Lentil Minestrone Soup

Every now and then, I come across a soup recipe that reminds me of the way our grandmother cooked: simple ingredients, slow comfort, and a whole lot of heart stirred in. This one-pot Lentil Minestrone Soup fits right into our Southern recipe book. It’s the kind of soup you ladle into big bowls on a chilly evening, when you want something wholesome and made with the everyday staples you already have on hand. Nothing fancy here! It's just honest flavor, cozy warmth, and the kind of meal that makes you feel cared for from the inside out.

So grab your favorite cooking pot and get ready for week five of our January Soup Series. We're ladling up a big bowl of hearty, homestyle Lentil Minestrone Soup.

Lentil Minestrone Soup

1 medium onion, diced

2 carrots, diced

2 celery ribs, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

5 cups vegetable broth

2 cups water

28 oz can crushed tomatoes

1 cup dried lentils, sorted and rinsed

2 dried bay leaves

1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni

15 oz can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

1. Peel and dice onion and carrots. Finely chop celery. Peel garlic and mince. Set aside.
2. Heat a large pot to medium high heat with 2 Tbsp olive oil. Once oil is hot, add onion, carrots, and celery and sauté until vegetables are tender, approximately 7 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper and cook 1 additional minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add broth, water, and crushed tomatoes, then stir in dried lentils and bay leaves and bring mixture to a boil.
5. Once soup is boiling, reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 25 minutes.
6. Remove lid and increase heat to medium. Add uncooked pasta and cannellini beans and cook until pasta is tender, approximately 10 minutes. Remove bay leaves.
7. Stir in chopped fresh spinach to wilt before serving.

Notes:

Minestrone soup is a classic Italian dish that is versatile and hearty. This version adds lentils to increase the protein but still keeps with the traditional recipe. If you would like to add meat to the recipe, some good options might be: ground beef, meatballs, shredded chicken, Italian sausage, hamburger meat, or ground turkey.

Serve this soup with a crusty bread and garnish with your choice of parsley, red pepper flakes, or Parmesan cheese to add extra flavor.

And just like that, we’ve ladled up the final bowl in our five-part January Soup Series. Ending on this cozy Lentil Minestrone feels just right—simple, nourishing, and full of the kind of comfort that carries you through the season. I hope these recipes have brought a little extra warmth to your kitchen this month and maybe even inspired a few new favorites. Thanks for simmering along with us—here’s to many more pots of goodness in the months ahead.

Tuscan White Bean Soup

This Tuscan White Bean Soup is perfect for a cool day. It makes a hearty and yummy meal.  Serve with warm bread for the perfect pairing. The creaminess of this soup comes from blending part of the soup and then adding the blended content back to the remaining soup. No actual cream involved. So this one is not only delicious but also low in fat. It's loaded with veggies too, but blending it makes it easy to disguise that for the kiddos who are always turning their noses up to veggie loaded soups. And once they try it, they will be sold on it. All the veggies can be your little secret. 

As we roll into week four of our January Soup Series, we’re keeping things cozy, comforting, and family-friendly with bowls that warm you from the inside out. If you’ve been cooking along with us this month, this recipe is another delicious reminder that good soup has a way of turning ordinary days into something special.

Tuscan White Bean Soup

            3 15 oz cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

            1 yellow onion, finely chopped

            4 cloves garlic, minced

            2 Tbsp olive oil

            2 large carrots, peeled and chopped

            1 stalk celery, diced

            1/3 cup white wine (I use pinot grigio)

            2 cups chopped kale, finely chopped, stems removed

            3 - 4 cups vegetable broth

            1 Tbsp tomato paste

            1 tsp salt

            1/4 tsp black pepper

            1/4 tsp red pepper

            1/4 tsp Italian seasoning

            2 bay leaves

            1 tsp dried thyme

            1/2 tsp dried oregano

 

1. Sauté onion in a large pot with olive oil.
2. Once it starts to brown slightly, add garlic, celery and carrots.  Sauté an additional 10 minutes to allow veggies to soften and brown.  The browning adds to the flavor!  
3. Add white wine and sauté until most of the liquid evaporates, about 5 minutes. 
4. Add all remaining ingredients (except kale) and stir well. 
5. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low.  Simmer for 15 minutes. 
6. Discard bay leaves.  Then transfer 2 1/2 - 3 cups of soup to a blender.  Blend until smooth.
7. Transfer back to the pot and stir well to combine. 
8. Add in the kale and let simmer for a few minutes to allow kale to wilt. 
9. Taste and adjust flavors as desired.  
10. Serve warm; add a hearty bread to make the perfect meal.  Enjoy!

We hope this Tuscan White Bean Soup finds its way into your regular winter rotation and brings a little extra comfort to your table. A pot of soup simmering on the stove has a way of filling the house with warmth and calling everyone to gather close and sit a spell. Thank you for cooking along with us during our January Soup Series, and be sure to come back next week as we wrap things up with our final soup recipe. We can’t wait to share one more bowl of hearty soup with you.

Baked Potato Soup

Some suppers just feel like home, and a pot of Baked Potato Soup simmering on the stove is one of them. There’s nothing fancy about it, just good, simple comfort food. Creamy potatoes, a little butter, a touch of milk, and all the fixin’s that make it taste like love in a bowl.

This is the kind of soup that’ll chase off the chill and bring everyone running to the kitchen. It’s hearty enough for a meal, easy enough for a weeknight, and somehow still feels special every single time. So grab your favorite ladle and cozy up. Week three of our January Soup Series is serving up pure Southern comfort with this rich, creamy Baked Potato Soup.

Baked Potato Soup

5 large Russet potatoes

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup flour

6 cups milk

3/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

4 green onions, chopped and divided

1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

8 oz sour cream

1. Wash, prick, and bake potatoes for 1 hour at 400 degrees F, or until done.
2. Let cool completely. Cut in half lengthwise and scoop out pulp in chunks and set aside. Discard skins.
3. Melt butter in a large pot over low heat. Add flour and cook until smooth, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for additional 1 minute.
4. Gradually add milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture is thickened and bubbly.
5. Add potato pulp, salt, pepper, 2 green onions, and 1 cup of cheese. Cook until thoroughly heated  through and cheese is melted. If potato chunks are larger than you would like, use a potato masher to mash them to desired size now.
6. Stir in sour cream, stirring until melted.
7. Garnish with remaining green onions and shredded cheese.

Notes:

This recipe is easy to double, and makes a budget-friendly meal.

The soup will thicken as it cools.

Our family enjoys this as a vegetarian recipe, but you can garnish with bacon bits, if desired.

Whether you’re sharing this Baked Potato Soup around the family table or tucking into a bowl after a long day, we hope this recipe brings a little warmth to your week. Be sure to stop back by next week as our January Soup Series continues with another delicious recipe to keep those winter nights extra cozy.

Creamy Mushroom and Rice Soup

Winter is still in full swing, and what better way to chase away the chill than with a warm, hearty bowl of soup? Our January Soup Series continues this week with another comforting recipe that’s perfect for slow nights, cozy kitchens, and full hearts. This Creamy Mushroom and Rice Soup is one of those simple recipes that fills the kitchen with the delicious smell homemade soup and reminds us of suppers shared around Mama and Daddy’s old wooden table - can't beat that feeling!

Hearty but not heavy, it’s the kind of soup that feels like a hug after a long day. It's rich with tender mushrooms, perfectly cooked rice, and just enough creaminess to make every spoonful satisfying. Whether you serve it as a cozy weeknight dinner or as part of a weekend gathering with friends, this dish brings that old-fashioned comfort we all long for.

Ready to bring a little of that comfort to your own kitchen? You don’t need anything fancy, just a few pantry staples, a handful of mushrooms, and a little time to let everything simmer low and slow. 

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make our favorite Mushroom and Rice Soup, the perfect cozy companion for chilly winter evenings.

Creamy Mushroom & Rice Soup

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 lb mushrooms of your choice, sliced

1 cup celery, chopped

1 cup carrots, chopped

1 medium shallot, chopped

1/4 cup all purpose flour

salt and pepper, to taste

1/3 cup white wine

1 tsp dried thyme

4 cups vegetable broth

1 cup instant or quick-cooking rice

3/4 cup sour cream

2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add mushrooms, celery, carrots, and shallot. Cook, stirring often, until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Stir in flour, salt, pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Add white wine and thyme. Increase heat to medium high and cook another 2 minutes.
5. Add vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Add rice and reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until rice is tender (about 5-7 minutes, checking that rice is done before proceeding to next step).
6. Stir in sour cream and parsley until incorporated.

Notes: 

Use whatever mushrooms are your favorite for this recipe or whatever ones are on sale at your grocery store when you plan to make it. I have used a mix of mushrooms in this recipe before, and I find that often makes for the best flavor.

If you want to use non-instant rice, cook 1 cup according to package directions and stir it into soup along with sour cream and parsley.

As written, the recipe serves 4, but I often double or triple this recipe and make a big batch at once.

There’s just something special about recipes like this, the kind that fill your home with warmth and remind you to slow down and savor the simple things. Whether you’re enjoying it on a quiet evening or sharing it with loved ones around the table, this Creamy Mushroom and Rice Soup is a little taste of comfort in every bite.

If you make it, we’d love to hear how it turns out! Leave us a comment, share a photo, or tag us on social media because just like a good soup, joy is always better when it’s shared.

And don’t forget to stop by next week when we’ll be sharing another soup recipe to keep you warm and cozy all month long. 

Black-Eyed Peas and Collard Green Soup

January will be here tomorrow and that just calls for a big pot simmering on the stove. After all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, The Harris Sisters love nothing more than slowing down, cozying up, and letting the comforting smell of homemade soup fill the kitchen. This year, we’re starting a little tradition of our own: sharing one favorite soup recipe each week throughout January. Think of it as our way of bringing a little warmth (and a whole lot of flavor) to these chilly winter days.

We’re kicking things off with a Southern classic that’s close to our hearts Black-Eyed Peas and Collard Greens served up as soup! Around here, black-eyed peas and collards are more than just ingredients; they’re symbols of luck, prosperity, and good health and that makes them the perfect way to start a brand-new year. This soup has all the cozy, savory goodness of the traditional New Year’s Day meal, just in a bowl that’ll warm you from the inside out.

So grab your favorite pot, pull out those soup bowls, and join us each week as we share more recipes made for gathering, sharing, and savoring. Here’s to good food, good luck, and plenty of cozy moments all month long.

Black-Eyed Peas and Collard Green Soup

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

8 cloves garlic, minced

8 cups vegetable broth

2 15 oz. cans black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained

2 15 oz. cans navy beans, rinsed and drained

2 15 oz. cans unseasoned collard greens, undrained

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 tsp Lawry's seasoned salt

1 tsp Cajun seasoning

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp Liquid Smoke

1 Tbsp hot sauce

8 oz. dry ditalini pasta

1. Add olive oil, celery, carrots, and onions to a stockpot on the stove over medium-low heat and cook until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Add the garlic, cook, and stir one more minute.
2. Add broth, tomatoes, beans, collard greens, and spices and stir together.
3. Bring mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Let simmer, covered for an hour to allow flavors to develop and mingle. 
4. Cook ditalini pasta according to package directions and add cooked pasta to soup the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Notes:

Can substitute 1 cup of rice instead of pasta. Cook according to package directions and add in final step.

If you would like to add meat to this recipe, you can add 1 pound of andouille sausage, sliced and cut into pieces. Cook with vegetables in step 1 until sausage has browned before proceeding to step 2.

If you have young kiddos, this is a fun soup to serve around Halloween and call it Swamp Soup!

So whether you’re hoping for a little extra luck in the new year or just craving something hearty to warm you up, this soup’s got you covered. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like home with its simple ingredients, slow-simmered flavor, and plenty of love in every spoonful. So grab your apron, turn up some good music, and let’s get cooking. There’s a bowl of comfort waiting at the end of this pot!

And don’t forget to tune in next week because we’ll be sharing another soup to keep you cozy all month long. Trust us, you won’t want to miss it!

Kris Kringle Cookies

'Tis the season.  And if you haven't started your holiday baking yet, there's no time like the present.  This simple cookie recipe screams Christmas to me - cranberries and white chocolate - what's not to love?  I've been making this one for years and it's always a crowd pleaser!

Kris Kringle Cookies

            3/4 cup unsalted butter, brought to room temperature

            3/4 cup packed brown sugar

            1/4 cup granulated sugar

            1 large egg, at room temperature

            2 tsp pure vanilla extract

            2 cups all purpose flour

            2 tsp cornstarch

            1 tsp baking soda

            1/2 tsp salt

            3/4 cup white chocolate chips

            1 cup dried cranberries

             

1. In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar on medium speed until combined and creamy. (about 3 minutes) 
2. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.  Beat again, as needed, to combine. 
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, cornstarch, baking soda and salt together. On low speed, slowly mix into the wet ingredients until combined. 
4. Cover tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling helps to ensure that your cookies don't overspread in the oven. Dough can be chilled for up to 4 days. 
5. Remove chilled cookie dough from the refrigerator.  If the dough chilled for longer than 3-4 hours, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to make the dough easier to scoop and roll. 
6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. 
7. As the oven preheats, scoop and roll dough into balls (about 1.5 Tbsp of dough each)  Dough may be slightly crumbly but will come together as you work it with your hands.  Arrange dough balls 3 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. 
8. Bake for 11- 12 minutes.  Cookies should be slightly browned around the edges.  The centers will still look soft. 
9. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. 
10. Cookies will stay fresh covered for up to one week (but they probably won't last that long!)

These cookies make a perfect compliment to all of the chocolate treats you typically bake around the holidays, so make sure to give this one a try!

Whether you’re baking for a holiday cookie swap, filling treat tins for friends and neighbors, or just enjoying an afternoon of goodie baking, these Cranberry and White Chocolate Chip (Kris Kringle) Cookies are sure to become a Christmas favorite you’ll reach for year after year. And here are a few other Harris Sisters favorites you’ll want to try next when you need to impress with a new recipe:

• No Bake Cookies (PLUS the secret to getting them to turn out perfectly every time!)
• Betty Crockers Old-Fashioned Thumbprint Cookies
• Molasses Ginger Cookies with Lemon Icing
• Old-Fashioned Butter Cookies with Sprinkles
• Russian Tea Cakes
• Chewy Triple Chocolate Cookies

How to Plan a Country Christmas Party

The Harris Family is kicking off this year's holiday season with a simple Christmas party idea that's easy to put together in no time flat. Over the year's we've brought you favorite Christmas party themes like Retro 1950s, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, and a Christmas Ball.

But this year, we decided to bring you a down-home Country Christmas, which couldn't be easier to do! Here are all the details you need to get started:

Country Christmas Party

Start with an invitation that matches your Country Christmas theme. Because people's calendars tend to fill up around the holidays, make sure to send your invitations well in advance of your party date. If you'd like for guests to come dressed a certain way, add that to the invitations. (That will add to the fun of the party!) We chose to all dress in plaid (boots optional). Where can you find country-themed invitations? Check out Etsy or Amazon for your best options.

Country Christmas Party Menu

You'll have lots of fun planning a menu for this party. We opted to serve foods and drinks that are associated with being from the country. Can these foods be found in other places too? I'm sure they can, but when you're from the South, you tend to associate them with "country" food. If you have guests coming from different areas, ask them to sign up for a food item to build your menu.

Here's the menu we used for our Country Christmas Party:

• Mini Chicken and Waffle Appetizers
• Fried Pickles
• Mac & Cheese Bites
• Ham Biscuits
• Veggie Tray served with Pimento Cheese
• Deviled Eggs
• Cowboy Caviar and Tortilla Chips
• Punch
• Sweet Tea
• Lemonade

How to Decorate for a Country Christmas Party

We used two red buffalo plaid scarves to make a runner for the table. And we chose paper plates, napkins, and serving pieces that were red plaid.

Daddy was the proud recipient of our centerpiece, which was an old, white truck that we customized with front and back license plates so that it looked more like his beloved Pretty Boy.

What Music to Play at My Country Christmas Themed Party

Before your Country themed Christmas party, make sure to have Deanna's Country Christmas Playlist queued up in time for the party. And don't forget the classic stylings of Kenny & Dolly Once Upon a Christmas to round out your playlist.

What Gifts Can I Give at My Country Christmas Party?

This year, we changed it up quite a bit. In addition to giving Daddy our special Pretty Boy centerpiece at the end of the party, we also played a few games for the opportunity to win prizes. If you have a bunch of kids and teenagers in your group, you might want to consider this route too. These games are great ideas instead of buying everyone on your list a present. 

First up, we played a version of the Bow Spinner Game. You can watch directions for how to play here:

The only thing that we did differently, as you can see in our setup below is that we used buckets instead of Solo cups, which allowed us to put larger prizes underneath. Because each had a larger prize, we omitted the Golden Box that was attached to the golden bow.

Emma was the proud winner of an inflatable chicken costume and she loved it!

The next game we played was the Dollar Bill Game. Perfect for large groups, the Dollar Bill Game is a fast-paced holiday party game where guests pass dollar bills around a circle until one lucky player wins the whole kitty at the end. And guess who was our big winner from that game? Emma again!

I hope we've inspired you to plan your own party with a new and fun theme this year.

The Harris Sisters (and our BIG family) send you warmest holiday wishes and hopes for a very Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

This post contains affiliate links.

How to Play the Dollar Bill Party Game

Last Christmas, we discovered a new favorite way to bring a little extra laughter and excitement to our holiday party: a simple, fun game using just three dollar bills per person! Perfect for large groups, this game had everyone laughing and getting into the festive spirit, no matter their age. It was easy to set up, quick to play, and soon became the highlight of the party. If you’re looking for a playful activity to create memories with your guests, keep reading, We’re sharing step-by-step instructions so you can try this Dollar Bill Game at your own Christmas gathering!

Dollar Bill Game (Left, Right, Center Game)

3 dice

3 dollar bills per person playing

1. Each player starts with three $1 bills. 

2. Roll one die to see who starts the game. Highest roll begins the game.

3. Starting with Player 1 and taking turns clockwise, each player rolls the same number of dice as they have dollars in front of them. For example, if you have two dollars in front of you and one in the kitty, you roll two dice. If you do not have any dollars in front of you, you forfeit your turn that round. 

Perform the action corresponding to the number on each die rolled:

1 - keep one dollar.

2 - keep one dollar.

3 - keep one dollar.

4 - pass one dollar to the player on your left.

5 - place one dollar in the center of the table (in the kitty).

6 - pass one dollar to the player on your right.

For example, if you have two dollars in front of you and you roll a 3 and a 4, you keep one dollar and pass one to the player on your left, leaving you with one dollar.

Once a dollar is passed to the center of the table (the kitty), it stays in the kitty. But once a dollar is passed to another player, you have a chance to win it back the next round, based on how other players roll their dice! 

4. Continue taking turns until only one person is left with any dollar bills. They win the whole kitty from the center of the table!

 

Notes:

Make sure to specify that each player needs three $1 bills. Our family misunderstood this, and we brought $12 in the form of a $10 bill and two $1s and then had to quickly make change!

You might want to have some extra $1 bills on hand to make change for folks just in case.

If playing with children, make sure they are old enough to understand that because it is a game of chance, only one person can win. This is a good opportunity to talk ahead of time about good sportsmanship, how to be excited for the winner, and to congratulate them when they win.

You can also play this game with quarters or candy if you want to lower the stakes.

This is a fun game for a group of people. One minute you might be out of dollar bills, but suddenly you find yourself winning again because of how everybody else rolled. We had all kinds of "special rolls," cheering, "Are you kidding me's?", "Big money, No whammies!", whooping and hollering, that's for sure!

We hope this Dollar Bill Game adds just as much fun and laughter to your holiday celebrations as it did to ours! It’s one of those simple, easy-to-set-up activities that can bring a big group of people together and create memories that last long after the party ends. So grab three bucks, gather your friends and family, and let the festivities and the giggles begin!

25 Vintage Holiday Recipes Straight from Grandma’s Cookbook

There’s just something special about those old-fashioned holiday recipes that have been passed down through generations, the ones written inside the pages of Grandma’s favorite cookbook in her own handwriting. This Vintage Holiday Recipe Roundup celebrates those timeless classics that bring warmth and nostalgia to every Christmas table. 

The holiday season is packed full of nostalgia. Here’s a list of The Harris Sisters favorite vintage recipes to help keep some of those old-fashioned holiday traditions alive. If you’re planning a Retro-Themed Christmas Party, make sure to add some of these Christmas goodies to the menu. Others on the list are sure to please at your next holiday gathering. So dust off your mixing bowls and get ready to bring a little vintage magic back to your kitchen this season.

Appetizers & Snacks

Every great holiday gathering starts with something to nibble on, and these vintage appetizers and snacks are just the thing to get the party started. From cheese balls rolled in chopped pecans to crispy sausage balls, these recipes are just like Grandma used to make.

Classic Cheeseball Recipe

Chex Mix

Swiss & Gruyere Fondue

Classic Cheese Ball

Cucumber Finger Sandwiches

Stuffed Mushrooms

Sausage Balls

Beverages

Whether you’re serving up a cozy cup of holiday wassail or a festive punch bowl brimming with cheer, these nostalgic beverages are sure to warm hearts and hands alike. Each sip feels like a taste of Christmas past, perfect for gathering around the fire or toasting with family and friends.

Champagne Punch

Champagne Punch

Non-Alcoholic Party Punch

Holiday Wassail

Non-Alcoholic Holiday Wassail

Homemade Eggnog

Side Dishes

The secret to a memorable holiday feast is in the sides, and these vintage favorites are true comfort food classics. From delicious cornbread and creamy sweet potatoes to cranberry sauce and savory stuffing, these side dishes bring warmth, tradition, and a touch of home to every holiday table.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Grandma’s Bread Stuffing

Sweet Potato Casserole

Cranberry Sauce

Old-Fashioned Cornbread

Desserts

No holiday meal is complete without a few sweet treats, and Grandma’s dessert recipes never disappoint. Think buttery cookies decorated with sprinkles, custard pies, and old-fashioned cakes that make the whole house smell like Christmas. These desserts are pure nostalgia, simple, homemade, and made with love.

Grandma Elizabeth's Coconut Custard Pie

Grandma Elizabeth’s Cobbler

Peanut Butter Balls

Grandma Elizabeth’s Coconut Custard Pie

Grandma Elizabeth’s Applesauce Cake

Coconut Cake

Grandma Elizabeth’s Magic Fruit Cake

No Bake Choc Oat Cookies

Old-Fashioned Thumbprint Cookies

Grandma Elizabeth’s Oatmeal Cake

Butter Cookies with Sprinkles

Jello Mold

Orange Balls

There’s a reason Grandma’s recipes never go out of style. They’re made with simple ingredients, a little patience, and a whole lot of love. As you stir, bake, and taste your way through these vintage holiday favorites, we hope they bring back sweet memories and help you create new ones around your own table. After all, the best part of any recipe isn’t just the flavor, it’s the traditions that get passed along with every bite.

Sweet Potato Pie

Today we're bringing you a holiday favorite just in time for Thanksgiving. This dairy-free version of sweet potato pie is rich, comforting, and perfectly spiced. It's sweet enough to satisfy your holiday cravings but balanced with just the right touch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or a table full of guests, this classic Southern dessert is sure to become a cherished part of your Thanksgiving traditions.

Sweet Potato Pie

1 pound sweet potatoes

1/2 cup butter (dairy free)

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup canned coconut milk

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

pinch salt

1, 9-inch unbaked pie crust

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
2. Prick the sweet potatoes several times and place them on your prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are very tender.
4. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F.
5. When the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them open and scoop all of the flesh into a mixing bowl.
6. Add the butter and beat with a hand mixer until smooth. Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, coconut milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Beat with the hand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth.
7. Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust.
8. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center of the pie comes out clean. The pie will puff up a bit like a souffle and sink a bit as it cools.
9. Let the pie cool completely at room temperature (about 2 hours). Then refrigerate until set, at least 2 hours or overnight.

Notes:

If you prefer more spice, you can add 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger and 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves when adding the spices in step 6.

I use the No Roll Press in the Pan Pie Crust paired with this pie filling.

Try to get a cutie-patootie like my youngest son Jaxon to help you make your Thanksgiving pies! Shown here are other Harris Sisters' favorites left to right: Grandma Elizabeth's Coconut Custard Pie, Sweet Potato Pie (this recipe), and Tarheel Pie.

Once your sweet potato pie is out of the oven, you’ll know why this dessert has been a Thanksgiving favorite for generations. This dairy-free version is just as creamy and flavorful as the classic, so everyone at the table can enjoy a slice without missing a thing. Serve it warm or chilled, either way, it’s pure comfort in every bite. As you gather around the table this holiday season, let this pie be a reminder of the simple joys of baking, sharing, and making memories with the people you love most.

Are you a sweet potato super-fan? Give these other Harris Sisters' favorites a try for Thanksgiving:

• Sweet Potato Pecan Bread
• Sweet Potato Casserole

2025: Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Clueless

As if! Can you believe it’s been 30 years since Clueless hit theaters and made plaid skirts, knee-high socks, and cell phones the ultimate accessories? To celebrate the 30th anniversary of this totally iconic ‘90s classic, we decided to go full-on throwback and channel our inner Cher, Dionne, and Tai for Halloween this year.

From the Beverly Hills hallways to the Halloween party scene, these three besties gave us friendship goals, unforgettable fashion, and phrases that defined a decade. (“Whatever.” “Ugh, I’m totally buggin’!”) So grab your fuzzy pens and crank up some TLC, because we’re about to show you how to recreate these way popular looks that are equal parts nostalgic and fabulous.

Cher Horowitz

The queen bee of Beverly Hills High, Cher is all about confidence, coordination, and couture. With her perfectly matched plaid sets, knee-high socks, and that enviable rotating closet, she defined ‘90s fashion goals before social media was even a thing. Channeling Cher means embracing her big heart, her bossy-but-sweet energy, and her belief that a little kindness (and a lot of style) can fix almost anything. Totally fabulous, right?

Dionne Davenport

Dionne is the ultimate trendsetter and Cher’s equally stylish bestie. With her bold prints,  dramatic hats, and unapologetic attitude, Dionne proves that confidence is the best accessory. She’s smart, sassy, and never afraid to speak her mind because being fashionable doesn’t mean you can’t also be fierce. Dressing as Dionne is all about daring to stand out and owning every inch of your look. Whatever!

Tai Frasier

Sweet, spunky Tai may have started as the new girl, but she quickly became one of the crew and one of the most memorable characters of the ‘90s. With her playful personality and carefree vibe, Tai reminds us that true confidence comes from being yourself (even if you’re a little “clueless” at first). Whether you go full makeover mode in plaid or keep her early skater-girl style, Tai’s charm never goes out of fashion. She’s totally adorable, don’t you think?

Clueless Group Costume

When it comes to best friends, Cher, Dionne, and Tai are the ultimate trio. They taught us about friendship, makeovers, and the power of good advice (even when it’s not asked for). Together, they’re a perfect Halloween costume idea for sisters or besties who want to turn heads, have fun, and relive all the plaid-clad, ‘90s nostalgia. Because 30 years later, one thing’s still true: these girls are way popular.

Happy Halloween from the Harris Sisters!

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The Best Halloween Treats and Recipes in One Roundup

Growing up, Halloween wasn’t just about the candy. To us, it was about making your own homemade costumes from what you could find around the house, wearing your costume to school for a full day of celebration, and the occasional Raisin Creme Pie plunked into the bottom of your goodie bag on Halloween night.

While Halloween celebrations may have grown bigger, that just means more reasons to whip up tasty treats and celebrate. So The Harris Sisters are stirring up a little magic in the kitchen.

This year, we’ve pulled together some of our favorite Halloween-inspired recipes from past posts that our readers loved most. Think of it as our own little recipe spell book that's full of comforting flavors, nostalgic bites, and a touch of whimsy that’ll take you back to the good old days while keeping things fun for today’s celebrations.

Whether you’re planning a party spread, packing up treats for the kiddos, or just looking to indulge in a cozy night at home, this roundup is full of inspiration. Click through the links, revisit some of our tried-and-true favorites, and maybe discover a new tradition to add to your Halloween lineup.

Spooky Sweets 

Let's start out with the real star of Halloween - the sugary sweets! Sure to impress, these cakes, cookies, and bars will fly off your party table like a witch into the night.

Halloween Butter Cookies with Sprinkles

Halloween M&M Cookie Bars - These chewy cookie bars are the best and they're so festive with Halloween colored M&Ms.

Halloween Butter Cookies with Sprinkles - This vintage butter cookie recipe can be made for any holiday but when you add Halloween cookie cutters and sprinkles, they come out awfully cute for spooky season.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Cake - This decadent dessert is a real showstopper and you can decorate it with Reese's Pieces or Halloween M&Ms for a Halloween party.

Oreo Dirt Cake - Make this recipe into a graveyard by preparing it in a larger baking dish with decorated cookies, gummy worms, and pumpkin candy!

Pumpkin Bread - One of our most visited recipes, this pumpkin bread does not disappoint and has all the flavors of the fall season.

Pumpkin White Chocolate Chip Cookies - This recipe is perfect for all you folks out there who love pumpkin spice flavor this time of year.

Pumpkin Crunch Cake - Another favorite for pumpkin lovers!

Earthquake Cake - The perfect black and white cake for a disaster-themed party.

Haunting Hors D'oeuvres

Add a pop of pumpkin orange magic to your party table with these appetizers and dips. They're the  perfect color for the Halloween season!

Pimento Cheese Pinwheels

Buffalo Chicken Dip - A fan favorite, this spicy chicken dip comes together in no time flat. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips. (And don't forget that sometimes you can find ghost shaped tortilla chips near Halloween!)

Pineapple Marmalade Brie - The pineapple marmalade gives this appetizer its orange hue for Halloween parties. If you're feeling really fancy, cut the puff pastry dough in strips and wrap the brie like a mummy before you bake it. Add some olives or small pieces of red peppers from your canape tray for eyes if you're feeling fancy!

Classic Cheese Ball - This vintage recipe is straight from our Aunt Gladys' kitchen, so you know it's a winner. We usually make it at Christmas, but the orange color is perfect for Halloween parties too.

Queso Dip - This queso is a healthier version, using real cheese and evaporated milk. It's just as easy to make as the Velveeta kind so give this one a try.

Baked Pimento Cheese Pinwheels - These cute little pimento cheese pinwheel sandwiches won't last long on your party table. Made with homemade pimento cheese and baked to perfection, they're sure to please!

Pineapple Habanero Pepper Jelly - Serve this orange pepper jelly as an appetizer with cream cheese on crackers or alongside your appetizer cheese tray as a complement to Havarti, gouda, fontina, or goat cheese.

Bewitching Beverages

What's brewing in your cauldron? Whip up some of these magic potions for your Halloween party. 

Halloween Witch's Brew

Crockpot Witch's Brew - This recipe makes an entire cauldron (crockpot) of spiced apple cider, so it's perfect to serve up at your next Halloween party.

Non-Alcoholic Party Punch - This vintage punch recipe is a fan-favorite and is perfect for Halloween parties if you make it purple or orange!

Happy Hallo-WINE! - Which Halloween candy pairs better with a Moscato? Which pairs better with a Cabernet? We've tasted 5 wines with 11 types of candy for you and provided our thoughts on the pairings so that you have all the details!

As we wrap up this little collection of recipes, it’s hard not to notice how much Halloween has grown since the good old days. What used to be an evening of trick-or-treating and a few homemade goodies has turned into full-blown celebrations, complete with over-the-top decorations, themed parties, and enough candy to fill a cauldron. 

But no matter how elaborate the holiday has become, the heart of it is still the same: gathering with the people you love, making memories, and sharing a few sweet treats along the way. We hope these recipes bring a touch of nostalgia to your kitchen while adding a little extra sparkle to your celebrations this year.