Thanksgiving Recipes & Tips | Healthy Family Project

Raspberry Walnut Salad

Jodi Danen, RD — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 22:51:35 +0000

This light, simple, and refreshing salad combines tender salad greens, fresh raspberries, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts, topped off with a simple homemade raspberry vinaigrette.

Fruit on salads – yay or nay? I say yay! Technically, tomatoes are a fruit and you see them on salads all the time. Fruit offers a juicy sweetness that can really take a salad to the next level.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Salad Greens – Go with a tender green like spinach, baby kale or spring mix for this salad.
Raspberries – So delicious in this salad! You can also swap or add in other berries, fresh cherries, apples or pears.
Goat Cheese – Plain or honey goat cheese pairs so nicely. Not a goat cheese fan? Fresh mozzarella, shredded Parmesan or Feta work well too.
Walnuts – Great for crunch and heart-healthy fats. Other nuts like pistachios, sliced almonds or pecan are great too.
Vinaigrette – A simple mix of olive oil, red wine vinegar and raspberry jam.

Raspberries are high in fiber and Vitamin C, making them a great addition to any meal. Look for raspberries that are firm with a deep color, and store them unwashed in the fridge. Simply rinse with cool water and pay dry with a paper towel when ready to add to your salad.

Raspberries are also good for gut health and are considered a brain-boosting food thanks to all vitamin C you will find in these beautiful red berries.

Commonly Asked Questions for our Raspberry Walnut Salad Recipe

Q: What are the main ingredients in this Raspberry Walnut Salad?
A: The main ingredients are salad greens (like baby kale or spinach), fresh raspberries, crumbled goat cheese, chopped walnuts, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and raspberry jam for the dressing.

Q: How is the raspberry vinaigrette made for this salad?
A: The vinaigrette is made by whisking together olive oil, red wine vinegar, and raspberry jam. Season with salt and pepper.

Q: What type of salad greens work best in this recipe?
A: Tender greens like baby kale, spinach or a spring mix blend are recommended.

Related: If you love raspberries, try our Raspberry Baked Chicken or our Raspberry & Basil English Muffin!

Q: Can you substitute a different nut besides walnuts?
A: Yes, the recipe notes that other nuts like pistachios, sliced almonds or pecans could be used instead of walnuts.

Q: Can you use a different cheese instead of goat cheese?
A: The recipe suggests fresh mozzarella, shredded parmesan or feta as alternatives to the goat cheese.

Q: What are the health benefits of eating Raspberries?
A: Raspberries provide an excellent nutritional boost to this salad. They are high in fiber to aid digestion and an exceptional source of vitamin C to support immune health. Raspberries also contain beneficial compounds like antioxidants and are considered a brain-boosting food. Their sweet-tart flavor pairs perfectly with the tangy dressing and creamy cheese.

Let’s make this Raspberry Walnut Salad!

Raspberry Walnut Salad

This light, simple and refreshing salad combines tender salad greens, fresh raspberries, tangy goat cheese and crunchy walnuts, topped off with a simple homemade raspberry vinaigrette.

Course Appetizers, Salads

Keyword healthy salads, raspberries, salad, walnut

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings servings

Calories 142kcal

Author Jodi Danen

Equipment

Salad Dressing Shaker

Ingredients

2½ Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp. raspberry jam
1 5 oz. package organicgirlⓇ baby kale
¾ cup raspberries
⅓ cup chopped walnuts
2 oz. crumbled goat cheese

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Whisk oil, vinegar and jam in small bowl or mason jar. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Combine salad greens, raspberries, walnuts and goat cheese. Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat.

Nutrition

Looking for another unique and delicious way to enjoy raspberries? We love them as a topping on English muffins with a bit of basil and cream cheese. Trust me, you gotta try it!

Have you ever added raspberries to your salad?

The post Raspberry Walnut Salad appeared first on Healthy Family Project.

Healthy Spinach Dip

Jodi Danen, RD — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 01:13:35 +0000

Looking for a healthy snack or appetizer? Discover how to prepare this healthy spinach dip. It is ready in just 15 minutes and has all the flavors you love in a dip, plus reducing fat and calories!

Spinach dip is one of those great appetizers that can be served year-round – hot or cold. It’s always a must for the Super Bowl or any game day celebration and makes appearances at just about any birthday party, holiday celebration or cookout.

Traditional spinach dip is usually loaded with cream cheese or sour cream. And extra calories and fat. We discovered that you can still make a delicious version of spinach dip without the extra calories! This lightened-up version is made with Greek yogurt for a healthier, but still creamy and delicious, version.

Spinach Dip Ingredients

Here is what you need:

Spinach: No brainer here! We opted for fresh spinach over frozen since there’s no need the thaw or drain out all that extra water.
Onions & Carrots: We like a few extra veggies in our dip for some added crunch. Finely chop them to add.
Plain Greek Yogurt: We used nonfat, but any plain Greek yogurt works.
Mayonnaise: To cut the tartness of Greek yogurt, we also used a little reduced-fat mayonnaise to keep things creamy.
Parmesan cheese: When it comes to Parmesan, always go fresh over the stuff in the green can. You’ll get so much more flavor.
Salt, garlic, and oil: For sauteing and seasoning.

This dip is really easy to throw together too. Saute the onions and carrots, then add the garlic and spinach. Mix the yogurt, mayonnaise, cheese and salt, then add to skillet. Let everything heat together and those flavors combine.

If you’re like me, you’re ready to dip in at this point (let it cool first!) so grab your pita chips, crusty bread or fresh veggies. You can serve this spinach dip hot or cold.

Facts About Healthy Spinach Dip

Enjoy all the goodness of spinach (packed with vitamins A, C, K, and iron) and carrots (a fantastic source of beta-carotene and fiber) while indulging in a delicious appetizer. Serve it up with pita chips, crusty bread, or your favorite fresh veggies for a guilt-free snack or party dish.

By including spinach and carrots in this dip, you get a boost of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that provide various health benefits related to vision, cancer prevention, heart health, and more. The veggies help make the dip more nutritious. We highly recommend making it not just for the health benefits but because it’s delicious!

Looking for other appetizers or dips for your celebration? Here are a few of our favorites:

Lightened-Up Spinach Dip

This lightened-up version of spinach dip is made with Greek yogurt for a healthier, but still creamy and delicious, snack.

Course Appetizers

Keyword appetizers, healthy, recipes, spinach dip, tailgating

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Servings servings

Calories 82kcal

Author Jodi Danen

Equipment

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small sweet onion diced
¼ cup grated carrots
2 cloves garlic minced
1 lb. fresh spinach chopped
½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
¼ cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp. salt

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Instructions

Heat oil in skillet over medium heat. Add onions and carrots and cook 5 minutes, or until onions are translucent. Stir in garlic and spinach and cook 2-3 minutes or until spinach wilts.
Combine yogurt, mayonnaise, cheese and salt in medium bowl.
Add yogurt mixture to pan and stir to combine. Heat 2-3 minutes, or until warmed.
Serve hot or cold with pita chips, crusty bread or veggies for dipping.

Nutrition

The post Healthy Spinach Dip appeared first on Healthy Family Project.

Asparagus Puff Pastry Bundles

Jodi Danen, RD — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 20:11:43 +0000

If you’re searching for a new dish to serve this Spring, Easter, or Sunday supper, look no further. These asparagus puff pastry bundles are easy to make and go fantastic alongside a fresh salad or any main dish.

With the busy season right around the corner, we are trying to whip up some new and easy recipes. I went to an appetizer party last week where we all had to bring a dish. I wanted something elegant but also easy to prepare and easy to cook. I prepped these little Asparagus Puff Pastry Bundles at home then baked them when I got to the party. Everyone raved that they were delicious and different!

Kids can help prepare this recipe if you want them to get involved in the kitchen. Puff pastry is easy to work with, so they can roll out and cut it. They can add on the goat cheese and the prepared asparagus and roll them up.

Key Ingredients for these Asparagus Puff Pastry Bundles

Puff Pastry– generally found in the frozen aisle at the grocery store puff pastry can be used in desserts and appetizers like this recipe!
Asparagus– we used a whole pound of asparagus for these bundles and just cut off the ends. See below for some wonderful facts on asparagus.
Goat Cheese– if you have never had goat cheese it is very creamy and has a very distinct flavor. It is rich and perfect for a savory dish like this one!

What we love about asparagus

Asparagus is loaded with wonderful benefits for our bodies. They are rich in anti-oxidants and are high in fiber. Asparagus is also high in iron, copper, folate, calcium, and even protein. Asparagus is also low in fat and calories which can help aid in losing weight, too!

How to Prepare Asparagus:

Always rinse the asparagus under cold water and snap off the pale woody ends of the asparagus and discard.
If the asparagus is stringy, you can peel away the rough skin from the bottom half of the spears with a vegetable peeler.

For tips on selecting, storing, and prep asparagus, check out our Produce Tips page.

How to make these Asparagus Puff Pastry Bundles

First make sure to thaw out the puff pastry ahead of time. Place in the fridge overnight or sit out on the counter about 30-45 minutes before you’re ready to use it.

When ready to cook preheat the oven to 350°F.

Then lightly dust a clean surface with some flour. Unroll the puff pastry.

Next use a rolling pin to thin out the pastry until it’s about half as thick. Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut into 6 rectangles.

Divide the goat cheese equally in a diagonal on the puff pastry rectangles. Top the cheese with five asparagus spears. Season with salt and pepper (or any other seasonings of choice).

Wrap the ends of puff pastry over top and then brush with the milk.

Then place them in the oven and bake for about 14-16 minutes or until golden brown. Serve hot and enjoy!

Healthy Benefits of Eating Asparagus

Some key benefits of eating asparagus include:

Rich in anti-inflammatory antioxidants that may reduce chronic disease risk
High in fiber which promotes healthy digestion
May help regulate blood sugar levels due to fiber and antioxidants
Excellent source of folate, important for cell growth and preventing neural tube defects in pregnancy
Provides vitamin K for blood clotting and bone health
May boost brain health and provide anti-aging benefits from antioxidants

Incorporating asparagus into your diet through recipes like these bundles can be a tasty way to boost your vegetable intake and reap the nutritional perks.

Check these easy and nutritious recipes to try:

Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta with Asparagus

Tomato, Feta & Pesto Puff Pastry Bites

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Asparagus Puff Pastry Bundles

Turn asparagus into an elegant appetizer or side dish using puff pastry and goat cheese to make these little bundles. Perfect for any holiday celebration!

Course Appetizer, Sides

Keyword appetizer, asparagus, easter, side dish, spring

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings servings

Calories 267kcal

Author Jodi Danen

Equipment

Ingredients

1 sheet puff pastry thawed
2 oz. goat cheese crumbled
30 asparagus spears about 1 lb., ends trimmed
1 Tbsp. milk

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

First, make sure to thaw out the puff pastry ahead of time. Place in the fridge overnight or sit on the counter for 30-45 minutes before you use it.
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Lightly dust a clean surface with flour. Unroll puff pastry. Use a rolling pin to thin out until it’s about half as thick. Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut into 6 rectangles.
Divide goat cheese equally in a diagonal on puff pastry rectangles. Top cheese with 5 asparagus spears. Season with salt and pepper.
Wrap ends of puff pastry over top. Brush with milk.
Bake 14-16 minutes or until golden brown. Serve hot.

Nutrition

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Chicken Sausage with Fennel and Apples

Andrea Wiggins — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 06:41:21 +0000

Between after-school activities, sports practices, homework, and trying to get everything ready for the next day, weeknights can feel like a whirlwind. That’s why you’ll love this recipe—it’s ready in under an hour with minimal prep, making it the perfect autumn recipe for those jam-packed evenings. Pop everything onto a sheet pan; while it cooks, you can tackle other tasks or relax for a bit!

In our house, apples are always in stock—they’re my go-to fruit, and I’m all for it! Apples are loaded with fiber, have a long shelf life, and make the perfect grab-and-go snack. So when I found myself meal planning and staring at the abundance of apples in our kitchen, I knew I had to find a way to use them in something savory. That’s when I came across this one-pan meal: chicken sausage with fennel and apples. I decided to use Autumn Glory apples, which have the perfect balance of sweetness, cinnamon-like warmth—ideal for adding a little seasonal flair to a savory dish. I’m not big on sweets, and this recipe checked all the boxes—one pan (less mess!), apples (yay, nutrition!), and it’s savory. The caramel finish of this particular apple variety adds a touch of richness that pairs beautifully with the savory chicken sausage and fennel. It’s also the perfect fall recipe for busy weeknights when life gets hectic.

Autumn Glory Apples typically have a crisp and firm texture with dense, juicy flesh, making it great for both eating fresh and using in recipes. This variety pairs well with autumn dishes like pies, crisps, and savory meals.

Health Benefits of Seasonal Ingredients: Apples and Fennel

This dish isn’t just tasty—it’s nutritious too!

Fennel: This fall vegetable is a nutrition powerhouse. It’s packed with fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, which are great for heart health and digestion. Plus, fennel’s natural antibacterial properties might even help fend off those pesky fall colds.

Apples: We all know apples are a go-to snack but also brimming with health benefits. Apples are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants that support digestion, heart, and brain health. Some studies suggest they can also improve your mood and reduce cancer risk. More reasons to incorporate them into your meals!

Chicken Sausage with Fennel and Apples Ingredients

Chicken Sausage Links: You can find chicken sausage links at your local grocery store. They often come in flavor variations like sweet or hot, but for this recipe, Italian chicken sausage links are recommended.
Fennel: You will need two fennel bulbs with the fronds (the green part on top) reserved for later. Choose a fennel bulb that is heavy for its size, white with light green markings, and firm. Avoid bulbs that are yellowing or have brown spots on them. Find more tips for picking the best produce.
Autumn Glory Apples: You will need two medium Autumn Glory apples cut into 1-inch wedges.
Olive oil and Apple Cider Vinegar: A simple drizzle of olive oil and a splash of apple cider vinegar, along with salt and pepper, will coat everything before it’s roasted to perfection.

How to Make Chicken Sausage with Fennel and Apples

Making this savory one-pan meal is super simple. Just prep your fennel and apples by slicing them, whisk together the olive oil and apple cider vinegar, then toss the sausage, apples, and fennel in it. Lay everything out on your sheet pan, drizzle any leftover dressing from the bowl on top, and bake. In about 40–50 minutes, the sausages will be cooked through, and the apples and fennel will be beautifully tender.

Variations on Protein

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. If you don’t have chicken sausage or just want to switch things up, you can try other proteins:

Chicken breasts: A leaner alternative that works just as well. Make sure they’re fully cooked before serving.
Pork sausage: If you prefer traditional sausage, pork sausage links are a great choice, and you can find them in Italian flavors too.
Plant-based sausage: For a meat-free option, plant-based sausage links work wonderfully. Most stores carry Italian-flavored plant-based sausages that complement the other ingredients perfectly.

What to Serve with Chicken Sausage, Fennel, and Apples

While this dish is hearty and delicious on its own, you can serve it with some simple sides for an even more satisfying meal. Steamed veggies or an air-fried side are easy additions, or you could go for a fall-inspired salad like this roasted butternut squash, beet, and fennel salad.

For dessert, try pairing it with a Caramel Apple Trifle. It’s made with Autumn Glory apples, layered with creamy mousse and crunchy granola—perfectly capturing the flavors of fall.

This one-pan meal with seasonal ingredients is easy to prepare, nutritious, and perfect for busy families. You’ll love how it brings fall flavors to the table with minimal effort, and the whole family will be asking for seconds!

This post is in partnership with Autumn Glory Apples, grown exclusively in Washington by Superfresh Growers. These apples are packed with flavors of cinnamon and caramel, making them a dreamy choice for both sweet and savory dishes. Trust me, they’re the secret to elevating this simple recipe.

How to Store Leftovers (If You Have Any!)

This dish is so delicious you might not have any leftovers—but if you do, they’re easy to store. Simply place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3–4 days. They make an excellent next-day lunch, and they reheat well, so you can enjoy the flavors all over again!

Feel great about making this recipe! Not only are you creating something delicious, but you’re also supporting a cause. This post, along with others that feature our amazing brand partners, helps fund donations to Feeding America food banks. In 2023, an estimated 47 million people—about 1 in 7 Americans—faced food insecurity, according to Feeding America. Healthy Family Project has provided 22 million meals through our partnerships since 2014. Your visit helps sustain these donations, and we truly appreciate your support!

Chicken Sausage with Fennel and Apples

One-pan meal: Chicken sausage with fennel and apples, with seasonal ingredients, easy to prepare, nutritious, and a perfect savory dish.

Course dinner, Entree & Main Dishes, Fall, Meal Prep

Cuisine American

Keyword air fryer recipes, Chicken sausage, easy dinner ideas, fall season, savory recipe

Prep Time 40

Cook Time 50

Servings

Calories 346kcal

Author Andrea Wiggins

Equipment

Oven
Air Fryer

Ingredients

1 lb Italian chicken sausage links (or plant-based sausage alternatives) 4 links
2 medium Autumn Glory apples cut into 1-inch wedges
2 fennel bulbs, fronds reserved cut into wedges
1 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
6 tbsp apple cider vinegar
salt and pepper (add to taste)

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken sausage, apple wedges, and fennel wedges to the bowl, tossing to coat evenly.
Arrange everything on a sheet pan, spreading out the sausage, apples, and fennel in a single layer.
Drizzle any remaining dressing over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40–50 minutes, until the sausages are cooked through and the apples and fennel are tender and caramelized.
Garnish with reserved fennel fronds before serving.

Nutrition

The post Chicken Sausage with Fennel and Apples appeared first on Healthy Family Project.

Brussels Sprouts, Apples, & Pistachio Salad

Jodi Danen, RD — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 21:25:00 +0000

This flavorful and easy Brussels Sprouts salad recipe is ready in 15 minutes. It is sweet and salty, made with shaved Brussels sprouts, fresh apples, pistachios, and feta.

Change up your salad game by using shredded Brussels sprouts as the base instead of greens! This salad is tossed with a simple vinaigrette, apples, pistachios, and feta for a delicious and filling dish.

Brussels sprouts used to have a bad reputation as a sticky vegetable (which they can be when you steam them), but in recent years they’ve surged to greatness thanks to roasted Brussels appearing on menus across the country.

I love roasted Brussels sprouts, but did you know they also offer the perfect crunchy base for your salad? You can often find already-shredded Brussels in the produce department, but if not they’re easy to thinly slice or shred yourself.

This recipe pairs Brussels sprouts with crisp apples, crunchy pistachios and salty feta cheese, all tossed in a simple vinaigrette of olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper.

Key Ingredients For Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad

Brussels Sprouts
Apple
Feta
Pistachios
Simple dressing

Simple, yet delicious! Everything about this salad is crunchy, eat bite offers a wide variety of flavors thanks to the apple, pistachios, and that simple homemade salad dressing.

One of the great things about salads, is that the topping possibilities are just about endless! But, I did want to share a few extra ones to get those wheels spinning for added suggestions.

Additional Topping Ideas

Dried cranberries or cherries.
Add in a protein. Grilled chicken would be delicious addition.
Pomegranate seeds.
Chopped bacon.
Sunflower seeds. Or any seeds you prefer.
Leave the feta off for a dairy-free salad.

If you like us, and enjoy recipes with Brussels sprouts, make sure to check out our Sheet Pan Salmon with roasted veggies on a side, or if you feel like twisting it accompany this salad recipe.

Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples & Pistachios

This shredded Brussels sprouts salad is tossed with a simple vinaigrette, apples, pistachios and feta for a delicious dish.

Course Appetizers, Salads, Sides

Keyword apples, Brussels sprouts, pistachios, salad, side dish

Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Servings servings

Calories 156kcal

Author Jodi Danen

Equipment

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 pound Brussels sprouts shredded
1 Sage Fruit® apple cored, chopped
1/4 cup Wonderful® shelled pistachios
1/4 cup feta cheese

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Add oil, vinegar, salt and pepper to small bowl or glass jar with lid. Mix well and set aside.
Combine Brussels sprouts, apples, pistachios and cheese in large bowl. Add dressing and mix to coat all ingredients.

Nutrition

The post Brussels Sprouts, Apples, & Pistachio Salad appeared first on Healthy Family Project.

Cranberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Amanda Keefer — Mon, 06 May 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Enjoy a new spin on cupcakes with this lightened-up cranberry cupcake recipe! It’s made with canned cranberry sauce and topped with a cranberry cream cheese frosting for a sweet dessert. Perfect for Mother’s Day, holiday celebrations, birthday parties, and more…

I have to admit, I’m not the biggest fan of cupcakes. My sweet tooth tends to lean more dark chocolate than cake and frosting. So, when our friends at US Cranberries reached out about doing a cranberry cupcake, I knew I was going to need some taste-testers to help me out.

Luckily, our team is always ready to try a new dish! After a couple of rounds getting the recipe just right, the team bit in and their eyes lit up – BINGO! We had it.

What makes these cupcakes special?

First, their light, fluffy and super moist thanks to the cranberry sauce. I could eat them just as they are without the cream cheese frosting. There would be no complaints on these for breakfast as a “muffin.”

Second, I love that they have a balanced sweetness. They’ve got a little, but not hit-you-in-the-face sugar sweetness that you often get with boxes or store-bought cupcakes. The average store-bought cupcake can pack around 27g of sugar! This recipe contains 11g with over half of that coming from natural sources like cranberries.

Third, I’m a sucker for cream cheese frosting and love the addition of cranberry sauce to add some flavor and turn it into a pretty pink color with no food coloring needed.

Cranberry Cupcakes Key Ingredients

The ingredients needed for these cupcakes are pretty standard, most of these items you can probably find in your pantry already. Here are a few things to keep in mind with this recipe:

Flour: This recipe called for standard all-purpose flour. I didn’t test these using a different type of flour, so I can’t guarantee that a gluten-free flour would give you the same fluffy texture.
Canned cranberry sauce: I used “whole cranberry sauce” but any type would do. Or if you have leftover cranberry sauce from a holiday celebration, that works too!
Honey: You could also swap for maple syrup (for a slightly different flavor) or agave nectar
Cream Cheese: Make sure to set this out a few hours before making the frosting so it has time to soften. It’ll make a huge difference in how easy it blends!

How many cupcakes does this recipe make?

This recipe made 16 cupcakes when I tested it at home. However, I made them at a friends house and it made 12. I think her muffin tin was slightly larger than mine. Maybe one was a “standard” size and the other wasn’t? Either way, be prepared for this recipe to make 12-16 cupcakes, depending on the side of your pan.

Cupcake Decorating Tips

Wanting to make your cupcakes look like they’re fresh from a cupcake shop? Go for it! Here are some tips.

Use a Piping Bag

Fill a piping bag with your frosting for that professional frosting look. Since the frosting does contain cranberry pieces, I’d use a tip with a larger opening so it doesn’t get clogged

Top with Sugared Cranberries

Give these cupcakes some added flair by topping with a sugared cranberry! Here’s how to make them:

Thaw frozen cranberries in water or small bowl at room temperature.
Toss in a little sugar until coated.
Add to your cupcakes!

Commonly Asked Questions About Our Cranberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Q: What are the main ingredients in Cranberry Cupcakes?
A: The main ingredients in Cranberry Cupcakes are all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, eggs, canned cranberry sauce, melted butter, honey, vanilla, and cream cheese for the frosting.

Q: How many cupcakes does the Cranberry Cupcake recipe make?
A: The Cranberry Cupcake recipe makes 12-16 cupcakes depending on the size of your muffin tin.

Q: Does the cream cheese frosting need to be refrigerated?
A: Yes, any leftovers of the Cranberry Cupcakes with cream cheese frosting should be refrigerated. Let it warm up to room temperature before eating again.

Q: What makes these cupcakes a lighter dessert?
A: These cupcakes use healthier ingredients like Greek yogurt in the frosting and have less sugar than traditional cupcakes, with only 11g per serving.

Other Sweet, but Not Too Sweet Desserts to Try

Cranberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Enjoy a new spin on cupcakes with this lightened-up cranberry cupcake recipe! It’s made with canned cranberry sauce and topped with a cranberry cream cheese frosting for a sweet, but not too sweet, dessert.

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Keyword baking, cranberries, cranberry cupcakes, cupcakes, healthier desserts

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 20

Total Time 40

Servings

Calories 205kcal

Author Amanda Keefer

Equipment

Ingredients

Cupcakes

1¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. baking soda
¼ tsp. salt
2 large eggs
1 cup canned cranberry sauce
½ cup unsalted butter melted
⅓ cup honey
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Frosting

8 oz. cream cheese softened
½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
2 Tbsp. canned cranberry sauce
1 Tbsp. honey
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Cupcakes
Preheat oven to 350F. Line muffin tin with paper liners or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl.
In a separate bowl, beat eggs. Mix in cranberry sauce, butter, honey and vanilla.
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients until just combined.
Fill muffin cups to about ¾ full. Bake 16-20 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean (ovens can vary, check at 16 minutes). Remove from oven and let cool 2-3 minutes before removing from muffin tin and letting cool on wire rack.
Frosting
Beat cream cheese, yogurt, cranberry sauce, honey and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth.
Spread evenly on top of cooled cupcakes before serving.

Video

Notes

The recipe makes 12-16 cupcakes, depending on the size of your muffin tin.
Make sure to let your cream cheese soften at room temperature before making the frosting. This will make it much easier to mix.
Refrigerate leftover cupcakes. Take out of refrigerator and store at room temperature for an hour if you want them "warmed up" for eating.

Nutrition

The post Cranberry Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting appeared first on Healthy Family Project.

Delicious Roasted Butternut Squash with Blue Cheese and Pecans: A Flavorful Holiday Side Dish

Tracy Shaw — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 16:05:24 +0000

Savor the perfect blend of flavors in our deliciously unique Roasted Butternut Squash recipe. Indulge in the rich and sweet notes of butternut squash, complemented by the crunch of pecans and the savory elegance of blue cheese. Elevate your culinary experience with this delectable side dish! This partnership with Marie’s has donated 8,100 meals to those in need. While the post is sponsored by Marie’s, our love for giving back to the community and this recipe is our own!

If you are looking for a delicious and elegant fall side dish you can’t go wrong with this roasted butternut squash with pecans and blue cheese. This side dish looks and tastes amazing and it’s easy to make too. It’s perfect for a weeknight side dish, but it wouldn’t be out of place on your holiday tables either.

Butternut squash is abundant this time of year and it is so delicious and good for you too. Butternut squash is high in fiber and low in calories, it is also packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These vitamins and minerals can give your immune system a boost, lower blood pressure, and help to regulate blood sugar.

Adding more of this tasty fruit, that’s right, butternut squash is a fruit , not a vegetable, to your diet is a no brainer! Don’t believe it’s a fruit? It is! Butternut squash is considered a fruit because it develops from the ovary of a flower and contains seeds. While culinary classification often categorizes it as a vegetable due to its savory flavor and common use in savory dishes, but it is indeed a fruit.

To make this delicious dish you will need butternut squash, pecans, blue cheese dressing, olive oil spray, and fresh thyme. You can add blue cheese crumbles if desired. Cutting the squash is the most difficult part of this recipe. If you aren’t comfortable cutting the squash you can buy butternut squash pieces in the produce section of your supermarket.

How to make Roasted Butternut Squash with Blue Cheese and Pecans

Roast your prepared butternut squash with the fresh thyme in a 425 degree oven for 30 to 45 minutes or until it is fork tender. Place the cooked squash in a serving bowl and drizzle on your favorite blue cheese dressing, sprinkle on pecans and thyme, and add additional blue cheese crumbles if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Marie’s Chunky Blue Cheese dressing is the ingredient that really brings all of the flavors together in this recipe and makes it “pop”. Many people think that blue cheese dressing is only for dipping your hot wings into, and while that is a tasty option, there are others too!

No pecans on hand? Try walnuts or roasted pumpkin seeds instead. Using roasted pumpkin seeds would make this a nut-free recipe.

How do you store roasted butternut squash leftovers?

If you have leftovers of this tasty dish, we suggest letting it cool down before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. As a leftover option, you can add it on top of a spinach salad… So good!

While you can freeze roasted butternut squash you should know that it will change the texture of the squash but the flavor is still there. If you have previously cooked frozen butternut squash it would be best to use it in soups or casseroles.

How do you reheat roasted butternut squash with blue cheese and pecans?

You can eat this dish cold, and it will taste amazing, but if you want to heat it up you can. Reheat your squash on a parchment lined baking sheet at 300 degrees for ten minutes or until warmed through. You can also toss it in the microwave for 15-30 seconds.

Can you make this dish ahead of time?

If you are serving this delicious side dish for the holidays you may be looking for some shortcuts so that everything doesn’t have to be the day of.

Here are a couple of different ways that you can prepare this dish in advance:

The first is to simply cut the squash into pieces up to three days ahead of time. Store your cubes in an airtight container in the fridge until you are ready to cook them.

You can also roast the squash a day in advance and then cool it down and refrigerate it in an airtight container. The day you plan to serve it you can reheat the squash in the oven or air fryer and add the blue cheese dressing and pecan toppings.

How do you know when butternut squash is done?

When the butternut squash is done it will pierce easily with a fork and be soft. Raw butternut squash pieces are very firm to the touch, and can’t be pierced with a fork.

Do you have to peel butternut squash before roasting it?

I didn’t in this recipe! You can though…and I definitely have before. Leaving the skin on did not make it tough or change the flavor profile, it did make the prep work even easier 😉

Ways to use blue cheese dressing

This recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of Marie’s Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing, so that means you are going to have some leftover! So I wanted a few more ways to use blue cheese dressing this holiday season and beyond.

Drizzle some over your favorite bruschetta recipe and serve it as an appetizer.
Toss shaved Brussels sprouts with a few spoonfuls for a surprising but tasty side dish.
Add it to your favorite salads.
You can use blue cheese dressing for dipping vegetables, pretzels, or pita chips.

There are lots of delicious ways to use blue cheese dressing in your kitchen.

Whether you serve this butternut squash with blue cheese and pecans for a Meatless Monday dinner, or it finds a way to your holiday table, your friends and family are sure to love it. It is a beautiful and delicious way to use produce that is in season right now.

Roasted Butternut Squash Delight: Pecans and Blue Cheese Perfection

Indulge in the rich and sweet notes of butternut squash, complemented by the crunch of pecans and the savory elegance of blue cheese. Elevate your culinary experience with this delectable side dish!

Course 5 ingredients or less, Christmas, Side Dish, Sides, Thanksgiving

Cuisine American

Keyword butternut squash, christmas, side dish, side dishes, sides, thanksgiving

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Servings

Calories 160kcal

Author Tracy Shaw

Equipment

2 Baking Sheet

Ingredients

4 lbs butternut squash
Olive oil spray
10 stalks fresh thyme
½ cup pecans
4 tablespoons Marie’s Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing
2 tablespoons blue cheese crumbles if desired

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425℉.
Cut the squash, leaving the skin on, and scoop out the seeds, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
Spray baking sheet with olive oil spray, add the butternut squash, spray with olive oil spray, sprinkle with salt and pepper. *You may need 2 baking sheets.
Add thyme sprigs.
Roast in the oven for approximately 45 minutes or until tender.
Once done, add the butternut squash to a serving bowl, drizzle on the blue cheese dressing, sprinkle on pecans, thyme and blue cheese crumbles.

Nutrition

The post Delicious Roasted Butternut Squash with Blue Cheese and Pecans: A Flavorful Holiday Side Dish appeared first on Healthy Family Project.

Gluten Free Apple Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread

Tracy Shaw — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 11:17:00 +0000

Celebrate baking season with this delicious Gluten Free Apple Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread. It’s trending on social media, find out why! This partnership with Envy Apples has donated 24,500 meals to those in need. While the post is sponsored by Envy Apples and T&G Global, our love for giving back to the community and yummy apple recipes is our own!

The weather is starting to cool down and what better way to warm up than with a comforting homemade bread? Have you seen all the beautiful apples in store and at the markets? They are in abundance and these tasty, nutritious fruits can be used in everything from salads and jams, to main meals and desserts.

If you are looking for the perfect apple breakfast or dessert then you should try this gluten free apple pull apart bread. It’s definitely all over social media right now, so we decided to give this trend a try! This apple pull apart bread is filled with fresh cut Envy apples.

Envy apples are the perfect balance of sweetness, aroma and crunch, which makes them perfect for snacking and just about any recipe you can think of. They also have a beautiful bright red color.

There are lots of apple pull apart bread recipes online, of course they are, we already talked about how this bread was a social media trending recipe, but this version is gluten free, with less fat, and calories than some of the other versions. Making treats is fine, but we understand that there also has to be balance.

Many recipes for apple pull apart bread call for you to use refrigerated canned biscuits, and there is nothing wrong with that, that’s definitely an easier version! But, this recipe is gluten-free and made with a dough that you mix yourself, don’t get scared, I am going to share all my tips. Confession…this is the first I made bread! And, I didn’t nail it on my first try….Tips and learnings below 😉

To make your dough you will need gluten-free flour mix, milk, rapid yeast, salt, sugar, and softened coconut oil. You can use any type of milk that you prefer so this version of the recipe can potentially be dairy free, gluten free, and vegan depending on your choice. Another thing to note is the use of xanthan gum or guar gum, if your flour mix already contains it you can leave it out.

For your filling you will just need Envy apples, and for the topping you just need cinnamon and brown sugar. You will need to cut your apples into bite size pieces for the best results. For the glaze you will need powdered sugar and water. You don’t have to add the glaze, but it is a pretty (and sweet) addition.

How do you make apple cinnamon pull apart bread?

Make your dough, and set it to the side to rest while you work on your preparing the apples.

Slice your apples and put them in a bowl and set them aside. Envy apples typically don’t brown much, so you shouldn’t have to use any lemon juice to prevent browning.

Put parchment paper on a large baking sheet (mine was 17×12) and spray the parchment paper with olive oil spray. Spray the dough and your hands with olive oil spray so that the dough doesn’t stick to you. Press the bread dough a rectangle, getting as much of the baking pan covered as you can. Sprinkle cinnamon and brown sugar over the dough. Cut the dough into 5-6 equal rows lengthwise, and 3-4 equal columns width wise.

Transfer your dough pieces to a bread pan, one piece next to the other. When one row is filled (this will take 4-5 pieces of your cut dough) sprinkle on apple pieces. Repeat until you have used all the dough. Top the bread with remaining apples and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon and brown sugar.

Cover the bread with plastic wrap and allow it to rest for 20 minutes before baking. Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes at 375 degrees, when cooking time is complete allow it to steam in the pan for about 10 minutes before putting it on a cooling rack.

Mix your glaze ingredients together in a small bowl and drizzle all over your bread while it is still warm. Serve and enjoy!

Alright…full transparency…It took me 4 times to make this bread correctly. Not because it’s hard, but ultimately it was because I am very unfamiliar on working with yeast and gluten-free flour.

Now, if you found this recipe, you are probably familiar with gluten-free flour, so you probably won’t grab the wrong gluten-free flour from the store like I did. I didn’t realize that certain GF flours weren’t for breads. So, that was two of my failed attempts. I finally read the back of the flour after the 2nd time and it clearly stated “Not recommended for yeasting recipes.” Lesson learned.

Failure #3. I read the back of the Rapid Yeast each time and it said that you didn’t have to put it in water to activate it…and since I did every other time, I decided this time I wouldn’t. Nope, that didn’t work.

What I did right on #4 (at least I think it was all right…all I know is that it worked!)

I used Gluten Free Flour for Bread.
I put the rapid yeast in 100 degree water (approximately) and let it sit there for like 30 minutes. I finally witnessed it re-hydrating and saw froth form. Everything I read said it should only take like 10 minutes…that never happened for me, it was at least 30 minutes. So, I recommend starting the yeast before starting anything else in the recipe.
Don’t get discouraged if your dough doesn’t rise a bunch. Mine didn’t until I baked it. I was so excited when I opened the oven door for that 4th time and I saw this beautiful bread waiting for me!

How do I store apple pull apart bread?

You can store any leftovers (if you are lucky enough to have some) in an airtight container, on the counter at room temperature for up to four days.

Do the apples have to be peeled?

I didn’t peel mine! I love seeing the red skin of the apple throughout the bread. But, you can definitely peel them if you prefer.

Does it have to be gluten free?

No! You can use regular flour, but I am not an expert on if that would change the other steps of the recipe or what type of flour you would use. I think we already covered I’m not a baking expert 😉

Can you freeze apple pull apart bread?

Yes, you can freeze apple pull apart bread for up to six months, however the texture of the apples may change slightly. After the bread has cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, put it in an airtight freezer safe container and freeze for later.

How do I warm apple cinnamon bread back-up?

If you only want to warm a single slice of bread, wrap it in a lightly dampened paper towel and heat it in 15 second increments. If you want to reheat the whole loaf, put it in a covered baking dish and reheat in the oven at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until warmed through.

Alright, are you ready to do some baking with me? It is baking season after all! Grab some Envy apples and let’s get started!

Gluten Free Apple Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread

Celebrate baking season with this delicious Gluten Free Apple Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread. It's trending on social media, find out why!

Course Breakfast, Breakfast & Brunch, Christmas, Dessert, Desserts, Fall, Thanksgiving

Cuisine American

Keyword apple, apple desserts, apples, bread, breakfast, breakfast recipes, desserts, healthier desserts

Prep Time 45

Cook Time 35

Servings

Calories 272kcal

Author Tracy Shaw

Equipment

Mixer
Baking Sheet

Ingredients

Dough

3 cups gluten free bread flour
1¼ cup whole milk or milk of choice
2 1/4 tsp rapid yeast 1 packet
1/4 cup water
3 tsp xanthan or guar gum *If needed – look at your flour mix omit if mix already contains gum
½ tsp salt
1/2 cup sugar
2 Tbsp softened coconut oil
Olive oil spray

Filling

2 Envy apples cut into bite-size pieces
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tsp cinnamon

Glaze (optional)

1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tsp water

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Heat ¼ cup of water to 100 degrees. Add yeast and set aside for until foaming. This took me about 30 mins.
Mix all dry ingredients for the dough. Combine yeast, coconut oil and milk.
Vigorously mix ingredients by hand for 10 minutes or stand mixer for 5 minutes to help activate gum.
Cover bowl and let dough rest for 10 minutes.
Wash and dice apples. *peel if desired. Set aside until needed.
Lightly spray a sheet of parchment paper the size of a baking sheet. Place dough on the parchment paper. Spray dough with olive oil spray.
With greased hands, gently press out dough to form a rectangle approximately 12×16 inches.
Sprinkle cinnamon and brown sugar over dough.
Slice dough into 5-6 equal rows lengthwise (right to left) and 3-4 equal columns width wise (top to bottom).
Spray a 9 x 5 inch bread pan with olive oil spray.
Carefully move a dough square into bread pan, filling the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle with apple bites.
Make another layer. Take squares of dough and make another later. Sprinkle with apple bites.
Continue until you have used all (or most of) the dough and as much apple pieces as you would like. *Don't over stuff though, the dough will need to rise.
Cover with plastic and allow bread to rest for 20 minutes. (your dough may rise, it may not at this stage. Mine didn’t rise until baking).
Bake at 375 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until top turns golden brown.
Remove from oven and allow to sit in the pan to steam another 10 mins.
Remove from pan and top with glaze if desired.

Glaze

Mix powdered sugar and water until desired consistency.

Notes

Don’t overload with too many apple slices there may be left over apples. Not all the dough may be used depending on how you cut the dough, that’s okay! You want it loose enough where the dough can expand.

Nutrition

Have you ever made bread before? What are some of your tips?

The post Gluten Free Apple Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread appeared first on Healthy Family Project.

How To Make The Best Caramel Apple Trifles

Tracy Shaw — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 11:27:00 +0000

This easy to make dessert is ready in under 30 minutes and has all your favorite fall flavors in one bite! Cinnamon, caramel, apples, a fluffy mousse and then a bit of crunch thanks to the granola make these Caramel Apple Trifles a must try. This partnership with Superfresh Growers has donated 9,150 meals to those in need. While the post is sponsored by Superfresh Growers, our love for giving back to the community and a yummy fall dessert is our own!

Caramel. Apple. Trifle. I mean, do I really need to say anything else? Just look at them. We are layering a simply homemade cinnamon vanilla mousse, with granola and diced apples…oh and a caramel drizzle. YES PLEASE. I wish you could taste them through the computer/phone screen, because, trust me, you want to. You will be glad to know that they are easy to make, and you can taste them at home soon! Making these yummy trifles the perfect addition to all your fall and holiday menus. Who doesn’t like a healthy dessert that looks gorgeous and is actually easy to make?!

I used Autumn Glory Apples to make these trifles because they are naturally sweet and crisp, with hints of caramel. And since these trifles are all about caramel and cinnamon, the Autumn Glory Apple was the perfect choice. Autumn Glory Apples remind me of fresh fall flavors in one simple bite.

These apples are perfect for fall recipes, like our Caramel Apple Trifles, because they already have the flavors of fall built right into them.

This easy Caramel Apple Trifle is a treat your friends and family will love. Sweet apple flavor with hints of cinnamon and caramel, combined with a fluffy mousse and granola to add crunchiness.

What is a trifle?

Before we get into the specifics of how to make this fabulous fall dessert, you might be wondering what a trifle is in the first place. A trifle is simply a layered dessert. It’s originally from England and consists of spongy cake soaked in liquor, fresh fruit, custard, and whipped cream, all layered.

Why make a Caramel Apple Trifle

A caramel apple trifle is a delicious and easy-to-make no-bake dessert with all of your favorite flavors of fall built right into it. Cinnamon, caramel, apples, what’s not to love? Especially when you consider the creamy mousse and crunch!

How to Make Caramel Apple Trifle

Apples

The star of this trifle is the apples, of course! I added a little brown sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice to diced apples and cooked it up for about 10 minutes. Easy peasy!

Caramel Sauce

The next ingredient that you will need for your caramel apple trifle is caramel sauce. You can make it from scratch, but I just bought the light version in the produce section at the grocery store 😉

Cinnamon Vanilla Mousse

The great thing about this easy mousse is that it plays up the flavors that are already present in the Autumn Glory apple. Cinnamon vanilla mousse is delicious and easy to make. You can use it for this recipe and many more, you could even use it as a decadent topping for your coffee.

To make your cinnamon vanilla mousse you will need skim milk, instant vanilla pudding, cinnamon, and whipped topping.

Granola

The granola adds a bit of crunch and a beautiful layer in your trifle. We used the low fat variety.

Can you make your trifle in advance?

Yes, you can make your caramel apple trifle ahead of time if you know that you are going to be busy the day of serving. You should not make this trifle more than two days ahead of serving and one day would be best if you want to retain as much crunch in the granola as possible.

Another option would be to have the components of this dessert made in advance, and then put it together an hour or two before you plan to serve it. Layering the trifles only takes a minute or two if everything else is ready.

How do I store caramel apple trifles?

Whether you are making the trifle in advance or you have some leftover it needs to be stored in the refrigerator. Wrap the triple tightly with plastic wrap and you should be able to enjoy it for up to three days. Keep in mind that the longer you store it the mushier it will become, however, the flavors will still be there, and it is still safe to eat.

This caramel apple trifle can be made in single-serving dessert cups or if you have a large trifle bowl you can make a large trifle that all of your guests can share. This dessert is perfect for fall celebrations and it would even look amazing on your Thanksgiving and holiday dessert table.

This caramel apple trifle is a simple dessert that really stands out and brings together all of your favorite fall flavors in one dish. Whether it’s on your holiday table, or just a weeknight treat everyone is sure to enjoy it. My daughter actually had one for breakfast the other day 🙂

Ok, let’s make some fall trifles shall we?

Caramel Apple Trifles

Ready in under 30 minutes, these caramel apple trifles are the perfect addition to all your holiday menus. All your favorite fall flavors come together in one bite of this yummy trifle.

Course 30 Minutes or Less, Dessert, Desserts, Snacks

Cuisine American

Keyword 30 minute meals, apple, apple desserts, apple recipes, desserts, easy desserts, easy snack, healthier desserts, healthy desserts, healthy snacks

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Resting Time 10

Servings

Calories 296kcal

Author Tracy Shaw

Ingredients

3 Autumn Glory Apples diced
2 tbsp light brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Juice from 1/2 lemon
4 tbsp low fat granola
4 tsp light caramel sauce

Cinnamon Vanilla Mousse

1 oz sugar free instant vanilla pudding mix the smaller box
8 oz whipped topping we used the lite variety
1½ cups skim milk
1 tsp cinnamon

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine sliced apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Gently stir to coat apples.
Cook apples for about 10 minutes, or until at preferred softness. Allow to cool before layering the trifle.

Cinnamon Vanilla Mousse

Mix the milk , cinnamon pudding mix together either by hand or with mixer.
Once mixed well, add the whipped topping.
Mix well. Refrigerate until ready for use, it will thicken up while resting.

Assemble Caramel Apple Trifles

Layer the ingredients into your favorite glasses.
Start with the cinnamon vanilla mousse. Then sprinkle in granola. Add a layer of the diced apples. Repeat until your serving glasses are full. Top with a little light caramel sauce.

Nutrition

The post How To Make The Best Caramel Apple Trifles appeared first on Healthy Family Project.

Upside Down Apple Puff Pastry

Tracy Shaw — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 11:50:00 +0000

Have you tried the upside down puff pastry trend yet? These upside down apple puff pastries are ready in under 30 minutes and are so easy to make! This partnership with Envy Apples has donated 24,500 meals to those in need. While the post is sponsored by Envy Apples and T&G Global, our love for giving back to the community and yummy apple desserts is our own!

Have you tried the latest TikTok upside-down puff pastry trend? If you haven’t, now is the time! We made it for the first time to celebrate fall! I grabbed a bag of envy apples and puff pastry sheets and discovered this delectably simple dessert. Apple slices and puff pastry are practically all you need to make this really easy dessert.

All you need is refrigerated puff pastry sheets, sliced Envy apples, and honey.

Place your sliced apples on a parchment lined baking sheet, and then place your honey on top of the sliced fruit. Put your puff pastry on the very top. Placing the pastry on top will give you crisp, flaky, layers that just melt in your mouth, and having the fruit on the bottom ensures that it gets flavorfully caramelized.

Upside Down Puff Pastry Variations

You can add cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, or ginger for an extra punch of flavor. You can also turn this sweet treat into a savory snack by adding ingredients like sweet peppers and cream cheese, onions, Brie, and herbs, or ham and gruyere cheese, goat cheese and prosciutto along with your apple slices. The possibilities of fillings for this viral trend are nearly endless, and it’s so easy and delicious.

Can I make apple puff pastries in advance?

These apple puff pastries are best when they are served warm and fresh from the oven. You can make them an hour or two ahead of time and let them cool to room temperature. You can then serve them at room temperature or warm them briefly.

How do I store the apple tarts leftovers?

Before storing the leftover pastries allow them to cool down to room temperature. Then you can place them in an airtight container for up to three days. If your pastries contain cheese they will need to be refrigerated. Keep in mind that puff pastry becomes soggy the longer it is stored.

Can you freeze upside down puff pastries?

Yes, you can freeze these upside down puff pastries, however, keep in mind that the texture of your puff pastry may be affected by the freezing process. If you are going to freeze them, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month.

When you take them out of the freezer just set them in the refrigerator to thaw overnight. You can gently warm them just before serving.

Ok, let’s get baking shall we? These upside down apple tarts are perfect for a breakfast on-the-go option or dessert.

Upside Down Apple Puff Pastry

Looking for an easy, yet delicious dessert to celebrate fall? Grab store bought puff pastry sheets and try the viral upside down puff pastry trend with envy apples!

Course 30 Minutes or Less, 5 ingredients or less, Dessert, Snacks

Cuisine American

Keyword apple, apples, easy desserts, healthier desserts, healthy snacks

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Servings

Calories 268kcal

Author Tracy Shaw

Equipment

Ingredients

1 puff pastry sheet thawed in the refrigerator overnight
2 envy apples cored and sliced thin
1 tbsp honey
fresh herbs for garnish – rosemary, thyme, etc
1 egg white
1 tsp water

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°
Combine one egg white and one teaspoon of water in a small mixing bowl to form an egg wash. Whisk well and set aside.
Take parchment paper lined baking sheet and place 4-6 apple slices in a row and drizzle with honey. I was able to fit 4 rows on one baking sheet, you may need two baking sheets.
Cut the thawed puff pastry into 6 rectangles.
Place the puff pastry rectangle on top of the apples. Gently press down on the edges to seal with a fork.
Brush the egg wash (egg white mixed with one teaspoon of water) evenly over each puff pastry rectangle.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the puff pastry is puffed up and golden brown. Repeat the process with the second baking sheet while the first sheet is baking.
Allow to cool before carefully flipping the tarts over.
Garnish with fresh herbs, whipped topping or ice cream.

Nutrition

Dishes made with Envy apples are already going to be an upgrade to your palette, but if you are looking for a few more apple recipes to make, we found a few you might enjoy.

Envy Stilton Cheese Pizza

Apples and cheese are already a perfect pairing but even more so when pairing them with Envy apples. You can have a five-star pizza made at home in just a few minutes with a few simple ingredients, and a store-bought pizza crust. Prosciutto, arugula, mozzarella, and Stilton cheeses, a sliced Envy apple, and pizza sauce combine to make this a savory meal to remember.

Envy Apple Tomato and Goat Cheese Frittata

You can serve this decadent dish for brunch or dinner and your guests will be amazed. Envy apples and goat cheese really elevate this simple egg dish. You will also need some sun-dried tomatoes, fresh chives, milk, and Tabasco sauce. Just whisk the ingredients into your eggs and bake for half an hour until set. Serve with biscuits or toast for breakfast or a nice salad for lunch or dinner.

Envy Pork Spring Roll

Looking for an appetizer or game day snack that is sure to impress but still easy to get on the table? Then you might enjoy these Envy pulled pork spring rolls. Pulled pork, finely shredded carrot, shallot, Envy apples, red bell pepper, and fresh chopped herbs are combined with cooked and drained vermicelli noodles wrapped in rice paper for a tasty Asian snack.

These spring rolls pack a crunch and a burst of fresh flavor that your guests are sure to love. Serve them with some hoisin dipping sauce for even more Asian flare and flavor.

Pumpkin Spiced Or e o Balls with Crunchy Envy Apples

If you are looking for an elevated dessert that is fun to eat and your guests will enjoy then you need to make and serve these pumpkin spiced Oreo balls with Envy apples. They are a perfect combination of fall flavors and who doesn’t love to enjoy a cake pop with friends?

This recipe does take a little advanced prep as you will need to bake your apple slices until they are crunchy. You will also need cream cheese, crumbled Oreos, pumpkin spice, and melted white candy coating. Combine your cream cheese, and Oreo crumbles, roll them into balls, and allow them to harden in the freezer.

Once they have hardened, chop your crispy apples finely. Melt the baking chips with the cinnamon spice, and dip the Oreo balls into it, then dip them in the crispy apple pieces. You and your guests will love these crunchy sweet treats.

Envy apples make a great addition to all of your favorite Fall recipes. Which of these recipes do you think you’ll try out first?

The post Upside Down Apple Puff Pastry appeared first on Healthy Family Project.