These ’70s-Inspired Shag Cakes Are a Technicolor Dream

Emily Bihl
Aug 12, 2018

Some winning combinations are a no-brainer, like peanut butter and chocolate or croissants and donuts. But others are a little less intuitive. For instance, we never thought there’d be a good way to combine our dual loves of ’70s shag rugs and pretty cakes. Oh, how wrong we were. If only we’d had the visionary foresight of cake decorator extraordinaire Alana Jones-Mann. It’s all good, though. Who could think about the past when these beauties exist in the present?

While we (and everyone on social media) were calling these “shag cakes” because of their resemblance to shag rugs, we weren’t 100 percent sure Jones-Mann would approve of the name. Luckily, she says that the inspiration behind the technicolor, textural cakes wasn’t far off. “I find a lot of inspiration in textiles and textures and am personally very inspired by the ’60s and ’70s,” she tells Brit + Co, “so it wasn’t an overt attempt of representation, but definitely something I was playing off of.” Jones-Mann admits that her love of all things retro isn’t limited to cakes, either. “I’d say that 90 percent of my wardrobe is vintage, with the majority of my pieces from the ’60s and ’70s,” she says.

Being borderline color-obsessive, of course, we wanted to know how Jones-Mann settles on the palette for each pattern she creates. The answer wasn’t an exact science, coming from a true (cake) artist. “Nature, art, fashion, interiors, patterns, prints… the color inspiration behind all my work truly does come from everywhere,” she says. “It’s rarely just one specific image or reference. It’s usually a combination of images or ideas that I have.” Of course, there’s always room for improvisation too. “The palette can change once I start coloring the buttercream. I’ll often make alterations based on what looks best to me once I see the colors come together in the bowl,” she admits.

When it comes to creating the fringe-like lines, she says, “Some [cakes] take just a couple of hours, while others can take a lot longer.” But that’s all part of the journey to a stunning final product: “For me, the process is fairly meditative, and I like to work on them in segments, so I never rush them. For the decorating, I use a grass tip for some of the areas, but oftentimes I’ll use a small round tip because I want more intricate details or shapes.” (We can imagine that the more elaborate patterns really require this precision!)

Although these shag cakes have really blown up on Instagram, Jones-Mann says she’s not caught up in the hype. “I’ve been making the shag cakes for years, and just now they are getting more attention. But like all of the desserts, I make [them] for fun,” she says, a fact that definitely comes across in the spirit of the cakes themselves. And while she’s not too worried about making the next It-cake on Insta, she has gotten a bit of new perspective from seeing her work touch on a trend. “There’s something truly special about having a style that is your own, so it’s nice when it can be appreciated, but hasn’t yet been duplicated or recreated by other cake makers,” she says. “That’s only a very small window of time these days, though!”

What cake decorating trend has you falling head-over-heels? Share it with us on Twitter @BritandCo!

(Images via Alana Jones-Mann)

15 Cute Halloween Pajamas For Cozy Movie Nights

We've already started rewatching scary movies, but you might be waiting until October to kick off your horror marathons. There'll be sharp fangs, a sweeter look at the Netherworld, and skeletons galore, so your pajamas should look the part!

It's no coincidence Halloween occurs after the Autumn Equinox where the days are shorter and the air is crisper. It only adds to the cozy and eery vibes we're looking for! To save you time, we have 15 insanely cute Halloween pajamas you'll be excited to wear while snuggling with one of your new cozy Amazon blankets!

The Best Halloween Pajamas

Old Navy

Old Navy Halloween Print Pajama Set

Pajamas don't have to be terrifying for you to wear them, but they do have to be cute. Take a cue from our top Halloween decorations by wearing something that features smiling pumpkins, intricate spider webs, and surprised ghosts!

This soft jersey set is made of 95 percent cotton and 5 percent spandex to give you a fitted look that won't cut off your circulation or fade the first time you wash it.

Forever21

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Shirt & Shorts Pajama Set

Beetlejuice 2is still on our minds, but it's not just our favorite ghoul we're thinking about. For reasons unknown, we can't stop thinking about Sandworms and their one-track mind mission. Ironically, Beetlejuice's signature black and white suit matches their memorable design so we say you need this Halloween pajama set, which is (thankfully) machine washable.

American Eagle Outfitters

American Eagle Outfitters Peanuts Fall Pumpkin Plush PJ Set

If this plush PJ set reminds you of It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, that's 100 percent intentional. It's a well-known fact that the Peanuts characters wasted no time getting into the Halloween spirit by embracing pumpkins. You can continue to keep it short and sweet by wearing something that explores Snoopy's love for the orange fruit with this allover print!

Kohl's

Kohl's Snoopy Great Pumpkin Halloween Boxy Sleep Tee And Pants Set

You could also skip the Snoopy and pumpkin print by focusing on something straight out of the comic books. You'll still be wearing something reminiscent of It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, but in a different font.

Target

Hyde & EEK! Boutique Glow-in-the-dark Skeleton Pajama

Have fun with your Halloween pajamas by wearing something that glows in the dark! This jumpsuit reminds us of decorations we spotted at Target, making it the fun and slightly hair-raising piece you should wear after taking the kids trick-or-treating. It could also function as a super comfy Halloween costume.

Printfresh

Printfresh Witch's Brew Sleep Shirt

This sleep shirt is giving us the adult version of Sabrina the Teenage Witch after a long night of casting spells, brewing potions, and running after her kids during bath time. Clears throat. Sorry, we got a little sidetracked there! But, who wouldn't want to wear Barbie-pink pajamas that acknowledge your love for a nice glass of wine after a long day?

Etsy

Enanday Horror Characters Pajamas

These Halloween pajamas are for anyone who's got a penchant for watching the most terrifying horror flicks known to mankind. Whether you can't stop watching the Predator or Nightmare on Elm Street franchises, there's a character that acknowledges your go-to film when the lights are out.

Amazon

Ekouaer Short Sleeve Nightshirt

On the other hand, sadistic movie characters may not be something you want to dream about at night, and we don't blame you. Instead of literally welcoming scariness in your bed, choose this short sleeve nightshirt. It celebrates the cartoonish version of Halloween that would comfort even the youngest of kids.

BloomChic

BloomChic Bone Chilling Skeletal Placket Sleep Jumpsuit

Who wears short Halloween pajamas? You do if you've got your eyes on this skeleton placket jumpsuit! We can't get over the intricate details on the skeleton's interior parts, from the spider who's found a new home to the orange hearts placed over the hip bones. They're such a cute reminder that our bones aren't useless!

Disney

Disney Mickey And Minnie Mouse Halloween Pajama Set

Mickey and Minnie Mouse sure know how to party, no matter what holiday it is! Honestly, we think you could get away with wearing this set as part of your family costumes or you can save for them bedtime! We'd choose the former because trick-or-treat is written all over this set.

Carter's

Carter's 2-Piece Glow Halloween Skeleton Pajamas

Carter's is stepping things up by including adults in all the Halloween fun this year. Instead of a short jumpsuit, you can wear this skeletal 2-piece set that glows in the dark. You'll still find a teeny spider getting comfortable between the bones, but you'll also see a little green ghost and a pair of daunting eyes staring back at you.

Target

The Nightmare Before Christmas Sally Family Blanket Sleeper

Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas deserves the praise she gets every Halloween. Not only did she find a way to help Jack Skellington feel less lonely, but she also served as a voice of reason throughout the film. If it weren't for her, we don't know where our tragic hero would've ended up. That being said, step into this family blanket sleeper that has Sally's love and care etched into it.

Printfresh

Printfresh Halloween House Cats Long PJ Set

We know the "childless cat ladies" quip was meant as an insult, but the joke's on whoever hasn't had the pleasure of being chosen by felines. They're truly selective and have a sixth sense that puts them in tune with the person they trust.

Lean into the witchy vibe of having a couple of cats who are so locked in with your habits and moods they feel like your familiars.

Walmart

Way To Celebrate Halloween Fang Print 2-Piece Set

From Bram Stoker's Dracula to Interview with a Vampire, you've seen all the blood-draining movies. But that's not to say you're done watching them. In fact, you probably plan to buy a set of plastic fangs to match your new Halloween pajamas. If this sounds spot on, hurry to your nearest Halloween shop to pick up your new fangs so you can start wearing this 2-piece set next week!

JC Penney

JCPenney Nightmare Before Christmas V-Neck 2-Piece Set

Before we go, we can't forget about Halloween pajamas aimed at applauding Jack Skellington. He knew how to put on a frightful event, but the place where his human heart used to be remained open and giving. It's true he shouldn't have tried to steal Christmas, but every hero has their flaw!

Don't forget to scroll through our plus size pajama sets for more snuggly bedtime options! Tag us with your Halloween pajamas on Instagram.

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

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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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10 Cozy Amazon Sweaters Perfect For Fall Layering

One thing about me: I'm gonna tell you about my Amazon favorites. Seriously — Amazon is the most convenient place to shop, with the cutest clothes at the cheapest prices! I'm always on the hunt for an affordable way to take on a new trend, or start the new season, and right now I can't stop searching for sweaters! Amazon has so much comfy knitwear that totally screams fall, but doesn't make me wanna scream when I look at the total price. So get into the cozy, sweater weather spirit with these must-haves from Amazon! You won't want to miss out on these!

Amazon

Cableknit V Neck

The old money aesthetic has officially entered the chat and made its way to your shopping cart. I am loving the very "Princess Diana" vibe for fall with thin cable knit sweaters, vintage-inspired bags, and chic riding boots. This amazing sweater will make you look like a royal yourself!

Amazon

Brown Cardigan Sweater

Everyone needs a good cardigan-jacket for fall, and this one might be my favorite I've seen, given its French style flair. The gold buttons and knit fabric look incredibly chic, really elevating the overall style here. I would pair this sweater with slim-fit jeans and a pair of classy ballet flats for the ultimate French It-Girl look.

Amazon

Cropped Sweater Top

Another French-inspired sweater, but this time we're opting for a chic top with just a hint of a crop! I love sweater tops for fall, because if you're in a warmer place like LA, then you know it is nowhere near sweater weather season just yet! So grab this adorable top for the perfect transitional piece!

Amazon

Oversized Crewneck Sweater

A classic lounging around sweater needs to be in everyone's wardrobe, and this one will soon be added to mine. It's oversized, but not too slouchy — and it's perfect for those days where you don't want to leave the house, but might need to for an errand or two. Can't you just picture this one with a PSL on your way to Target?!

Amazon

Knit Cardigan Sweater

I'm in love with the business casual way this cardigan was styled above, and feel like I def need to recreate this outfit ASAP! A button down paired with a cardi is absolutely so chic for fall! Plus, you can grab this cute piece for only $31 on Amazon right now!

Amazon

White Sweater Vest

A sweater vest is a great way to add a bit of flair with your knitwear this fall season. Paired with some cute leather shorts like above and some tall buckle boots, you'll nail the extremely aesthetic Pinterest style that I have all over my boards right now.

Amazon

Lightweight Crewneck Cardigan

A basic black cardigan is an essential in every fall wardrobe, given how versatile it is! You can easily get a more casual look and dress it down with jeans, or dress it up with a mini skirt and tall boots! This $24 sweater is sure to be an everyday staple for you in no time.

Amazon

Oversized Sweater Cardigan

Does anyone have that one piece of clothing that quickly becomes your daily comfort item? You wear it to make your morning coffee, to go to the movies, after pilates — wherever! That's this sweater for me. It's an essential for your everyday casual wear. Plus, I'm obsessed with it in this creamy oatmeal color for fall!

Amazon

Oversized Orange Cardi

What better way to get into the fall spirit than this lovely shade of orange? Rustic orange is the autumnal color this season (and always), and nothing gets me more into the spooky, chilly months like this. This sweater immediately makes me think of October, and watching scary movies, and getting ready for Halloween!

Amazon

Oversized Cableknit

A classic oversized cable knit sweater will truly never go out of style. If I could buy 10 of these right now, just so I never run out...I really would. It can be paired with leggings and Uggs, a long midi skirt, or thrown over your shoulders as an accessory. There are no limits to the oversized sweater!

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

Header image via Amazon

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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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