Handed down from generation to generation on stained recipe cards and in tattered notebooks, comfort foods are staples for anyone wanting a hearty meal and a little taste of home. Try one of these comforting classics tonight.
Easy Brunswick Stew
Photo: William Dickey
Ingredients
3 lb. boneless pork shoulder roast (Boston Butt)
3 medium-size new potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
1 (18-oz.) bottle barbecue sauce
1 (14-oz.) can chicken broth
1 (9-oz.) package frozen baby lima beans, thawed
1 (9-oz.) package frozen corn, thawed
6 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 tsp. salt
Preparation
Trim roast and cut into 2-inch pieces. Stir together all ingredients in a 6-quart slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low 10 to 12 hours or until potatoes are fork tender. Remove pork with slotted spoon, and shred. Return shredded pork to slow cooker, and stir well. Ladle stew into bowls.
Related: Satisfying Slow-Cooker Recipes
Chicken Pot Pie
Photo: Jennifer Davick
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter
2 medium
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Photo: Jennifer Davick
Pumpkin-Pecan Cheesecake
Ingredients
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup finely chopped pecans
5 Tbsp. butter, melted
3 Tbsp. light brown sugar
4 (8-oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin
1 1/2 Tbsp. lemon juice
Praline Topping
Garnishes: coarsely chopped Pecan Pie Glazed Pecans, fresh sage leaves
Praline Topping
Bring 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar, 1/3 cup whipping cream, and 1/4 cup butter to a boil in a 1-qt. saucepan over medium heat, stirring often. Boil, stirring occasionally, 1 minute; remove from heat. Gradually whisk in 1 cup sifted powdered sugar and 1 tsp. vanilla extract until smooth. Let stand 5 minutes, whisking occasionally. Use immediately.
Preparation
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No-Mess Jar-o'-Lanterns
We're officially declaring Mason jars the ultimate multipurpose item. (Sorry, duct tape.) Southerners use them for everything from storing bacon grease to serving sweet tea. And now: as jack-o'-lanterns.
To create your own, paint jars of assorted sizes in desired color of acrylic paint. (One or two coats will do; paint that's too thick will impeded that lantern glow.) Add ghoulish features with black paint or permanent marker, and then spray with a clear glaze for a glossy finish. Pop in battery-powered LED lights and you have one jarringly spooky-and simple!-display.
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Easy Owl-Ween Treats
Open-face Oreos, M & M's, candy corn, and sprinkles bring a convenience store treat-a MoonPie-to life. Secure cookies and candy to your MoonPie with melted chocolate candy coating. Then insert a 12- x 1/4-inch dowel, available at craft stores, into marshmallow center and secure with more chocolate for an eye-popping, kid-friendly sweet.
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1) Adorn Them
Photo: Helen Norman
These flower/pumpkin combinations add a festive touch to tabletops.
Materials
carving or soft-skinned pumpkins
awl (pointed tool)
mum plants or cut mums
Instructions
1. Poke a hole in the pumpkin using the awl.
2. Cut a stem from the mum plant, and place in the hole.
3. Repeat until pumpkin is covered.
Tip: To help extend its life, keep it in the refrigerator until party time.
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Photo: Helen Norman
Group painted pumpkins by the fireplace for some added shimmer or use instead of carved pumpkins on your front porch.
Materials
smooth, flat-skinned pumpkins
rectangular and round stick-on labels
metallic and/or acrylic paint paintbrushes
Instructions
1. Stick labels on the pumpkin and trace the shape of the labels onto the pumpkin, and paint inside the traced shapes.
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Flower
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Teapot
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