Spike Your Sweets: ROOT Beer Float Shooters

Kristin Appenbrink
Aug 06, 2013

If we had to describe our ideal root beer float in two words, they would be: mini and boozy. And these are those floats! Today is National Root Beer Float Day (yes, there is a day for everything), so we’re celebrating with these single-serving floats made with one of our favorite spirits—ROOT from Art in the Age.

Did you know that root beer was originally called “root tea” and was alcoholic? It was during temperance movement that the alcohol was removed and the name was changed to root beer. We applaud Art in the Age for bringing the booze back, and we’ll be celebrating National Root Beer Day with these shooters from now on.

Ingredients:
– vanilla bean ice cream

– ROOT (available to order here)

– root beer

Special equipment:
– Mason jar shot glasses (Though any shot glasses will do.)

Instructions:
1. Using a melon baller or tablespoon, put one scoop of vanilla ice cream in each shot glass.

2. Add 1 tablespoon of ROOT to each shot glass.

3. Top with your favorite root beer. It’s key to add the ROOT first, then the regular root beer—the carbonation essentially mixes the float.

4. Add another tablespoon of vanilla ice cream and a straw, and serve.

The melon baller is the perfect scoop size for these little shot glasses. We especially like that they say “Shots” on the front.

All it takes is a splash of ROOT, up to 1 tablespoon. You’ll be tempted to just use ROOT, but you’ll need the carbonation of the root beer to make it a true float.

Top it off with root beer, until the foam reaches the neck of the shot glass.

One more mini scoop of ice cream.

Almost ready!

We cut our striped straws in half so they fit the mason jars perfectly.

It gets even better as the ice cream starts to melt.

It won’t take long before the first batch is gone, and it will be time to make more.

What’s your favorite kind of float? Tell us in the comments!

31 Sweet And Savory Apple Cider Recipes For Fall

It wouldn’t be fall without a jug of fresh apple cider and an apple cider donut (or two!). But in addition to the classics, there are plenty of ways to use the spicy fall beverage for savory and sweet recipes alike. Here are the recipes we’ll be adding to our “to-cook” list immediately!

Brit + Co

Apple Cider-Glazed Pumpkin Bundt Cake

This cake brings together pumpkin and apple cider, amplifying the *best* fall flavors of all time. Have a boozy hot chocolate at the ready, and you're golden. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Apple Cide-car

Try this tangy fall take on a classic cocktail – you won’t be disappointed. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Mulled Apple Cider

This apple cider recipe infuses your sip with the zest of lemon and orange, then blending beautifully with warm fall spices. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Bourbon Apple Cider Sorbet

It’s another addition to our Spike Your Sweets series, and this apple cider sorbet is made even better by the fact that you don’t need an ice cream maker to make it. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Slow-Cooker Apple Cider

The slow cooker adds deeper, more rich tasting notes to your big ol' batch of autumnal apple cider. (via Brit + Co)

Sincerely Kinsey

Apple Cider Pancakes

Not only do these pancakes include apple cider, but they also have nutmeg, cinnamon, and sweet brown sugar. Yum! (via Sincerely Kinsey)

Half Baked Harvest

Sweet + Salty Chocolate Drizzled Cider Caramel Apples

Caramel-covered apples get a sweet + salty upgrade with this recipe. You can even make it boozy with a splash of bourbon. (via Half Baked Harvest)

How Sweet Eats

Loaded Apple Cider Oatmeal Muffins with Brown Butter Apple Cider Glaze

If you made it through that recipe title and your mouth isn’t watering, we don’t even know what to say. These easy muffins are our new fall favorite. (via How Sweet Eats)

Half Baked Harvest

Fig Bourbon Cider Smash

Drink to all things fall with this cocktail that mixes apple cider with orange, fig preserves, bourbon, and sparkling water. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Completely Delicious

Apple Oven Pancake with Apple Cider Syrup

This open-faced pancake recipe lets you dig into the best fall feels, all covered with a super sweet apple cider syrup. (via Completely Delicious)

Prospect: The Pantry

Mussels With Apple Cider and Thyme Glaze

Try cider in place of the traditional white wine for a unique flavor next time you’re cooking mussels. (via Prospect: The Pantry)

Handle The Heat

Apple Cider Caramels

A new twist on the traditional combo of caramel and apples, these bite-sized sweets are guaranteed addictive. (via Handle The Heat)

Averie Cooks

Apple Cider Chicken with Caramelized Apples

This dish perfectly exemplifies that sweet and savory were meant to be. Sink your teeth into some tender chicken, then rotate to the sweet, caramelized apple component! (via Averie Cooks)

Vikalinka

Boneless Pork Chops with Apples + Cider

This is the *best* apple cider recipe for entertaining a crowd. Full of meaty sustenance, this is one you'll definitely want to add to your recipe book. (via Vikalinka)

Half Baked Harvest

Apple Pecan Pie Cronuts with an Apple Cider Caramel Drizzle

Cronuts never really went away, and these apple-pecan ones are sure to send you into sugar shock — only in a good way! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Local Kitchen

Apple Cider Jelly with Rosemary and Peppercorns

Your morning toast or PB&J will *never* be the same once you try this sweet + savory jelly. (via Local Kitchen)

A Sweet Pea Chef

Apple Cider Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Adding a bit of cider to this pulled pork recipe makes your sandwich have just a touch of sweet. It’s a recipe you don’t want to miss. (via A Sweet Pea Chef)

How Sweet Eats

Apple Cider Sangria

Using apple cider and brandy in your sangria is a no-brainer. We love this refreshing fall cocktail recipe! (via How Sweet Eats)

Crowded Kitchen

Fall Kale Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Crunch on the best of the best with this kale-filled salad. It's tossed in an unforgettably tangy apple cider dressing! (via Crowded Kitchen)

Dessert For Two

Apple Cider Tiramisu

Tiramisu no longer has to just be coffee-flavored. This apple cider version — made with apple pie moonshine — is a tasty update. (via Dessert For Two)

A Spicy Perspective

Apple Cider Turkey Gravy

Bring a little more fall to a turkey dinner with this apple-cider gravy that's made with five ingredients: turkey stock, apple cider, garlic, flour, and salt. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Half Baked Harvest

Cider Braised Short Ribs with Caramelized Onions

Perfect for an October night, this dinner recipe slow-cooks short ribs in apple cider and adds in caramelized onions and fresh herbs. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Katie at the Kitchen Door

Apple Cider Donut Cake

There’s no need to have a special pan to enjoy apple cider donuts. This bunt cake fits the bill just as well and looks like a giant donut. (via Katie at the Kitchen Door)

Belle Vie

Apple Cider Margaritas

Surprisingly, apple cider and tequila go quite well together. The best part of this sweet margarita cocktail, though, is the brown sugar rim. (via Belle Vie)

Half Baked Harvest

Mini Apple Cider Cakes

The secret to these cinnamon-sugar dusted cakes is boiling the apple cider down for optimal flavor. (via Half Baked Harvest)

A Spicy Perspective

Apple Cider Cinnamon Knots

The dough for these knots starts with apple cider, and they're finished with a dusting of butter and cinnamon sugar. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Half Baked Harvest

Prosciutto Apple and Sage Butter Chicken with Cider Pan Sauce

A white wine + cider sauce takes this fall chicken dinner to a whole other level. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Culinary Hill

Apple Cider Donuts

Feast on these fall-favorites, fresh out of the oven for a real autumnal treat. (via Culinary Hill)

A Spicy Perspective

Lentil Salad With Apple Cider Vinaigrette

This vegan salad made with lentils, pomegranate arils, almonds, and green onion gets topped off with apple cider vinaigrette, apple butter, and Sriracha. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Barley & Sage

Brown Butter Apple Cider Bundt Cake

Filled with an apple-pecan streusel and topped with a cinnamon glaze, this apple cider bundt cake is perfect on a crisp fall day. (via Barley & Sage)

Coconut & Lime

Apple Cider Jelly Candy

For those of you that love gumdrops, these DIY candies are the perfect homemade version. (via Coconut & Lime)

What’s your favorite way to use cider? Let us know in the comments, and make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more fall recipes!

This post has been updated.

appledessert recipesfood recipes roundupsspike your sweetsapple ciderfood

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.

dakota johnsonfriendshipjennifer lawrencepop culturecelebrity

Transform a Paloma Into an Instagram-Worthy Tart

If there's one thing The Seaside Baker blogger Jackie Bruchez knows, it's the sweet spot between fresh ingredients and luxurious desserts. In her new cookbook, Decadent Fruit Desserts($22), there is a little something comforting for everyone in more than 60 recipes, such as grilled peaches and a banana-chocolate pot de crème with cognac sauce. At the heart of each recipe is a key fruit ingredient, meant to shine as the star of the show. Bruchez elaborates in the intro of her book, “Transforming fruit, be it apples or oranges or more exotic varieties like dragon fruit, into a decadent, sophisticated, blow-your-mind dessert is the revelation I want to share with you." You don't have to just take our word for it. The paloma tart recipe below takes the tequila-grapefruit drink and morphs it into a bright and snappy multi-layered fruit tart.

Paloma Tart

(Serves 8-10)

Baker's Note: When making the curd, it is necessary to whisk the egg yolks and sugar before adding the citrus juice to avoiding curdling.

Ingredients:

Crust:

  • nonstick cooking spray
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest, freshly grated
  • 1/2 cup coconut, shredded
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Grapefruit Tequila Curd:

  • 6 egg yolks
  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon grapefruit zest
  • 2 cups grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoon unsalted butter, cold
  • 1 tablespoon tequila, optional

Whipped Cream:

  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tablespoon lime zest, freshly grated
  • lime and grapefruit wedges, for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9-inch fluted tart pan with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Make the crust. In a large bowl, mix the powdered sugar, flour, salt, lime zest, and coconut until they're well blended, about 30 seconds. Add the butter and lime juice; mix to combine them until moist clumps form. Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan.

3. Bake the crust until it's golden brown, about 23 to 25 minutes. Cool it for 10 minutes.

4. While the crust is cooling, make the curd. In a heavy-bottomed, medium-sized pot, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until it's light and pale. Whisk in the salt, grapefruit zest, juice, and cornstarch. Place the pot on the stove over medium heat and cook the curd until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes. Remove it from the heat; stir in the butter, one tablespoon at a time, and then add the tequila, if using.

5. Pour the warm curd into the crust; let it sit for 30 minutes, then transfer the tart to the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour.

6. Right before serving, make the whipped cream. Beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and lime zest on high until stiff peaks form.

7. Dollop the cream onto the tart and garnish it with lime and grapefruit wedges.

RELATED: The Spicy Paloma Cocktail *Made* for Daytime Drinking

(Reprinted with permission from Decadent Fruit Desserts by Jackie Bruchez, Page Street Publishing Co. 2019. Photo credit: Jackie Bruchez.)

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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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