Our theme this month, Restorative, Replenish, Reenergize, couldn't be more fitting for families seeking balance amid autumn's beauty. One of the best parts about this issue is diving into the organizations and events that uplift and support our Maryland communities; these reminders that we're all in this together, stronger when we lean on one another. We're especially fortunate to feature Stacy L. Rodgers, President of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA) and former County Administrative Officer for Baltimore County , who opens up about her remarkable career, the lessons she's carried from public service to family life, and the wisdom she shares to inspire us all.
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FUN GAMES TO MAKE AND PLAY WHILE AT HOME DURING THE HOLIDAY. FAMILY ACTIVITIES
MARYLAND FAMILIES TOP FOOD INFLUENCERS
CHECK OUT THE BEST PLACES TO DINE AND GREAT RECIPES FOR YOU AND YOURS.
Table Of Contents
05
Building Grateful Families: Simple Activities That Create Lasting Connections
07
Maryland's Top Family Food Influencers
11 Maryland's Family Resources
Leading with Purpose: Mompreneur Brings Healthy Eating to Every Table 13
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Holiday Recipes
Maryland Family Magazine
Maryland Family Magazine
CREATIVE TEAM
Natasha Parrilla
Editor-in-Chief
Madison Parrilla
Creative Director
Writer Heather Lagerman
Matthew Parrilla
Media Architect
Kimya Jackson
Education Content Creator
Writer Katherine Davis-Jenkins
For article submissions check guidelines at this link or email contact@marylandfamilymagazine.org
For advertising inquiries please email advertising@marylandfamilymagazine.org visit the website at this link.
Editor Notes
Dear Maryland Families, Maryland Family Magazine pauses to reflect on the true essence of the season: thankfulness. This November/December issue is lovingly dedicated to you, the heart and soul of our great state. Maryland is a tapestry woven from countless family stories, each one as unique and vibrant as the next. We celebrate every kind of family: the multigenerational households sharing stories over Sunday dinners, the single parents juggling work and wonder with unyielding grace, the blended families forging new traditions, and the chosen families bound by love rather than blood. No matter your shape or story, you are seen, you are valued, and you are cherished here. We've checked in with a phone call, shared a meal, or simply listened without judgment. That's the beauty of our state: a place where people genuinely care about people. From community volunteers to neighbors lending a hand, our bonds remind us that we're never truly alone. This holiday season, let's lean into that strength. Be there for our families and friends, not just with words, but with presence. Hold space for joy, offer comfort in tough moments, and above all, be profoundly thankful for one another. A special note of thanks to our dear contributor, Heather Lageman, whose thoughtful and intentional articles in this issue illuminate the power of gratitude in everyday family life. As an educator, author, and unwavering advocate for connection, Heather brings wisdom and warmth to every word she shares. Her insights remind us that thankfulness isn't a fleeting sentiment but a practice we nurture, one conversation at a time. I encourage you to explore her latest book, co-authored with a talented group of fellow writers called School Seasons xSELeratED . Heather, you are not just a brilliant mind but a wonderful person and cherished friend. Your light shines brightly in our pages and in our community. Wishing you and yours a holiday season brimming with laughter, love, and endless reasons to give thanks. Here's to the families of Maryland, may we continue to lift each other up, today and always. With deepest gratitude,
WELCOME TO MARYLAND FAMILY MAGAZINE
Natasha Parrilla
Natasha Parrilla Editor-in-Chief Maryland Family Magazine
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Building Grateful Families: Simple Activities That Create Lasting Connections
🍁 Why Gratitude Matters for Families
Studies show that expressing gratitude can support physical and mental well- being, boost self-esteem, and enhance sleep quality, and may be especially helpful for kids and teens who suffer from symptoms of anxiety and depression. The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley reports that "when compared with their less grateful peers, grateful youth are happier and more satisfied with their lives, friends, family, neighborhood, and selves." For parents—whether you're navigating single parenthood, blending families, or raising children with your partner— gratitude activities offer precious opportunities to slow down and connect authentically with your children while building these research-backed benefits into your family's routine. Johns Hopkins Medicine emphasizes that gratitude "is not only about being thankful and recognizing all the blessings and opportunities in our lives, but also showing appreciation and kindness for those around us. It is a moment to pause, to recognize what we have and what we sometimes take for granted." 🍁 Simple Gratitude Activities for Busy Families 🎁 The Gratitude Gift Box Tradition One of the most powerful family gratitude activities requires nothing more than small cardboard boxes, colorful markers, and your presence. This activity works beautifully for family gatherings, birthday parties, or even quiet Sunday afternoons.
Written by Heather Lageman
November arrives in Maryland with a crisp promise—cooler mornings, golden leaves dancing in suburban yards from Bethesda to Annapolis, children bundled in fleece jackets waiting for school buses in Frederick, and families planning weekend trips to pick apples in Carroll County orchards. The Chesapeake Bay reflects autumn's palette while the gentle reminder arrives that Thanksgiving is just around the corner. But for many families juggling work schedules, school activities, and the endless to-do lists that define modern parenting, the idea of cultivating gratitude can feel like just another item to check off an already overwhelming list. The truth is, building a culture of gratitude in your family doesn't require perfect Pinterest-worthy moments or elaborate planning. It simply requires intention, presence, and a few creative approaches that can transform ordinary moments into opportunities for deeper connection.
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Toss the ball back and forth, and each time someone catches it, they share something they're grateful for. The key is building rhythm and momentum while encouraging unique responses. Start with simple appreciations—"I'm grateful for pizza nights"—and watch as family members begin sharing deeper observations about each other and their shared experiences. This activity works particularly well for families with children who have difficulty sitting still for traditional conversations, and it's perfect for breaking up long car rides to Ocean City or while waiting for dinner to cook on busy weeknights. 💌 Daily Gratitude Letters: Small Acts, Big Impact The beauty of gratitude lies in its ripple effect—it benefits both the giver and receiver. Encourage family members to reach out daily with small expressions of appreciation. These don't need to be formal letters; text messages, e-cards, sticky notes on lunch boxes, or simple verbal acknowledgments all count. For younger children, help them dictate gratitude messages you can write down or type. Older children and teens can send their own texts to grandparents, write notes for teachers, or leave encouraging messages for siblings. The goal is creating a family culture where expressing appreciation becomes as natural as saying good morning. 🥳 Joy Drops: Spreading Kindness Beyond Your Family Gratitude becomes even more powerful when families practice it together in their community. The "Joy Drop" concept encourages families to perform unexpected acts of kindness for others, leaving behind small cards that invite recipients to pass the kindness forward.
Start by writing each family member's name on top of a small box, then place a special treat inside—perhaps a favorite candy, a meaningful quote, or a small ornament. Arrange the boxes on your dining room table and give each person a colorful marker. Take turns moving around the table, stopping at each box to write a positive word, a cherished memory, or words of encouragement for that person. The magic happens when everyone sits down to read their collected messages. Children light up discovering how others see them, while parents often find themselves moved by the heartfelt observations their children share. These boxes become treasured keepsakes that family members can turn to during difficult days throughout the year. 🏓 Gratitude Ping Pong: Energy Meets Appreciation For families with active children or those who prefer movement-based activities, gratitude ping pong transforms thankfulness into an energizing game. All you need is a ping pong ball—or even a bouncy ball from your child's toy collection.
The magic happens when everyone sits down to read their collected messages. Children light up discovering how others see them,
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Create simple cards with messages like "You've been Joy Dropped! Pass it on!" and brainstorm family service projects: leaving encouraging notes for postal workers, bringing homemade crab cake cookies to neighbors (a Maryland twist on kindness!), writing thank-you cards for local first responders, or volunteering together at Baltimore food banks during the holiday season. These activities help children understand that gratitude extends beyond their immediate family and that their actions can create positive change in their community. 🍁 Making Gratitude Work for Your Family Structure For Single Parents Gratitude activities can be particularly meaningful for single-parent families, offering opportunities to celebrate the unique strengths of your family unit. Focus on activities that acknowledge the special partnership you share with your children and the extended community—grandparents, teachers, neighbors—who support your family. For Blended Families Use gratitude activities to help children appreciate the unique gifts each family member brings, including step-siblings and step-parents. The gratitude box activity works especially well for helping children express positive feelings that might be difficult to voice directly during family transitions. For Families with Special Needs Adapt gratitude activities to accommodate different abilities and communication styles. Visual gratitude boards, recorded voice messages, or movement-based appreciation activities can make these practices accessible for all family members. 🍁 Creating Sustainable Gratitude Practices The key to successful family gratitude practices lies in consistency rather than perfection. Choose one activity that resonates with your family's personality and schedule, then commit to practicing it regularly— whether that's weekly, monthly, or seasonally.
Remember that gratitude activities should feel joyful rather than obligatory. If an activity isn't working for your family, modify it or try something different. The goal is creating meaningful connections, not completing perfect activities. 🍁 Beyond November: Year-Round Gratitude While Thanksgiving season naturally draws our attention to gratitude, the most beneficial practices happen consistently throughout the year. Consider establishing monthly gratitude traditions, celebrating family members' achievements with appreciation activities, or incorporating gratitude into existing family routines like bedtime stories, Sunday dinners, or those precious moments watching Orioles games together in summer or a Ravens or Commanders game in the fall. As we move through this season of thanksgiving, remember that the greatest gift we can give our children—and ourselves—is presence. In our fast-paced world, taking time to notice and appreciate the people we love creates the foundation for resilient, connected families. When you gather around your table this November, surrounded by the people who matter most, you'll discover that gratitude isn't just something to practice—it's something to live. And in Maryland's beautiful autumn season, there's no better time to begin.
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Sources Anxiety and Depression Association of America. (n.d.). Gratitude interventions for children and adolescents. https://adaa.org Greater Good Science Center. (n.d.). Research findings on gratitude and youth well-being. University of California, Berkeley. https://ggsc.berkeley.edu/what_we_do/major_initiatives/expanding_gratitude/youth_gratitu de_project Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Gratitude and wellness. Johns Hopkins Medicine Wellness and Prevention. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/teaching- your-child-gratitude
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Maryland's Top Family Food Influencers
Baltimore Chef Tobias Dorzon Instagram @tobiasdorzon Where to Find: Chef Tobias Dorzon, is a former NFL player turned celebrated chef, TV host, and resilient family man whose Instagram feed is a powerhouse of inspiration, mouthwatering recipes, and heartfelt family moments. With over 244,000 followers, his content blends high-energy cooking demos, behind-the-scenes peeks at his restaurants (like Huncho House MD and 1123 by Chef Tobias), it is a must-follow for parents looking to spark meaningful conversations around togetherness. Amy Langrehr Instagram @charmcitycook Where to Find: instagram.com/charmcitycook (plus her blog at My Baltimore Dining Guide ) Raised in Baltimore County Amy's your virtual auntie in the kitchen, sharing stories of family traditions and easy grabs like tuna salad or bean stews that keep the fridge stocked without stress. It's all about that warm, heritage-fueled comfort that turns everyday meals into cherished rituals, ideal for teaching little ones where our flavors come from.
Written by: Natasha Parrilla
Hello, Maryland families! Whether you're whipping up a weeknight dinner in your Baltimore rowhouse kitchen, hunting for the perfect weekend outing in Anne Arundel County's waterfront parks, or sharing stories of our state's rich past with wide- eyed kids, social media is your trusty sidekick for inspiration. As parents, we're always on the lookout for voices that feel like neighbors and folks who get the chaos of family life while spotlighting what makes our Crab State so special. In this roundup for Maryland Family Magazine, I've handpicked a dozen influencers across Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook who are all about keeping it local, delicious, and educational. These creators will make your feeds (and your adventures) even brighter. Let's dive in and grab your phone, hit follow, and let's explore together!
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Anne Arundel County (Annapolis) D zu Nguyen [ Dzu is pronounced “zoo” (The D is silent...like in Django. Though in Vietnamese it’s spelled Du.] ( @so.can.dzu) Where to Find : instagram.com/so.can.dzu A lifelong Annapolitan, Dzu's feed is a love letter to local bites, blending Vietnamese influences with Chesapeake flair in fun, approachable demos like fresh spring rolls or grilled seafood spreads. As a homegrown voice, Dzu keeps it light and inclusive, with tips for family picnics by the bay or quick suppers that pull everyone into the fun. His culinary playfulness encourages kids to explore bold tastes, turning meals into mini cultural adventures right in your Anne Arundel backyard. Prince George's County/DMV Chef Anthony Thomas ( @chefanthonydc) Where to Find: instagram.com/chefanthonydc (and chefanthonythomas.com for recipes) Anthony's all about that healthy glow-up for families cooking salads and grilled mains that wow without overwhelming. His commitment to local causes and easy, showman style tutorials make cooking a family affair, complete with life lessons on balance and joy at the table.
Chef Natasha B (@chefnatashab)
Where to Find: instagram.com/chefnatashab YouTube for full tutorials https://www.youtube.com/@chefnatashab/fea tured DMV born private chef and BET star with 227K followers, Natasha turns personal milestones into mouthwatering shares. She has reels on quick family favorites that rebuild confidence one stir at a time. It's resilient, relatable fuel for Prince George's parents juggling it all, proving the kitchen heals as much as it feeds. There you have it, friends, a lineup of local legends who make "what's for dinner?" the highlight of your day. Whether you're in the heart of Bmore or cruising Prince George's parks, these feeds are your shortcut to stronger family ties, one recipe at a time. Tag us in your recreations; we can't wait to see the magic you make! What's in your next family cook night?
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🍂 Maryland Family Resources Written by Heather Lageman
Supporting authentic emotional learning across Baltimore County, Prince George's County, and Anne Arundel County
📚 Library Resources Enoch Pratt Free Library (Baltimore)
Maryland's oldest public library system offers family programs, storytimes, and quiet spaces for reflection. Their "Digital Maryland" collection provides access for historical and cultural documents, images, audio, and video that record
Maryland’s history. 410-396-5430 https://www.prattlibrary.org/
Prince George's County Memorial Library Features family-friendly programming and sensory-friendly spaces. Their workshops support parent-child emotional connection through literature and discussion as well as resources for seniors and job seekers. 301-699- 3500 https://www.pgcmls.info/ Anne Arundel County Public Library Offers family programs and peaceful reading areas perfect for exploring books about gratitude, grief, and emotional complexity together. 410-222-6877 https://www.aacpl.net/ 🌲 Natural Spaces for Family Walks Patapsco Valley State Park (Multi-County) The park extends along 32 miles of the Patapsco River, with recreational opportunities such as hiking, fishing, camping, canoeing, horseback and mountain bike trails, as well as picnicking for individuals or large groups in the park’s many popular pavilions. The changing fall foliage provides natural conversation starters about seasons of life, change, and growth. Perfect for "walking talks" about complex emotions. https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/ce ntral/patapsco.asp x
November in Maryland As the maples turn crimson and the Chesapeake Bay grows quieter, this season offers natural opportunities for reflection and honest conversations with our children.
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🤝 Community Support Centers Maryland Family Network’s Family Support Patty Center Network Patty Centers help more than 3,000 parents a year finish their educations, learn job readiness skills, build solid social networks and improve their parenting skills. At the same time their very young children have access to a state-of-the-art early care and education setting that helps them reach their greatest potential.Community resource centers offering family support groups and parenting workshops that align with wholeness- centered approaches to child development. 410- 659-7701 Family Support Center Prince George’s Formerly The Adelphi/Langley Park Family Support Center, established in 1994 as a Family Support Center under the Maryland Family Network where families with children prenatal to age 4 are eligible for services at no cost, with transportation and child care provided. The program provides education, employment readiness and links to community services. 301- 772-8420 Anne Arundel County Partnership for Children, Youth & Families The Partnership was created in 1993 to provide a community based human service delivery system for children, youth and families. Examples of programs include “Communities of Hope” to engage the community and develop a collaborative approach to community wellness and “Family Stability” to help homeless families and families at-risk of homelessness achieve stability. 410-222- 7423
Seneca Creek State Park (Montgomery/Frederick)
Double Rock Park (Baltimore County) The park combines amenities for active recreation with trails through a beautiful natural area. There are two playgrounds, a lighted ball diamond and athletic field, as well as two ball diamonds without lights. There are four pavilions of varying sizes available for rentals and a community garden with plots available by registration. The trails offer intimate settings for family walks, and the rocky outcroppings and stream views provide natural metaphors for strength and flow— perfect for discussing resilience. nd “Family Stability” to help homeless families and families at-risk of homelessness achieve stability. 410-222-7423 trails, playground, or picnic among 340 acres of beautiful park land. Peaceful walking paths along South River and the sculpture gardens and waterfront views create contemplative spaces for families practicing "holding quietly" conversations. The park comprises 6,300 acres, extends along 14 scenic miles of Seneca Creek, as it winds its way to the Potomac River. Picnicking, boat rentals, and trails are just some of its recreational opportunities. A restored 19th century cabin and a self- guided path interpret the history of the area. Over 50 miles of trails are open for hiking, horseback riding and bicycling which wind through a variety of habitats. These quiet trails and lake views are ideal for family reflection walks. The seasonal changes mirror the emotional themes in School Seasons xSELeratED—offering tangible examples of how beauty and letting go coexist. Quiet Waters Park (Anne Arundel) The park is situated between the South River and Harness Creek. Visitors can enjoy
🎭 Maryland-Specific Book Connections Seasonal Reading Suggestions
Visit your local Maryland library for books about Chesapeake Bay seasons, local wildlife, and stories featuring Maryland settings. These regional connections can ground emotional learning conversations in familiar landscapes your family knows and loves. These resources support the emotional authenticity practices described in School Seasons xSELeratED. Maryland's natural beauty—from the Patapsco's winding trails to the Bay's quiet November shores—offers countless opportunities for families to practice "holding gratitude and grief" together.
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Leading with Purpose: Mompreneur Brings Healthy Eating to Every Table Written by: Cher Murphy Sponsored Content HYATTSVILLE, Maryland – Many mothers want to work and have a career, but they also want to get healthy meals on the table in the lunch boxes each day. This is an ongoing struggle that many moms can relate to, and it often leaves mothers feeling guilty and falling short. One mompreneur set out on a mission to help other families eat healthy meals all year long, without the stress, frustration, and meal preparation that often accompany it. “I want to help every family be able to eat healthy meals, which is why I made it my purpose," said Shana Greenbaum, founder of Healthy Fresh Meals, a home delivery meal prep service. "It feels great to know that I’m helping families be able to have healthy meals together without all the fuss.” Greenbaum started her company after seeing the crucial need for the service. Families want to have healthy meals, but increasingly, they find it a daunting task. Preparing nutritious meals traditionally means deciding what to make, going to the grocery store, preparing the meal, and doing all the cleanup. Many people are not confident in their cooking skills, and many others don't want to add meal preparation as one more task to their daily to-do list.
Female entrepreneur leads with purpose to combine motherhood with ensuring all families can have healthy meals.
That's when she had the idea to create a business that would solve that problem for families and make their lives less stressful. One mom took on the mission to help many others by providing them with a meal prep service that delivers healthy meals right to their door. Now they can forget searching around for takeout each week, unsure of the nutritional value in the food, and realize that most restaurant meals leave a lot to be desired when it comes to healthy eating. Her meal prep service focuses on having professionally trained chefs create a menu each week of nutritious meals that are preservative-free, balanced, and even offer options for picky eaters. The nutritional information is online, and the process to order the meals is simple. Plus, there's something for everyone, including the athlete, office workers who need meals on the go, vegan, gluten-free, and even those who want a healthier treat. Other women who are considering becoming a mompreneur and starting their own business should keep these tips in mind: Solve a problem. To help ensure business success, look around and see what type of problem needs to be solved. Those who can create a business that solves a problem will be sought out and likely see more success. Of course, solving that problem needs to coincide with one’s skills and abilities, but it’s a good place to start. Do some research. Take a little time to research the market and see what others are doing. Determine if it's a good market to get into and what you can bring to the table that may be unique and eye-catching to the public. Being able to stand out or offer something unique is a good direction to take.
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time and expertise, but it can be accomplished. If you can’t find a mentor to provide some guidance, join online business groups or find a networking meetup in your area. Being able to share business ideas can help build confidence and ensure you have the necessary information. Seek help. Don't be afraid to reach out and get help. Most people cannot handle their entire business themselves, and that is okay. Whether you need help with creating a website, designing a logo, marketing, etc., some people specialize in those services. Believe in yourself. This is the most critical aspect of being a mompreneur. It starts with believing in yourself and that you can do it. Remember, Mrs. Fields Cookies was started in Debbi Fields' home kitchen and grew to be a nationally known company. Google and Amazon both started in a garage. While you may not have aspirations ever to be so big, the one thing they all had in common is that each entrepreneur believed in themselves. "Being able to have a business that helps make life easier for other moms is special to me," added Greenbaum. "This service helps ensure that more families have access to healthier meals, but it also helps reduce stress and anxiety for moms. Plus, I have a great career with this, so it’s a win-win-win for everyone!”
Healthy Fresh Meals offers a home delivery meal prep service to residents in the Washington, DC area, including those in Virginia and Maryland, with expansion plans. They offer an extensive menu of items to choose from, which changes weekly. The meals are all prepared by a team of professionally trained chefs, and they are all well- balanced meals for adults and children. They offer a wide variety of options each week, including meals explicitly created for athletes, high protein, low carb, gluten-free and dairy-free, vegan, and more. The meals are nutritious, great for picky eaters, and there are no subscriptions. There are breakfasts, lunches on the go, dinner entrees, family meals, and healthy treats. To learn more about Healthy Fresh Meals and see a menu, visit the site at: https://www.healthyfreshmeals.com/
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Holiday Recipes
Simple Sweet Potato Casserole This classic sweet potato casserole is a Thanksgiving staple; creamy mashed sweet potatoes sweetened with brown sugar and topped with gooey marshmallows. It's easy to prepare ahead and serve a crowd.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 16 Ingredients 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes ½ cup brown sugar, packed ⅓ cup butter, softened ½ teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (or to taste)
Salt and black pepper, to taste 2 cups miniature marshmallows
Instructions 1.Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan. 2.Place the sweet potatoes in a pot of boiling water. Simmer for 15 minutes or until fork- tender. Drain well. 3.In a large bowl (or the pot), mash the sweet potatoes with the brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt & pepper until smooth. 4.Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. 5.Sprinkle the top with the marshmallows 6.Bake for 25 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and the casserole is heated through. Tips Make-Ahead: Assemble up to 48 hours in advance (without baking), cover, and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking, and add 5-10 extra minutes to the cook time. Substitutions: Use canned sweet potatoes (3 x 29-oz cans, drained) for even quicker prep, Serve warm as a side—pairs perfectly with turkey and green beans!
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For the honeyed pecan crumble: ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats ½ cup chopped pecans ¼ cup all-purpose flour ¼ cup brown sugar, packed 2 tbsp honey 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted ¼ tsp ground ginger
Instructions 1. Make the crust: In a food processor or by hand, pulse/mix flour and salt. Add cold butter cubes and pulse until pea-sized crumbs form. Drizzle in ice water, 1 tbsp at a time, until the dough just holds together (don't overmix). Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 15 minutes. 2. Preheat oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Roll out chilled dough on a floured surface to a 12- inch circle. Gently transfer to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing into the bottom and sides. Trim excess, leaving a ½-inch overhang, and crimp edges if desired. Chill the shell while prepping the filling. 3. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, toss apple slices with brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange zest, lemon juice, and salt until evenly coated. Let sit for 5 minutes to release juices, then pile into the chilled crust. 4. Mix the crumble: In a medium bowl, stir oats, pecans, flour, brown sugar, honey, melted butter, and ginger until crumbly (it should clump lightly). 5. Assemble and bake: Sprinkle crumble evenly over the apples. Place pie on a baking sheet (to catch drips). Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the crust is golden, apples are bubbling, and the crumble is toasted. If the edges brown too fast, tent with foil after 30 minutes. Cool on a wire rack at least 1 hour before slicing— hot pie is messy! Tips for Thanksgiving Success Make-ahead: Assemble and bake up to 1 day ahead; reheat at 350°F for 15 minutes. Serving idea: Top slices with a dollop of whipped cream spiked with a splash of bourbon for extra festivity. Why it's simple: One crust means less rolling and fuss. The orange zest adds a fresh pop without overpowering the cozy apple-spice vibe.
Apple Pie with Honeyed Pecan Crumble This original take on apple pie swaps the traditional double crust for a buttery, flaky bottom crust topped with a crunchy honey-pecan crumble. It's infused with warm fall spices and a hint of fresh orange zest for a bright, Thanksgiving-worthy twist that cuts through the richness. No fancy techniques; just mix, layer, and bake. Serves 8; prep time ~20 minutes, bake time ~50 minutes. Ingredients For the crust (single layer, bottom only): 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour ½ tsp salt ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed 3–4 tbsp ice water For the apple filling: 6 medium Granny Smith apples (about 2 ½ lbs), peeled, cored, and sliced ¼- inch thick ½ cup brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp all-purpose flour 1 tsp ground cinnamon ½ tsp ground nutmeg Zest of 1 orange (about 1 tbsp) 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice Pinch of salt
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