It’s that time of year again: Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving. While it’s nice to spend the holiday with family, it’s also important to set aside some time for other people who are or close to us: our friends. Although it’s sometimes easier to order a pizza, it can be fun for you and your friends to bring your own food to Friendsgiving.
Last year, my friends and I ate dinner at P.F. Changs for the annual celebration— but this year, we’re choosing to cook our own food and stay in. However, the other day, one of my friends reached out to me and said how they didn’t know what to bring, and then soon, others told me the same thing. So, for anyone struggling with the same idea, here are six easy and tasty recipes you can make to bring to Friendsgiving.
1. Broccoli Alfredo Cheesy Pasta Bake
If you and your friends love all things pasta and cheese, this dish is 100% for you! First, boil the pasta of your choice according to the package instructions— I used farfalle, a.k.a. “bow tie.” While the pasta is cooking, saute broccoli (fresh or frozen) with olive oil, salt, and pepper until the florets are bright green for about 3-5 minutes. Next, after you drain the pasta, stir in alfredo sauce and broccoli, and season it with salt and pepper. Finally, pour the pasta into a pan, top it off with shredded mozzarella cheese and more black pepper, and put it under the broiler for 2 minutes.
Also, if you want a tasty side for this dish, add a salad or some super easy cheesy bread— that’s just English muffin halves (odd yes, but delicious indeed) sprinkled with mozzarella cheese, black pepper, and oregano and broil for 2-4 mins. Enjoy!
2. Brookies
Okay, here, you can’t go wrong. The best advantage of this recipe is that it’s super convenient because you get to use box baking mixes!
Bottom layer: Betty Crocker’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix
Middle layer: Crushed up Oreos stirred into melted dark chocolate
Top layer: Betty Crocker’s Fudge Brownie Mix and extra dark chocolate chips
Bake at 350 for 30 – 40 minutes. 100% satisfaction guaranteed.
3. “Easier” Apple Crisp
My friend and I baked this for our friends back in October, and after finishing two pans, they still wanted more. Start off by slicing eight to 10 apples and soak them in water for five to 10 minutes. Next, stir the apples in with one cup of brown sugar, two tablespoons of flour, one teaspoon of cinnamon, one teaspoon of pumpkin spice seasoning, two tablespoons of lemon juice, and one tablespoon of sugar. Once the apples are well-combined, pour them into a baking pan (or two) and spread them evenly throughout it. Then, place broken bits of sugar cookie dough mixed with ½ tablespoon of sugar across the top of the apples and sprinkle with more sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice seasoning! Finally, bake for 30 to 45 minutes at 350. For a little extra something, top it off with whipped cream, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice seasoning!
4. No-Cook Snack Mix
This one is for the procrastinators. Chances are, these things are already in your pantry, Also, your friends will love snacking on this! Combine popcorn, cashews (I used honey-roasted), and M&Ms and place it in a decorative bowl to bring to your Friendsgiving. Done.
5. Peanut Butter and Banana Pancakes
If you and your friends want to brunch for Friendsgiving this year, these pancakes are perfect for you! First, mash three to six bananas. Then, given how many bananas you use, stir in an equal amount of eggs, and cinnamon. Cook them in a pan covered on medium-high heat each side about three to four minutes. Finally, top them with melted peanut butter and cinnamon.
6. “Buffalo” Roasted Asparagus
Spice? I’ve got you covered. Season the asparagus spears with several dashes of hot sauce, three to four tablespoons of ranch seasoning, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Then, roast them at 400 for eight to 10 minutes, or until they are soft and tender.
Don’t forget to spend some time with the ones you love this year.
Happy Friendsgiving, y’all.
Don’t forget to spend some time with the ones you love this year. Happy Friendsgiving, y’all.