Somewhere along the way, Friendsgiving became one of our very favorite traditions of the whole year. Of course, the big question is always what to bring. If you want something that will get people talking, these two dishes are simple to make, travel beautifully, and feel just a little bit special.
Cranberry Pecan Cheese Spread
Creamy, tangy, sweet, and a little savory, this spread comes together in about 10 minutes and tastes even better when you make it a day ahead.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups sharp white or yellow cheddar, finely shredded
- ¾ cup dried cranberries, chopped, plus extra for topping
- ¾ cup pecans, toasted and chopped, plus extra for topping
- 3 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped, plus extra for topping
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
- Optional: 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely minced
- Crackers, apple slices, or baguette for serving
Directions
- Toast the pecans. Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, then cool and chop.
- Mix the base. Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then mix in the cheddar, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in the good stuff. Stir in the cranberries, pecans, chives, and jalapeño (if using).
- Chill. Spoon into a serving dish, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Top and serve. Sprinkle with extra cranberries, pecans, and chives, and serve with crackers, apple slices, or baguette.
Tip: Make it a cheese ball! Shape the chilled mixture into a ball and roll it in chopped pecans, cranberries, and chives.
Glowed-Up Costco Pumpkin Pie
A Costco pumpkin pie is a Friendsgiving classic for a reason, but with a few simple touches it can look like it came straight from a bakery.
Ingredients
For the pie:
- 1 Costco pumpkin pie, chilled
- Flaky sea salt, for finishing
- Pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg, for dusting
For the graham crumble edge:
- ½ cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Pinch of cinnamon
For the candied walnuts:
- 1 cup walnut halves
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of cinnamon
For the maple whipped cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of cinnamon
Directions
- Make the graham crumble. Mix the graham crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Bake on a small baking sheet at 350°F for 6 to 8 minutes until golden, then cool and crumble.
- Make the candied walnuts. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat and stir in the brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add the walnuts and stir for 3 to 4 minutes until coated. Cool on parchment and chop about half. These can be made a few days ahead.
- Make the whipped cream. Beat the cream, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon until stiff peaks form. Keep chilled.
- Dress the crust. Press the graham crumble around the pie's crust edge so it looks golden and crumbly.
- Finish the pie. Pile the whipped cream in the center and swirl it with the back of a spoon, leaving a ring of pumpkin showing. Dust with cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Add the final touches. Sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt, then scatter candied walnuts on top or serve them on the side.
Tip: Slip the Costco pie, foil pan and all, into a pretty pie dish before adding the toppings. Nobody will ever know! Add the whipped cream when you arrive so it stays tall and fluffy