Friendsgiving favorites: Dishes to pass and share

Sharing great meals and memories is what Friendsgiving is all about. In addition to turkey, try these tasty appetizers and side dishes to pass and share around the Friendsgiving table.

Easy appetizers

Easy-to-pass one-bite appetizers are a great way to start the Friendsgiving festivities. Individually wrap large sea scallops in slices of bacon, then broil for approximately 2 minutes or until the scallop is opaque and the bacon is cooked through. Pop a toothpick into each one and serve. Make sweet and crunchy canapes by combining 1/2 a jar of cranberry sauce with a 16-ounce tub of whipped cream cheese for a delicious vegetable dip. Roast chunks of red potatoes drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with salt, pepper and a bit of chopped rosemary until crisp and add toothpicks for easy passing.

Sensational sides

These casserole side dishes are healthy, delicious and can be easily doubled for large Friendsgiving gatherings:

Spinach mushroom casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 package whole white button mushrooms, rinsed with stems separated and reserved
• 2 packages frozen chopped spinach, defrosted
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Dried onion
• Garlic powder
• 1 stick butter, halved

Directions:

1. Melt 1/2 stick of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add mushroom caps (smooth side down) and stems; saute until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Drain liquid.
3. Melt 1/2 stick of butter in the microwave –- approximately 20 seconds. Mix the melted butter into the spinach.
4. Spray non-stick cooking spray into 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
5. Add spinach mixture. Lightly sprinkle with dried onion throughout.
6. Layer on 1 cup of cheese.
7. Add mushrooms and lightly sprinkle with garlic powder.
8. Layer on 1 cup of cheese.
9. Sprinkle with extra garlic powder and dried onion (optional).
10. Bake at 325 degrees F. until the cheese is lightly browned and bubbly, approximately 20 minutes.

Sweet potato casserole

Main ingredients:

• 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup melted butter

Ingredients for topping:

• 1/3 cup flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Directions:

1. Combine the first 6 ingredients. Pour into a buttered 1-1/2-to-2-quart casserole dish.
2. Mix the remaining ingredients together and sprinkle them over the top.
3. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 30 to 40 minutes, until hot and browned.

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More on Friendsgiving

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How to start your own Friendsgiving
5 Reasons a Friendsgiving rocks!