This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of the Minerva Dairy. All opinions are entirely my own.

Buttery Sweet Potato Casserole is an appetizing and amazing side dish or dessert that will make any holiday dinner that much more special.

The holiday season is known as the coziest time of the year, and I couldn’t agree more. A time to relax, reflect and celebrate life with your loved ones is always a necessity.

I am so grateful for everything that I have achieved alongside with a very supportive family.

I make sure to seize maximum advantage during the holiday season to fully enjoy it. So, I prepare food in advance as well as include everyone in some sort of activity to make family dinners over the holiday season much easier on me.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and it honestly has to be one of my favorite celebrations. I must add that because of my profession, I have grown a love for food even more.

As well as admire experimenting out of my comfort zone when making different genres of it.

During Thanksgiving, I get the best of both worlds! I adore spending time with my dear family, and when we all gather together and share food around the table, it feels like my whole world is utterly complete.

Tap here for more tasty side dish recipes

One dish that will surely make it on a platter this year and many more to come is my sweet potato casserole. This delectable treat is delicate and so versatile.

You can traditionally serve it as a side dish delicacy, or a simple dessert. It’s naturally filling and sweet but not uncomfortably sugary.

It sits pleasantly after the savory main meal and abundantly satisfies any candied craving.

You can present it at any holiday party imaginable, or just on a cold, rainy night. Although Thanksgiving dinner is the most appropriate time of the year when this superb casserole is served the most.

Minerva Dairy Amish Butter undoubtedly makes this magnificent treat possible. I partnered with America’s oldest family-owned creamery once again to bring you an easy, yet fabulous recipe.

This butter is rich, creamy, and full of flavor because it has 85 present butterfat. It gives the casserole such a delicate and soft relish that is indescribable.

It melts in your mouth right after the first bite, and all of the munches that follow are left just as delicious as the initial one.

My family and I have been heartily enjoying fairly enough gourmet meals using Minerva Dairy Amish Butter.

Admirably, they have been in the business for 125 years, so you know they make phenomenal quality butter.

Minerva Dairy Amish Butter does slow-churned in small batches and they use only the freshest cream from pasture-raised cows on American family farms.

Furthermore, they provide many incredible flavors; unsalted, sea salt, garlic-herb, pumpkin spice, maple syrup, and smoked maple wood butter.

If you get inspired and make my Buttery Sweet Potato Casserole, please share it with me on Instagram by tagging me. @sandraseasycooking. Thank you in advance.

Yield: Serves 8

Buttery Sweet Potato Casserole

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Additional Time FOR SWEET POTATOES: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Easy, tasty and amazing side dish or a dessert recipe for Buttery Sweet Potato Casserole.

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Ingredients

• 4 pounds sweet potatoes, drained and mashed
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 5 tablespoon maple syrup
• 2 large egg
• 1/4 cup sea salt Minerva Dairy Amish Butter, room temp.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Dash salt

TOPPING:

• 1 cup coarsely crushed butter-flavored crackers (about 20 crackers)
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 cups regular marshmallows, optional

Instructions

Sweet Potato Prep:

1. Wash them.

The worst way to ruin a sweet potato casserole or a BBQ stuffed sweet potatoes is with a gritty texture. Scrub the skin lightly before preparing.

2. Line your baking sheet with foil, parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Sweet potatoes tend to get a little juicy while baking, so lining the baking sheet first ensures easy cleanup. Mess-free baking!

3. Poke holes!

The pricking technique is always used when baking regular or sweet potatoes—it reduces the baking time and ensures the potatoes won't burst. Use a fork to prick the potatoes all around.

4. Bake until tender.

How can you tell when they’re done? Stick a fork into the thickest part of the potato, if there’s no resistance and goes in almost smoothly, it’s done. For the casserole, scoop all the potato flash out and transfer into the large mixing bowl.

CASSEROLE:

1. Preheat oven to 375°.
2. In a large bowl, combine 7 casserole ingredients. Transfer to a baking casserole size dish (9×13-inch rectangular casserole pan, 8×8 or 9×9 square dishes; 9×13 also holds about 3 quarts of volume).
3. Combine topping casserole ingredients; sprinkle over sweet potato mixture. This is a personal preference, you may add marshmallows on top of the casserole topping mixture and press it slightly down; if you desire classic sweet potato casserole use it, however, without it just as tasty.
4. Bake, uncovered between 20-25 minutes. Serves warm!

Notes

You may use marshmallows or leave them out. You could make two smaller casseroles one with marshmallows and one without it to please everyone's palate.

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Sweet Pumpkin Porridge is one of those perfect comforting foods during cooler weather.

Ah, don’t you just love the smell of cooler weather approaching, beautiful Autumn scenery and comfort food?

Alright, perhaps we look forward to comforting holiday food more than anything else, but fall weather and scenery is up there, too?!

I just love going to mountains this time of year and breathing fresh air, enjoying gorgeous nature and looking at trees that look like man-made color placements.

To be honest, there is nothing more relaxing than enjoying a quiet time in nature. I worked so hard this year that I need one more short weekend getaway, preferably with my hubby only. Just two of us!

Well, to be honest, I’d miss my kids and kitties way too much. Needless to say, the weekend getaway does sound like a dream right now.

Let’s talk more about this tasty and sweet pumpkin porridge. It is a simply delightful comfort with every spoon you take.

I understand that it is not everyone’s cup of tea, nevertheless, it is so delicious and above all fulfilling as well as healthy.

Tap here for more tasty Fall Recipes

Since it is Pumpkin season I wanted to share pumpkin recipes and some of its health benefits.

• Pumpkins/squashes are not only delicious but like I said healthy; they relieve stress, they’re good for weight loss, good for eyes and skin, it boosts the immune system and helps the digestive system and yes, they could reduce risk of cancer. I believe it is in the category of super-foods! 

When I was growing up, rice porridge was usually offered to the kids. Which is not as flavorful.

However, it was mostly eaten when we felt sick and needed something light just to keep us going, and through the days of illness.

Any porridge is good for the digestive system because it’s light and texture is easy to digest.

Check out more Breakfast Ideas

I made a twist, a huge one on Korean traditional pumpkin porridge called Hobaak Jook (juk). I am not saying that Korean pumpkin porridge is not delicious, on the contrary, it is very comforting, especially if you like pumpkin.

First, instead of boiling, I roasted pumpkin. The best one for porridge or even soups is winter squash such as Butternut, Lakota, Kabocha, Buttercup squashes/pumpkins. My favorite is Kabocha, which I found in Trader Joe’s.

Pumpkin is naturally sweet, but the winter squash that I wrote above is just a little sweeter. I like to mix different pumpkins as it gives better and different levels of flavor.

Also instead of sugar, I used organic honey, and spices such as ground ginger, cinnamon and pumpkin spice which made a huge difference. With all the changes and twists you are increasing the flavor as well as health benefits. 

Comparing rice that you granulate yourself vs. sweet rice flour in pumpkin porridge, I like granulated rice because even though that coarse rice is cooked it still gives you little nuttiness.

You might also like:

• Pumpkin Pie Hummus
• Roasted Butternut Squash
• Beef and Vegetable Casserole 

If you make my Sweet Pumpkin Porridge, please tag me on Instagram. @sandraseasycooking with hashtags #sandraseasycooking. I would love to share your creations with everyone. Thank you so much in advance!

Yield: Serves 4

Sweet Pumpkin Porridge

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Additional Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Sweet Pumpkin Porridge is one of those perfect comforting foods during cooler weather

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Ingredients

• 3 lb pumpkin or winter squash (Salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, brown sugar - Few pinches on each slice)
• 1 cup Sweet Mochi Rice/Glutinous Rice (or Flour)/Water, enough to cover over the rice for soaking
• 1-1.5 cup water, for cooking
• 1/2 tsp. Salt
• 2 tsp. Pumpkin Spice
• Organic Honey, to taste /or other sweeteners
• Pumpkin seeds for garnish, or any nuts

Instructions

1. Wash the rice 3-4 times and soak in a big bowl for about an hour.
2. When the rice is soaked at least 1 hour (although, it's the best if you soak it for a couple of hours) place rice into a food processor with a bit of water and puree until it gets completely granulated. READ NOTES
3. Preheat oven on 400 degrees Fahrenheit. 
4. Pumpkin Prep: Slice the pumpkin into thicker slices (be careful), take out the seeds and reserve for later; Season pumpkin with few pinches of salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, and brown sugar to taste. Rub all over and place in baking pan. Roast until the pumpkin slices are tender, about 30-40 minutes. Once done, separate skin from the pumpkin flesh (be careful it could be still hot) and Puree in a food processor, and add a little bit of water so it's easier to puree. I ended up with little more than 2 cups of pumpkin puree. 
5. In a large pot add 1 cup of water and pumpkin puree. Stir until it bubbles, then start adding the rice puree, keep stirring and add pumpkin spice, salt, and honey. 
6. Stirring is very important because it can stick to the bottom of the pot very fast. Lower the heat on simmer, and slowly just stir for 5 minutes. Add more water when porridge becomes too thick, and cook for 20 more minutes on simmer. It's done when rice becomes smoother and cooked. Taste the porridge and add more sweetener to your taste preference. 
7. Garnish with roasted and peeled pumpkin seeds OR chopped nuts. Serve on room temperature. 

Notes

• You can skip the part of soaking the rice and instead use sweet Glutinous rice flour ..just make sure to mix it into a smooth texture (with water). You can find videos regarding this type of porridge. When you are using flour, it will be more smooth. I like the texture of granulated rice in porridge. You can also make it thick or thinner just by adjusting it with water. When you taste that rice is cooked take it off the stove and cover. It's all in the taste senses, so use them! 
• For pumpkin seeds, I wash them, dry with kitchen paper towels and then toss on the newspaper then outside to air dry completely. Preheat oven on 400F then put sea salt, I used actually sriracha salt and it was fantastic. Bake until they are toasted. However, if you going to garnish porridge with pumpkin seeds, of curse peel them. 
• For baby food, I would definitely either make rice cooked with adding more water or use flour because it gives you a smooth texture. If the baby is not at least year and a half please do not use honey, and add some other natural sweetener. Of course, you got to keep it a notch down because babies can't handle sweet like adults.

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This post is sponsored by RITZ Crackers. All opinions are entirely my own.

No-Bake Chocolate Almond Butter RITZ Bars are easy, tasty and fantastic to serve over the holiday season.

I have made this type of no-bake bar many times. What I love about this recipe is how versatile it is.

You can switch the nut butter you use, of course, to satisfy your taste buds, and use crushed pretzels instead of raw almonds.

It is all about creating your own tasty holiday RITZ bar and using your imagination to the fullest extent. 

I partnered with RITZ Crackers to create a recipe that would be excellent for the holidays. I realized that I have never posted this rather charming dessert that my family and friends surely love.

Since I have three teenagers, RITZ Crackers are always in my pantry. Thankfully we have family size crackers in stores these days, so it is like buying in bulk, which I favor.

To be honest, I really like it because I can create quick bites, pack them in my kid’s lunch box, add an addition for a charcuterie board, or make a dessert using RITZ Crackers.

These No-Bake Chocolate Almond Butter RITZ Bars are perfect for holiday entertaining. Not too sweet, swift to make, packed with great quality ingredients, and if I may add very delicious.

I urge all you, moms and dads, or grandparents to grab a box or two over the holiday season. Create mindful memories by making your own RITZ recipe with your beautiful kids and grandkids.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE TASTY DESSERTS

I have always included my children in preparing tasty meals and sweet treats, especially over the holidays.

There is nothing more special. It has become a sort of tradition in my household so we cannot wait until the season is here.

You can find RITZ Family Size and Large Snack Crackers such as Wheat Thins 16oz, Chicken in a Biskit 12 oz, Triscuit 12.5 oz, in-store at Walmart and via Walmart online grocery.

Rollback offer at Walmart Family Size RITZ crackers on Rollback for $2,98.

What a great way to save during the holiday season?!

Hey, if you make something tasty using RITZ Family Size Crackers and get inspired by my sweet treat please tag me on Instagram. @sandraseasycooking using hashtag #sandraseasycooking as well as #RITZCrackers

Recipes that you might like:

• Gluten-Free Banana Cocoa Muffins
• Strawberry Jello Summer Salad 
• Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
• Pumpkin spice cookies

Yield: 8 SERVINGS

No-Bake Chocolate Almond Butter Ritz Bars

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Chill Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

These tasty bars are incredibly easy and tasty sweet treats.

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Ingredients

• 5 oz (143g) RITZ Crackers, crushed
• 1/4 cup (45 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (113g) raw almonds, crush with a food processor
• 3 oz (60g) granulated sugar
• 6 oz (170g) almond butter
• Topping:

Topping

• 12-16 oz chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp almond butter

GARNISH:

• Shaved chocolate
• Almonds

Instructions

1. Using the back of the fork crush crackers then mix with melted butter.P
2. lace raw almond in the food processor or a blender and crush until you get grainy grounded almonds; add to the crushed crackers and butter mixture.
3. Add sugar and almond butter. Combine it well.
4. Line your baking down with wax paper or parchment paper. The best way is to brush the bottom and sides of the baking pan with butter or oil and line the paper over it so it sticks.
5. Now transfer the crust mixture to the baking pan.
6. Oil your hands and press the crust mixture evenly. Pack it very well to the bottom and a bit to the side.
7. Begin making the chocolate topping; Melt chocolate chips according to the product instructions. When the chocolate is completely melted mix in almond butter.
8. 7Spread evenly on top of the crust. I oil my took or a wider knife to spread it evenly and effectually.
9. Place in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Slice however you desire and enjoy!
10. You may garnish with shaved chocolate and almonds.
    

Notes

You may use peanut-butter if you wish.

Use crushed pretzels instead of the ground almonds in the crust.

You may use any type of chocolate as well as sweeteners that are zero sugar.

Also, you may drizzle some extra almond butter on the top and swirl it before refrigerating.

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