How to: Friendsgiving (aka REALgiving!)

Real thankful. REALgiving! Keep the thanks going and celebrate by bringing together all your friends for a REALgiving meal. Tips and deliciousness below! LET FRIENDS BE THE FOCUS FRIENDS are what make REALgiving special… don’t blow your budget on centerpieces or fancy foods! Pick fresh flowers, get a few simple candles and focus on the love. GET DOWN TO BUSINESS: FOOD! If cooking by yourself feels overwhelming, make your REALgiving last all day and cook with your friends. ROASTED CARROTS RECIPE These carrots are gluten-free, nut-free, vegan and sure to be a fave for any foodie. WHAT YOU NEED:

• 2 pounds of carrots, peeled
• 1/4 cup apricot preserves
• 2 tbs. honey
• 2 tbs. olive oil
• 1 tbs. butter, melted
• 1 tsp. balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 375° F.
2. Place carrots side-by-side on a greased cookie sheet.
3. In a medium bowl, combine all remaining ingredients and mix well.
4. Using a basting brush, brush all carrots evenly with mixture.
5. Bake carrots for 35-45 minutes, stirring halfway.
6. Garnish with salt and pepper to taste.

BEST-EVER STUFFING RECIPE No THANKS, REAL or FRIENDSgiving is complete without stuffing! This easy recipe only needs a few ingredients to pack in the flavor. WHAT YOU NEED:

• 1 loaf of day-old white bread
• 3/4 cup butter
• 1 1/2 cups celery
• 2 1/2 cups yellow onions
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley
• 1 tbs. thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 2 large eggs

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Tear bread into 1-inch pieces.
3. Place bread pieces on a cookie sheet and bake until golden brown, stirring occasionally.
4. Melt butter over medium-high heat, then add in and brown the celery, garlic and onions.
5. Add spices then transfer to a large bowl and combine the mixture with bread crumbs.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth and eggs.
7. Fold broth and egg mixture into the bread and mix thoroughly.
8. Transfer the stuffing into a casserole dish.
9. Bake for 40-45 minutes.

DON’T FORGET DESSERT Cookie swaps aren’t just for Christmas! If you’re not quite ready for pumpkin pie, REALgiving is a great opportunity to bake and exchange your favorite cookies. Any more must-know REALgiving recipes or tips? Comment below and tell us!