Blog Posts by RachaelRaymag.com

Even after a big holiday meal, you'll want to save room for these easy-to-make, over-the-top desserts.

This Thanksgiving, make the tastiest turkey of all time, no matter what your method: Get the basics for-and secrets to-roasting, brining, smoking, deep-frying or grilling your bird.

ROASTING TURKEY
Why we love it: Thanksgiving tradition calls for a roast turkey recipe, and even with all the fun new ways to mix things up, it's hard to beat a classic. Roasting a big bird is also one of the easiest ways to feed a large crowd.

What you'll need: A roasting pan, roasting rack, heavy-duty foil and instant-read meat thermometer, plus something to help baste the bird like a bulb baster, cheesecloth, basting brush or large spoon.

Recipes:
Try Maple-Glazed Roast Turkey with Apple Cider Gravy »
Try Classic Roast Turkey »
Try Herb-Roasted Turkey with Dried Plums »

Tips + How-to Photos:
Basting pros and cons: cheesecloth, brush, baster or spoon »
Secrets to boosting flavor »
See all tips »

GRILLING TURKEY
Why we love it: A true grilled turkey is cooked over direct heat to give it the charred,

What kind of Thanksgiving grocery shopper are you? Take our quiz to find out! No matter what your shopping style, we have strategies to make the busiest supermarket time of year the easiest-and cheapest-yet.

1. When it comes to shopping for Thanksgiving dinner, you feel:
a. Thankful that your supermarket is open 24/7.
b. Relaxed. You finished your shopping weeks ago and just need to make one last trip for perishables.
c. Panicked. You have no idea when you'll make it to the store.
d. Excited! You love shopping for the big day.

2. It's a few weeks before the main event. You stop at the supermarket to:
a. Pick up groceries for tonight's dinner.
b. Capitalize on sale items for your Thanksgiving meal found in the online circular.
c. Pick up wine and flowers for a holiday party that evening.
d. Get tips from the on-site demo chefs-you're always hoping to find something new to add to your special menu.

3. In the store, you come across a display of decorations. You:
a. Are thrilled because

These delicious recipes are definitely not your mama's meatloaf! All make for great, comforting dinners any night of the week-with excellent leftovers the next day.

We tasted dozens of refrigerated cookie dough from the supermarket to find the best.

Best Chocolate Chip: Immaculate Baking Company Supremes Chocolate Chunk
Semisweet and milk chocolate morsels make up a whopping 25 percent of these chunky cookies; the remainder is rich, buttery, vanilla-scented dough. "This is what all other chocolate chip cookies aspire to be," one admirer swooned. Read more »

Try on top of: Chocolate Pudding Parfaits »

Best Sugar: Target Market Pantry Snickerdoodle
Cinnamon is the star here-the dough is laced with a comforting dose, and cinnamon sugar is also sprinkled on top. The result: a pretty treat that one taster imagined would "elevate afternoon tea from humdrum to dreamy." (at SuperTarget stores) Read more »

Try filled with: Hazelnut-Cream-Stuffed Snickerdoodle Sandwich Cookies »

Best Oatmeal: Wholly Wholesome Oatmeal Raisin
With just 11 (mostly organic) ingredients-including rolled oats and plump raisins-these chewy, hearty, "sweet and salty" cookies

Fresh cranberries are starting to appear in supermarkets and farmer's markets-and they're delicious right now.

Look for firm berries with shiny, jewel-red skin. Avoid soft or shriveled cranberries (overripe) and ones with a green ring around the stem (underripe). You can refrigerate them in their original packaging for up to one month, and freeze in an airtight bag for up to one year.

Here are a few fast ways to try them right now instead of waiting until Thanksgiving.



CRANBERRY AS "KETCHUP"
Cook with onions until caramelized, then puree with brown sugar and cider vinegar for a twist on ketchup.
Try it on: Roasted Pork with Oranges and Prunes »


CRANBERRY IN RELISH
Mix with orange juice and sugar and simmer until the berries burst, then stir in dijon mustard for a zesty relish.
Try it on: Turkey Meatloaf Sandwiches »


CRANBERRY IN SALSA
Pulse in a food processor with scallions, jalapeno, lime juice and sugar for a fruit salsa.
Try it in: Fruit-and-Brie Quesadillas »



CRANBERRY AS

Change up your pasta dinners tonight! Try these 7 easy, best-ever recipes that tweak the classics.

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Got a waffle iron that you hardly use? Think beyond the morning meal with these recipes, where waffles are the star in sandwiches, snacks and on-the-go dishes that are great anytime.

(Hey: For these sandwiches, you can always swap in your favorite supermarket waffle for homemade if you're short on time-or waffle irons. Or, check out our favorite waffle iron kitchen tools if you're inspired to pick one up.)

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THE RECIPES:

Skirt Steak Sandwiches on Bacon Waffle Bread

Grilled Cheese-and-Chicken-Sausage Waffles

Jalapeno-Cheddar Waffle Sticks

Monty Cristo Waffle 'Wiches

Sausage, Potato and Cheese Waffles

Savory Ricotta Waffles with Red-Hot Jam

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