Of course, you can’t have a cocktail party without some wow-worthy holiday appetizer recipes. Start with a tray of Mini Cranberry Meatballs—sweet, tangy, and gone in a flash. Pair those with Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms, which are warm and savory with just the right pop of flavor. And for a touch of elegance, serve up Paula’s Walnut Praline Brie and Fruit Platter that features the most decadent sweet and crunchy topping—plus, it’s just plain pretty!

Now, for the sippers! Mix up a batch of Paula’s Christmas Martinis for a festive and fruity holiday cocktail recipe. Bonus—they look downright magical with a little sugar rim and a beautiful garnish of rosemary and cranberries. And if you prefer to serve up something cozy, a mug of Hot Buttered Rum will warm everyone right down to their boots.

Round out your Christmas cocktail party menu with a sweet bite or two. Paula’s Peppermint Pinwheels are as cute as they are tasty, and a tray of Old-Time Chocolate Fudge adds a nostalgic quality that we just adore this time of year.

Pull out your prettiest platters, light some candles, and crank up those carols. With this mix of finger foods and festive drinks plus plenty more options below, your holiday gathering will be the talk of the town. Happy holidays, y’all!

The post 20 Recipes for a Christmas Cocktail Party appeared first on Paula Deen.

Now let’s start by gathering your ingredients for the cornbread. You’ll need the following items:

• 2 cups self-rising cornmeal
• 1 cup self-rising flour
• 1 stick softened butter
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1½ cups buttermilk
• 4 eggs

This is a classic Southern cornbread recipe, and it’s very easy to make.

While the oven is pre-heating to 350˚F, combine the cornmeal and flour in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Then, mix your wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until fully incorporated.

Pour the batter into a prepared 13x9x2 casserole dish and bake until golden brown, approximately 25 minutes. Let it cool before crumbling the cornbread into a bowl and setting it aside to be used later in the dressing.

If you prefer, you can use your own favorite cornbread recipe, but it’s important that you not use a sweetened cornbread, as that will drastically change the flavor profile of this dressing.

Once your cornbread is ready, gather the rest of the ingredients for the dressing:

• 1 pound bulk breakfast sausage
• 2 sticks butter
• 3 chicken bouillon cubes
• 4-5 stalks chopped celery
• 1 large sweet onion, chopped
• 8 green onions, chopped, using both the white and green parts
• 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 3-4 cups chicken stock (you’ll add a bit at a time)
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 4 eggs, lightly beaten

To get started on the dressing, brown the sausage for 5 minutes over medium heat. Then, remove the sausage from the pan, leaving some of the drippings behind.

Add the butter to the pan with the drippings, letting it melt, before adding the chicken bouillon, celery, and sweet onion, cooking until the celery and onion are translucent—this should take around 5 to 10 minutes. Then stir in the green onions, garlic, and parsley, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes.

Now pour the sausage, the veggie mixture, and some of the chicken stock over the cooled cornbread, gently folding so as not to break up the cornbread and sausage further. Continue adding chicken stock until it’s your desired moistness—keep in mind that as it bakes, it will dry out some, so make it a little wetter than you might think. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Then, pull some of the mixture out to combine with the beaten eggs before mixing it all back together. Adding the eggs last ensures you can safely taste the dressing to ensure your seasonings are correct.

Now pour the dressing into a greased 13x9x2 baking dish and bake at 350˚F for 45 to 60 minutes, until the dressing is cooked through. If you’re worried about over-browning, add tinfoil towards the end.

A homemade Southern cornbread dressing with sausage may be a labor of love, but you’ll surely have a table full of thankful guests once they get a scoop of this Southern favorite next to their turkey and taters.

Will you be making a homemade dressing this Thanksgiving? Will you be making this one? Let us know in the comments below!

The post How to Make Paula’s Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe with Sausage appeared first on Paula Deen.

Now, if you’re all about tradition, you can’t go wrong with a good ol’ Simple Roast Turkey recipe. It’s golden, juicy, and just waiting for some cornbread dressing and gravy. But if you’re looking to shake things up this year, how about trying a non-traditional turkey recipe, like Paula’s Rum-Glazed Turkey or even a Roasted Turkey with a Maple-Cranberry Glaze? They both feature a rich, sweet finish that’ll have folks going back for seconds… and thirds.

Feeling adventurous? If you’ve never had Deep-Fried Turkey, you just don’t know what you’re missing! It’s crispy, flavorful, and cooks up faster than you can say “bless your heart.” Just be sure to read these helpful tips before diving into deep-frying!

Lastly, if you’re cooking for a smaller crowd, a Stuffed Turkey Breast is just the ticket—easy to serve, mighty impressive, and you won’t be drowning in turkey sandwiches for weeks.

No matter which way you carve it, there’s a Thanksgiving turkey recipe for every table and every taste. We’ve got plenty more options to try—be sure to check ‘em all out below. So warm up that oven (or fryer) and let’s give thanks the most delicious way we know how!

What’s your family’s favorite turkey tradition? Let us know in the comments!

The post Paula’s 9 Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes appeared first on Paula Deen.

Start with Paula’s Mini Mummies—puff pastry-wrapped goodness that’s just the right amount of spooky without scarin’ anybody off. They’re perfect as finger food and pair just as well with juice boxes as they do with your favorite fall cocktail. Next, whip up a batch of Sandwich Cookie Spiders—no oven needed, just some of everyone’s favorite sandwich cookies, pretzel sticks, and a little creativity. They’re as fun to make as they are to eat! And don’t forget dessert—Paula’s spooky Graveyard Pudding Cups are always a hit. Whether you want to set a spooky scene with bones, monsters, and gravestones or you prefer something more kid-friendly, like candy pumpkins or gummy worms, the only limit is your imagination!

No matter what kind of Halloween hootenanny you’re hosting this year, Paula’s easy Halloween food ideas will surely take it over the top! Let us know in the comments below what Halloween-themed recipes you’ll be making.

The post 12 Easy Halloween Food Ideas appeared first on Paula Deen.

For an appetizer, try Traditional Southern Deviled Eggs (or BLT Deviled Eggs for a twist on a classic). Then, serve some classic side dishes like a Southern Green Bean Casserole or some Rosemary & Garlic New Potatoes. And of course, a Fresh Ham is sure to please along with a themed desert like Carrot Cupcakes!

Whatever you decide to make, we hope these Easter lunch ideas spark inspiration. Happy Easter, y’all!

The post Mouthwatering Easter Lunch Ideas appeared first on Paula Deen.

Fresh fruit is a classic way to pull in those patriotic reds and blues—think strawberries, cherries, raspberries, and blueberries! This classic Miss Georgia’s Cherry Pie is bursting with bright red cherries, which are both sweet and tart, and is perfectly balanced by the creamy center! Paula’s Blueberry Crème Brulée Tart, featuring a flaky crust, caramelized custard, and pretty sugared blueberries, is as beautiful as it is delicious. For a fun and festive treat, Paula’s Red, White, and Blue Ice Pops bring those classic red, white, and blue colors together in one fun, kid-friendly treat!

If you want to enjoy something sweet with less sugar, Paula’s Old-Fashioned Strawberry Pie gives you that sweet strawberry flavor and vibrant red hue using sugar-free gelatin. And, lastly, if you really want a festive showstopper, make Paula’s Savannah Strawberry Tall Cake—layers of cake, cream, and strawberries that bring a patriotic look to any gathering!

These desserts are as sweet as summer itself—which of these 4^th of July dessert recipes will you be making this year?

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Memorial Day is the perfect time to gather around with family and friends, and what better way to keep everyone munching than with some finger foods? Not every party demands a full meal, and these tasty, bite-sized treats are perfect for snacking while you enjoy the sunshine and good company, And since you don’t need silverware, it frees up a hand to hold an ice cold drink—who doesn’t love that?

Finger-Food Appetizers

Deviled eggs are a classic Memorial Day finger food option—try these BLT Deviled Eggs or Pimiento Cheese Bacon Deviled Farm Eggs for a twist on the classic version. For something a little sweet and savory, try Pecan Stuffed Dates or Bacon, Blue Cheese & Fig Tartlets—both are easy to pop in your mouth and packed with flavor. If you’re wanting to satisfy the palates of your littlest guests, Pigs in a Blanket are always a winner, as are Bacon-Wrapped Saltines.

Finger-Food Entrées

Looking for something both handheld and a bit more substantial? Sliders are a great option—from Buffalo Chicken Sliders and Chicken Salad Sliders to Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders, Paula’s got you covered!

Finger-Food Desserts

And it’s just not a party without something sweet, and, yes, even your dessert can be handheld! You can’t go wrong with Paula’s Strawberry Tiramisu Bites or Blueberry Cream Cheese Tarts. They’re both fruity, light, and the perfect way to get just the right amount of sweetness!

Which Memorial Day finger food recipes are you planning on serving up? Let us know in the comments below!

The post 21 Memorial Day Finger Food Recipes appeared first on Paula Deen.

Make-Ahead Appetizers

Start things off with Paula’s Southern Cucumber Salad—it’s refreshing and full of flavor, and, as an added bonus, it’s even better when made ahead because the flavors have a chance to really marinate together. Another great starter option is Paula’s Tomatoes Stuffed with Chicken Salad appetizer! Not only does this make-ahead appetizer make your life a little easier, but it’s easy for your guests to enjoy as well—no silverware needed!

Make-Ahead Entrées 

When it comes to the entrées for Memorial Day, you may want to stick with classic burgers, brats, hot dogs, or grilled chicken, but if you even want to get your main course prepped ahead of time, Paula’s Light Lobster Roll recipe is a great option. Make the filling ahead of time and stick it in the fridge until mealtime. Then, everyone can prep their own sandwich!

Make-Ahead Sides

Sides are one of the easiest ways to work ahead—for instance, you can’t go wrong with a Southern Coleslaw or Southern Pasta Salad, both of which are classic make-ahead recipes. If you’re looking for something even fresher, try a Watermelon and Cucumber Salad or Corn and Carrot Salad with Golden Raisins. And of course, every cookout needs a good Mac and Cheese recipe. Plus, this Barbecue Baked Bean Casserole isn’t just any average baked bean recipe—we promise your guests will go crazy over it!

Make-Ahead Desserts

Of course, we can’t forget the dessert! Paula has plenty of make-ahead Memorial Day dessert recipes, including Strawberry Cream Pie and a Blueberry Cream Pie, both of which will satisfy that sweet tooth! For something a little less conventional, serve up a slice of this incredible Strawberry Pretzel Salad recipe for a salty, sweet, creamy, and crunchy treat.

Make-Ahead Drink

Lastly, be sure to prep something refreshing to sip on—Paula’s Black Cherry Limeade will keep everyone cool!

Make It Easy with Make-Ahead Recipes

Now that you’ve had a taste of Paula’s make-ahead Memorial Day recipes, be sure to check out the full list of ideas below! And with most of your dishes now prepped and ready ahead of time, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the day with your loved ones. Have a blessed Memorial Day, y’all!

The post 24 Make-Ahead Memorial Day Recipes appeared first on Paula Deen.

One of our favorites also happens to be one of yours—Paula’s Not Yo’ Mama’s Banana Pudding is regularly among her most popular recipes, especially around holidays. This creamy, dreamy dessert features layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and the most  decadent custard. Trust us—this one goes fast!

If you’re wanting to walk down memory lane a bit, try this vintage-inspired Strawberry Mold. This beautiful no-bake Easter dessert is packed with fruit, and the jello layers make it a showstopper on any Easter table.

For something a little more indulgent, you can’t go wrong with Paula’s Chocolate Dipped Cannoli recipe or her no-bake Éclair Cake recipe. They’re wonderfully decadent—perfect for when you want to impress your guests without breaking a sweat.

Lastly, if you have a hankering for a fun, fruity finish, be sure to try this Lemon Berry Trifle or Paula’s Lime Blueberry Tiramisu. Both are light, refreshing, and full of flavor—just the way we like it down here!

For an extra touch of elegance, make Paula’s No-Bake Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake. It’s silky and smooth, with a tangy swirl of raspberries to balance out the sweetness. It’s the perfect sweet finish to your Easter dinner!

These no-bake Easter dessert recipes will make your gathering extra sweet, no oven required!

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For chocolate lovers, consider whipping up some decadent chocolate Valentine’s cupcakes or a luscious molten lava cake that oozes with love at every bite. Valentine’s chocolate covered strawberries are a timeless classic, blending the natural sweetness of fruit with the indulgence of creamy chocolate.

If fruit-based desserts are more your style, try making a Valentine’s Day cake, like Paula’s Fresh Strawberry Sheet Cake, or a classic Valentine’s Day dessert recipe, like cherries jubilee. These Valentine’s desserts not only taste divine but also add a pop of color and elegance to your Valentine’s celebration.

For those that enjoy their treats on the boozier side, try making a batch of heart-shaped hot cocoa bombs filled with a boozy chocolate-strawberry ganache. They’re as delightful to look at as they are to eat, and they show that you’ve gone the extra mile to create something special. Of, course, you also can’t go wrong with some fabulous Valentine’s Day cocktails!

This Valentine’s Day, let your treats do the talking and make the sweetest statement of all. After all, love is best savored one sweet sip or beautiful bite at a time!

What Valentine’s Day treats will you be making for your special someone? Let us know in the comments below!

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