Friendsgiving is a stress-free, family-free, fun gathering of friends coming together to have a good time and of course, EAT. Friends become family, especially for college kids out there living away from home. Many had their Friendsgiving this past weekend or will have it throughout this week before their family gathering on Thursday. Many people may also not feel comfortable spending this holiday with their families any longer and we want to make sure you are still able to eat good with your chosen families.

The key to a successful Friendsgiving is easy, fun fall recipes. Don’t want to call your mom and embarrassingly ask how to make mashed potatoes? We got you. Here are some of the easiest, delicious recipes that will have your friends wanting more. Aren’t us new adults/big baby adults so lucky to live in an age of internet and Tasty videos shared on Facebook?

1. Pumpkin Pie

You can never go wrong with a traditional pumpkin pie to spice things up with your friend.

For this pie you will need:
-Pie crust (VEGAN- If you buy a premade one,, make sure it’s lard, milk, and egg free!)
-1 large can pumpkin puree
-1 cup brown sugar (VEGAN- if the pumpkin already has sugar in it, reduce to ¼ cup)
-Pumpkin pie spices (premixed, or cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and clove)
-1/3 cup potato starch
-1/3 cup flour

Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Make sure there are no lumps; use an electric mixer if necessary. Pour the mixture into the pie crust, then bake for about 30-40 minutes at 350F.

2. Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Brussel Sprouts is probably one of the easiest side dish you can create. It’s cheap and doesn’t take a lot of effort.

-1.5 pounds of Brussels sprouts, halved and stems removed

-2 tbsp of olive oil

-Zest of one lemon (reserve for lemon juice

-1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano reggiano

Preheat your over 400 Degrees Fahrenheit, toss the Brussel Sprouts in a large bowl, add olive out, pepper and zest.

3. Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce recipes are as easy as pumpkin pie, and a must at the dinner table.

12 oz. fresh cranberries

-Zest and juice of 1 orange

-2 tablespoon maple syrup

-1 cup apple juice

-½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

-Salt and pepper to taste

Stir washed cranberries, juices, zest, and maple syrup in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil on medium-high heat, about 3 minutes.Once boiling, turn heat to medium-low and cook until cranberries burst and juice is thick, about 10 more minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.Stir in cinnamon, salt, and pepper.

4. Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

Seriously what goes better on the side of turkey, or chicken than mash potatoes?

-6 Russet potatoes, peeled and cut each in 6 pieces
-6 cloves of peeled Garlic
-4 tbsp of melted Butter
-2 tsp of Salt
-½ tsp of Grated fresh Nutmeg
-1.5 cup of Heavy Cream
-½ cup of grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 cup of Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil ( or any other strong flavor Olive Oil )

Boil the potatoes in water with the Garlic cloves and strain them once the Potatoes are fully cooked. Place Garlic and Potatoes in a kitchen Mixer with the Paddle attachment. Add all the rest of the ingredient making sure that the Cream is hot. Paddle on a nice speed so the mixture will be smooth and even. Top with a strong Extra virgin Olive Oil.

5. WILD OUT RECIPES
You ever see one of those Facebook Tasty videos and you’re like “what…” or “ew” but also like “okay, wait…maybe?” Here is a Tasty video a la Tasty, if you feel up to trying out on your friends.

Recipes by Stephanie Martinez.

Header image courtesy of Unsplash.

Header design by Tori Falcon.

Recipe Ideas For Friendsgiving