Like most families in the United States, we eat a pretty traditional dinner for Thanksgiving: turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and rolls. To be honest though, I’m never all that excited for the those things. It’s the side dishes I get jazzed up about! Well, and the pumpkin pie of course. Below is a list of the appetizers and sides we love to eat on Thanksgiving Day. I hope this finds you on time as you are doing your last minute meal planning for the big day. Happy Thanksgiving! Citrus Zest Cranberry Sauce OK. I recant what I said about the

Breakfasts during the week are crazy simple around here. They have to be. In a family of five children trying to get ready for school in the morning, there's just no time for a complicated spread. One of my go-to breakfasts are fruit and yogurt parfaits. They are versatile, filling, and the kids can make them on their own. We often top ours with Hearty Granola to round them out. Enjoy! Fruit and Yogurt Parfait Easy, filling and kid friendly breakfast for busy mornings 6 Cups Greek Yogurt (assorted flavors to your liking)3 Cups Strawberries (fresh or frozen)3 Cups Blueberries

For those who aren't huge fans of smoked salmon, this is the same sandwich as my Gourmet Smoked Salmon Sandwich but with ham instead. Gourmet Honey Ham Sandwich on Everything Bagel 4 Everything Bagel (Thomas Bagel Thins)4 oz. honey ham (sliced)4 oz. Swiss cheese (sliced)¾ Granny Smith Apple (sliced thin)2 Cup Arugula (loosely packed)Herb Cream Cheese Spread5 ounces Original Cream Cheese1/8 Cup Green Onions (chopped)1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder1/4 teaspoon French’s Dijon Mustard1 teaspoon Parsley dried1 teaspoon Dill Weed dried1 teaspoon Lemon Juice1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce Prepare Herb Cream Cheese by mixing all ingredients in a mixing bowl using a handheld

This week is busy with basketball practices, birthday celebrations, ballet rehearsals, a baby shower and a BYU football game. Here is what I'm feeding my family to fuel all our activities: Monday, November 5 https://heartysmarty.com/barbecue-chicken-chopped-salad-gluten-free/ https://heartysmarty.com/tart-lemon-squares/ Tuesday, November 6 https://heartysmarty.com/black-bean-vegetable-enchiladas/ Wednesday, November 7 https://heartysmarty.com/pesto-pasta/ https://heartysmarty.com/apple-and-bacon-spinach-salad-with-balsamic-vinaigrette/ Thursday, November 8 (Birthday Dinner Request) https://heartysmarty.com/hearty-breakfast-bagel/ https://heartysmarty.com/hearty-green-smoothie/ (Salsa Party Contribution) https://heartysmarty.com/peach-salsa/ Friday, November 9 https://heartysmarty.com/whole-wheat-pizza-crust/ Saturday, November 10 https://heartysmarty.com/hearty-corn-chowder/ Sunday, November 11 https://heartysmarty.com/instant-pot-teriyaki-orange-chicken-with-walnuts-and-green-onions/ https://heartysmarty.com/sweet-pea-and-bacon-ranch-salad/  

Whenever I make this pizza, I don't have to arm-wrestle the kids for a slice. I usually get as much as I want, because it is not their favorite. Maybe that's why I love it so much? Whatever the real reason, I LOVE this pizza! The rosemary crust combined with sweet pears, caramelized onions, crunchy walnuts and creamy feta is a satisfying blend of flavor and texture. Top it all off with fresh, meaty arugula and this pizza is a winner! I hope you like it, but I won't be offended if you don't. Try everything once, right? Gourmet Rosemary

Nothing says "Home" better than a warm batch of chewy caramel popcorn. As with most treats I make, I found a way to reduce the amount of sugar and fat in this recipe without sacrificing flavor or texture. Don't ask. Don't tell. Am I right? As a kid, this was one of my dad's favorite treats to make for us. We would help pop the corn while he made the caramel glaze. Then, he would pile it high in a mountain of sweet, chewy goodness on the countertop. Naturally, I do the same with my kids. We all gather around

We are returning from Fall Break this week feeling rejuvinated and ready to get back on a schedule. Here's what's on tap for dinner this week: Monday, October 22 https://heartysmarty.com/hearty-tuna-sandwich/ Tuesday, October 23 https://www.melskitchencafe.com/the-best-chicken-enchilada-soup/ Wednesday, October 24 https://heartysmarty.com/roasted-butternut-penne/ https://heartysmarty.com/kale-salad-with-lemon-vinaigrette/ Thursday, October 25 https://heartysmarty.com/hearty-vegetable-chili/ https://heartysmarty.com/hearty-corn-bread/ Friday, October 26 https://heartysmarty.com/whole-wheat-pizza-crust/ Saturday, October 27 https://heartysmarty.com/hearty-pumpkin-chocolate-chip-muffins/ https://heartysmarty.com/hearty-immune-boosting-smoothie/ Sunday, October 28 https://heartysmarty.com/hearty-hawaiian-haystacks/

One of my favorite breakfasts in the morning is a smoothie with a bagel. Whole wheat bagels offer a good dose of dietary fiber to start my day, but they don't have the best flavor. If I top it with mashed avocado and some of Trader Joe's Everything but the Bagel Seasoning, (aff.link) all of a sudden I have a delicious and nutritious breakfast. Avocado Everything Whole Wheat Bagel 1 Whole Wheat Bagel (toasted)1 medium Avocado (mashed)2 tsp Everything but the Bagel Seasoning Slice and toast bagel. Scoop avocado onto bagel and mash with the back of a fork. Sprinkle

The waiting game is over! My tomatoes are a beautiful shade of scarlet red, and I am harvesting them by the dozens. There is such a sweet gratification that comes during harvest time when all my months of hard work yield a very delicious reward. We have been enjoying fresh tomatoes in salads, sandwiches, sauces, salsas and more. However, if we keep eating like this, we may have acid reflux for life, so now it’s time to start preserving these little red beauties. If you are anything like me, I am super intimidated by canning and bottling. That is, until

I finally found a gluten-free tortilla wrap that doesn't taste like dirt! Yay! BFree Wraps are made from gluten- and wheat-free flours and have a satisfying crunch to them. Best of all, they don't fall apart or crack when you roll them up like most other brands. I recommend buying them in your local store though, because Amazon charges about twice as much for them. Enjoy this crunchy, savory, and delicious tuna salad wrap! Gluten-Free Tuna Salad Wraps 6 BFree Wraps1 1/2 Cups Arugula (or spinach)Tuna Salad Mix10 oz. Canned Tuna in water3/4 Cup Greek Yogurt (plain, unsweetened)1/4 Cup Real