These hostess gift ideas will make them feel so appreciated
Whether you’re heading to a holiday party or invited for a weekend visit, you’ll want to make sure you don’t show up empty-handed. Hostess gifts may be a little old-fashioned, but that’s because they really are a classic move that will never go out of style. Thanking your hostess (or host, of course) for their hospitality and any work they’ve put into making you, their guest, feel welcome, is always considerate. Although the sentiment has never gotten old, the gift itself changes from decade to decade. So, you’ll need some hostess gift ideas, especially with the upcoming holiday season.
These carefully curated gifts will please any hosts, even your hard-to-shop-for-sister-in-law. They’ll be welcome additions to their home, pantry, and every day, plus many of them actually make their next event that much easier to put together. Scroll down for our favorite hostess gift ideas for 2023.
TBH Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
TBH Vineyards
A bottle of wine is always a good idea when it comes to a hostess gift. This wonderful Pinot Noir is made from 100% estate-grown organic grapes from Small Vines on the Sonoma Coast and is a full-bodied wine with hints of cherries, a floral scent, and a lovely lingering flavor.
Goat milk is known for its moisturizing qualities. We love gifting this soap and lotion set especially since its fragrance-free and includes a counter caddy.
Glassware with a city map in 22-carat gold leaf is sure to endear your host to you even when your kid locks themselves in the bathroom in the middle of the party. Choose from 22 popular cities.
San Francisco mom Samira Khoshnood created Superstitchous while on maternity leave after the birth of her first child. We love gifting these cozy blankets to pretty much anyone. Especially with a variety of charming prints and sizes, you can't go wrong.
Made of long-lasting soy wax and hand-poured in California, these are a chic-meets-cheeky offering. There are a bunch of different single and bundle options to fit your favorite hostess's personality.
The perfect gift wrap for that bouquet of flowers you can grab on your way over; use a recycled jar, a can or a simple vase and make it dressy. Coated paper stock in lots of different color choices.
A perfect trio of cheese from one of the country's best cheesemakers. Includes a decadent triple cream Mt Tam, funky and buttery Red Hawk, and versatile aged Wagon Wheel.
Filter out sulfites with this simple wine filter and say goodbye to wine headaches. Simply add one to each glass you pour and in 3 minutes, you'll have a clean-tasting filtered glass of your favorite grapes.
—Kate Loweth, Amber Guetebier, Gabby Cullen, & Kate Cartia
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Mornings are busy. These breakfast options for kids can help.
Whoever said breakfast is the most important meal of the day never encountered a squirmy toddler or a picky eater. To help fill those bellies first thing in the morning, we discovered a slew of delicious store-bought breakfast ideas that you’ll feel good giving to your kids and they’ll actually eat without putting up a fight. These easy breakfast ideas for kids go beyond just filling them up; they also multitask with good-for-them ingredients that you’ll appreciate (and they’ll never notice!). From new dairy-free yogurts to grab-and-go waffles, scroll down for easy breakfast ideas for kids ideas that’ll become staples in your morning routine.
GoGo squeeZ Morning smoothieZ
Made with whole milk yogurt, fruit, and oats in portable, BPA-free squeeze pouches, these shelf-stable (no fridge required!) smoothies are an excellent source of calcium, too.
Eating healthy food should be delicious! Evergreen Waffles not only packs tons of nutrient but it's completely void of fillers. The frozen breakfast is made with 100 percent whole wheat, flavored by spices, nuts, vegetables and fruits and is free from refined sugar, dairy, or preservatives. Kids will love the current flavors: Peanut Butter & Banana, Zucchini & Carrot, Mixed Berry & Almond and Chocolate Chip & Matcha.
Quaker Oats is getting creative, launching new flavors that kids won't be able to turn down. Every bowl of Dinosaur Eggs Oatmeal reveals hidden dino eggs as they stir!
Picky eaters will love Noosa's Whole Milk Vanilla Bean Yogurt. Made with live and active cultures, kiddos can mix in fresh fruit, granola, or a little sprinkle of cinnamon to make it their own. Also a great lunchbox option!
Your kids will love starting off their morning routine with this option from This Saves Lives. The GranolaPop is perfect for snacking or breakfast with fun flavors like Rainbow Sprinkles, Chocolate and Cinnamon Sugar. You can feel good about serving these to your kids each morning as each serving contains a full serving of fruits and vegetables, and all flavors are totally safe-for-school.
The first single-serve, gluten-free breakfast sandwich to hit the market, Brazi Bites' Homestyle Breakfast Sandwiches feature simple, clean ingredients like cage-free eggs and nitrate-free bacon, sandwiched between toasty slices of warm gluten-free bread for a delicious and satisfying homestyle taste that’s ready in minutes in the microwave!
Who doesn't love breakfast on the go? Oats Overnight makes morning meal prep a breeze: just mix your packet with milk, store in the fridge and enjoy spoon-free in the morning. Each flavor is gluten free, made with 100% whole grain oats, 20 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber. Try out brand new flavors every month, in addition to classics like Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana, Strawberries & Cream and Mocha Dream.
No spoon or milk required! Delicious, low-carb cereals are made with the highest quality, all-natural ingredients available and contain a blend of seven Plant Proteins and Fibers that are designed to keep you full longer. Gluten- and grain-free, vegan, zero sugar, Non-GMO, and have 9g of fiber per serving. Choose from Fruity, Chocolate Peanut Butter, (newest flavors), and other delicious options you can snack on all day long. Kids will love these, and so will you!
If you already love KIND products, you'll want to check out their granola! They're delicious, plus they're full of fiber and protein, so they'll be able to stay fueled all morning long.
As parents we’re always looking for healthy ways to add protein to our kids’ diets. Shake up your routine with Bear Naked Premium Protein Granola. Each serving dishes out 10 grams of protein. Choose from flavors including Oatmeal Cookie Crunch and Peanut Butter Toffee Crunch.
Breakfast with an interesting story, anyone? Turn to AYO Yogurt—this Almond Yogurt is made from organic, sun-grown California almonds at the Billings family ranch, a fourth-generation family farm. Each yogurt is dairy-free and nutrient-rich with flavors that include blueberry, strawberry, vanilla and peach. Find AYO in health stores and if you’re in California they’re sold at Ralphs.
We’re huge fans of siggi’s and were thrilled to learn that they recently launched a line of plant-based [Non] Dairy yogurts. Choose from five flavors: mango, mixed berry, vanilla and cinnamon, raspberry and strawberry. Like the original siggi’s their products include 40% less sugar than other leading yogurt alternatives and 3x more protein. For those allergic to dairy or are looking for a traditional yogurt alternative, we highly recommend this line (our kids were fans!).
Start your day with gr8nola—dish it out to little hands to practice hand/eye coordination or sprinkle on yogurt for the older kids. gr8nola features only 5 grams of non-refined sugar and all natural ingredients like organic coconut oil, whole grain oats, coconut flakes and sunflower seeds. The brand promises that all flavors (think: Black Coco Chia, Cinnamon Chai and Golden Spice) are GMO-free and contains no soy, dairy or refined sugars.
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If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
Insider tips to beat the crowds at your favorite grocery stores
Ah, grocery shopping: one of those necessary evils because hey—we all like to eat, right? It’s never easy piling the kids into the car, trying to remember if you need besides milk or bread as you wander the aisles… If only you knew when the best time to shop at the grocery store was. Well, we’ve got the answer for you!
Whether you’re all about Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Costco, Kroger or Aldi, we’ve got you covered for the best times to do your grocery shopping and save big. Get the scoop below.
If you're looking to save money, Whole Foods Markets typically start their sales on Wednesdays. That means if you picked up a sale item on Monday, when you go back the following Thursday you may find it at a higher price. So take advantage of the deals when your local store has them.
When it comes to missing the rush, the best time to shop totally depends on where you live and your local store's traffic. City-based stores tend have the largest crowds at lunch-time. But suburban stores have a bigger rush in the evenings and on weekends.
If you REALLY want to beat the crowds, stay home. That is, stay home and order your groceries for delivery. Whole Foods Market is constantly expanding the list of cities that are delivery eligible.
Weekends at Trader Joe's: yes we know what it's like trying to get a prime parking space (or any space at all). Given that you probably already try to avoid TJ's on a hopping Sunday afternoon, when should you head out to get your fave fun frozen foods?
According to a store manager in a Reddit Ask Me Anything thread, Tuesday and Wednesday early mornings are the best times to shop at your local Trader Joe's.
When should you shop the mega warehouse store? That depends on where you live, but according to a Business Insider interview with Costco employees, definitely skip weekend shopping trips. These are the busiest times, making the stores the most crowded.
Even though the weekdays may equal a quicker shopping trip, there are better times than others. Evenings also tend to draw the largest crowds. In other words, weekday mornings or early afternoons are the best times to shop at Costco.
Like Whole Foods, Kroger brand stores (including Baker's, King Soopers, Ralphs and Smith's), also start sales on Wednesdays. Kroger store employees typically stock the shelves late at night and in the early a.m. hours. That means you might want to consider shopping in the morning.
If you want to save even more, wait until Friday to shop. Kroger's free Friday download lets you download a coupon for one free item on Fridays only.
Aldi
Hmm. It looks like Wednesdays take the cake when it comes to new sales and new stuff. Wednesdays are THE day for new items. It's also the day when the Aldi Finds section gets new additions and seasonal picks. That said, some stores don't stick to the Wednesday debut. Depending on where you live, new items may come out on Sundays.
Well, it looks like the best days to shop at your most-loved stores are…any day? While Wednesdays are big for savings and debuts, it all depends on where you live and when you absolutely need to shop. The milk won’t shop for itself––unless you’re doing grocery pickup.
They deal with fourth-grade math so you don’t have to
They keep our kids all day and teach them all the things we might not remember (and probably lack the patience to explain). Yes, we’re talking about educators, and it’s time to say “Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!” If you’re looking for creative ways to spoil your kids’ teachers, we’ve got great ideas that range from gifts you can get at the grocery store to e-gifts delivered right to their inboxes, so get ready to thank your favorite teacher today.
Grab a Last-Minute Gift from the Grocery Store
iStock
We get it, we can't all give our favorite teachers a Pinterest-worthy gift basket. Lucky for us, there are plenty of great gift ideas waiting for you at the grocery store. From gift cards to candles and even a good beach read, say happy Teacher Appreciation Week with one of our favorite items here.
A picture is worth a thousand words of thanks—especially when your kids hold photo props featuring customized messages of appreciation. Head over to Hello Wonderful for the free word bubble printables, made even more adorable with the Elephant and Piggie props, and then customize them for your favorite teachers. Set up a photo shoot inside, and send those pics to your kids' teachers. Bonus: you can erase the boards and have your kids write messages for their core teacher, art teacher, and PE teachers, too!
Sometimes it's fun to get the whole class or a group of kids involved with a big teacher appreciation gift. But, the hassle of collecting money, making sure everyone is included on the gift tag, and getting the gift to the classroom can be overwhelming. Group Together allows you to collect money from others, have them sign a digital card, and then you choose from dozens of gift card options like Amazon, Target, The Container Store, Wayfair, and more. Your teacher will receive the card and gift all in one. Talk about efficiency!
A gift card to a local restaurant shows your teacher you care and supports small businesses, too. Ask your teacher what their craving these days, and email a gift card for sushi, burgers, or samosas their way. It'll give your child's teacher a night off from cooking and show your appreciation.
Send your teacher a little love by filling out this free teacher thank-you printable. Simply print it out, and help your child answer each prompt, then scan and email it directly to your kiddo's favorite educator. If you're up for it, you can also share this template with the other parents in the class, so that your child's teacher receives a book full of love. Visit Paper Heart Family to get your free printable.
Let your favorite teacher enjoy a relaxing night off and catch a movie at home. Send them a Netflix gift card, which they can use to add more months to an existing account or to subscribe. If you'd like to add a few snacks to go along with their favorite movie, send popcorn to her doorstep.
Keep your teacher's pantry full with an electronic gift card for groceries. Whole Foods will email or text a gift card to your favorite teacher as soon as you order it. Groceries are a tangible gift they'll appreciate, and your show of gratitude will keep your teacher fed, and ready to tackle whatever challenges teaching throws at them.
Instead of flowers, use a company like Bloomscape to pick and have a new green plant sent to your kids' teachers. Whether they leave it at home or bring it to class, it's a lasting way to say thank you.
Most teachers have all the cute mugs that they need—but they can always use more snacks, coffee, or wine. You can put together your own teacher appreciation basket customized to your teacher’s favorites like the ones seen above from @angelarichhome.
Old-fashioned letters are a great way for kids and teachers to stay connected. Have your kiddo write something and send it with a gift card and a supply of stationary like this adorable set.
Add to Their Library
iStock
Teachers always need more books for their classrooms—and their bedside tables. As a show of appreciation for your favorite teacher's hard work, send them a gift card to your local bookstore or Barnes and Noble. Or, ask your teacher for a list of books they need and order a copy from Bookshop, which lets you shop online and supports indie bookstores, too!
Send a Thoughtful Thank-You Note
Oz Spies
Your child can write a thank-you card themselves, or you can put your thoughts down on the page and let your child's amazing teacher know what a difference they've made. You can even share a copy of this note with your teacher's principal, who might not know about all of the great things you see. Don't forget to write "Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!"
Explore one or all of these amazing museums in Chicago with your young inquisitive minds
Chicago has some of the best children’s museums in the world where interactive play, with a focus on engaging youth development, is the modus operandi. We’ve rounded up the GOAT (greatest of all time) museums for kids, all with special family programming and events, that are fitting for various ages and interests. You can also try adding one of these fun kids’ activities in Chicago to your agenda and make a whole day of it. Get a delicious meal, and spend the day lost in knowledge.
The world's most famous T. Rex, Sue, got the royal treatment with brand new digs on the 2nd floor and you should stop by to check out her now-more-accurate skeleton. Volunteer docents will, at your request, lead you around the museum on a public tour. Also, in Stanley Field Hall there are discovery carts for hands-on learning and exploring. If you're up for a stroll outside, the Rice Native Gardens are perfect for a peaceful fresh-air break.
The history museum might not pop into your head right away when considering which museum to bring your kids to, but it’s definitely worth a look-see. Learn how blues music came to Chicago through southern black migrants, bring classroom studies into focus through a deeper look into Dr. King’s work within the Civil Rights movement, get a glimpse into what Chicago looked like during Lincoln’s era, and visit the Sensing Chicago permanent exhibit where kids can ride a high-wheel bicycle, play with baseballs at a recreation of Comiskey Park, and climb into a life-sized Chicago hot dog (with no mustard, of course). And of course, there are several family-friendly events and happenings throughout the year.
The Polar Play Zone is designed with littles in mind, which means kids have the run in the penguin play place, submarine, and touch tanks with real starfish and stingrays. Visit the Amazon Rising and Wild Reef exhibits, see an aquatic show with dolphins, ask questions during an animal chat, and watch a 4-D movie. Also, do not miss seeing the live diving and feeding at the Caribbean Reef.
The first and only African American children’s museum in America, Bronzeville Children’s Museum’s exhibits and galleries highlight Black culture. Learn about famous politicians, artists, musicians, and athletes that lived in this neighborhood, take part in enriching S.T.E.M. activities, learn about prominent Black inventors, and explore why healthy eating is important for families.
Voted "One of the Top Five Immersive Art Experiences in the Country" by USA Today, WNDR Museum is filled with more than 20 interactive artworks and multi-sensory installations by cutting-edge artists and designers. As guests travel through WNDR, they are taken on a multi-dimensional journey in which they serve as an extension of each creator by interacting with various installations such as the WNDR Light Floor made of 100's of motion sensor LED panels for guests to stride and dance across, the Midwest’s only Infinity Mirror Room by iconic Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, and much more.
We guarantee that this spot will be an absolute delight for kids as they have a chance to immerse themselves in the wonderful world of illusions. You’ll find more than 80 visual and educational exhibits featuring holograms, stereograms, optical illusions, and immersive rooms designed to tease the senses and trick the mind.
Play-based activity is important for children’s development emotionally, physically, and mentally. The Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn has designed activities and exhibits that engage children in social activity in response to that fact. Popular highlights include Water Adventure, Safe Haven Animal Shelter, Nanoscale: The Science of Small, The Moo Café, and Dream a Dream Theatre.
Children eight and under will love exploring this museum with hands-on exhibits to keep them busy for hours. The love of learning is nurtured here through music, art, water play, and nature-focused exhibits. Shop in the Whole Foods Market, make sandwiches in the play café, take care of stuffed pets at the vet, and send hand-made cars down a chute at the SpotHero Car Garage. New activities and exhibits are featured on the regular, which means that there is always something fresh and fun at the museum.
Play and learning are bridged together at this museum, where kids can: tackle the Cloud Buster, a 30-ton, 37-foot-tall steel dreamscape that celebrates adventure and risk-taking—qualities that are inherent to childhood—excavate dinosaur bones, explore the way water moves through pulleys and pipes, pretend to fight fires, and discover how our skyline full of buildings is created through architecture and engineering.
Since 1930, Chicagoans have been learning and exploring at this planetarium, which includes interactive permanent exhibits, the Doane Observatory, and highly-rated Sky Shows. Special programming exists for kids of all ages, including special nights out for teenagers.
At Peggy Notebaert, children are connected to nature and science through the museum’s hands-on exhibits, family events, and education programming. Learn about the specimen and archival collections: birds, eggs, and nests; mammals; amphibians, and reptiles; insects and spiders; fossils, and more. The most popular exhibit is the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven, where you can watch 40 species of these delicate creatures flutter around the 2,700-square-foot indoor greenhouse. Other fun events include interactions with turtles, live animal feedings, and storytimes.
This museum has it all: flight and ride simulators, a submarine, a coal mine, a chick hatchery, a mirror maze, storms created by science, model ships and railroads, a fairy castle, farming equipment, pinball machines, and classic metal toys, a whispering gallery, and a Pioneer Zephyr. Four films are shown in the large dome theater. This museum is massive—most people don’t see everything in one visit, so plan accordingly and wear your favorite walking shoes.
DuPage Children's Museum's 20,000 square feet of play space will keep little kids and their imaginations busy for hours. There are designated spaces for babies and toddlers and older kids can run around and get their sillies out. Exhibits are situated throughout the space for extra entertainment and learning. Enjoy storytime, movement and music classes, and pop-up playtime.
This hidden gem museum delights kids with hands-on exhibits about light, water, wind, and more. Come wearing your thinking cap—or just romp around. Attractions include a giant “Lite Brite” pegboard, musical instruments, and climbing tubes and tunnels that stretch two-and-a-half stories.
Local parents and educators founded KidsWork because they wanted a safe and fun place for kids to play and learn. What they’ve found, is that the community as a whole benefits. Kids can roam around the museum’s two floors, discovering science, art, and movement exhibits. Highlights include the Pet Vet, Imagination Theater, Art Works, Tot Spot, and Light exhibits.
Wonder Works is best for little ones, ages birth to eight years old. This children’s museum is a designated shoe-free play space, with things to climb, jump and run on. Art, performance, design, and building are the main objectives here and kids are encouraged to be creative and let their personalities shine. Over 600 special events are held every year, including a concert series, a celebration of African American History, and Dino Works. Kids here can meet other pals and brush up on their social skills and adults can hang out with new friends, too.
Want a hassle-free Thanksgiving meal? Check out the top spots in NYC to order out and dine in for a terrific turkey, steak, or even a vegan meal—or skip straight to dessert
Thanksgiving is a time to be with family and celebrate all the things for which we’re thankful. And if you want to be thankful for not having to cook for all that family, then you’ve come to the right place. The spots below will help you get a full course meal on the table with little to no prep on your part (don’t worry, we won’t tell!). You can even skip the post-feast dishes and dine-in for an extra-special Thanksgiving dinner. And don’t forget to leave room for dessert! Whatever you decide—take out or dine in—New York City has the best places to serve you up something divine on Thanksgiving Day in 2022.
Turkey to Go: Where to Get a Cooked Meal for Your Dinner Table
Restaurant and flower arrangement expert Il Florista has partnered with Quattro Farm to prepare a delicious turkey roulade for your dining table. A whole turkey roulade costs $189 and comes ready to eat, prepared with a chamomile brine and served with herbed bread stuffing. You can purchase side dishes here as well, with options including crispy polenta, cranberry relish, roasted parsnip, and more. You can even buy a flower arrangement to brighten up the Thanksgiving meal with a pop of color.
You'll be able to pick up your order on Wed., Nov. 23 after 2 p.m., or on Thursday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Delivery is also available on request.
Open on Thanksgiving day for takeout and dine-in, The Ribbon is a more affordable option for families. You can order a traditional rotisserie turkey for $39 or opt for another main, like salmon or NY strip steak. The turkey dish is a full meal for a person—it comes with traditional stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet potato casserole, brussel sprouts, and, of course, cranberry sauce.
You can also choose to order takeout for two at $99.95, which includes two of the turkey dishes, as well as a wedge salad, roasted fall soup, and two orders of pecan pie. Multiple orders of this would make for an entire Thanksgiving Day spread, but order soon, because there's limited availability. Takeout can be picked up on Thurs., Nov. 24 from 2 to 8 p.m., so everything can go straight from the restaurant to your table.
Carmine’s will deliver its traditional Thanksgiving feast to you, you can pick it up yourself, or you can enjoy it at the chain’s Upper West Side and Times Square locations. Enough for six to eight people, the meal features an 18-pound roast turkey, sausage & sage stuffing, homemade cranberry sauce, brussels sprouts with caramelized onions and applewood smoked bacon, sweet potatoes with marshmallows, mashed potatoes with giblet gravy, baby carrots and sauteed string beans.
It’s $349 whether you get it delivered, pick it up, or dine in. For an additional $25, you can add on an apple or pumpkin pie. Bonus: if someone in your group doesn’t like turkey, the regular Carmine’s menu is available to order from, as well.
For a Turkey day feast with an Italian twist, Eataly has you covered. Choose a turkey from a local farm, all pasture-raised and hormone- and and antibiotic-free, or pick out some smaller cuts if a whole turkey is too much for your family. Pair your bird with a number of delectable side dishes, like a salumi and formaggi platter handcrafted by experts, artisanal homemade pasta dishes, and freshly baked breads. And don't forget dessert! Eataly has some classics like apple pie as well as delectable Italian desserts like their Toro cake with white chocolate cremino and toasted hazelnuts.
Pre-order your meal before Sat., Nov. 19 to have it ready for pickup on Thanksgiving Day at Eataly Flatiro, or Sun., Nov. 20 for pickup at Eataly Downtown.
Looking for a vegan alternative to the Thanksgiving turkey meal? Skip the bird with Blossom, a vegan restaurant that offers completely animal-free meals sourced from local farms and small businesses. Dine in or order pickup by Wed., Nov. 23 for a vegan meal featuring three courses and dessert. Dishes include a mix of traditional Thanksgiving sides like soy-sausage stuffing and mashed potato with mushroom-based shiitake gravy, as well as some more uniquely Blossom dishes like parsnip ravioli, beet carpaccio, and stuffed acorn squash. Finish the meal with pumpkin pie, tiramisu, chocolate ganache, and berries and cream. Plus, many of the dishes are nut free, soy free, and gluten free (see the menu on their website for more information—and note that the menu items are subject to change).
A kid's Thanksgiving option is also available, which has a traditional (but still vegan) meal consisting of stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, kale, and squash, and your choice of dessert.
Get your Thanksgiving to go at the two Michelin star restaurant, Aquavit, for a chance to taste the delectable Nordic inspired creations of executive chef Emma Benftsson. Order the kit for $575 for a four-person meal consisting of roasted fennel and caraway spiced turkey breast, smoked turkey leg sausages along with sides and extras including herb roasted vegetables, truffled mushroom spatzle, green bean salad, and pumpkin pie. Get your order on Wed., Nov. 23 between 3 and 5 p.m., then just reheat and serve on Thanksgiving Day.
Chelsea Market’s excellent butcher has birds of all kinds and sizes from area farms: fresh turkeys, roast turkey, Moulard duck, and even capon, which are large chickens that have lots of white meat. They’ll also help you with prep with a brine kit, turkey rub, and herbed compound butter. Alternatively, you can get a smoked or roast turkey ready to serve for $170.
Order early, as their supplies are already being sold fast (especially, according to the website, the Kelly Bronze). Pickup is at the Chelsea Market location, or items can be shipped for a fee. In a hurry? Just use their Thanksgiving quick order form!
Got your turkey ready but want to get some sides professionally made? No problem! The expert caterers at Marina del Rey has an "Everything But the Bird" option priced at $139, which has everything you need to make it a complete meal for eight to 10 people, including sourdough and sausage stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes with marshmallows, glazed carrots, string beans with almonds, 18 dinner rolls, and a pumpkin pie. Whew!
Of course, you can also get the full meal, turkey and all, for $199, or get the deluxe option which includes a few different sides and serves 10 to12 people. Meals are available for pickup only, and must be retrieved on Thanksgiving Day between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Place your order by that Monday to have your meal prepared on time!
No matter how you want your Thanksgiving dinner, Whole Foods has got you covered. Choose from full meals for small and large groups, paleo-friendly dinners, a vegan option created by chef Chloe Coscarelli, as well as main courses of ham and prime rib.
Prices range from $49.99 for the vegan meal for two to $569.99 for a loaded Thanksgiving extravaganza for 12. Place your order 48 hours before you want to get your meal—or buy a bit in advance and follow the detailed reheating instructions provided by the website.
If you want to prepare the turkey yourself, Whole Foods also has raw turkey meal kits, which provide you with an oven-ready bird with onion, carrot and celery that serves eight people for $79.99, or a full meal with a turkey and sides for $179.99.
If farmers market shopping is a ritual for your Thanksgiving plans, pre-order a bird with DiPaola Turkey Farm, featured at 20 Greenmarket locations throughout the city. This second-generation family farm raises Broad Breasted Whites and is a good pick if you’re cooking for a smaller party. Choose a size range to suit the number of guests you plan to feed—Di Paola recommends that you plan for about a pound to a pound and a half per person for a whole turkey. You can buy just a breast, leg, wing or all three and save on roasting time as well.
Orders become available fairly early, and you'll have to plan ahead as all orders must be picked up before noon on your location's designated date.
If you’re not familiar with the wildly popular dips at Upper East Side gourmet store William Poll, treat yourself and your fellow diners to a few of these yummy spreads. Go for classic and refined cucumber, or try some of the more robust or decadent flavors like Cheddy Chut (cheddar and chutney), spinach, blue cheese and bacon, or prosciutto. For the complete experience, eat them with the store’s baked potato thins.
Keep it simple, and local, and order your entire Thanksgiving Dinner from Upper West Side NYC institution, Zabar’s. Its Holiday Dinner for six is $279 (or $380 to serve 10) and includes Zabar’s Roast Turkey, chestnut stuffing, homemade giblet gravy and cranberry sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, string beans with almonds, homemade dinner rolls, and even a Zabar’s apple or pumpkin pie.
Orders for Thanksgiving must be placed before that Monday at 4 p.m. and will be delivered right to your door.
Butterfield Market has been serving freshly-prepared foods on the Upper East side since 1915 and it’s still as popular as ever. This year you can outsource the whole meal for between $285-$720 depending on how many people you plan to have over. Or, you can pick from their selection of starters and sides including mini crab cakes, corn pudding, and marshmallow sweet potatoes.
They offer ready-to-cook turkeys, whole roasted turkeys, sides, starters, four different types of stuffing, breads, and desserts. You can even get a vegan “turkey” with vegan and gluten-free mushroom gravy here. Pickup is at their 85th Street location, or you can get your meal delivered (note that delivery price varies by location, and there are some delivery restrictions in Manhattan due to the Thanksgiving Day parade. Make sure to place your order by Fri., Nov. 18 at 4 p.m.
Take some comfort food home with you with Good Enough to Eat's Thanksgiving to Go meal. Schatzie’s herb roasted turkey is available at $11.50 per pound for a whole turkey and $18.50 per pound for sliced turkey. You can also get the rest of your sides here, including stuffing, potatoes, vegetables, cornbread, and several pies. The menu also includes a sour cream apple crumble pie recipe in case you want to try your hand at baking dessert! Place your order by 4 p.m. on Tues., Nov. 22 to have it ready for pickup on Wed., Nov. 23 by 4 p.m.
Comfort food spot Bubby’s proudly declares Thanksgiving as the restaurant’s favorite holiday. Dine in at Bubby's for a down-home, traditional Thanksgiving dinner featuring turkeys from Pallman Farms in upstate NY and homemade sides.
The special holiday meal is $100 per adult and $70 per child under 10 (excluding drinks and gratuity) and includes a massive two-course meal, followed by dessert. In addition to turkey, enjoy flaky buttermilk biscuits, old-fashioned glazed ham, creamy mashed potatoes, and more. You can also get a vegetarian lasagna made with roasted butternut squash and mushrooms, although you'll need to request this ahead of time. Don't forget to leave room for Bubby's famous pies! End your dinner with apple whiskey crumble pie, pumpkin pie, and sour cherry pie, served family-style with individual plates and plenty to share.
Mediterranean restaurant Barbounia has a fixed-price menu for Thanksgiving day, featuring dishes infused with a Mediterranean flavor and style. For $86 per person, you can get free-range Pennsylvania turkey, as well as other entree options including taboon roasted red snapper and farmers market vegetables and mushrooms with couscous. There are also plenty of sides, from roasted pumpkin soup to flash fried cauliflower. Dessert features some unique dishes like deconstructed pumpkin pie and rosewater panacotta, for a new spin on traditional options.
For something a little different this year (and for kids who are up for anything), head to Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse Cote for a beef-heavy feast. A special Thanksgiving menu features traditional Korean dishes and a selection of the finest USDA Prime and American Wagyu Beef is being served for $125 per person. (Additional a la carte menu items are available as well, and you can get a holiday box shipped to you if you want to enjoy at home.)
This French bistro does Thanksgiving a little different, bringing French cuisine into the traditional American holiday feast. So while you can get your turkey meal (organic Amish Country turkey with mashed potato and sweet potato dressing, as well as brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, and gravy), you can also order escargot and foie gras to go with it—to name just a few of the available sides on the special Thanksgiving menu.
Who says the Thanksgiving meals need to end after Thanksgiving Day? Venezuelan comfort food restaurant Casa Ora will be serving holiday special meals starting on Thanksgiving all the way through New Years Eve. These specials don't include a turkey, but they'll satisfy the festive appetites of any family members. Chow down on traditional Hispanic dishes like hallaca (pork and chickpea—or just chickpea for a vegan option—tamale with potato, raisin and olives), pernil (slow roasted pork loin with lentils, chimichurri, and carrot and potato puree), and more. Adults in the party can also skip straight from Thanksgiving to Christmas and try the ponche crema, a Venezuelan eggnog.
148 Meserole St. Williamsburg, Brooklyn Online:casaoranyc.com
Hill Country
Visit Hill Country for a Texas-style feast of epic proportions. The meal will be served from 12 until 7:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day and will feature the restaurant's signature barbecue and pit-smoked turkey, as well as classic sides like potato and vegetable dishes and dessert pies, pudding, or cupcakes. The feast is fixed price, at $95 per adult and $45 for kids aged 5-12. Kids under 5 eat free!
Hill Country also has a takeout option in the form of the Texas Turkey Box, which has a full meal for four to six people for $180 and the Thanksgiving Feast option for $300, for eight to 10 people. You can also choose to order a la carte or choose a number of sides for a custom holiday feast.
Magnolia Bakery has a great selection of holiday pies to try, including the classics (pecan pie and pumpkin pie) and new twists on the classics (chocolate pecan pie and pumpkin praline pie). You can also pair your pie up with banana pudding with the "Best of Magnolia Bakery" Thanksgiving Sampler Pack, or choose from any of the seasonal desserts—including the fantastic apple crisp pudding and adorable Thanksgiving cupcakes—or order from their regular menu. Pies and puddings come in sizes large enough to satisfy even the guests with the biggest sweet tooth.
Wish your apple cider donut came in cake form? Want a pumpkin pie with the consistency of a pecan pie? Milk Bar has both desserts available for the fall season—and just in time for Thanksgiving. The apple cider donut cake, in particular, would make a great finisher for your amazing holiday feast! Other seasonal treats include the assorted fall truffle box and apple cider donut truffles (you know, just in case the cake isn't enough).
Thanksgiving pies at Butter and Scotch are ready for pre-order! Choose from flavors like apple pear cranberry crumble, bourbon ginger pecan pie, or pumpkin spice pie. The pies, which serve eight to 10 people, are $42-45 each. Store pick-up is available at their sister bakery Love, Nelly and select partners around Brooklyn. Place your orders by Sun., Nov. 20 at 5 p.m. for a chance to have your pie and eat it, too!
This bakery consistently tops lists of where to get the best pie in the city, both big and small. Its list of Thanksgiving pies is impressive, with flavors such as sour cream apple walnut pie, sweet potato pie, Mississippi mud pie, and even gluten free blueberry apple crumb pie. You can also get a sampler of four popular mini pies!
Full size pies serve eight to 10 and most are $42. Order before Mon., Nov. 21 and you'll be able to pick up or get your pie delivered in time for Thanksgiving.
This cozy bakery is at it again! This year's Thanksgiving selections include bittersweet chocolate pecan, brown butter pumpkin, salted caramel apple, and the famed salty honey pie, a specialty custard blend topped with zinging flakes of sea salt. Pies are $44 each and typically serve eight to 10 people. Place an order before noon to get your pie the following day (available for pickup or delivery)—pies ordered past 12 p.m. will be available in two days.
If you find yourself thankful for having a full stomach and a full wallet, you can give the gift of a Thanksgiving meal to someone less fortunate and spread some goodwill. Soup kitchens and various charities have opportunities to help make a special Thanksgiving meal for people who might not be able to afford one on their own. Here are two opportunities to help if you have the funds or the time:
The WSCAH Turkey Challenge
The West Side Campaign Against Hunger has been providing families with holiday meals for over 10 years. Last year, they helped over 8,000 families and this year, they're aiming even higher. With a contribution of just $50, you can feed an entire family and help the WSCAH work toward their goal of feeding 10,000 New York families.
Thanksgiving is all about sharing a meal with your loved ones. Unfortunately, not everyone has someone they can share a meal with. That's why DOROT is working toward connecting volunteers with older adults to provide them with some much-needed human interaction. Deliver a meal and stay for a chat! Manhattan volunteers can bring children ages 10-17 and brighten up someone's day just by sharing a meal and a story or two.
These San Diego restaurants offer take-out and dine-in Thanksgiving meals for a stress-free Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving is the best holiday to gather family and friends around the table—especially when you’re not stressed about burning the bird or fitting all the side dishes in the oven at once. This year, give yourself (and your kitchen) a break—and support local businesses—by either ordering your Thanksgiving dinner from one of our favorite local restaurants that’s a hit with the kids, or dine-in at a top San Diego restaurant that’s open on Thanksgiving Day. We’ve also found the best bakeries for that perfect, made-in-San Diego dessert.
The Best San Diego Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving Day
Treat yourself to a meal you'll remember for years to come. Rancho Valencia offers a buffet stocked with everything from a cold seafood station to a full kids' buffet. There's live music from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and desserts that'll have the whole family feeling grateful.
Cost: $195/adults, $55/kid (3-11); Kids under 3 dine free
In Little Italy, Chef Brian Malarkey adds a Mediterranean and Mexican-inspired flair to the traditional Thanksgiving spread. Guests can choose from a turkey roulade with lemon rosemary stuffing, lamb shank, or a brown butter blondie with pumpkin mousse.
Choose from any of the three Park Hyatt restaurants to book your Thanksgiving reservation this year. Ember & Rye and Ponto Lago both offer guests a sit-down dinner option, while The Park Hyatt hotel serves a Thanksgiving buffet from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Cost: $155/adults; $65/kid (3-12) for brunch and $125/person for dinner at Ember & Rye; $105/person for dinner at Ponto Lago; $140/adults and $60/kids at The Park Hyatt
This year, George’s at the Cove is serving a three-course prix fixe menu in the Ocean View Room with roasted turkey, along with sausage and chestnut-stuffed leg and potato puree with turkey gravy. The turkey special will also be available along with the regular menu at the Ocean Terrace and Level2. Don't miss George’s bourbon pecan and brown butter apple crumb pie, which you can also pre-order. Kiddos will love sitting at a premium table, closest to the sea, which includes credit toward food and drinks.
The iconic San Diego restaurant at the end of Harbor Island is offering a smorgasbord of seasonal favorites. The carving station will have free-range turkey with rosemary gravy and roasted tri-tip. Other accompaniments include clam chowder, brown sugar sweet potatoes with marshmallows, and creamy green beans. The grand seafood bar will have Maine lobster claws along with oysters and scallops on the half-shell.
Cost: $72/adult; $24/kid (age 6-12), kids 5 and under eat for free
Del’s Hideout, Pioneer BBQ or Coaster Saloon (Cohn Restaurant Group)
Bring this Thanksgiving BBQ Feast to your table this year from either of these three Cohn restaurants or choose to gather the crew and dine in. Either option will satisfy your family and keep you frazzle-free.
Order Deadline and Pick-Up: Place orders by: 3 p.m. on Nov. 22; pick-up Nov. 25 between 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost: Serves 6-8 servings for $190; add on a pie for an additional $20; Purchase the main a la carte: $115for turkey or $130 for brisket
Mix and match a cornucopia of delights by choosing all of your Thanksgiving dishes a la carte. Choose from roasted and carved natural turkey (fully cooked, heat and eat) and such delectable sides as Focaccia-leek & pistachio stuffing, caramelized Brussels sprouts, truffle parmesan mashed potatoes or a poached pear salad. It may take you a while to decide on the sweet ending with choices like Frangelico chocolate truffle lollipops to Meyer lemon bars or pies.
Order Deadline and Pick-Up: Place orders by noon, Nov. 21; Pick up or have it delivered on Nov. 23 Cost: Whole turkey is $155
Seaside Market in Cardiff, is known for its mouthwatering Burgandy Tri-Tip, infamously nicknamed "Cardiff Crack" by locals. And, this Thanksgiving, you can swap the turkey for their tri-tip Feast which comes with sides like roasted vegetables, candied sweet potato mash, broccoli gorgonzola salad, and more (served chilled in aluminum pans with reheating and serving instructions). Or, keep it traditional with their Complete Turkey Feast and side dishes. Seaside also offers a vegan meal with lasagna as the main dish. Whatever your crew is craving this holiday, you can order it at Seaside Market and sit back and relax because your meal is certain to be an utter crowd-pleaser.
Order Deadline and Pick-Up: 48 hours in advance Cost: $250 for Complete Turkey or Cardiff Crack Tri-Tip Feast that feed six; $90 for Vegan Feast that feeds 2-3 people
Ranch 45 is just what you need to help with holiday hosting. They offer traditional fare with a modern twist that'll impress any foodie at the table. Try their olive oil mashed potatoes or gluten-free carrot cake to switch things up this year—orders are fully cooked, heat and eat.
Order Deadline and Pick-Up: Place orders by Nov. 21; Pick-up from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. on Nov. 23 Cost: All items are ordered a la carte; approx. $185 for 3-4 servings
512 Via De La Valle Solana Beach Online: ranch45.com
Celebrate the season with Whole Foods Market's catering menu which has something for everyone. You’ll find the classics like organic turkey, and prime rib with all the sides, but also paleo-friendly paleo and vegan-friendly options that are fully cooked, ready to heat and eat. Holiday appetizer platters are also available.
Order Deadline and Pick-Up: All Holiday Selections orders must be placed a minimum of 48 hours ahead of pickup date and time Cost: Thanksgiving Extravaganza for 12, $569; Classic Thanksgiving Feast for 12 is $400
Take the hassle out of Thanksgiving Dinner this year and order out from Ruth’s Chris Steak House. They have a family meal that's chilled, fulled cooked and ready to heat and eat that serves four and includes roasted turkey and all the trimmings, including four personal pumpkin cheesecakes.
Order Deadline and Pick-Up: 48 hours in advance; pick-up on Nov. 23 from noon-6 p.m. Cost: 4 servings for $175
Bring home a fresh scratch-made feast just like grandma used to make. Choose from a Family Feast that serves 6-8 or a smaller Family Meal that serves four and you’ll get an herb-roasted cage-free turkey breast, mushroom stuffing, homemade gravy, sweet cranberry relish, artisan bread and a choice of two sides (everything comes chilled, fully cooked with heating instructions). Add on a scratch-made dessert made in-house by their pastry chef: mango tart, seasonal pumpkin & walnut layer cake or a Hummingbird Cake, among others. Order early, they sold out last year!
Order Deadline and Pick-Up: Order by Nov. 20; Pick-up on Nov. 22 or Nov. 23 Cost: A la carte sides $18 each; desserts are $24-$59; A turkey plate that serves one is $24; Turkey Family Meal serves four for $100; Turkey Family Feast serves 6-8 is $169
Chart House is big on holidays, which means you can expect a mouthwatering Thanksgiving dinner without having to lift a finger, except to carry the bags into the house. The Chart House Thanksgiving To-Go offers a choice of slow-roasted prime rib or turkey, stuffing, cranberry dressing, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes, and pecan or pumpkin pie.
Order Deadline and Pick-Up: Place orders by Nov. 18; Pick-up times are based on store hours—delivery is also available Cost: $105 for turkey, or $130 for prime rib for a group of four
Having your Thanksgiving meal delivered doesn’t get any easier than this! Order your classic Thanksgiving meal from Elijah’s and they’ll bring it right to your front door—all dinners are freshly cooked with no reheating is required! Just put it on the table and eat. Choice of turkey, beef brisket, or ham served with two classic side dishes to choose from, and add on an apple, pecan, or pumpkin pie for only $15 extra.
Order Deadline and Pick-Up: 48 hrs notice; Schedule a time with the restaurant for pick-up, delivery is available for an additional charge Cost: Servings are for 10 people, $179 for turkey dinner, $199 for beef brisket dinner, and $179 for spiral ham dinner
Southern California's go-to artisanal bakery for all things encased in crust, Pop Pie Co. will whip up your Thanksgiving pie the morning you need it. Choose from Salted Honey, Honey Bourbon Pecan, Pumpkin Pie, Salted Caramel Apple Crumble or Apple Crumble (vegan).
Order Deadline and Pick-Up: Place orders by Nov. 17 or until they’re sold out; Pick-up Wed Nov. 23 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. or Nov. 25 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Cost: $35/pie
Top off your day of eating this year with a non-traditional Thanksgiving pie from Nutmeg Bakery. They’ve got all kinds of cream pies: Chocolate, Banana, Boston or Coconut; as well as Key Lime and Maple Pecan (gluten-free). But if you want to go the traditional route they’ve got you covered there with Apple Lattice, Apple Crumb and Pumpkin. Now if you want a Thanksgiving cake, well they’ve got plenty of options too with everything from Carrot Cake to chocolate chip cookie dough, vanilla (vegan) or lemon raspberry, orange cranberry, lemon blueberry, coconut rum hummingbird, Italian cream and oh so many more. Many of these options are gluten-free so be sure to ask.
Order Deadline and Pick-Up: Place orders with 72 hrs advance notice; Pick-up times are based on order Cost: $20-$35/pie
This Turkey Day, skip the endless cooking and eat your Thanksgiving dinner at one of these Dallas restaurants
Halloween isn’t even in the rearview and you’re probably seeing displays of yams and pie fixings in the grocery store. If you find the idea of cooking Thanksgiving dinner stressful, or daunting, or if you simply have a case of the “I don’t wannas,” make note: That the metroplex is filled with awesome restaurants and specialty markets that love food as much as you do, and because they went ahead and perfected Thanksgiving dinner, you won’t have to stress over whether or not your turkey is overcooked or if nana forgets the stuffing.
Whether you’re looking to get the family dressed up for a sit-down meal in a nice restaurant, want to hit a buffet, or are simply looking for a heat-and-eat meal where the hard part is already done for you, all you have to do is find what you like among this list of Dallas spots—from Whole Foods to unique spots like Bacchus Kitchen—serving up Turkey Day spreads. But pro tip: make your reservations early. You’re not the only one who is considering the “skip the cooking and dishes” idea, and things do book up quickly.
Bacchus Kitchen + Bar
Thanksgiving dinner at Bacchus Kitchen + Bar is traditionally served family style. However, a look at their 2022 Thanksgiving menu suggests this might be a buffet, as it lists crepe, egg, and pasta stations, in addition to carved turkey and prime rib. Wine pairings are offered for an additional charge. Order by Nov. 22. $95 and up.
215 E. Dallas Rd.
Grapevine, TX
Online: bacchustx.com
Central Market If you want to have your Thanksgiving at home, but you just don’t want to be involved in the cooking process, check out one of Central Market’s Dallas locations for curated menus and a la carte options for sides, appetizers, and desserts. If you order before Nov. 7, you’ll get a $10 coupon off your next in-store purchase. $70 and up.
OAK’D Handcrafted BBQ
Diners can enjoy smoked meats sliced fresh to order and prepared to perfection, locally sourced sides including roasted brussels sprouts and BBQ sweet potatoes. Homemade pies and sweet treats—recognized by Texas Monthly as the “Best in Dallas”—are baked by the in-house pastry chef and will have guests swooning. Order by Nov. 19. Complete dinners serving 10 to 12 people start at $285.
Dolce Riviera Dolce Riviera is offering a Thanksgiving Day buffet from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call to reserve. $75 for adults, and $25 for children 12 and under.
Golden Corral America’s most well-known buffet has Thanksgiving meals to go. Order the “Holiday Feast to Go” online or using the Golden Corral app. Select Golden Corral locations are open on Thanksgiving so if you want the in-person experience, check your local store. $79 and up.
La Madeleine This restaurant offers hot and ready-to-eat and heat-at-home meals. The menu includes an upscale twist on the traditional turkey and ham dinner, with swanky accompaniments like mushroom sauce and cranberry chutney. $60 and up.
Local Foods Kitchen If you’ve got adventurous palates in your crowd of Thanksgiving people to feed, Local Foods Kitchen has delights such as carrot butternut soup, caramelized Brussels sprouts, and a variety of desserts, including caramel pumpkin gingersnap cheesecake (yum!). They also offer an “everything but the bird” package with sides and desserts. Pricing is a la carte but plan to spend around $150 to feed a table of 4 to 6 people.
Norma’s Cafe Order a home-cooked Thanksgiving meal from local favorite, Norma’s Café. Dinners include roasted turkey breast or spiral-cut glazed ham, dressing, mashed potatoes, green beans, and a 10-inch pumpkin pie. They have five locations to pick up your meal. $119 per meal, with a la carte options at an additional charge.
Various locations throughout Dallas Online:normascafe.com
Saltgrass Steak House Saltgrass Steak House has offered Thanksgiving meals in the past, however, the restaurant’s site still showcases its Halloween party meal offerings. If you’re interested in Thanksgiving from Saltgrass, we recommend checking back.
Various locations throughout Dallas Online: saltgrass.com
Scout at the Statler Hotel The Statler Hotel is offering a special thank you to veterans, first responders, and their immediate families. A traditional Thanksgiving dinner buffet with all the trimmings will be served in The Statler’s restaurant, Scout, with football playing on the big screen. Reservations are required. Complimentary valet parking will be provided.
Urban Crust A Thanksgiving meal at Urban Crust includes turkey, gravy, chestnut polenta stuffing with Jimmy’s Italian sausage, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, butternut squash soup, and a choice of dessert. Orders open up on Nov. 1 for pick up on Nov. 23 between 2-4 p.m. $256.
Trulucks Trulucks will offer a traditional three-course Thanksgiving feast of turkey with everyone’s favorite sides and a selection of desserts. In addition, guests can enjoy two-holiday specialty cocktails: the Holiday Nog ($15) and a Turkey Fashioned, which is their take on an Old Fashioned made with Wild Turkey bourbon, spiced orange syrup, angostura, and orange bitters ($14.50). Reservations are recommended and can be made online or via Open Table. Adults cost $59, while children 12 and under are $25.
Cracker Barrel The popular comfort food chain offers several options for heat-and-eat dinners for gatherings of all sizes. They also have a variety of pies. $89 and up.
Westin Galleria Say goodbye to dishes and hello to a Thanksgiving buffet crafted by award-winning chef, David Smith. Adults cost $85, while children under 12 cost $45. Children five and under eat free. Be sure to make your reservations via Open Table.
Whole Foods Market
In the past, Whole Foods Market has offered complete meals and sides/desserts to go for your Thanksgiving meal. We’ve checked the websites for their Dallas-area locations and don’t see any Thanksgiving meal offers yet but Whole Foods is known for its everyday stock of heat-at-home items. $75 and up.
If children could eat one food for the rest of their lives, most parents would agree it’s cheese. From cheddar to American and mozzarella, the mouth-watering ingredient is a must-have ingredient for little ones’ favorite dishes.
Tiny turophiles don’t just stop there, though. For moms and dads who’ve witnessed the joy on their child’s face as they dunk nachos into a creamy bowl of queso blanco, know that this special treat also tops the list.
The white cheese dip packs in impressive flavors that even the pickiest of eaters can’t get enough of. Fortunately, with Queso Mama® queso you can bring home a variety of premium, ready-to-eat quesos that your little foodies can put on anything and everything. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, Queso Mama makes for a nutritious meal that’s more than just a dip.
We spoke with Queso Mama’s founder and CEO Leigh Vickery for three simple recipes your queso connoisseur will love along with pro tips for preparation, storing and repurposing your meals. An added bonus – these recipes are great for the holiday season as they’re easily tailored to serve large parties, and they’re safe for those with food sensitivities and dietary restrictions.
What is Queso Mama?
Founded in 2009 by Leigh Vickery, Queso Mama is a refrigerated, ready-to-eat white queso made with high-quality ingredients, such as white cheese, green chiles and spices. The mother of two introduced her unique, clean-label queso as an alternative to highly-processed products that already existed on the market.
For Leigh, creating a recipe that families with food sensitivities and dietary restrictions could enjoy was key, having experienced these challenges first-hand with her oldest son. She worked diligently to create her premium queso that’s not only free of gluten, artificial additives, added sugars and preservatives, but also keto-approved, vegetarian-friendly and safe for those with tree nut or peanut allergies.
“My firstborn son was born with terrible food allergies and…at the time, the allergen laws weren’t around, so you couldn’t go to the grocery store and buy anything,” says Leigh, who is also referred to as Queso Mama by devoted customers. “I started creating all-natural, fun foods for him and, not realizing, I was truly starting a business that became what it is today.”
The rich, velvety cheese is available in two unique flavors that range from mild to spicy—like White Queso with Diced Green Chiles, and White Hot Queso with Roasted Jalapenos —to satisfy your entire family’s tastebuds.
The full-time entrepreneur and mom also kept parents and busy weekday schedules in mind when developing Queso Mama. Leigh, who grew up in a household of six, wanted families to be able to spend more time together around the dinner table and in the kitchen by creating fun, simple recipes—just as she had experienced growing up.
“A lot of times, food lets you talk around the table and help you find common ground with one another,” says Leigh. “[Growing up], we had lively discussions and great food. You just have to carve out that time as hard it as is, but it becomes sacred.”
As a result, Queso Mama can be made within minutes, helping families prepare simple and fast dishes that still pack in nutrients. Thanks to the simplicity, your kiddos can now play a part in the holiday meal-prep experience, whether you’re hosting a festive meal at home, or plan to bring a flavorful dish to a group potluck. Simply scoop the thick, creamy mixture from the tub, heat it in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl and add to your preferred meal.
Convenient Recipes For Each Meal of the Day
Queso Mama is the perfect addition to any dish. From soups and pasta to dips and casseroles, these “magically cheesy bowls of love” will bring your recipes to a new level.
Looking for something extra delicious to do with your queso? We’ve compiled three of Leigh’s exciting recipes to make with your little ones this holiday season.
Queso Mama’s Mexican Breakfast Casserole
Looking for something balanced to feed your kids and their friends after a night of trick-or-treating? The hearty casserole is filled with a nutritional blend of eggs, plant-based breakfast sausage crumbles and your choice of Queso Mama’s White Queso with Green Chiles or White Queso with Roasted Jalapenos, then layered between either corn or flour tortillas and baked to perfection. This is a great option for those who are gluten-free and vegetarian, and will keep your family full for hours. Check out the recipe here.
Queso Mama’s Pro Tip: If you have any plant-based breakfast sausage crumbles left over, toss them into your Queso Mama flavor of choice for a yummy dip. Leigh suggests making fresh, homemade chips from tortillas and adding any ingredients of your liking, such as corn or extra jalapenos.
Queso Mama’s Spinach and Artichoke White Queso Dip
Loaded with spinach, chunks of artichoke and a heaping of Queso Mama’s White Queso with Green Chiles, this delectable dip can satisfy your household’s snack craving. No doubt your family will also welcome this treat as the newest appetizer addition to your Thanksgiving menu too. Simply serve with warm tortilla chips or fresh-cut vegetables for a more nutritious alternative. Explore this tasty recipe here.
Queso Mama’s Pro Tip: If you have any leftover dip, Leigh advises using it as a delicious cream sauce for pasta or adding it over chicken.
Queso Mama’s Green Chile Shrimp Enchiladas
A fresh take on the classic chicken enchiladas, this recipe opts for a shrimp-based protein that’s filling, healthy and comforting. Generously topped with Queso Mama’s White Queso with Green Chiles and baked until bubbly, this dish will have your kiddos asking for more. Get your new dinner recipe here.
Queso Mama’s Pro Tip: For those who are gluten-free, Leigh recommends swapping out corn tortillas for flour. To enjoy these enchiladas again, especially if you’re reheating them after a Christmas dinner, wrap them with freezer-proof plastic wrap, add a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil then place them in a large zip lock bag before adding to the freezer.
Get your hands on Queso Mama today, which is available at select Targets, Whole Foods Market and Costco Warehouses around the country.
It doesn’t matter what season it is—winter, spring, summer or fall—families are busy all year long. But just because we’re short on time, doesn’t mean we don’t want our kids to have delicious and nutritious meals. Luckily, frozen meals have evolved to include breakfast, lunch and dinner, consist of healthier ingredients and offer more kid-friendly options. Here are our picks for the best new frozen meals for busy families.
Cool Beans
Cool Beans
Perfect for a quick dinner or wrapped in foil for a school lunch, Cool Beans plant-based frozen wrap are packed with globally-inspired flavors. Made with whole ingredients, gluten free and vegan, your kiddos will reap the benefits of this fiber-rich food with flavors like spicy chipotle and tikka masala.
Crispy pizza lovers will want to add these to the rotation and parents will love that they are super quick to cook up for hangry kids. They are gluten-free and you won't have to worry about the cauliflower contents sending your anti-veg kids over the edge. We found the flavor to be indistinguishable from other crunchy-crust pizzas.
Adorable little fish that are only made with four ingredients and can be cooked thawed or frozen? Yes, please! A great alternative to fish sticks, you can get these in salmon or cod, and there are no added hormones, dairy, egg or binders.
When you want a convenient, ready-to-eat meal or snack after a long school day, pop a Daiya pizza in the oven. With a variety of options, including Meatless Pepperoni Style, Supreme, Cheeze Lover’s and Fire Roasted Vegetable, Daiya Pizzas are quick to prepare, so parents can spend their time helping with homework and hanging out with the kids.
Got a chicken nugget addict in your crew? You'll want to know about this! Kidfresh brings you kid favorites with a nutritious twist like chicken nuggets with added pureed cauliflower, mac n' cheese with pureed carrots and pizza strips with hidden cauliflower. Your little ones will be eating better without even knowing it!
This clean-label world cuisine company is known for their popular dishes like Pad Thai and Chicken Biryani, and now you can get these, and new dish Pineapple Fried Rice, in a family size! Saffron Road uses ethically sourced ingredients and has other ready-made meals and frozen entrees for busy families.
Family-sized meals will initially be available at Whole Foods Market, Walmart and Harris Teeter.
Green Giant's New Frozen Veggie Lineup
Green Giant already has the market cornered when it comes to fast, easy veggies that complete your meal. Now, the company has even more options to sneak in the green! Now you can shop products like veggie hashbrowns, tots, rings, fries, spirals, cauliflower breadsticks and gnocchi.
You can shop the new products at retailers nationwide.
Pizza'nadas from Brazi Bites
If your kids are pizza addicts, this option is for you. Brazi Bites recently introduced their new line of Pizza'nadas, an extension of the brand’s popular Empanadas line. Pizza’nadas start with the same, iconic Brazilian cheese bread base made from clean ingredients like tapioca flour, eggs, cheese, and milk, stuffed with fresh mozzarella, uncured pepperoni, and tomato sauce for a delicious, nostalgic pizza flavor consumers love. Take the Pizza’nadas straight from the freezer to the oven or air fryer for a scrumptious snack that is ready in minutes.
Buy them here, with 15% off your first order using code YUM15.
Snow Days Grain-Free Pizza Bites
Whip up some guilt-free pizza bites with new Snow Days! They're made with grain-free and gluten-free Cassava dough and packed with organically farmed veggies. Snow Days pizza bites also contain no grains or preservatives and take just takes 10 minutes to make.
Buy them here, $31.49 for a two-pack subscription, or a one time price of $34.99. Use code REDTRI10 for $10 off your first purchase through the month of May.
Alex's Awesome Sourdough
Alex's Awesome Sourdough
For your next family pizza night, put Alex's Awesome Sourdough on your list. It combines two of our loves—sourdough and pizza—in a quick-baking option that will feed your crew in a flash. You have four flavors to choose from: mozzarella, sunflower pesto, mushroom, vegan margherita with two grain-free options coming soon. Each pizza is shaped by hand by artisan pizza makers and because it is made from sourdough, they are easier to digest.
Instead of serving up fish sticks for the kids, opt for the new Sea Pal Shrimp Nuggets from SeaPak™. These sea turtle and starfish-shaped shrimp bites offer a whopping 14 grams of protein per serving, are wrapped in a crispy whole-grain breading and have no artificial preservatives. Our editor’s kids give them two thumbs up!
Known for its high-quality meat products, Belcampo recently launched a line of frozen meatballs made from the company’s organic, grass-fed beef; simply heat and eat! We think this is a great way to get protein on your kids’ plate without putting in a lot of time in the kitchen.
Made with spicy-sweet goodness and the signature cream cheese frosting, these new Cinnabon Frosted Cinnasweet Swirls are perfect for a cozy weekend morning with the kids.
These new plant-based nuggets are Mickey Mouse shaped, made with non-GMO soy and offer 10 grams of protein per serving. Vegetarians and families hoping to have a meatless meal here or there rave about these, so be sure to give them a try.
Smucker's Uncrustables Frozen Turkey & Colby Jack Roll-Ups
Smucker’s new Uncrustables are perfect for lunch boxes or snack time. Made with real turkey and Colby jack cheese, just pull them out and let them thaw! Plus, each serving offers 10 grams of protein.
Kids will flip over these Organic Ice Wands featuring Anna, Elsa and Olaf from Frozen 2 and the plant-based Organic SuperFruit Freezies that were released from DeeBee's just in time for the summer heat. DeeBee's Organics shelf-stable freezies are made from premium organic fruits with zero added artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives and are allergen-free of nuts, dairy, fish, wheat and soy. You can feel good serving them every afternoon this summer!
From Scott & Jon and their frozen shrimp and grain bowls, comes four new flavors—Shrimp Alfredo Pasta, Shrimp Ramen Noodle, Spicy Ramen Noodle, and Shrimp Scampi Pasta. All of their bowls cook in under four minutes and are under 300 calories. Each bowl is also packed with protein.
