The Casual Epicurean

BREAKFAST APPETIZERS COCKTAILS ENTREES SIDES The holiday season has a way of making dinner feel like another item on the to-do list. The parties, the shopping, the baking, the errands… it all adds up fast. When I want something festive without much fuss, I reach for recipes that look like I spent all day in the kitchen, even though the oven is doing most of the work. Beef Osso Buco Slow-braised beef shanks nestled in a rich tomato, wine, and aromatic sauce. It’s cozy, hearty, and feels...

BREAKFAST APPETIZERS COCKTAILS ENTREES SIDES December is fun… until dinner rolls around and you realize you’ve hit your limit on “holiday flavors.” I love a good cookie tray as much as anyone, but even I need a night or two where dinner feels a little lighter without much effort. Maryland Style Crab Cakes with Spicy Remoulade Loaded with sweet lump crab and just enough binder to hold everything together. They pan-sear to a golden crust for a clean, unfussy dinner that’s a great change of pace...

The Casual Epicurean BREAKFAST APPETIZERS COCKTAILS ENTREES SIDES I love a good French 75! It’s bright, simple, and always feels right for a celebration, so this year we’re mixing the classic along with two versions that bring a seasonal twist. Classic French 75 Cocktail Get the Recipe Elderflower French 75 Get the Recipe Cranberry French 75 Get the Recipe 💡Pro TipChill your glasses ahead of time. It keeps the cocktail cold from start to finish. Cheers! Join Us On Pinterest Creating dishes...

The Casual Epicurean BREAKFAST APPETIZERS COCKTAILS ENTREES SIDES Need a few new tasty holiday appetizers? These appetizers are a great place to start. They’re simple to pull together and always seem to disappear first. Goat Cheese & Caramelized Onion Tarts Get the Recipe Cranberry Brie Tartlets Get the Recipe Crab Spinach Artichoke Dip Get the Recipe Charcuterie Skewers Get the Recipe Chorizo Stuffed Mushrooms Get the Recipe 💡Pro TipPrep a few of these the night before, then finish them...

The Casual Epicurean BREAKFAST APPETIZERS COCKTAILS ENTREES SIDES Weekend brunch doesn’t need a reservation when you can make something great at home. If you’re in the mood for a long, lazy morning with good coffee and even better food, these four recipes are the kind you’ll want to keep in your back pocket. Mexican Breakfast Skillet Get the Recipe Crab Cake Eggs Benedict Get the Recipe Bacon and Eggs Breakfast Tart Get the Recipe Berry Crêpes with Whipped Cream Get the Recipe 💡Pro TipPrep...

The Casual Epicurean BREAKFAST APPETIZERS COCKTAILS ENTREES SIDES Every good pasta night starts with a solid sauce, and this marinara is exactly what you want simmering on the stove Hearty Marinara Sauce 🍅 This sauce is a thick, flavorful tomato sauce made with simple pantry ingredients. It’s perfect for pasta, meatballs, pizza, and anything that calls for a sturdy tomato sauce. 📌 Pin It for Later Get the Recipe 💡Pro TipMake a double batch of marinara and freeze the sauce in 2-cup portions in...

The Casual Epicurean BREAKFAST APPETIZERS COCKTAILS ENTREES SIDES We know your Thanksgiving feast was so delicious that there might not have been any leftovers, but if you planned for leftovers like we always do, you might be ready for something different.These five recipes turn extra turkey into meals that feel new again. From hearty soups to a flaky pot pie, they make the most of every bite. 🥧 Turkey Pot Pie Golden puff pastry and a creamy filling filled with tender turkey and vegetables...

The Casual Epicurean BREAKFAST APPETIZERS COCKTAILS ENTREES SIDES We are officially in the home stretch before Thanksgiving. This is the week when time gets tight, to-do lists grow, and dinner needs to practically make itself. Here are three simple meals to keep you fed and focused as the countdown to Thanksgiving continues. 🍲 Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup A one-pot favorite that comes together quickly and tastes like you put in more effort than you did. Canned tomatoes, packaged gnocchi, and...

The Casual Epicurean BREAKFAST APPETIZERS COCKTAILS ENTREES SIDES We are only six days from Thanksgiving, and it is starting to feel real. If you are planning your menu, we have two sweet potato recipes that deserve a place on your table. One leans rich with brown butter and sage, and the other gives the classic casserole a small twist with bourbon. Whipped Sweet Potatoes with Brown Butter and Sage These sweet potatoes are light, creamy, and full of rich brown-butter flavor. The sage adds a...

The Casual Epicurean BREAKFAST APPETIZERS COCKTAILS ENTREES SIDES Thanksgiving is all about gathering, not stressing. The secret to pulling off a smooth feast is simple: make-ahead dishes. With a little planning, you can spread out the prep and serve a meal that feels effortless. These make-ahead sides help you spread out your prep and spend less time in the kitchen on the big day. Don't forget to download our Free Thanksgiving Menu Planner that includes timing guides, shopping lists, and...