October 2015 Recipes

Recipe: Pumpkin-and-Turnip Green Lasagna

Use no-boil lasagna noodles (we like Barilla brand), which will soak up moisture from the sauce and pumpkin.

Recipe: Beer-Battered Pumpkin with Dipping Sauce

Fresh pumpkins are great for savory dishes. Pick those labeled "sugar" or "pie."

Recipe: Caramel-Peanut-Popcorn Snack Mix

Your guests will be grabbing one paper cone to devour on the spot and another one to go if you make this delicious take on traditional popcorn. Sure, you’re going to start with those fifteen cups of freshly-popped kernels that you’ve just made, but it will be the homemade brown sugar, butter, and dark corn syrup topping that you’ve drizzled on, plus the delicious candies that you’ve mixed in, that can truly take this popcorn to the next level. With peanuts, caramel, and colorful candy-coated peanut butter candies, it’s no wonder Caramel Peanut Popcorn Snack Mix is such a Halloween surprise.

Recipe: Smoky Barbecue Popcorn

Upgrade a classic concession-stand snack with fancy flavors.

Recipe: Heartwarming Cider

Spiced with the right ingredients—ground ginger, allspice, nutmeg—this classic fall drink is transformed into a festive treat. Optional: Serve with rum.

Recipe: Creole Seafood Jambalaya

"My family has been making a version of this dish for generations." —chef John Besh

Recipe: Easy Barbecue Shrimp

For a flavorful, Southern-style dish, serve this Easy Barbecue Shrimp with Jalapeño Biscuits.

Recipe: Greek Baked Ziti

Inspired by the classic Greek comfort dish known as pastitsio, this pasta casserole uses fresh and flavorful ingredients. It mixes the classic flavors of ground beef, onion, and garlic, with oregano and two rich cheeses: Parmesan and mozzarella. So bake a dish of this comfort-food favorite, and in under 30 minutes you can settle in for a warm, delicious, family meal. For an easy weeknight dinner, you can even make this ahead and freeze it.

Recipe: Shepherd’s Pie with Potato Crust

You might call yourself a shepherd too if it meant you would get a dinner this good. Our version of a Shepherd’s Pie is certainly a Southern dinner classic. Instead of mashed potatoes we use scalloped potatoes for the crust, cut with a mandolin slicer—but a knife will work just as well. For the filling, lean ground chuck is perfect, while red wine will add flavors that are rich and bold. Our Shepherd’s Pie has a dash of Worcestershire Sauce, as well as a hearty measure of English peas. This dish will keep you warm on a cool night, but it is fresh and delicious at any time. Round up your appetite and enjoy our Shepherd’s Pie.

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Bolognese Sauce over Pappardelle Pasta

Traditionally, Bolognese sauce requires hours of babysitting as it simmers on the stove, but our recipe is virtually hands-off. The lean ground beef is flavored with red wine, and onions, garlic, and Italian seasonings really add fullness and depth. A little cream goes a long way to make the sauce rich, and it comes into its own in the slow cooker. Once everything is together, the best approach is to simply leave it alone, to check it occasionally, to make sure its consistency is just right,—and to be ready to spoon it onto your pappardelle and cover it in Parmesan cheese. Serve it hot, and enjoy!

Recipe: Spiced Beef Kabobs with Herbed Cucumber and Tomato Salad

This recipe is all about how to take premium ground beef, flavor it with subtle herbs and spices, and create a delicious dish. These Spiced Beef Kabobs are delicately seasoned with cumin, coriander, allspice, parsley, and cilantro, then hand-formed on skewers. Grilled to golden-brown perfection, the ground beef remains moist and juicy, to be complemented by creamy toppings like our Yogurt-Tahini Sauce. Serve this zesty beef with warm pita bread and a tangy herb salad.

Recipe: Spicy Pumpkin Soup with Avocado Cream

If you don't have any buttermilk on hand for the avocado cream sauce, substitute plain yogurt and just a little water.

Recipe: Tex-Mex Meatballs in Red Chile Sauce

These zesty meatballs are a true taste of the Southwest, with poblano peppers, corn chips, lime juice, and red chile enchilada sauce. Prepared with ground chuck, these are a rich, delicious way to fill a tortilla full of flavor. Let guests doctor their own plates with crunchy, colorful toppings including Cotija cheese, radishes, and avocado. If you prefer to prepare early, these also freeze beautifully, so you can always have some on hand. Savor the sensations of Southwest flavors with these Tex-Mex Meatballs in Red Chile Sauce.

Recipe: Herbed Cucumber-and-Tomato Salad

Toss cucumber, tomato, and feta cheese with fresh herbs to make this simple salad.

These 6-ingredient biscuits get a spicy kick from jalapeño pepper.

Recipe: Jalapeño Biscuits

Recipe: Our Easiest Pumpkin Pie Ever

Of all of our Thanksgiving dessert recipes, this might just be the easiest one yet. For a crisp crust (no more soggy bottom!), use a metal pie pan and prebake your crust with pie weights.

Recipe: Pear-and-Pumpkin Tart

Need help peeling and cutting your pumpkin? Most supermarket produce sections offer this service for a small fee.

Recipe: Yogurt-Tahini Sauce

Serve this flavorful sauce with Spiced Beef Kabobs.

Recipe: Pumpkin-Chocolate Brownies

Let fresh-baked brownies chill, uncovered, overnight. For a perfect slice, cut while they're cold. Serve at room temperature.