Cranberry-Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf (The Perfect Holiday Side!)

Bring color and big flavor to your holiday spread with this Cranberry-Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf—an irresistible blend of nutty wild rice, sweet cranberries, and buttery shallots.

Cranberry-Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf (The Perfect Holiday Side!)

The holidays already come with enough to juggle, so I wanted to create a Christmas side dish that brings big festive flavor without adding stress to your cooking day. This Cranberry-Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf is exactly that kind of recipe—beautiful, comforting, and wonderfully unfussy. It’s a dish that looks special on the table but doesn’t require hours of prep or complicated steps.

Nutty wild rice is paired with sweet pops of dried cranberries, fragrant fresh thyme, and buttery toasted pecans, creating a dish that’s as flavorful as it is colorful. Every bite is a little celebration of textures and holiday flavors, making it the perfect complement to any festive main dish.

Whether you’re hosting a full holiday feast or just want to add a special touch to your dinner table, this pilaf is easy to make ahead, full of vibrant flavor, and guaranteed to please the crowd. It’s the kind of recipe that lets you enjoy the season without standing over the stove for hours.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients Do I Need?

• Wild Rice Blend – A mix of wild rice and hearty whole grains that adds nutty flavor and great texture.

• Chicken Broth – Infuses the rice with savory depth; using broth instead of water makes every bite more flavorful.

• Shallots – Mild, slightly sweet onions that bring a soft aromatic base to the pilaf.

• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and helps the shallots caramelize beautifully.

• Canola Oil – Keeps the butter from burning and helps toast the wild rice.

• Fresh Thyme – Provides earthy, fragrant holiday warmth in every spoonful.

• Bay Leaf – Subtly enhances the background flavor as the pilaf simmers.

• Dried Cranberries – Add pops of sweetness and a festive burst of color.

• Pecans – Bring buttery crunch and cozy holiday flavor when toasted.

• Salt & Pepper – Simple, essential seasonings that balance and brighten the dish.

Substitutions & Variations

Substitutions

• Wild Rice Blend → Brown Rice or Long-Grain Rice: Use if you prefer a softer texture or a quicker cook time.

• Chicken Broth → Vegetable Broth: Makes the dish fully vegetarian while keeping the flavor rich.

• Pecans → Walnuts or Sliced Almonds: Any nut with a good toasting quality works well.

• Shallots → Yellow or Sweet Onion: A simple, accessible swap that still brings great flavor.

• Fresh Thyme → Dried Thyme: Use a smaller amount—dried herbs are more concentrated.

Easy Variations

• Holiday Herb Version: Add fresh rosemary and parsley for an extra layer of festive, aromatic flavor.

• Citrus Twist: Stir in a little orange zest at the end for a bright, seasonal pop that pairs beautifully with cranberries.

Kitchen Notes & Tips

• Toast the pecans for the best flavor—this takes just a few minutes but makes a big difference.

• Let the rice rest after cooking; it helps the cranberries plump and the grains finish steaming.

• Use high-quality broth since it determines much of the pilaf’s flavor.

• Don’t skip sautéing the shallots—this builds the aromatic base that makes the dish taste slow-cooked.

• Make ahead friendly: Cook the pilaf earlier in the day and gently rewarm with a splash of broth.

• Fluff, don’t stir, to keep the grains from getting mushy.

• Taste and adjust seasoning at the end—wild rice can handle a good pinch of salt.

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Easy Make-Ahead Applesauce Oatmeal Bread (Perfect for a Thanksgiving Breakfast Board)

 

Bake this Easy Make-Ahead Applesauce Oatmeal Bread ahead of Thanksgiving and wake up to a cozy, stress-free breakfast board.

Easy Make-Ahead Applesauce Oatmeal Bread (Perfect for a Thanksgiving Breakfast Board)

Thanksgiving morning should feel cozy, calm, and full of anticipation—not rushed or stressful. Between the oven timers, last-minute side dishes, and the smell of pumpkin pie in the air, it’s easy for breakfast to get lost in the shuffle. That’s why I love this Easy Make-Ahead Applesauce Oatmeal Bread.

Baked ahead and stored in the freezer, this warm, spiced loaf can be sliced and ready to enjoy with minimal effort. Simply place it on the counter to thaw the night before Thanksgiving.  In the morning, you can slice it, warm it up, and place it on a board with butter, jams, fresh fruit, and nuts, and you’ve got a beautiful, stress-free breakfast spread that will delight everyone without adding to the day’s chaos.

It’s the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and cozy fall flavors, making it a small but meaningful way to start the holiday right—relaxed, happy, and full of anticipation for the feast to come.

Why This Bread Works

There are a few reasons this Applesauce Oatmeal Bread has become my go-to for Thanksgiving morning:

1. Easy to Prep
   The ingredients are simple and pantry-friendly—flour, oats, applesauce, warm spices, and a handful of walnuts. Mixing the wet and dry ingredients takes just a few minutes, so even a busy weeknight or weekend morning is no problem.

2. Make-Ahead & Freezer Friendly
   One of the biggest advantages is that you can bake this loaf ahead of time. Once it’s cooled, it freezes beautifully, wrapped tightly to lock in freshness. The night before Thanksgiving remove from the freezer and thaw overnight on the counter, and you’re ready to slice and serve—no extra kitchen stress required.

3. Warm, Cozy Flavors
   Cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and oats give this loaf that quintessential fall flavor, while applesauce keeps it moist without being heavy. Each bite feels comforting and homey, making it perfect for a holiday morning.

4. Slices Beautifully for Serving
   Unlike some quick breads that crumble or fall apart, this loaf holds together well. That makes it ideal for a Thanksgiving breakfast board, where slices can be arranged alongside butter, jam, fresh fruit, and nuts for a simple but elegant presentation.

5. Versatile for Any Morning
   While it shines on Thanksgiving, this bread is just as wonderful for weekend breakfasts, brunches, or even as an afternoon snack. Once you know the convenience of a make-ahead loaf, it’s hard to go back to scrambling on busy mornings.

Make-Ahead + Freezer Instructions

One of the best things about this Applesauce Oatmeal Bread is how perfectly it lends itself to make-ahead planning—which is a lifesaver on Thanksgiving morning. Here’s how to prep it in advance:

Baking Ahead  (I often make this the weekend before Thanksgiving)

• Prepare the loaf according to the recipe instructions and let it cool completely. (recipe below)

• Once cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil for extra protection.

Freezing

• The loaf can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• If you like, slice the bread before freezing—this makes it easy to grab exactly how many slices you need without thawing the whole loaf. I often leave the loaf whole and thaw the entire loaf so we can eat it throughout the Thanksgiving weekend. (if there is any left!)

Thawing

• The night before Thanksgiving, remove the wrapped loaf from the freezer and place it on the counter to thaw overnight.

• If you prefer warm slices, place individual slices or the whole loaf in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes until heated through.

Breakfast Board Ideas

This Applesauce Oatmeal Bread is not just delicious—it’s beautifully versatile and makes a stunning centerpiece for a simple Thanksgiving morning breakfast board. Here are some ideas to turn your loaf into a festive, stress-free spread:

1. Sliced Bread as the Anchor

• Slice the loaf evenly and arrange the pieces on a board or platter.

• Sprinkle a few extra oats or chopped nuts on top for a rustic, cozy look.

2. Add Spreads and Toppings

• Butter & Softened Cream Cheese – classic and comforting.

• Jams or Fruit Preserves – try apple, pear, or spiced cranberry for a seasonal touch.

• Nut Butters – almond or walnut butter pairs beautifully with the flavors in the bread.

3. Fresh Fruit

• Seasonal fruits like apple slices, grapes, pears, or berries add color, freshness, and a natural sweetness.

4. Crunchy Accents

• A bowl of nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds add texture.

• Mini granola clusters or lightly spiced roasted nuts also work well.

5. Extras for Variety

• Mini muffins, yogurt cups, or small pastries can complement the loaf.

• Warm drinks such as coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or spiced cider round out the board and make the table feel festive.

Pro Tip: Gather your other board items the night before if possible—you can place them in containers or ziploc bags and refrigerate those that require it. That way, Thanksgiving morning is as effortless as it is beautiful.

With these simple touches, your breakfast board will feel elegant, inviting, and stress-free, while letting your make-ahead Applesauce Oatmeal Bread shine as the star of the morning.

What Ingredients Do I Need

This Easy Make-Ahead Applesauce Oatmeal Bread uses simple pantry staples and a few cozy, fall-inspired ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Wet Ingredients

• Granulated sugar – adds sweetness without overpowering the warm spices

• Eggs – bind the loaf and give structure

• Vegetable oil – keeps the bread moist (I used canola oil)

• Vanilla extract or boiled cider – adds warmth and seasonal aroma (I used boiled cider - it adds a punch of apple flavor)

• Applesauce (unsweetened) – naturally sweet, adds moisture, and keeps the bread tender

Dry Ingredients

• Golden wheat flour – for a subtle, nutty flavor (this is white wheat flour)

• Unbleached all-purpose flour – adds structure

• Baking powder & baking soda – help the loaf rise perfectly

• Cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg – warm fall spices that make this bread smell like the holidays

• Salt – balances sweetness and enhances flavor

• Quick-cooking oats – add texture and heartiness

Optional Add-Ins

• Chopped walnuts – for crunch and extra flavor

• Extra oats or nuts for topping – make the loaf look rustic and festive

Note: Most of these ingredients are likely already in your pantry. The applesauce, spices, and nuts give this loaf its cozy, Thanksgiving feel without any complicated steps.

Kitchen Tips & Variations

Kitchen Tips

• Use unsweetened applesauce for the best texture and balanced sweetness — sweetened versions can make the loaf overly soft.

• Don’t skip the oats on top. They add a rustic, cozy finish that looks great for breakfast boards.

• Check for doneness early. Every oven is different — start testing at the 50-minute mark.

• Let it cool fully before slicing. This helps the crumb set and prevents crumbling, especially if you plan to freeze it.

Variations

• Cranberry Twist: Fold in ½ cup dried cranberries for a festive pop of color and tang.

• Maple Glaze: Drizzle a light maple icing over the cooled loaf for extra holiday sweetness.

• Nut-Free Version: Swap walnuts for pepitas or omit them altogether for nut free serving.

• Apple Chunk Upgrade: Add ½ cup small diced apples for more texture and extra juicy apple flavor.

Thanksgiving morning doesn’t have to feel rushed — especially when you’ve already baked something cozy, wholesome, and ready to slice. This Applesauce Oatmeal Bread is your little gift to yourself and your family: thaw it overnight, brew the coffee, and ease into the holiday with something homemade and stress-free.

If you build a breakfast board this year, I’d love to hear how you styled it! Share your ideas, your spreads, or photos of your board in the comments — especially if this bread becomes the anchor. Happy Thanksgiving, and enjoy every slow, delicious moment of the morning.

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These Biscuits Belong on Your Thanksgiving Table — King Arthur Biscuit Flour Blend Review

 

Discover whether King Arthur’s Buttermilk Biscuit Flour Blend is worth adding to your Thanksgiving menu. I tested this mix to see if it delivers tender, flaky biscuits without the fuss — perfect for holiday shortcuts and cozy, semi-homemade baking.

These Biscuits Belong on Your Thanksgiving Table — King Arthur Biscuit Flour Blend Review

I’ve been making biscuits since I was little — the kind where you stand on a chair at the kitchen counter, hands dusted with flour, waiting for Mom or Grandma to say, “Okay, your turn.” Over the years, I’ve shared plenty of biscuit recipes on the blog, from fluffy classics to drop-style shortcuts, and I still love making them completely from scratch.

But I’m also not opposed to a little help from a mix. Sometimes a shortcut is exactly what you need, especially when you’re juggling a long Thanksgiving menu and trying to get everything on the table warm at the same time. That’s what made me curious about King Arthur’s Buttermilk Biscuit Flour Blend — a pre-mixed combination of soft wheat flour, buttermilk powder, baking powder, and salt, all ready to go. Could it give me that tender, flaky, homemade feel without measuring a dozen ingredients?

So today’s post is part review, part kitchen experiment, and part holiday prep strategy. Let’s see if this biscuit blend really earns a spot on your Thanksgiving table.

What is This Product?

King Arthur’s Buttermilk Biscuit Flour Blend is a premixed blend of soft wheat flour, buttermilk powder, baking powder, and salt designed to make biscuits easier to bake at home. Instead of measuring separate ingredients or worrying about how much leavening to add, this mix gives you a reliable base for tender, flaky biscuits every time.

The blend is versatile enough for classic round biscuits, drop biscuits, or even sweet variations like shortcakes. You just add your fat of choice — butter or cream — and liquid, mix, and bake. For anyone who loves biscuits but wants a little help along the way, it feels like a smart shortcut that doesn’t compromise on texture or flavor.

The Difference Between These Biscuits and Regular Biscuits

What makes these biscuits special? I’ll admit, I’m not a professional biscuit baker, but I’ve made plenty from scratch over the years — flaky, tender, and sometimes… not quite perfect. Using King Arthur’s Buttermilk Biscuit Flour Blend is a little different, but in a good way.

The main differences are simple: the buttermilk powder adds flavor and a slight tang, while the pre-measured leavening ensures consistent rise every time. The result is light, flaky layers that hold together without being dense, even if you’re a casual home baker. You don’t need special tools — a standard mixing bowl and your favorite butter or cream are all it takes to get biscuits that feel like they belong in a bakery.

    My Biscuit Blend Review    

After testing King Arthur’s Buttermilk Biscuit Flour Blend, here’s my honest take — what worked beautifully and a couple of small tips to keep in mind for perfect biscuits every time.

What I Liked

1. Easy to Use: This mix takes the guesswork out of biscuit baking. Since the buttermilk is already included, I didn’t need to measure separate powders or worry about freshness. A cutting in of butter and a little liquid, and the dough was done! 

2. Flaky, Tender Texture: The biscuits baked up beautifully: tender, soft, and layered just right. Even after cooling, they stayed light and fluffy, not dense or heavy. I was impressed by how close the texture came to a fully scratch-made biscuit.

3. Delicious Buttermilk Flavor: The blend has a gentle tang from the buttermilk powder that gives a comforting, homemade taste. 

4. Versatility: King Arthur has created a blend that you can use in any biscuit recipe that calls for all-purpose flour.  Here's how:  For every 1 cup of flour, replace with 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon Buttermilk Biscuit Flour Blend. Omit salt and baking powder.

What I’d Change

Honestly, there’s not much I would change about this product — it does exactly what it promises. If I had to pick one thing, it would be the amount of product you get; I would vote for a larger quantity because it's that good and I can see many ways I can use this mix and a 2.5 pound bag will not last long!  It’s completely worth buying. For a stress-free Thanksgiving, this blend is a blessing.  You may purchase yours here.

How to Achieve Flaky Layers in Your Biscuits

I'll provide the 3 Ingredient Biscuit recipe that King Arthur uses for this biscuit flour mix below.  Here's a tip on how to achieve those flaky layers. 

If you love a biscuit with light, delicate layers, this technique is a game-changer — and it’s easier than it sounds.

After mixing your dough, transfer it to a well-floured surface and sprinkle a little extra flour on top. Press the dough down to about 1 inch thick, then fold it over onto itself and rotate it 90° (a quarter turn). Repeat this flattening, folding, and turning process three more times. Each fold creates layers that puff up beautifully when baked, giving you that tender, flaky texture.

A couple of tips: handle the dough as minimally as possible — overworking it can make the biscuits tough. If the dough starts sticking, stop, remove any stuck bits, and lightly flour the surface before continuing. This method takes a little patience, but the flaky, bakery-style biscuits you get in the end are totally worth it — and it works beautifully with King Arthur’s Buttermilk Biscuit Flour Blend.

Is it worth putting on your Thanksgiving table? 

Absolutely. These biscuits are tender, flaky, and flavorful — and the convenience of the blend means you can focus on the rest of your holiday menu without sacrificing quality. Whether you’re making classic biscuits for gravy, drop biscuits for your kids, or sweet shortcakes for dessert, this mix is a reliable, semi-homemade solution. I’d buy it again in a heartbeat and plan to explore more recipes with it after Thanksgiving — because sometimes a little shortcut makes all the difference, and your family will love them either way.

Enjoy your holiday!

Savory-Sweet Roasted Turkey Tenderloins with Citrus-Honey Glaze

Bring cozy fall flavors to the table with Savory-Sweet Roasted Turkey Tenderloins with Citrus-Honey Glaze. Easy enough for weeknights yet elegant for Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving.

Savory-Sweet Roasted Turkey Tenderloins with Citrus-Honey Glaze

The nights are starting to cool down and the days are growing shorter, and nothing hits the table quite like a dinner that’s equal parts comforting and impressive. These Savory-Sweet Roasted Turkey Tenderloins with Citrus-Honey Glaze strike that perfect balance—juicy, golden-brown turkey kissed with a sticky glaze that’s garlicky, herby, and just the right touch of sweet.

The best part? This dish looks like something you’d serve at a holiday gathering, yet it’s quick enough to pull together on a busy weeknight. Think of it as your secret weapon for easy fall dinners, with bonus points for being a lighter, fuss-free alternative to a whole bird when Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving rolls around. One bite of that citrusy honey glaze mingled with savory thyme and soy, and you’ll wonder why turkey isn’t on your menu more often.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients Do I Need?

• Turkey breast tenderloins – Lean, tender, and quick-cooking, these are the star of the dish and the perfect alternative to roasting a whole turkey.

• Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika – A simple trio that builds savory flavor and a subtle warmth right into the meat.

• Kosher salt and black pepper – Classic seasoning essentials that enhance every bite.

• Canola oil – Helps the turkey sear to a beautiful golden-brown crust before roasting.

• Fresh garlic – Adds a rich, aromatic depth that balances the sweetness of the glaze.

• Honey – The key to that sticky, caramelized glaze with just the right touch of sweetness.

• Soy sauce – Brings salty, umami depth that rounds out the glaze.

• Dijon mustard – A tangy kick with a hint of spice to keep the glaze balanced.

• Fresh orange juice – A bright citrus pop that lifts the flavors and keeps them fresh.

• Fresh thyme leaves – Earthy and fragrant, thyme ties everything together with a cozy, herby note.

Substitutions and Variations

If you don't have everything on hand here are some suggestions:

• Thyme swaps: Use dried thyme if fresh isn’t available, or try rosemary for a different herbal note.

• Sweetener alternatives: Replace honey with maple syrup or brown sugar for a different type of sweetness.

• Lower-sodium option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to maintain umami depth without extra salt.

• Citrus variation: Add a splash of lemon juice instead of—or alongside—orange juice for extra brightness.

• Flavor twists: Add smoked paprika for a subtle smoky undertone, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.

• Flexible for occasions: These swaps make it easy to adapt the dish for weeknight dinners, Thanksgiving, or Friendsgiving.

Kitchen Tips and Notes  

• Pat turkey dry: Drying the tenderloins before seasoning ensures a golden-brown sear and better flavor absorption.

• Use a hot skillet: Make sure the pan is hot before adding oil and turkey to get that deep, caramelized crust.

• Check internal temperature: Turkey is safely cooked at 165°F—use a meat thermometer for perfectly juicy results.

• Rest before slicing: Let the turkey rest 5 minutes after roasting so the juices redistribute and the meat stays tender.

• Glaze generously: Don’t skimp on the honey-citrus glaze—it’s what gives the turkey its sweet, sticky, flavor-packed finish.

• Make ahead tip: You can prepare the glaze in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.

• Serve with sides: Pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple fall salad for a complete meal.

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