. Instead, different parts of Season 3 were filmed at various hotels, and put together, they formed the illusion of the fictional White Lotus resort.

Even so, you can still recreate your very own glamorous trip to Thailand by figuring out which parts of the fictional resort you like the most, from the spa in the middle of a jungle to the villa where the Ratliff family resides. Just be warned that these opulent stays and excursions may come with a hefty price tag. Let's dive in.

How Much Will It Cost To Stay At Properties From The White Lotus? Keep reading to find out!

HBO

Let's begin with the Anantara Hotels, which account for multiple major locations in season 3. First, the gorgeous spa where Rick has his first stress-management session with Dr. Amrita is at Anantara Mai Khao Phuket, which is about a one-hour plane ride away from Koh Samui. Belinda's hotel room is also at this location, and in real life, a one-night stay costs about $320.

HBO

Meanwhile, a different Anantara location, specifically Anantara Bophut Koh Samui, stands in for the lobby, jewelry store, driveway, security station, and employee parking lot. As for the treetop bar where characters enjoy lavish meals, that's actually known as The Singing Bird Lounge at Anantara Lawana Koh Samui.

Staying at the former can run tourists between $254 and $701 per night, depending on the room they choose. Accommodations at the latter begin at $208 per night.

Anantara

It's worth noting that Anantara actually offers a The White Lotus experience known as the "Lotus Awakening Escape." Starting at $1,757, travelers can enjoy a four-night stay for two, which begins in Phuket and concludes in Koh Samui. Throughout your stay, you will be served on-theme meals and drinks, receive spa treatments, and even get to go on a half-day Phuket tour.

There are two other hotels that account for major backdrops in the show's latest season: Rosewood Phuket and Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui.

Remember when Belinda attempted to confront Greg/Gary while he was dining outside? That was at the luxury Rosewood Phuket hotel, and rooms there begin at a whopping $1,100 per night. Still, dining at Tai Khai could be a more feasible dining experience for visitors.

The restaurant's menu shifts to reflect the seasons, and there are two different three-course menu "sets" that patrons can choose from. The first costs $54, while the second is $64.

HBO

Finally, the Ratliff family and the group of three women (Jaclyn, Kate, and Laurie) are all staying in stunning villas located at none other than the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. The hotel also served as the backdrop in various scenes this season, supplying Rick's hotel room, the breakfast and lunch eateries, the pool, the beach, the boxing ring, the spirit house, and other common areas.

But while fans of The White Lotus might want to visit this filming destination the most, it's extremely expensive. A three-bedroom family villa, like the Ratliff's accommodations, costs approximately $10,500 per night; meanwhile, a two-bedroom villa is about $8,500 per night. And even for a regular hotel room, guests will have to cough up around $1,900 for a one-night stay.

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How To Have The Best Weekend In Napa Valley, According To A Local

My boyfriend lives in Napa, and I'm just down the road in the neighboring town of Sonoma. Recently, we decided to have a staycation in nearby Yountville — a charming small town nestled in the heart of Napa Valley. And it did not disappoint. If you’re planning a trip to wine country, Yountville is the perfect escape for romantic getaways, girls’ weekends, or wellness retreats. Just about a 1.5-hour drive from SFO or Oakland International Airport, Napa Valley feels like a world away from the bustle of city life. Imagine Tuscany with a NorCal twist: rolling vineyards, breathtaking landscapes, sunrise balloon rides, and a bucket-list food and wine scene.

Here's how to spend a perfect long weekend exploring Napa Valley.

Where To Stay In Napa

North Block Hotel

We booked our stay at the absolutely lovely North Block Hotel, a boutique retreat right in the center of town with a beautiful courtyard, heated pool and hot tub, and rustic-modern Mediterranean-style rooms. We were greeted in the lobby with warm chocolate chip cookies (the BEST) from Chef Juan Cabrera, who serves an incredible tasting dinner menu next door at The Restaurant at North Block.

North Block Hotel

We kicked off our stay by hopping on the hotel’s complimentary cruiser bikes to explore Yountville. We pedaled down charming Washington Street, then veered onto the town’s serene bike path, eventually winding our way through quiet country roads lined with peaceful vineyards. It was the perfect way to ease into the slower pace of Yountville — and a dreamy start to our stay. After, we hung out by the heated pool and hot tub before heading to our dinner reservation.

The Restaurant at North Block.

The Restaurant at North Block. was one of the most memorable and visually stunning dining experiences I’ve ever had. This Michelin-recognized gem showcases ingredients that are locally farmed, fished, and foraged. The spring gnocchette — with morel mushrooms, garden peas, and an applewood-smoked butter sauce — was pure perfection. Chef’s kiss. Bonus: Chef Cabrera also serves the hotel’s continental breakfast, complete with housemade croissants that are nothing short of dreamy.

Hwy 29: Yountville To St. Helena

Photo: Bouchon Bakery

Our first full day, we popped by Chef Thomas Keller’s beloved Bouchon Bakery for lunch, once the usual early morning crowd had cleared. Just a stone’s throw from his iconic restaurant, The French Laundry, the bakery is a must-stop for flaky pastries and gourmet bites. From there, we set out to explore the wineries along Highway 29 — easily accessible by car, or by bike if you're in the mood for a more scenic, slow-paced ride through wine country.

Photo: Dan Evans

Along this wine country highway, you can take a snapshot in front of the iconic Welcome to Napa Valley sign near Oakville. Nearby, visit Oakville Grocery — a grocery store that first opened its doors in the 1870s, but is so much more. You can grab a gourmet picnic (their wood-fired pizzas are delicious) and eat out on the lawn, visit the adjacent Victorian, 1881 Napa, a history museum that combines a gallery of winemaking relics with DIY wine tasting of over 200 local wines.

Bella Union Winery

Wineries dot Highway 29 like bakeries do in Paris, or pizza places in NYC. There are A LOT. Reservations are recommended during the high season. Some of my favorite ones to visit are Peju for its tasty wines, beautiful gardens and vineyard views from their terrace; Cakebread Cellars for delicious wine and food pairings and stunning grounds, and the tasting garden, AKA the Wren, at Bella Union Winery, where you can enjoy an elegant Cabernet Sauvignon by the glass or by the bottle. Stop by their family of wineries, Nickel & Nickel and Far Niente, too.

Photo: Farmstead At Long Meadow Ranch

You'll probably be hungry at this point. Wine-filled and happy, head over to Farmstead At Long Meadow Ranch in St. Helena for its American farmhouse restaurant, outdoor café, and general store for a unique and tasty Napa Valley experience. I love sitting out in the apple orchard. Dishes are made with ingredients from their farm, ranch, and vineyards.

Photo: Olivier

After, head to Main Street and stroll St. Helena's charming shops, likeOlivier for olive oil-based souvenirs and gifts. If you're up for a movie, check out the Cameo Cinema, one of the few single-screen movie theaters in the country, before heading back to North Block for a soak in their two-person friendly soaking tub and a favorite read by the fire.

Day 2: Downtown Napa To Carneros Region

Photo: Angèle Restaurant

Buzzier downtown Napa is definitely worth a visit. The Napa River offers kayaking, SUP, and gondola rides and there are lovely walks and restaurants along it. You can pop by the French-inspired Angèle Restaurant – I love the vibe here, rustic, lively and always friendly serving comfort food with a French twist.

From Angèle and the Napa River walk, you can pop into the General Store for local goods, and then head over to First Street for indie boutiques, bookstores, and ofc wine! Brown Estate is a Black-owned winery based in St. Helena but they have a tasting room downtown that offers lovely certified-sustainable wines. They're super friendly! Housely is another downtown tasting room owned by actress Tamera Mowry and family. They offer award-winning wines in a casual living-room vibe setting. No need for a reservation!

Photo: Artesa Vineyards & Winery

Boon Fly Cafe, part of the luxe Carneros Resort and Spa, has one of the best brunches in town. For a picture-worthy spot, book a bubbles tasting at nearby Domaine Carneros, a breathtakingly beautiful Château in the Carneros region of Napa Valley. Art lovers might enjoy the art and nature walk at the indoor-outdoor Di Rosa Contemporary Art Museum across the street. Book a second tasting at Artesa Vineyards & Winery, featured in the movie Wine Country with Amy Poehler, for Napa wines with Spanish twist, also in the picturesque Carneros region.

Photo: Scala Osteria

Back downtown, grab a delicious cocktail at Bitter Barand seafood-rich Southern Italian fare at the charming Scala Osteria. If you prefer something a little more casual, head to Napa Yard, a beer garden-style restaurant with music, games, beer and cocktails, plus salads, burgers and cozy sides. Nearby are also the Oxbow Market, definitely worth a walk through and soft serve at Gott's, and CIA at Copia, the culinary institute that offers creative and inspiring food events to check out.

Day 3: Silverado Trail To Calistoga

Photo: Stag's Leap Winery

Your final day is spa day! Silverado Trail is a beautiful 30-minute drive to Calistoga, known for its natural hot springs and wellness escapes. The wineries here are set in a more chill atmosphere than Hwy 29. Clos du Val offers a lovely farmer’s market event with live music, bites, and local goods; Baldacci offers a wine and chocolate tasting; and Stag Leap Wine Cellars is credited with putting Napa Valley on the global wine map – though not to be confused with Stag's Leap Winery, another gem in the area.

Photo: Indian Springs Calistoga

Drive along the palm tree-lined drive to Indian Springs Calistoga. You can plan an overnight and access their Olympic-Sized mineral pool, or go for a spa treatment and hang at their very Zen Buddha pond. Sam’s Social Club Restaurant is a worthy eatery on the property. For a more budget-friendly escape, try Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs for a mud bath and mineral pools. You can also visit the Petrified Forest here, unearthed petrified redwood trees that date back to the Pliocene Epoch, 3.4 million years ago!

Photo: Calistoga Inn, Restaurant & Brewery

Grab dinner along the Napa River at the Calistoga Inn, Restaurant & Brewery, which offers live music in a beer garden setting with outdoor fire pits. Order the Country Paella, Calistoga’s spin on the classic Spanish seafood dish before heading back to Indian Springs for a late-night swim in their steamy mineral pool.

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Lead image via Stag's Leap Winery

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