Hi ladies!
My name is Lindsey Leventis and I am a Brand Ambassador for Behold & Flourish, wife, mama-to-be and follower of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! I am also a lover of all holidays and celebrations in life whether big or small. You’ll often find me behind the scenes hosting fun activities, events or parties for friends and family - I truly love creating experiences for loved ones to enjoy! That being said, a HUGE part of gatherings is FOOD, which I happen to also love dearly. With Thanksgiving just around the corner I thought this would be a great opportunity to share a few recipes I enjoy making that are easy, simple and beloved family favorites. I’ll be sharing an appetizer, turkey dish, side dish and dessert.
Black Eyed-Pea Dip, Appetizer
First off I’ll start by sharing I am not a black-eyed pea fan, but this recipe is SO good – it’s savory and cheesy with a spicy kick! It’s was passed down in my husband’s family from his grandma and his mom and aunt’s always make it. BONUS- prep and serving only requires ONE dish!
You’ll need:
2 - 15 oz. cans black-eyed peas, drained
1 – 4 oz. can of chopped green chilies
5 jalapeño peppers, chopped (or canned jalapeños, I use these and get them HOT!)
1 small onion, finely chopped
4 or 5 green onions, thinly sliced
1 pod garlic, minced (you can also used canned minced garlic, it’s easier!)
2 c. Monterey jack cheese
½ c. melted butter
1.) Grab a large stoneware or glass baking pan.
2.) Lightly mash black-eyed peas, then mix in remaining ingredients.
3.) Add 2 c. grated Monterey jack cheese and ½ c. melted butter.
4.) Bake for 20 minutes at 350.
Roasted Turkey Breast, Main Dish
Have a Friendsgiving potluck coming up and your stuck with the turkey? This is a great homemade alternative to thawing, prepping, and baking a whole turkey which can be expensive, take hours and be challenging to pull off and transport. This dish is made with butter and herbs, has a delicious crispy skin and roasts in only 90 minutes!
You’ll need:
1 c. unsalted butter, softened
3 springs fresh rosemary
10 leaves fresh sage
1 tablespoon thyme
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
1 turkey breast (4-6 lbs), patted dry
1.) Preheat oven to 325. Set up oven so only the bottom rack remains. Add turkey breast to large roasting pan and pat dry with paper towels inside and out.
2.) Mash butter, herbs, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Set 2-3 tablespoons aside for later.
3.) Use the back of a spoon to lift the skin from the turkey breast and spread butter inside. Smooth skin back down to spread it over breast. Try not to tear skin.
4.) Roast for 90 minutes or until the inside of the breast is cooked to 165. Top with remaining butter and let rest for 20 minutes. Then Serve!
Ambrosia Fruit Salad, side dish
My great aunt makes this dish every year, literally since before I was born and it’s a Thanksgiving staple for us every year! This is GREAT for fruit lovers, those with a sweet tooth and picky kids (ME!) You can also throw this together in about five minutes so it’s super convenient for Friendsgiving’s or company Thanksgivings also!
You’ll need:
8 oz. Cool Whip
½ c. sour cream
11 oz mandarin oranges, drained (about 1 can)
20 oz. crushed pineapple drained (about 2 cans)
1 c. sweetened coconut flakes
2 c. mini marshmallows (I like to get the rainbow ones)
*Optional- ¾ cup chopped nuts (can do pecans, walnuts, cashews- whatever you fancy!)
*Optional- food coloring
1.) Fold sour cream into cool whip in a large serving bowl (Add a couple drops food coloring to give your dish some color if you want).
2.) Fold in remaining ingredients (make sure fruits are drained).
3.) Refrigerate until ready to eat.
Amber Topping, dessert topping
This topping is the absolute BEST! My mom makes it every year to go on our pumpkin, pecan and chocolate pies and it’s requires only 3 ingredients. I suggest making the pie of your choice (or buying one at your fav. place) then whipping this up to really WOW your guests!
You’ll need:
½ c. heavy whipping cream
¼ teaspoon vanilla
1/3 c. light brown sugar
1.) Mix all ingredients, chill 1 hr, then beat until stiff.
2.) Refrigerate until serving.
Let us know if you make any/all of these dishes, they won’t disappoint! Be sure to tag @beholdandflourish in any photos, which are encouraged!
Who knows, maybe you too will find one of these is your new fav!
With love,
Lindsey