5 Nutritionists Share Their Go-To Healthy Midday Slump Snack

Megan Parry
Oct 03, 2017

It doesn’t matter if you got the best sleep ever the night before or how much of a protein-packed lunch you had at noon — sometimes you hit that 3pm slump feeling tired and hungry, fiending for sugar and caffeine in a major way. Thankfully, there are lots of healthy ways to fix the midday slump and satisfy your snack tooth at the same time. So put down that office kitchen pastry and read on for five nutritionist-approved healthy snack options.

1. Superfood Sea Salt Trail Mix: Neka Pasquale, Urban Remedy founder and certified Chinese nutritionist, says she loves this trail mix recipe because it’s low-glycemic, and packed with protein and antioxidants so it’ll keep your blood sugar balanced. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfectly portable!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1 cup shelled pumpkin seeds
  • 1/2 cup raw cacao nibs
  • 1/2 cup raw sesame seeds
  • 1/2 cup dried goji berries
  • 1/4 cup golden raisins or dried currants
  • 1/2 cup dried coconut  flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt

Instructions:

In a large bowl, toss together all of the ingredients until well mixed. Transfer the mix to small zippered plastic bags.

Makes about 4 1/2 cups (8 oz/250 g)

2. Cashews and Dried Apricots: “My favorite snack is raw, unsalted cashews with a few dried apricots,” Gillean Barkyoumb, the Millennial Nutritionist and registered dietician, says. “The fat from the nuts fills me up and the sugar from the apricots satisfies my sweet tooth and gives me energy.”

3. Sprouted Toast, Vegan Cream Cheese, and Kimchi: Andrea Nordby, head chef at Purple Carrot, a plant-based meal delivery service, says she prefers “a slice of whole grain or sprouted toast with vegan cream cheese and kimchi. This snack is rich with good carbs and satisfying umami flavors, has healthy bacteria, and is loaded with vitamins A, B, and C.”

4. KIND Bars: Lyssie Lakatos, RDN, CDN, CFT, and one half of the Nutrition Twins, gives a major shout-out to KIND bars for a mid-afternoon snack. She says, “My two go-tos are their Dark Chocolate Almond Mint and their Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt flavors. They feel indulgent and are the perfect way to satisfy a chocolate craving in a healthy way, since they’re made from whole nuts and flavored with delicious spices! I also love that they have five grams of sugar or less with five to six grams of protein and four to six grams of fiber, so it keeps me satisfied so I’m not looking for something else to eat soon afterward.”

5. Pistachios: Lakotos’ sister (and the second Nutrition Twin), Tammy Lakatos Shames, likes to keep it simple after an afternoon workout with a handful of in-shell pistachios. “They’re savory, tasty, and nutritious, and they hit the spot when I want a satisfying crunch!” She especially digs the Sweet Chili 100-cal packs of Wonderful Pistachios and adds that “pistachios are one of the nuts that are highest in fiber and protein, so they really are satisfying and keep me from getting hungry.”

Do you have a healthy snack hack you love? Tweet us @BritandCo to share your favorite healthy snack!

(Photo via Getty)

23 Impressive Last-Minute Halloween Snacks To Serve At Your Spooky Party

Halloween is on its way people! With just a handful of weeks to go, it's crunch time to find a costume and figure out what you'll be doing the night of October 31. Whether you're throwing a Halloween party and still need to figure out a food and drink recipes or you need a fun dish to bring to the one you're attending, these quick and easy Halloween snacks are here to help! After all, you don't want guests to be left hangry – that would be frightening. Have no fear! We have some last-minute Halloween snacks that are fast, festive, and tasty AF.

Brit + Co

Mummy Jalapeño Poppers

This savory Halloween snack can be made as spicy as your guests want it – just scoop a little or all of the jalapeño seeds out before stuffing these 'mummies' with cheese and wrapping them in store-bought crescent roll dough.

Brit + Co

Deviled Egg Brains

Your party pals will definitely be freaked out by this bite! Red food coloring aids in turning traditional deviled egg filling a spooky pink color.

Half Baked Harvest

Sweet and Salty Healthier Caramel Apples

Made without any processed sugar, these caramel apples require just a few ingredients: apples, maple syrup, honey, cream, vanilla, chocolate, and flaky salt.

A Spicy Perspective

Halloween Popcorn Mix

This candy-coated bowl of popcorn loads up on festive accoutrements like candy corn, pumpkins, and Halloween sprinkles.

Salt & Lavender

Halloween Puppy Chow

Add Halloween-themed sprinkles to some classic Chex mix for a spooky seasonal snack.

Handmade Charlotte

Monster Party Bark

Melt a few chocolate bars with some pretzels, candy eyes, and coconut flakes for a salty-sweet Halloween snack that will be ready in only three minutes.

Sally's Baking Addiction

Halloween Pretzel Bites

Just place small pieces of chocolate on top of pretzels, heat them long enough for the chocolate to soften, then lightly place a candy corn on top. Viola! Simple, tasty treats with a twist – and no tricks!

The Healthy Family and Home

Chipotle Pumpkin Hummus

We don't know anyone who doesn't love hummus. This quick dip can be served with crackers or veggies for a healthy Halloween party snack.

Crowded Kitchen

Halloween Pumpkin Covered Strawberries

If you have some strawberries on-hand, this recipe is made even easier. Just grab some orange candy melts and decorate away!

Polka Dot Chair

Caramel-Dipped Marshmallows

Simply dip marshmallows in caramel, then cover them in some cute holiday sprinkles for an easy treat that everyone won't stop snacking on.

Skinnytaste

Banana Boo Pops

Put a festive touch on the classic frozen chocolate “boo-nana" by giving them a ghostly makeover. The only heavy lifting you'll have to do for this recipe is let them sit in the freezer for a bit.

Delia Creates

Spiderweb Pretzels

Melt some chocolate, then swirl it over pretzel sticks for a spooky spiderweb-like snack. These could be served alone, or on a cake or ice cream.

Completely Delicious

Halloween Candy Bark

Whether you're using new or leftover Halloween candy, this bark recipe is super simple.

Home Made Interest

Apple Kabobs

Buy a package of pre-sliced apples, then dip them in chocolate and caramel for an easy alternative to a favorite Halloween pastime. Plus, they're just easier to eat!

Suburbia Unwrapped

Candy Corn Fruit Parfait

For a sweet treat that's still healthy, skip the candy corn and cut up some colorful fruit in its place.

This Wife Cooks

Sweet and Salty Pumpkin Seeds

For flavors both sweet and salty, these pumpkin seeds can be made in a jiffy.

Miss Candiquik

Strawberry Ghosts

Dip some strawberries in white chocolate, then give them chocolate chip eyes and a mouth for these cute and tasty snacks.

Bren Did

Tangerine Pumpkins

Peel a few tangerines and place a small piece of celery in the middle to make these tangerine pumpkins. Bonus: these can definitely double as the perfect kid's snack for school.

Feel Good Foodie

Witches' Brooms

To make these adorable 'brooms,' you'll push a pretzel in the end of a sliced string cheese stick.

Culinary Hill

Halloween Walnuts

These nutty little guys are the perfect snacking companion for the holiday.

Averie Cooks

Loaded Halloween Cream Cheese Brownies

These super soft and gooey brownies are the ultimate snack that'll melt in your mouth. They're perfect for anyone who has a sweet tooth and loves a combination of fudge, oreo cookies, and cream cheese. Plus, you'll taste a hint of vanilla extract in it that serves as a nice surprise!

Completely Delicious

Halloween Candy Bark

Looking for chill Halloween snacks to munch on throughout the day? Make this holiday candy bark that has all the makings of a trick-or-treat explosion. You'll need everything from bittersweet chocolate to your favorite Halloween candies for this fun recipe.

Kathryn's Kitchen Blog

Halloween Popcorn Mix

Got a taste for something that involves trail mix and popcorn? This Halloween snack has your name written all over it! It takes less than an hour to perfect and involves popcorn, a little sugar, honey, salt, and more delicious ingredients! In our mind, it's the perfect sweet and salty treat you'll want to recreate every season!

What are some of your favorite Halloween snacks? Let us know in the comments, and join our newsletter for more holiday inspiration!

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

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Jennifer Lawrence & Dakota Johnson Just Went On A Cozy BFF Date

Jennifer Lawrence and Dakota Johnson are two of my favorite people in Hollywood because of the fact they do literally whatever they want, and they don’t care what you think about it. I aspire to be this confident and unbothered!! They've both had pretty big years — Dakota led both Madame Web and Daddio, while Jennifer announced she's pregnant with her second child at the end of October, and when I saw they hung out together, I knew this was one celebrity friendship I'd LOVE.

Are Jennifer Lawrence & Dakota Johnson friends?

Yes, Jennifer Lawrence and Dakota Johnson are friends! The actresses were recently spotted on a stroll in Los Angeles, beverages in hand. Jennifer wore a tee and blue hoodie that showed off her growing baby bump while Dakota kept things chic with a black-on-black coat and v-neck sweater over a white tee shirt. They both looked super cozy! And, let's face it, beverages are basically an accessory at this point, and their drinks of choice prove they love little treats as much as we do!

And this isn't the first moment Jennifer Lawrence BFF moment that's made us fangirl this year! At the Oscars in March, Jennifer introduced Emma Stone, who ended up winning Best Actress for her role as Bella in Poor Things. Emma cried, Jennifer couldn't stop smiling, and it was an adorable moment for girls' girls everywhere.

Did Jennifer Lawrence date Chris Martin?

Not only are they two of Hollywood's "It" girls, but they also share an overlap in their dating history. Jennifer Lawrence (who's now married to Cooke Maroney) dated Dakota Johnson’s current beau Chris Martin between 2014 and 2015. Dakota started dating him just two years later.

Rumors started circulating in August that Dakota and Chris had called it quits, but thankfully, Dakota proved they were just rumors when her rep told Page Sixthe couple is still "happily together." The Social Network actress also told Bustle that when it comes to Chris' kids (whom he shares with ex Gwyneth Paltrow), she loves them "like my life depends on it. With all my heart." I'm simply obsessed.

Stay tuned for all the best Jennifer Lawrence & Dakota Johnson friendship moments, and read up on why Dakota Johnson's Book Club Isn't Your Average Celebrity Reading List.

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16 Scary-Good Halloween Appetizers To Bring To A Spooky Potluck

There are plenty of things you can do besides trick-or-treating or Netflix-bingeing come Halloween. For one, you can throw one hell of a Fright Night party. Don't know what foods to make? We've got you covered. Here are some scary Halloween appetizer recipes that you and your guests will totally die for.

Brit + Co

Mummy Pizzas

Making your own pizza dough can be scary. Swap it for ciabatta loaves instead to make these easy mummy apps. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Deviled Egg Brains

Savory deviled egg brains are bound to turn your party guests into hungry zombies. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Monster Sushi

A tray of monster sushi looks colorful and surprisingly stylish among your other appetizers. (via Brit + Co)

Foxes Love Lemons

Halloween Snack Platter

Treat party guests to a variety of sweet and savory snacks. They'll be so impressed, they won't even be tempted to dip into your candy stash. (via Foxes Love Lemons)

Chelsea's Messy Apron

7-Layer Spider Web Dip

Turn a classic appetizer into a Halloween favorite with just a little sour cream artistry and a handful of black olive spiders. (via Chelsea's Messy Apron)

Half Baked Harvest

Spooky Halloween Pretzels

Your starters don't all have to be savory – serve up a tray of these sweet chocolate-covered pretzels. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Crowded Kitchen

Halloween Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Keep your Halloween snack spread even sweeter by dipping some strawberries in orange-dyed chocolate and decorating each one with an adorable lil' pumpkin face! (via Crowded Kitchen)

Salty Canary

Halloween Monster Popcorn

Colored with candy melts and filled with other sweets, this monster popcorn really pops once you add a generous sprinkle of salt. (via Salty Canary)

Fork and Beans

Bell Pepper Salad Cups

This time of year, our consumption of fresh vegetables is definitely lacking. Make up for it with a spirited presentation of salad. (via Fork and Beans)

Plain Chicken

Spider Hot Dogs

We've all seen mummy hot dogs. Take things to the next terrifying level with these truly disturbing tube steak spiders. (via Plain Chicken)

Cutefetti

Skeleton Snack Tray

Spend time on your costume, not cooking up a storm in your kitchen, by preparing a snack platter that requires no oven time. (via Cutefetti)

Feel Good Foodie

Halloween Fruit Kabobs

For a Halloween potluck idea that sits on the healthier side, these adorably ghoul-ish fruit kabobs are easy to make, easy to serve, and even easier to devour before or after the main course! (via Feel Good Foodie)

Chelsea's Messy Apron

Monstrous Meatball Sliders

Cheese fangs and olive eyeballs transform plain old meatball sliders into an on-point app. (via Chelsea's Messy Apron)

Lavender & Lovage

Mini Toad Holes

With a name like "toad in the hole," this dish was destined for October dining. (via Lavender & Lovage)

Noshing with the Nolands

Little Potato Halloween Monster Eyeballs

Kids and adults alike are pretty much obsessed with potatoes, especially when cheese is involved (even if it does look like the eyeballs). (via Noshing with the Nolands)

Takes Two Eggs

Mummy Homemade Black Sesame Pop Tarts

These "buttery, flakey, nutty, and sweet" homemade Pop Tarts will be the perfect food to finish off your spooky feast with. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Follow us on Pinterest for more terrifying Halloween tips.

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

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Bye, PSL! The Starbucks Holiday Menu For 2024 Returns Next Week

So long, pumpkin spice season: Starbucks’ holiday menu is on the way, and per menu leaks, it reportedly brings back a ton of seasonal favorites starting next week.

From a classic Peppermint Mocha to the beloved Caramel Brûlée Latte, the recent menu rumors say a new Refresher flavor, 6 unique cold foams, and 4 new bakery items are on the way as the holidays draw near – including many items we predicted! The speculated lineup is honestly wild. Starbucks teased that the holiday menu will hit stores on November 7.

If you just can’t wait to order off the Starbucks holiday menu, here’s every offering reportedly coming to your closest cafe!

When will the Starbucks holiday drinks for 2024 come out?

Starbucks

According to an Instagram post from Starbucks, new holiday drinks and snacks will come out on November 7, 2024.

Will there be holiday cups?

Starbucks

We do anticipate that the Starbucks holiday menu will include some new holiday cup designs! Though we don't know what they'll look like just yet, previous holiday menus over the years have featured vibrant reds, greens, and pinks, plus stars, sparkles, Christmas trees, swirls, and stripes. Typically, Starbucks' holiday cups span across hot and iced drinks. Additionally, a new lineup of reusable cups and mugs should become available!

What's missing from this year's rumored Starbucks holiday menu?

Starbucks

Per rumors around the Starbucks holiday menu, the Eggnog Latte, Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, Irish Cream Cold Brew, and Gingerbread Loaf won't be returning to cafes for 2024. We're especially sad to see the Toasted White Chocolate Mocha not included, though the official menu lineup has yet to be released!

When is Starbucks Red Cup Day 2024?

Starbucks

Though there's no official word out about Red Cup Day for 2024, our best guess – based on the Red Cup Days of years past – is it'll return mid-November. In 2023, Red Cup Day fell on November 16. In 2022, the coffee chain held the event on November 17. Both dates landed on the third Thursday of November, so we predict it to hit on November 21 for 2024. Red Cup Day is when Starbucks customers can get a free reusable red cup when they order a seasonal drink off the holiday menu.

Drinks On The Starbucks Holiday Menu 2024

@markie_devo

NEW! Cran-Merry Orange Refresher

The Starbucks holiday menu leak reported that this brand-new Refresher is packed with sweet orange, tart cranberry and warm spice. It also has cranberry inclusions and is order-able mixed with water, lemonade or coconut milk.

Starbucks

Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai

Chai is a totally underrated holiday flavor in our opinion. This iced drink is crafted with warm chai spices and creamy oat milk, then gets topped with even more frothed oat milk infused with gingerbread-flavored syrup and a sprinkling of spice.

Starbucks

Peppermint Mocha

You know it, and you love it! The Peppermint Mocha has hit Starbucks menus year after year, making it a total statement sip for the holiday season. This drink (available hot or iced) combines peppermint syrup, mocha sauce, and your milk of choice with espresso for a festive feel. It's traditionally topped with whipped cream and tasty chocolate curls.

Starbucks

Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha

Similar to the classic Peppermint Mocha, this bev swaps chocolate for white chocolate sauce.

Starbucks

Caramel Brûlée Latte

This rumored Starbucks holiday menu drink is very rich. The sweet caramel brûlée sauce totally completes the sip, along with plenty of whipped cream and crunchy lil' brûlée bits for textural variety.

Starbucks

Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte

Literally like a sugar cookie in liquid form, this super-sweet latte is handcrafted with blonde espresso (it's sweeter and lighter than Starbucks' traditional espresso shots), sugar cookie syrup, and almond milk for a little bit of a lighter effect. It's finished off with red and green sprinkles to up the seasonal vibes even more!

Starbucks

Chestnut Praline Latte

This nutty latte – rumored to return for 2024 – brings on notes of chestnut and praline, which is a nice, flavorful departure from the very expected peppermint you'll see everywhere come holiday time.

Starbucks

Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew

Initially introduced for fall 2024, it appears as though the Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew will stay on the Starbucks menu well into winter. The salted, pecan-flavored cold foam offers that classic sweet n' salty twist you'd enjoy on fall snacks like trail mix or dipped pretzels. The best part is you can now also order the cold foam in non-dairy form!

Starbucks

Holiday Cold Foams

Per the menu leak, Starbs will be bringing back four beloved holiday-flavored cold foamsand two new options for 2024. They're the perfect drink customization to add to your iced coffees and cold brews if you don't want to order an all-out holiday drink. See all the predicted flavors below:

  • NEW! Gingerbread
  • NEW! Salted Pecan
  • Peppermint Chocolate
  • Sugar Cookie
  • Chestnut Praline
  • Caramel Brûlée

Snacks On The Starbucks Holiday Menu 2024

@markie_devo

NEW! Dark Toffee Bundt

Per the menu leak, this sweet toffee-flavored bundt will be topped with holly- and berry-shaped sprinkles. How perfect for the holiday season!

@markie_devo

NEW! Turkey Sage Danish

This savory snack reportedly includes "turkey sausage with creamy béchamel sauce in a pastry." It sounds like Thanksgiving in a single treat, and we can't wait to try it!

@markie_devo

NEW! Penguin Cookie

This cutie sugar cookie is decorated like a lil' penguin bundled up for the cold.

Starbucks

Snowman Cake Pop

Starbucks' classic vanilla cake pop gets a wintry twist with an adorable snowman face – this sweet really makes us crave the holiday season!

Starbucks

Sugar Plum Cheese Danish

This cream cheese-filled danish is topped with a slightly-spiced sugar plum jam. It's been one of our go-to's over the past few holiday seasons at Starbucks!

Starbucks

Cranberry Bliss Bar

The Cranberry Bliss Bar has become an absolute staple on the Starbucks holiday menu, and for good reason! This blondie treat is smothered in a delicious cream cheese frosting and sprinkled with orange zest and dried cranberries for added seasonal enjoyment.

What People Are Saying About The Leaked Starbucks Holiday Menu

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A post shared by Markie_devo (@markie_devo)

Though most commenters on @markie_devo's Starbucks holiday menu leak post seemed to be excited for the upcoming rumored menu items, some Starbs fans noticed a few things missing from the leaked lineup.

"Still missing eggnog 😢," someone noted.

"Where is the toasted white chocolate mocha 😢😢😢😢," another questioned.

"ALLLLLL these cold foams, and not the one people want: Irish Cream," one more commenter said.

"Ugh still no gingerbread loaf 😭," a disappointed user wrote. "Everything else looks bomb though!"

Despite the Eggnog Latte, Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, Irish Cream Cold Brew, and Gingerbread loaf not being part of this year's menu predictions, the holiday season is our favorite time of year at Starbucks. Many more users shared the same sentiment:

"So excited for all chestnut praline shaken espressos & cranberry bliss bars 🎄🎄🎄🎄," someone wrote.

"Oh hell yess all the chestnut praline offerings," another rejoiced.

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay posted on the latest Starbucks news, including when the official holiday menu lineup drops!

This post has been updated.

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18 Thanksgiving Crock Pot Recipes You Can Make This Year

It seems Thanksgiving is barely a week away by the time we start thinking about the menu. But while ovens all over the country will be working overtime this year, don't forget your secret weapon — the crock pot! Kitchen strategy is key when you're trying to factor various cook and prep times for both oven and stovetop dishes. There just never seems to be enough time (or counter space).

Whether you're already finalizing your menu for the day or are just in charge of a few side dishes, we've scoured the web and found 18 Thanksgiving crock pot recipes that are perfect for any gathering.

Creamed Corn

Damn Delicious

Cornis a standard side dish for most Thanksgiving meals, but this recipe is a total game-changer. Five simple ingredients go in your crock pot, and three hours later you’re greeted by corn that is so creamy and delicious, you’ll never be able to eat the canned stuff again.

Wheat Bread Stuffing

Recipe Runner

Free up some room in your oven and cook the stuffing right on the counter this year. Crusty whole wheat bread, celery, onions and chicken broth will have you going back for seconds. Once it’s cooked, turn the heat to low and it will be ready whenever you are.

Brussels Sprouts

Damn Delicious

These aren’t Grandma’s Brussels sprouts. Covered in a brown sugar balsamic reduction and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, these sprouts will have you converted after just one bite.

Sweet Potatoes

The Magical Slow Cooker

This one takes minimal effort, but packs maximum flavor. Wash and dry your sweet potatoes before wrapping them in tinfoil and piling into the crock pot. Cook on high for six hours, and resist the urge to open the lid so the steam doesn’t escape. Serve with butter, brown sugar and mini marshmallows.

Apple Cider

Damn Delicious

Your guests are going to need something to sip on. Made 100% from scratch, this apple cider recipe will definitely steal the show: Combine apples, cinnamon sticks and spices and cover with water, and drink in the delicious smell while it simmers in the slow cooker.

Candied Sweet Potato Casserole

Creme de la Crumb

Okay, so this does require a little oven time, but it’ll be the last thing you heat up before you can dig in (and it’s totally worth it). Peel and chop 5lbs of sweet potatoes and let your slow cooker do all the work for the next four hours. Transfer to a casserole dish, spread a layer of pecans over the sweet potato mixture then bake for 20 minutes to achieve maximum crunch before adding the mini marshmallows. Bake for five more minutes (or until marshmallows are golden brown) and dig in.

Caramel Fondue

Creme de la Crumb

From apple slices to pretzels, there’s no wrong way to dunk with this dip, made from only three ingredients — caramels, heavy cream and marshmallows. Say hello to your new post-Thanksgiving party trick.

Garlic Ranch Potatoes

The Cookie Rookie

Tender red potatoes are a great alternative to the typical mashed variety. Top the wedges with ranch seasoning, chives and garlic for a fresh side dish that no one will believe you made entirely in the crock pot.

Cranberry Sauce Crock Pot Recipe

Gimme Some Oven

This is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it recipe. Toss in the ingredients and come back in three hours for cranberry sauce that is the perfect combination of tart and sweet. Add a splash of vanilla extract right before serving.

Cinnamon Apples

A Spicy Perspective

The best side dishes double as dessert. Cover thinly sliced apples in brown sugar, cinnamon and bourbon, then simmer for four hours. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy as is — they’re delicious either way.

Cranberry Meatballs

Spicy Southern Kitchen

Trade out the usual jar of grape jelly in your famous meatball recipe for cranberry sauce to give it a holiday update. The sweet and tangy flavor will keep you coming back for more. In fact, you better double the recipe.

Maple Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix

Averie Cooks

This tasty party snack is perfect for clearing out your cabinets: cereal, peanuts, pretzels, dried fruit and graham crackers all come together in a salty sweet crunch. Drench the mix in butter, maple syrup and pumpkin pie spices before testing your willpower for the next two hours.

Apple Pie Oatmeal

The Healthy Maven

Breakfast is still the most important meal of the day (especially on Thanksgiving), but this oatmeal couldn’t be easier: Toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker before you go to bed and you’ll wake up to the aroma of nutmeg and maple syrup.

Buttery Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creme de la Crumb

A pile of fresh herbs, butter and garlic make these mashed potatoes stand out on the buffet table. Use red potatoes and leave the skins on for a rustic flair that not only adds a ton of flavor, it also saves you some work.

Spinach + Artichoke Dip

Damn Delicious

Keep your guests from getting hangry while they wait for dinner: Serve this creamy spinach and artichoke dip with bread, pretzels or pita for a Thanksgiving staple made super easy, thanks to your crock pot.

Butternut Squash Soup

Life Made Sweeter

Combine coconut milk with chunks of butternut squash and sweet potato, then cook in the crockpot for four hours. Once everything is fork tender, break out your immersion blender to make the texture velvety smooth. Top with extra coconut milk and toasted pumpkin seeds before devouring.

Pumpkin Cobbler

The Gunny Sack

Trade in your standard pumpkin pie for a cobbler that is made in the crock pot from start to finish. Pro tip: place a paper towel underneath the lid to keep the condensation off the food and ensure a crispy crust. Top the plated perfection with a dollop of whipped cream and caramel syrup.

Dinner Rolls

Lil Luna

The slow cooker might be the last place you'd think to bake dinner rolls, but trust us on this one. This trick comes in handy year-round, especially on hot summer days when you don't feel like blasting that oven. Genius.

Don't miss out on knocking out a dish or two this year with these Thanksgiving crock pot recipes and if you need more inspiration, join our newsletter or explore our new cooking classes on B+C Classes.

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