Quick and Easy Holiday Recipes for The Pantry

 

Quick and Simple recipes from my Cooking From the Pantry Series.

 1. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

 2. Quick and Easy Cornbread Dressing

 3. Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs

 4. Roasted Vegetables with Olive Oil & Herbs

 5. Herb Butter Roasted Turkey (or Chicken)

 6. No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Cups

 7. Spiced Apple Cider

 A Simple and Grateful Feast • November 2025

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

Ingredients:

• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed, boiled for about 15 minutes  (or 4 cups mashed)

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/3 cup butter, melted

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

• 1/4 cup flour

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Mash the sweet potatoes and mix with sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, and milk. Pour into a greased baking dish. In a small bowl, mix pecans and flour, then sprinkle over the top. Bake 30 minutes or until golden.

 Reflection: Sweetness reminds us that gratitude softens even the hardest seasons of life.

Cornbread Dressing

 Ingredients:

• 4 cups crumbled cornbread
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 tsp sage
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 stick butter

Instructions:

Sauté celery and onion in butter until soft. Combine with cornbread crumbs, sage, and chicken broth. Mix well and bake in a greased dish at 350°F for 30–35 minutes.

Reflection: Dressing fills the table, just as God’s Grace fills the empty places in our hearts.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Garlic

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs. large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs of any kind, for garnish

Instructions:

Boil potatoes until tender. Drain, then mash with garlic, milk, and butter until smooth. Season to taste.

Reflection: Sometimes the simplest ingredients create the richest comfort—just like faith.

Roasted Vegetables with Olive Oil & Herbs

Ingredients:

• 2 cups carrots, sliced
• 2 cups sweet potatoes, cubed
• 2 cups red beets
• 2 small white or yellow onions, cut into chunks
• 3 tbsp olive oil, and Agave Nectar or Pure Maple syrup
• 1 tsp thyme, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ginger
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, thyme, parsley

Instructions:

Place in a large bowl, and toss the vegetables in olive oil, maple syrup, and herbs. Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 25–30 minutes. Then garnish with additional fresh herbs.

Reflection: A little oil and seasoning remind us that God adds flavor and purpose to every life.

Herb Butter Roasted Turkey (or Chicken)

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (or 4–5 lb. chicken)
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp rosemary
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 325°F. Rub butter and herbs under the skin and over the bird. Roast until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. (1 ½  to 2 ½ hours unstuffed).

Reflection: When we prepare the main dish, let’s remember the true centerpiece of Thanksgiving—Jesus, our Bread of Life.

No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Cups

Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 1 pkg cream cheese (8 oz), softened
• 1/2 cup whipped topping
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs

Instructions:

Beat cream cheese, sugar, and pumpkin until smooth. Fold in whipped topping: layer graham crumbs and pumpkin mix in cups. Chill before serving.

Reflection: A little sweetness in a cup reminds us that joy is found in life’s small blessings.

Spiced Apple Cider

Ingredients:

• 1 quart apple juice
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 whole cloves
• 1 orange, sliced
• 2 tbsp honey

Instructions:

Simmer all ingredients in a saucepan for 15–20 minutes. Strain and serve warm.

Reflection: A warm cup of cider brings comfort—just as God warms our hearts with His presence.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.