Get Your Cranberry Fix With These 24 Sweet and Savory Recipes

Thanksgiving wouldn’t be the same without that jiggly red cranberry sauce. But hopefully we’ve all moved away from the canned stuff and started playing around in our own kitchens. As it turns out, cranberries are actually an incredibly versatile ingredient, good for way more than just topping the turkey. So, in honor of the end of National Cranberry Month (October — who knew?) and the beginning of our Thanksgiving countdown (yup, it’s up next), here are 24 sweet and savory cranberry recipes.

1. Cranberry Banana Oatmeal Pancakes: What better way to start the day than with pancakes? These provide a healthy breakfast thanks to ground oats and natural sweetness from the bananas. (via Yummy Addiction)

2. Cranberry Orange Scones: Start your day off right with a flaky scone packed full of citrus flavor. (via Ashley Marie’s Kitchen)

3. Chocolate Maple Granola With Quinoa and Cranberries: Talk about a mouthful! Mix this ingredient-packed granola with yogurt or milk for a delicious and nutritious breakfast. (via The Hungry Hounds)

4. Spicy Cranberry Pepper Jelly: This jam looks sweet but it’s got a spicy kick. Slather it on a creamy cheese and be prepared for max yums. (via Kitchen Heals Soul)

5. Cranberry Pecan Bread: Looking for a quick and easy sweet bread to eat for breakfast (and get your house smelling like an elf bakery)? Look no further. (via The Spice Train)

6. Turkey, Cranberry, Avocado and Grilled Brie Sandwich: There are few things tastier than a grilled cheese with bonus creaminess from rich avocado. This sandwich, spiked with tartness from the homemade cranberry sauce, is one of them. (via Foodie Crush)

7. Cranberry and Cauliflower Flatbread: Sure the combo sounds crazy, but trust us, this is the perfect blend of sweet and savory. (via Sugar Et. Al.)

8. Thanksgiving Leftovers Quesadilla: Tired of the same old leftover turkey sandwich? Shake things up with this crispy cheesy quesadilla. (via The Cookie Rookie)

9. Cranberry and Smoked Almond Quinoa Salad: This light and hearty side features a flavorful blend of cranberries, smoked almonds, floral basil and creamy goat cheese. (via The Housewife in Training)

10. Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad: Top your favorite toast with this creamy and tangy chicken salad. You could even use leftover turkey in place of chicken for a post-Thanksgiving treat. (via Domestically Blissful)

11. Cranberry Thyme Dip: Serve this creamy dip with some pumpkin crackers for an autumnal appetizer everyone will love. (via The Spice Train)

12. Cranberry Ginger Pear Fizz: Need a super easy cocktail to kick off the holidays? Try our delicious cranberry fizz, with plenty of spiciness from ginger beer and flavor from rosemary. (via Brit + Co)

13. Cranberry Vinaigrette: Top your traditional Thanksgiving salad with this bright pink vinaigrette. Fresh thyme and walnut oil give it a delicate richness without being overly heavy. After all, you still have tons of turkey to eat! (via Healthy Seasonal Recipes)

14. Cranberry Chipotle Barbecue Ribs: Tangy berries replace the traditional vinegar in a spicy-sweet homemade barbecue sauce. It’s slathered on ribs for a delicious fall take on a classic. (via Foodess)

15. Sweet Potato Cranberry Biscuits: Everyone wants to add light and fluffy biscuits to their Thanksgiving table, but these have the added bonus of seasonal ingredients like tart cranberries and savory sweet potatoes. (via From Calculus to Cupcakes)

16. Turkey Burgers With Cranberry Slaw: While this recipe might be more appropriate for making on the grill in summer, it’s also a fresh way to reminisce over warmer days as the weather gets cold. (via Yummy Addiction)

17. Pecan Chicken With Cranberry Goat Cheese Sauce: A tangy and unusually bright pink cream sauce takes regular chicken breasts from simple to extraordinary. (via Running to the Kitchen)

18. Roasted Acorn Squash With Walnuts and Cranberries: Whether you serve this festive dish as a simple fall dinner side, or pump it up for a main with some ground beef and rice, nothing beats an edible squash bowl. (via Let The Baking Begin)

19. Ricotta, Pear and Cranberry Pie: The ricotta-honey filling bakes up around the fruit to create a thick, almost custardy pie. Top with cranberry compote for an extra burst of sweetness. (via Rolling Spoon)

20. Cranberry Pear Sorbet: This light dessert couldn’t be easier to whip up. It’s tart and sweet from cranberries and citrus and could easily be the perfect finish to a fancy fall dinner. (via Real Food and Ice Cream)

21. Gingerbread Pumpkin Trifle With Cranberry Pomegranate Sauce: Um, ready for this holiday dessert explosion?! Mix and match your own favorite ingredients in this colorful winter trifle. We love the contrast here between creamy pudding, soft and chewy pound cake and tart cranberries bursting with juice. (via A Spicy Perspective)

22. Cranberry Nantucket Pie: If you have an abundance of cranberries, fill a pie pan with them, then top with an almond cookie-like pastry for a unique and tasty dessert. (via The Pioneer Woman)

23. Lemon Cranberry Pie Bars: A perfect midafternoon snack or after-dinner dessert, these super tart bars are made with a gooey lemon filling and sweetened cranberries for a light but decadent treat. (via So How’s It Taste)

24. Cranberry Dark Chocolate Biscotti: Wrap up a meal with this crunchy, not-too-sweet dessert. A drizzle of dark chocolate never hurt anyone! (via Pinch of Yum)

What cranberry recipes are you dying to try? Whether it’s the perfect sauce or a simple cake, tell us in the comments below!

In case it's not abundantly clear by now, it's the season of canned pumpkin recipes, and we're all for putting it in just about everything we eat and drink! But if you thought you had to use fresh pumpkin puree for all those fall recipes, think again. These canned recipes are delicious and perfect for Thanksgiving, whether you're making an appetizer for the fam or whipping up your famous pumpkin pie.

Here are 47 recipes – including canned pumpkin dessert recipes – that use pumpkin from a can.

Brit + Co

Pumpkin Swirl Brownies

Whoever first decided to put pumpkin and brownies together needs some sort of reward. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

The Ultimate Pumpkin Pie

For your next all-Saturday Netflix session, surprise your binge TV-watching buddy with a pumpkin pie that tastes of pecans, cloves and Biscoff spread. It's the perfect thing to accompany your go-to comfort show. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Spiked Pumpkin Hot Chocolate

Everything about this drink sounds like a good idea. Pumpkin? The perfect seasonal ingredient. Hot cocoa? Our favorite cold weather drink. Rum? A tasty (and optional) part of the recipe. Make this hot chocolate for your Halloween party, Friendsgiving, and beyond. (via Brit + Co)

Lifestyle of a Foodie

Pumpkin Pie Cookies

It's a pie. It's a cookie. It's a pumpkin pie cookie! This loaded canned pumpkin dessert recipe is the perfect thing to make and bring to a party. (via Lifestyle of a Foodie for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

DIY Pumpkin Curry Recipe

If you like to warm up your evenings with curry, swap your usual ingredients for pumpkin puree to make it even more autumnal. This recipe is full of your usual veggies, plus some avocado and coconut milk. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Double Chocolate Banana Pumpkin Bread

Banana bread is already a tasty idea for fall baking, but add in pumpkin *and* chocolate for something that is too good to pass up. Swap the chocolate ganache for chocolate chips if you want, or just add in both. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Paleo Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

This recipe is like your favorite cookies, just a little bit healthier. These cute cookies even look like pumpkins! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Chocolate Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats

Upgrade this childhood Rice Krispie Treat with a dab of chocolate and a pinch of pumpkin to turn them into something fall-approved. Colorful sprinkles are non-negotiable. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

The Pumpkin Trifecta

One can, three delicious pumpkin desserts? It's not magic. It's just the great pumpkin. Try one at a time over the next month or make all three for your next fall dinner party. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Pumpkin Pie Frozen Yogurt

It's never too cold for fro-yo. With some canned pumpkin and spices, this recipe is only 100 calories and promises to satisfy your October cravings. Count us in! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Let's not forget our pooches. They deserve to gorge on gourd, too. Bonus points if you can find cute, dog-approved cookie cutters for this canned pumpkin recipie. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

French Toast Waffles Canned Pumpkin Recipe

Whoa. Pumpkin, French toast and waffles? This recipe is almost too good to be true. Talk about the ultimate Saturday morning breakfast! (via Brit + Co)

Kezia Lynn / PEXELS

Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread

This easy banana bread is the yummiest excuse to use up ripe bananas and that can of pumpkin puree that's been sitting ini your cabinet for months. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Apple Pumpkin Curry Soup

Get ready for a big spoonful of coziness. All of our favorite fall flavors are floating around this savory and sweet soup that makes for a great dinner anytime you're feeling cold. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Pumpkintini

Who would've thought that you could make a PSL into a cocktail? Genius! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal

Eating pie for breakfast is not a wise choice. Making your breakfasttaste like pie is. You won't want to go back to normal oatmeal after you try this recipe. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Pumpkin Spice Smoothie

Fall-ify your morning smoothie with a little pumpkin and a little spice. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

One Pot Cheesy Pumpkin Pecan Pasta

If you thought pumpkin couldn't be added to a cheesy pasta, this is proof that it definitely can. Pecans add a little bit of crunch, and while this recipe is already meatless, you can make it with dairy-free cheese to turn it into something magically vegan. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Pumpkin Pie Cobbler

Forget apple cobbler this fall. Try this pumpkin cobbler that's baked… inside a pumpkin. Mind = blown. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

White Chocolate Pumpkin Mousse With Spiked Whipped Cream

Thanksgiving Day already has your oven working overtime. Give it a break by serving up this delicious pumpkin-y no-bake dessert. Not only will it allow your kitchen to take it easy but you also won't be sweating over the stovetop. (via Brit + Co)

Betty Crocker

Pumpkin Donuts

These sugar-covered donuts are made from cake mix and canned pumpkin. Trust us: you do have time to make them. They're just that good. (via Betty Crocker)

Cookin' Canuck

Spiced Pumpkin Yogurt Parfaits

If you're looking for a way to add pumpkin to your morning routine, you found it. Use Greek yogurt and honey granola to make yourself a healthy breakfast. (via Cookin' Canuck)

Cookie and Kate

Pumpkin, Pineapple and Rum Cocktail

At your next soirée, warm everyone up with this sweet and sour cocktail. (via Cookie and Kate)

Willowbird Baking

Pumpkin Cheesecake Pillow Popovers

These pillow popovers will melt in your mouth, filling it with flavors of pumpkin and cheesecake. Our mouths are already watering for this canned pumpkin dessert. (via Willowbird Baking)

Chocolate Covered Katie

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

Sometimes, you just need a PSL. Don't want to get out of your PJs to make that happen? This recipe = problem solved. You can make it right in the comfort of you own kitchen, especially if you have your own at-home coffee bar. (via Chocolate Covered Katie)

Life, Love and Sugar

Pumpkin Pie In A Jar

We're sure that everyone has wished for their own personal-sized pumpkin pie at some point in their life. Make that dream come true with these no-bake pies in a jar! (via Life, Love and Sugar)

The Tart Tart

Pumpkin Ice Cream Sandwiches

There isn't much in this world that compares to homemade ice cream. Except maybe homemade pumpkin ice cream sandwiches between homemade chocolate chip cookies. (via The Tart Tart)

Chocolate-Covered Katie

Pumpkin Reeses

While Reeses are delicious all by themselves, replacing peanut butterwith pumpkin is the best idea we've heard all month. You can add a pinch of salt to round out the flavor. (via Chocolate-Covered Katie)

Diethood

Pumpkin Pie Cinnamon Rolls

Wake up to deliciousness and pumpkin pie with these cinnamon rolls. We'll take two… pans. (via Diethood)

Sally's Baking Addiction

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

If variety is the spice of life, then these cookies are everything. You can easily alter the flavor by using chocolate chips or cranberries or… wait for it… pumpkin seeds! (via Sally's Baking Addiction)

Call Me PMC

Pumpkin Pie Pop Tarts

Do you have a strict morning routine? Make these Pop Tarts ahead of time for some pumpkin on the go if you don't have time to make a huge breakfast. (via Call Me PMC)

Averie Cooks

Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie

Realice cream plus canned pumpkin equals a super scrumptious twist on classic pumpkin pie. (via Averie Cooks)

Eva Bakes

Pumpkin and Peach Muffins

Who'd have thought these two orange ingredients would go so well together? You better be snatching up those peaches while you can. (via Eva Bakes)

Delightfule Made

Pumpkin Coffee Cake Donuts

These donuts will pair perfectly with your steaming cuppa. Pair with pumpkin spice tea or a PSL for the ultimate pumpkin experience. (via Delightfule Made)

Desserts With Benefits

Pumpkin-Spiced Walnut Butter

Alright, stop, collaborate and listen. Spice is back with a brand new invention. You've just gotta try this butter on your next bagel. (via Desserts With Benefits)

Bakerita

Pumpkin Crumb Cake

With the crazy baking season, who has hours and hours to spend baking? This cake may look complicated, but it's actually incredibly easy, which automatically gets a thumbs-up from us. Plus, who can resist a crumb topping like that? (Not us.) (via Bakerita)

The Chic Life

Autumn Granola Canned Pumpkin Recipe

This pumpkin-y granola combines lots of flavors to create a breakfast you'll be craving all season long. Swap out some of the ingredients come winter to keep things seasonal. (via The Chic Life)

The Sweet Chick

Maple Fudge Canned Pumpkin Recipe

Hand this fudge out to all of your trick or treaters, and don't be surprised when word on the street gets out that you've got the best treats on the block. (via The Sweet Chick)

Country Cleaver

Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake Cones

'Tis the season for bonfires, and ice cream cones make the ideal vehicle for a delectable cheesecake treat that can be eaten (quickly!) around the fire. (via Country Cleaver)

Daily Burn

Healthy Pumpkin Pancakes

These pancakes are a fabulous healthy way to refuel after a morning workout. Just go lighter on the syrup, or get your sweetness by adding some semi-sweet chocolate chips in each cake. (via Daily Burn)

Baking a Moment

Pumpkin Creme Brulee

Crusty top, creamy middle, pumpkin taste — now that's a dessert worth breaking a diet for. (via Baking a Moment)

Woman Scribbles

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

This warm, gooey and chocolatey take on a delicious pumpkin loaf bread is a heaven sent option for those who love combining their favorite fall flavors together. (via Woman Scribbles)

Vanilla and Bean

Pumpkin Maple Pecan Granola With Cranberries

Add a different texture to your pumpkin maple pecan granola with cranberries. Its sweet and crunchy flavor will pair well with morning cereal or yogurt bowls. (via Vanilla and Bean)

Averie Cooks

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Cheesecake is one of those classic desserts that will probably never go away – not that we want it to. To spice things up, try baking these sweet pumpkin cheesecake bars. (via Averie Cooks)

Bowl of Delicious

Instant Pot Pumpkin Chili

A warm bowl of chili on a crisp fall day is enough to bring a smile to anyone's face, but did you know you could add pumpkin to it? For something that's a little spicy yet savory, make this Instant Pot pumpkin chili for the family this weekend! (via Bowl of Delicious)

Where Is My Spoon?

Chicken and Pumpkin Risotto

We live for comfort foods like this chicken and pumpkin risotto. It's light and flavorful, making every spoonful a delight to taste. (via Where Is My Spoon?)

Barley & Sage

Pumpkin Spice Macarons

Macarons are another fan favorite that deserve their chance to be baked this fall. Bake this pumpkin spice recipe for your upcoming Halloween party! (via Barley & Sage)

Check out our Pinterest and online baking + cooking classes for more canned pumpkin recipe inspiration!

This post has been updated.

First loves are TOUGH — especially when you start to see all the red flags you missed along the way once it's over. If you've been dissecting your own early love stories by reading Reddit threads or chatting with your girlfriends about their own relationship experiences, just know this: you're not alone! The entire Brit + Co staff even found ourselves discussing the first person we ever fell in love with...and the recounts did not disappoint. From realizing 19 seemed to be a common age for our all-time worst relationships to understanding how our first love was probably not as ideal as we originally thought, it made us wonder why we couldn't pinpoint red flags back then.

Licensed Psychotherapist Prerna Menon, founder of Boundless, LCSW-PLLC and Licensed marriage and family therapist Joseph Cavins, LMFT have a few thoughts that have helped us decode the precarious time in our lives.

Here's why some of us ignored how awful our first love might've been

1. We thought our first love was perfect and would argue with anyone who wanted us to take things slow with them.

Savannah Dematteo

I'll never forget the first time I fell in love at 19. I thought my ex was the "wind beneath my wings" because he had a great sense of humor and was creative like me. I told myself he was the person I was going to marry so I was offended when my parents didn't think he was mature enough to be in a serious relationship. If this sounds familiar, pull up a chair because Menon explains why we tend to idealize our first love.

"Your first love is your first experience with romantic love too, hence you typically see it with rose-colored glasses. The overwhelming emotion is often infatuation, which tends to overshadow the more critical and analytical part of our brain," she says. Sadly, this sounds like something my parents told me before but I couldn't fathom how true it was as a teen.

As the Clinical Director at Southern California Sunrise Recovery Center, Cavins has seen this play out before too. He says, "In your first relationship, there is a tendency to put your partner on a pedestal. The excitement of new love can create a powerful emotional fog that makes it hard to see flaws clearly."

Essentially, this "excitement of having a boyfriend, girlfriend, or partner supersedes" our ability to questions things we normally wouldn't put up with, according to Menon.

2. We tried to ignore the how many times our first loves disagreed with our values or goals.

Keira Burton

While some couples are able to make their relationship work despite having a different outlook on life, sometimes it can be a sign that things aren't going to work long-term. Cavins says, "One major red flag is disregarding differences in values or goals for the future. For instance, you wish to become a parent someday while your spouse swears this will never happen— or vice versa. Early on, you might dismiss these differences, believing love will conquer all. However, these mismatched priorities can lead to resentment and challenges over time."

Honestly, I probably should've ran whenever my ex would mock my belief in God only for us to have to attend his mother and stepfather's church whenever I visited. There was so much confusion there, but I tried to dismiss it as something he needed time to work out.

Menon adds, "If this relationship makes you feel like you'e standing in quick sand - where you are trying to move forward but often feel held back in your individual aspirations, it may not be the right fit for you."

3. We thought it was 'cute' when our first loves made suggestions about which friends to avoid or what clothes to wear.

Luis Zambrano

Cavins says, "Excessively possessive behaviors are another red flag that people often ignore easily when they fall in love for the first time. People tend to justify such behaviors by citing that it's due to love or protective instincts." I'm all for being in a relationship where your partner's able to see different sides of a picture, but controlling behavior shouldn't come with that. What might that look like?

Cavins says, "Your partner may frequently check in on you, offer opinions on who you should spend time with, or subtly pressure you into making choices that suit them." For example, your partner could start off making suggestions about your style that slowly morph into them controlling everything you wear. Somehow I went from being a self-professed 'girly-girl' to trying to emulate the style of 'sneakerheads' in a short amount of time. Though I love wearing everything from New Balance to Niké sneakers now, it's in a way that feels cohesive with my style.

You may have brushed this kind of behavior off because, again, you thought it meant your first love wanted the best for you. "It is understandable that such behavior hypothetically may come off as pleasant or affirming; however, they often signal an unhealthy dynamic of control rather than mutual respect," says

4. We always gave in when our first loves forced us to be affectionate.

Adely

*Sigh* I'm shaking my head for my younger self because there were many times I didn't advocate for myself in my first romantic relationship. I'd often give in to affectionate or intimate moments despite wanting personal space so I wouldn't be seen as 'boring' or uninterested in my ex. Menon says, "Given the infatuation, your first relationship can feel all-consuming and often is codependent. Hence, this may result in you overlooking that your partner does not respect your boundaries or desire for personal space."

Partly because the excitement of the relationship makes you want to spend all of your time together, until you don't. And then, it is often too late to correct a maladaptive historical pattern.

4. We always made excuses for why our partners would shower us with affection only to ignore us days later.

Pavel Danilyuk

Let's be clear, 'love bombing' feels confusing and awful. No one should make you feel like you're the center of their universe only to ignore your calls or texts days later. But, this probably happened while you were with your first love. Cavins says, "There's a tendency for people to brush off their first love's emotional unavailability. When, for example, a partner is not responsive and not engaging in intimate discussions or does not express their feelings, some may rationalize this as them being 'just not ready.'" If that were the case, this person wouldn't have made you feel like being with you is something they truly wanted.

Of that, Cavins believes "it's important to recognize these behaviors early" because "they can result in a one-side emotional investment that leaves one party feeling unfulfilled in the long run." Sadly, my first love would have days where he was super sweet to me only to feel like I was smothering him with attention. This is also the same person who begged me to remain in our romantic relationship when he went to basic training although I felt it would be better if we chose to be friends. Imagine my surprise (and hurt) when he told me we should have an open relationship months after getting stationed for the first time.

I should've known better because he was never 100% on board with the idea of marriage until after he graduated from basic training. Cavins calls this "emotional disconnectedness." His further explanation is this is "when the initial chemistry between the partners subsides that emotional attachment matters." To avoid this, he feels "identifying and addressing any of these is critical in a case where you are looking to create a strong and healthy bond."

5. We ignored the ways our former partner blamed us whenever they got in trouble with their parents or an authority figure.

Ketut Subiyanto

Did your first love have a hard time taking responsibility for things that went wrong by gaslighting you to absorb the blow of their mistakes? If you've furiously nodding, we should start a support group. Cavins says, "A key sign is a lack of personal or relational growth. Healthy relationships encourage mutual development, but if one partner stays stuck in old patterns while the other grows, it can create frustration and distance."

At no point should you be the reason why your first love got in trouble after answering their parents' house phone late at night after telling you to call at a certain time. It's situations like this that should've alerted us to awful behavior, but I can see how easy it is to dismiss things.

What if I'm in love for the first time and recognize these signs?

Andrea Piacquadio

First, my heart goes out to you for being in a relationship that doesn't feel healthy. It hurts when we realize the person we thought was so great is anything but. The road to letting go of idealization may be long, but you can and will get better. Cavins says, "In the process of self-healing and recovery, the first step that must be taken is self-reflection. Ask yourself all of the necessary questions that arise, such as what this relationship means for you, what your boundaries are, and what this partnership has revealed about you as an individual."

I keep saying this, but relying on journal prompts can help you unpack a lot of things and, thankfully, Cavins agrees. He says, "You could always opt to talk to a specialist or being journaling in order to find some closure and draw meaning from the experience." Also, he wants you to start "making new memories." But, don't be passive about it.

"You will have to engage yourself in activities that will help redirect the focus of your thoughts. This could include joining a new class, engaging in a hobby, or traveling that involves some independence. These experiences can help shift your mindset from loss to growth and reinforce your identity outside of the relationship," says Cavins.

Another important thing you can do is "solicit help from others," according to him. "Calling on people you trust, like friends and family, to talk about these feelings can significantly help in healing," he says. This also helped me navigate life outside of my first real romantic relationship, reminding me that I still had a lot of love in my life that didn't begin or end with my ex.

Here are Menon's tips:

  • Let yourself grieve — Let this loss run its course. If you need to feel angry, sad, distraught, nostalgic. Allow yourself the full breadth of this experience. If I ask you right now "don't think a out a yellow monkey", I can bet you just thought of a yellow monkey. We call this "the imp of the mind". When you reject feelings, or thoughts, they come back 10 times more fiercely. To move the feeling along, we must let ourselves experience it.
  • Rediscover your identity (So important) — Your first love is often intertwined with self-discovery, and identity formation. Reconsider your goals, interests, values, friendships and hobbies and try to build your own sense of identity and individuality.

Anastasia Nagibina

I saw my first love again and it feels like we're falling in love all over. Can we have a happy and healthy relationship?

I'm not going to tell you to run even though I told my ex I never wanted to speak or talk to him again. You could easily reconnect with the first person you fell in love with and realize that you're both in a place where you can have something beautiful. However, Cavins and Menon want you to be mindful if you're in this position.

"Reconnection is possible," begins Menon, "if both parties can objectively claim that they have grown emotionally and resolved the issues that held their relationship back." But, "if the reconnection is built on one person growing and the other not, it is likely to fail," she alerts. You'll need to "proceed with caution," she says because "your first love was a nostalgic era in your life that can cloud your judgement." To put it more clearly, she doesn't want you confuse "the fuzzies" with a "true knowing that the two of you can make it work."

Cavins says, "Reconnecting with a first love can trigger a strong wave of emotions, but it is important that such a decision is made with caution and a strong sense of pragmatism. Personal growth is a primary factor. Each party in the relationship must ask themselves how they have grown and evolved as individuals over time. If past patterns of conflict, immaturity, or unhealthy dynamics remain unaddressed, the same issues could resurface."

He wants you to consider these things:

  • Are there any active relationships or past engagements that would make it rather difficult? That's because the feelings that come with reigniting old flames are very strong and can alter a person’s life, making it essential to start thinking from all angles before going ahead with it.
  • Address previous challenges that caused the breakup in the first place. If the reasons behind the breakup have been resolved or do not exist anymore, then yes, meeting again has its prospects. However, keep in mind that, at times, memories can be selective and unfavorably distort the truth by overplaying the good qualities while avoiding the negative ones.
  • Only rekindle things if both individuals are in a healthy emotional state and the decision is grounded in practical, mutual considerations—not just sentimentality or romanticized memories. Clear and honest discussions and an understanding of purpose are vital in ascertaining if rekindling the relationship will be worthwhile for both parties or if it will simply be an act of revisiting unresolved emotions.

Menon's final piece of advice is similar in that she encourages you to be "self-critical, self-aware, and self-nourishing." She doesn't want you to be afraid to be "clear and transparent about your expectations for the relationship" either. Though we weren't a fan of the outcomes of our first real romantic relationships, they've made us wiser. So, shout out to our first loves for being the worst because they've become our best learning lessons.

That's not all! We have even more helpful articles about relationships & family if you're looking for everything from celebrity couples to navigating hard conversations during the holidays.

Whether your kitchen is equipped with a teeny 18-inch range or magnificent double ovens (can we come over???), somehow it always seems to be operating at capacity come the holidays. While some things are non-negotiable when it comes to getting a bit of heat, dessert doesn't have to be one of them. This collection of 20 easy Thanksgiving desserts will save the day, allowing you to serve up something sweet without breaking a sweat. That way, you can focus on what really matters: spending time with the people you love. From tasty cakes to pretty pies, you'll love all the no-bake options available to choose from.

Half Baked Harvest

Fudgy Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cake

Chocolate lovers won't be able to get enough of this delicious ice cream cake. It balances salty and sweet *perfectly* and on top of the fact that it tastes great, it looks just as amazing. (via Half Baked Harvest for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Oreo Turkey Pops

This is a great easy Thanksgiving dessert to get your guests involved in. Simply set up an activity station to kick off the festivities, and by the end of the night, their Oreo turkeys will be ready to shake their tail feathers. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Pumpkin Ice Cream Tart with Speculoos Crust

We totally recommend that you keep a few of these tarts in your freezer at all times. Simply pop them out of their molds and top with a spoonful of whipped cream and sprinkle of pecans as needed. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

White Chocolate Pumpkin Mousse

Ease your day-of Thanksgiving dessert prep with this delish prepared-ahead mousse. (via Brit + Co)

Spicy Southern Kitchen

Coconut-Pumpkin Chiffon Pie

The contrasting textures offered by a chewy coconut crust, silky pumpkin filling, and fluffy whipped cream topping make for one decadent pie. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)

Diethood

Pumpkin Mousse Ice Box Cake

It’s almost hard to believe that this gorgeous layered creation requires no baking at all. (via Diethood)

The Real Food Dietitians

4-Ingredient Scotcheroo Bites

The only thing you'll need to fire up for this easy Thanksgiving dessert is your stovetop, to make the melty chocolate topping. Otherwise, this recipe is super painless and oh-so tasty. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Shared Appetite

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Trifle

You'll need to pull out your skillet for this (mostly no-bake) easy Thanksgiving dessert recipe. Trust that the sautéed cinnamon-sugar apples that result will be totally worth it. (via Shared Appetite)

Slim Pickin's Kitchen

Bailey's & Coffee No-Bake Pots de Crème

With only five ingredients, these spiked custard cups can be thrown together in a jiffy. (via Slim Pickin's Kitchen)

White on Rice Couple

Fluffy Cranberry Pie

The pretty pink hue of this pie is bound to elicit a few oohs and aahs from Thanksgiving party-goers. Thankfully, the flavor lives up to the hype! (via White on Rice Couple)

The Edgy Veg

Vegan No-Bake Cookies

Packed with oats, nut butter, shredded coconut, and sunflower seeds, these no-bake cookies are a great healthy option for your easy Thanksgiving desserts. (via The Edgy Veg)

Life With the Crust Cut Off

No-Bake Pumpkin Gingersnap Cheesecakes

Five minutes of prep, four flavor-packed ingredients. We're sold. (via Life With the Crust Cut Off)

Life, Love and Sugar

Caramel Apple Trifles

Fans of cinnamon and caramel — and let’s face it, everyone else for that matter — will swoon over these eight-layer trifles. This is already one beautiful dish, but the fact it's a no-bake Thanksgiving dessert makes us love it even more. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Forks Over Knives

Vegan Cranberry Pear Tart

An abundance of fruit and nuts goes into making this beautiful, just-sweet-enough fall tart. (via Forks Over Knives)

Belle Vie

Caramel Apple Cookie Dough Bars

Cookie dough fanatics will go wild for these bars flecked with fresh apple chunks and cinnamon chips. (via Belle Vie)

Earthly Provisions

No-Bake Edible Cookie Dough Bites

With a total of 7 ingredients and 10 minutes to make 'em, these bite-sized cookie dough balls make the ultimate Thanksgiving dessert that everyone will be reaching for over and over again. (via Earthly Provisions)

The Recipe Rebel

Caramel Apple-Golden Oreo Icebox Cake

What’s not to love about cream-filled cookies, cheesecake, and caramel apple goodness coming together in one easy make-ahead dessert? (via The Recipe Rebel)

Dessert for Two

Easy Pumpkin Tiramisu

For something that sounds and looks so fancy, tiramisu is actually a snap to prepare. We’re talking only fifteen minutes of prep (plus a few hours to chill). (via Dessert for Two)

Sweet + Savory

Chai Latte No-Bake Mini Cheesecakes

Not only are these chai-spiced treats no-bake, but lining your muffin tin makes them also practically cleanup-free. (via Sweet + Savory)

Vanilla and Bean

No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

This easy Thanksgiving dessert looks so stunning, it'll fool everyone into thinking you spent way more time on it than you actually did. (via Vanilla and Bean)

We hope these easy Thanksgiving desserts have saved you some time in your holiday plans this year! Make sure to join our newsletter for more recipe inspiration and check out the B+C Baking Bundle of online courses for more ideas!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

No matter how many times I rewatch The Vampire Diaries, there's nothing like seeing a cast reunion — and the weekend of December 6, we finally got to see our three favorite Mystic Falls gals together again! Nina Dobrev, Kat Graham, and Candice King were just some of The Vampire Diaries cast members who reunited for Epic Con to chat all things Elena, Bonnie, and Caroline...but things took a turn in the middle of the interview when one of the backdrops almost fell on Nina!

Keep reading to see what happened during The Vampire Diaries cast reunion with Nina Dobrev, Kat Graham, and Candice King.

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Even after all these years, Bonnie and Caroline are still saving Elena #tvd #thevampirediaries #ninadobrev #candiceking #katgraham #elanagilbert #carolineforbes #bonniebennett #epiccons

As someone who's done plenty of interviews myself, I know how fast a situation can spiral — and this interview accident is crazy. While talking on stage about the show, one of the backdrops begins to lean forward, and right before it falls on top of Nina, Candice and Kat quickly move to push it in the opposite direction.

"I don't want to see any 'Bonnie saves the day' memes," Kat jokes, referencing the fandom's love for Bonnie consistently helping the group throughout the show's eight-season run. "I don't want to see it, I don't want to hear it!" You can also see a relieved Nina hug Candice before revealing she thought it was a spider!

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In addition to this "Bonnie saves the day" moment (sorry, Kat, I couldn't help it!), the internet went crazy when Nina posted a video of her, Candice, and Kat recreating a photo they took during season 1 — especially after rumors have circulated for years that Kat Graham was mistreated on The Vampire Diaries set.

While these rumors have never been outright confirmed, fans have paid very special attention to what Kat has said...especially when she confirmedshe was the lowest-paid cast member and cried over her natural hair after revealing she wasn't really allowed to have an afro while filming.

"Love you girls so much!!!!!! 🥹❤️❤️❤️❤️" Kat commented on Nina's post, while a fan added, "And now the rumors can definitely be ended 🫶🏼❤️." These women are so powerful and clearly love each other so much, and I will take any and every cast reunion we can get!

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- YouTube

When Brit + Co caught up with Ian Somerhalder, he also expressed how much he loved filming The Vampire Diaries. "Every single day it was a laugh," he says. "I mean we had to be serious, you're running from ghosts and vampires and stuff, and you know, someone makes a fart joke and a 130 people erupt in laughter, there's only so much you can run for your life."

And thank goodness, Ian confirms just how much fun the cast had! "We laughed, that's how we kept each other sane," he says. "I spent 8 years on the show and now it's [been] 15 years. It's my longest relationship."

"I cannot believe it's been 15 years," he continues. "And so everyone who's seen the show, watched the show, supported us — and me — in any way, shape, and form regarding the show, I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

What would your dream The Vampire Diaries reunion look like? Let us know on Facebook!

Brown butter pasta. Wedge salads. Espresso martinis. Actual martinis. What do these foods and bevs all have in common? They make me fancy as ever when I’m chowing down on them.

But there’s one flavor in particular that goes above and beyond in the way of fancy foods, and it just so happens to be featured in one of Trader Joe’s tasty new dips.

Trader Joe's

I’m talkin’ truffle, baby! Not one, but two types of the earthy, richly-umami fungus stars in Trader Joe’s Truffle Dip, and TJ’s fans can’t get enough.

Trader Joe’s Truffle Dip boasts an “exceptionally creamy” base made up of ricotta, parmesan, and cream cheese. Most importantly, it earns its super sophisticated flavor from a blend of black truffle paste and white truffle-infused olive oil. Yeah, I’m obsessed.

@traderjoesobsessed

Trader Joe’s fan account @traderjoesobsessed recently shared all the truffle goodness on their page, with truffle-infused favorites like Truffle Burrata, Truffle Brie, andTruffle Oil joining the ranks. Their followers truly blew up the comment section with lots of love for the famed Truffle Dip

“Come through truffle!!!!🔥❤️,” one person wrote.

“I use this as a pasta 🍝 sauce,” another commenter said. “It's amazing!!”

“I think it’s soooo good with the brioche toasts,” someone else said.

“I buy one every week,” another person commented. “I'm obsessed!”

The Trader Joe’s Truffle Dip is shoppable in stores for just $5.49 for 7.5 ounces of the creamy, dreamy product. It’s the perfect addition to slather on lunch wraps and sandwiches and will definitely make your holiday charcuterie spread shine this year.

No matter how you enjoy it, you’re sure to become absolutely obsessed, too.

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