the Imperfectly Happy home

Recipes

How to Use Thanksgiving Leftovers

by Leave a Comment

How to use Thanksgiving leftovers without hating turkey. So the big day is fast approaching us, are you ready? If you are still looking for amazing Thanksgiving recipes then make sure to check out my How to Make a Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey with more than 50 recipes for sides, salads, desserts and more! Or if you really want to switch things up check out 25 Amazing Instant Pot Recipes for Thanksgiving!

But today is all about how to use Thanksgiving leftovers…my favorite part of the meal.

how to use thanksgiving leftovers

I love Thanksgiving leftovers; maybe everything tastes better because I haven’t been up cooking since 4:00 am! There are so many things you can do with your turkey, stuffing (dressing), sides and veggies. Our absolute favorite recipe is one we call the Sunrise Sammie. It is based on a sandwich we had in Tucson, AZ at Baggins Gourmet Sandwiches. I think we ended up calling it the Sunrise Sammie because we ate it for breakfast the next day. You’ll find the recipe for that delicious Thanksgiving leftover below, along with many more amazing ways to use your Thanksgiving leftovers.

How to Use Thanksgiving Leftovers

Ok before you even make your Thanksgiving turkey this year make plans to use the carcass to make a nourishing bone broth. Great for recipes and for your general health. You can make it right in your crock pot, Instant Pot or stock pot. Nothing need go to waste!

Bone Broth 3 Homemade Ways to Make It - Use your stock pot, crock pot or Instant Pot!
Print

Simple Turkey Bone Broth Recipe 3 Ways to Make

Ingredients

  • 1 Turkey Carcass best if it is a pastured bird
  • 2 Turkey Feet if Available optional
  • Giblets if you still have them.
  • 1 Large Yellow or White Onion quartered
  • 2 Medium Carrots chopped
  • 1 - 2 Whole Celery Stalks with leaves
  • 5 Cloves of Garlic smashed
  • 1 Bunch Cilantro or Parsley
  • 2 - 3 Tablespoons Organic Apple Cider Vinegar I prefer the kind with a mother.
  • 2 Teaspoons of Sea Salt
  • 1 Tablespoon of Whole Black Peppercorn
  • 1 Whole Bay Leaf
  • Filtered Water

Instructions

Stock Pot Directions

  1. Add all of your ingredients, except water, into your stock pot.
  2. Pour the filtered water over everything until it is completely covered.
  3. Bring the ingredients to a low boil and then put the burner to low to low medium.
  4. Cover and let it slowly simmer for 24 – 48 hours.
  5. You’ll need to keep an eye on it. You don’t want it boiling but you don’t want it so low it isn’t cooking either.
  6. Don’t be afraid to give it a stir a few times.
  7. When it is done spoon off any foam on the top.
  8. Then stain out turkey meat, bones, veggies, etc. Keep the meat but discard the rest.
  9. You may want to do a 2nd strain with a cheese cloth to get out the really tiny bits.

Crock Pot Directions

  1. Add all of your ingredients, except water, into your slow cooker.
  2. Pour the filtered water over everything until it is completely covered.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 24 – 36 hours
  4. Sometimes I find I need to add a little water if I want to cook it a full 48 hours. Just watch it.
  5. I try not to take the lid off during cooking.
  6. When it is done spoon off any foam on the top.
  7. Then stain out turkey meat, bones, veggies, etc. Keep the meat but discard the rest.

Instant Pot Directions

  1. Add all of your ingredients, except water, into your Instant Pot. You may not be able to get all the turkey bones in without breaking them down a bit.
  2. Pour the filtered water over everything until it is completely covered. But make sure you stay under the max fill line.
  3. Choose the Soup button and Low pressure.
  4. Now set the time to 120 minutes.
  5. It will take some time to come up to pressure. After it is done cooking, let it naturally release, don’t touch that vent!
  6. The Instant Pot will keep everything warm so if you’re not home when it’s done, that’s ok.
  7. I usually do not have any foam when I do this method, but if you do, spoon it off.
  8. Then stain out turkey meat, bones, veggies, etc. Keep the meat but discard the rest.

Recipe Notes

Wait for your broth to cool a bit before transferring it to clean glass mason jars, or they can break. Your bone broth will stay good in the refrigerator for about 3 days or freeze it and defrost as needed. It will stay good in the freezer for months (be sure you don’t fill the jars all the way up!).

As a note, I do not skim the fat off of my broth – it adds wonderful flavor!

 

 

Print

The Perfect Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich (Sunrise Sammie)

Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1

Ingredients

  • 2 Slices of thick bread or a fat roll
  • 1 - 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise - less or more to your taste
  • 3 - 5 oz of leftover Thanksgiving turkey
  • 1/2 cup of leftover Thanksgiving stuffing dressing
  • 2 - 4 heaping tablespoons of leftover Thanksgiving cranberry sauce

Instructions

  1. Spread your mayonnaise on your bread or roll.
  2. Lay your turkey meat on one side of the bread.
  3. Top the turkey meat with your stuffing or dressing.
  4. Now spread the cranberry sauce on top of the dressing.
  5. Put the other slice of bread on top and you're ready to dig in!

Recipe Notes

Sometimes we toast the bread before making the sandwich, which helps it stand up to all the sammie ingredients.

Now that’s just two ways you can use Thanksgiving leftovers. But I asked some friends to send me their favorite ideas on how to use Thanksgiving leftovers and I got some amazing recipes to share with you.

How to Use Thanksgiving Leftovers – Recipes Galore! Super Easy, All Natural, Macaroni and Cheese

Savory Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes

Sweet Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes

How to Make Yummy Soft Snickerdoodle Recipe

by 2 Comments

Something about fall makes me want to bake more. And nothing says fall and the start to the holidays like Grandma’s yummy soft Snickerdoodle recipe. Crisp cookies are ok but if I am going to make holiday cookies I prefer them soft and chewy. This is hands down the best soft snickerdoodle recipe you’ll ever try; if I do say so myself. I highly recommend enjoying a few with a mug of tea (British style with cream).

As I type this I can already smell that spicy goodness rising up from the kitchen as the perfect chewy and soft Snickerdoodles bake to perfection…

Soft Snickerdoodle Recipe

How to Make Yummy Soft Snickerdoodle Recipe

History of the Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe

It is said that the Snickerdoodle recipe originated from a German recipe. Interestingly Snickerdoodles are really only popular in the United States and Canada; they are pretty much unknown everywhere else (or maybe known by another name). The simple flavors of the Snickerdoodle is so famous that you can find other products that claim to taste like a Snickerdoodle; everything from coffee, teas and coffee creamers to ice creams and snacks. But nothing beats the real deal like s soft and chewy Snickerdoodle.

Most of the Snickerdoodles I find are thinner and crispy, which are not bad. But this is a Soft Snickerdoodle Recipe that will have a chewy texture. You’ll also note that I use salted butter; I know many think this is a no-no in the baking world but it has always worked for me. If you prefer to use un-salted butter you’ll need to add about a 1/2 teaspoon of salt into your dough with the dry ingredients.

You can make the dough ahead of time, roll into balls and roll in the coating. Freeze them separately (so they don’t stick together) first, then put them in an air-tight container for up to 3 months in the freezer. Make sure you fully defrost them in the fridge, again not touching, before trying to bake them.

Soft Snickerdoodle Recipe
Print

Yummy Chewy & Soft Snickerdoodle Recipe

Ingredients

For the Cookies

  • 3 level cups All purpose flour
  • 1 tsp Baking soda
  • 1/2 cup Brown sugar slightly packed
  • 2 tsp Cinnamon Ground
  • 2 tsp Cream of tartar
  • 1 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
  • 2 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract Pure
  • 1 Egg large
  • 1 Egg yolk large
  • 1 cup Butter Salted

For the Coating

  • 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1.5 teaspoons of cinnamon

Instructions

  1. In mixing bowl combine the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and cinnamon. Set that aside while you mix the wet ingredients.
  2. In a large mixing bowl combine the softened butter, granulated sugar and the brown sugar with an electric mixer. This should take about 1 - 2 minutes.
  3. Now add your egg, egg yolk and vanilla extract to the wet mixture; combine, making sure to scrape the sides of the bowl to get everything well incorporated.
  4. Add the dry ingredients into your wet ingredients and mix until combined. Cover and place in your refrigerator for about an hour (no less than 30 minutes!).
  5. After the dough has chilled for 1 hour pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees F and prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper.
  6. Mix your coating ingredients in a small mixing bowl.
  7. Using a spoon or a cookie scoop measure about 1 to 1.5 tablespoon balls out of the dough, making approximately 45 - 48 total.
  8. Make sure to cover each ball evenly in the coating mixture and set it on the baking sheet. Give space between each ball so the cookies can spread during baking.
  9. Bake each batch of cookies for 8 - 10 minutes, until set and slightly golden. Allow them to cool for at least 5 minutes before removing them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe Notes

The dough can be pre-made and frozen for up to 3 months but you will want to pre-roll you dough balls and coat them before freezing in single layers. Once frozen you can put them in a container together. Be sure to separate them into single layers again to defrost.

The Most Delicious Vintage Cookie Recipes for ChristmasWant more delicious cookie recipes? Check out Vintage Cookie Recipes You Can Make Today!

How to Make the Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey

by Leave a Comment

Does the perfect Thanksgiving turkey exist? You know what I mean – that Normal Rockwell looking bird that is crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. I say YES IT DOES; and it isn’t as complicated as the pros would like you to think.

I’ll never forget the first time I cooked an entire Thanksgiving dinner on my own. I was newly married and though I felt like I was a competent cook, I’d never made a turkey, much less an entire Thanksgiving dinner. So I poured over my cookbooks, asked around but no one had an easy way to make that elusive perfect Thanksgiving turkey. Then I discovered something magical…the cooking bag!

How to Make the Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey

How to Make the Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey

I’m about to give you the recipe for a perfect turkey for your Thanksgiving dinner. Not only will it taste FABULOUS but it will cook faster than your average Thanksgiving turkey too. Follow my directions and you’ll have a golden, crispy skin with moist and tender meat. So whether you’re making the entire Thanksgiving dinner or just bringing the turkey to the potluck; you’re going to look like a master chef!

If you are making the entire meal I have included some amazing Thanksgiving recipes for you below; everything from homemade cranberry sauce to the best buttermilk pie you’ve ever tasted! So be sure to scroll down and check them all out. There are more than 50 recipes plus a section for special diets like Paleo, Keto, GAPS, etc.

Now let’s get cooking!

Ok, here’s the secret to my perfect Thanksgiving Turkey – I cook it in a bag. Yes, I cook my turkey in a Reynolds Turkey Bag; I know what you’re thinking…cook in plastic Tiffany? What the what? But here’s the scoop, I use them 1 – 2 times a year and they are BPA free and FDA compliant; I’m not sweating it. No they are not sponsoring me, I use and recommend their bags because it’s what I trust.

I love a set-it and forget-it kind of bird – the bags create a self-basting effect during cooking so you can work on the rest of the meal while it cooks. AND if that wasn’t enough, the bird will cook significantly faster in a cooking bag. Winner winner…turkey dinner!

First, let me recommend that you get yourself a sturdy and reusable turkey roasting pan. I know it is tempting to get the throw-away variety but the investment is a good one!  Secondly, I would recommend getting yourself and electric carving knife; they just make every holiday meal easier.

Now, let’s make the easiest and Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey (you can thank me later). 😉

How to Make the Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey
Print

Imperfectly Happy's Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 Reynolds Turkey Sized
  • 1 Whole Turkey thawed with giblets and neck removed
  • 1 Apple cored and sliced
  • 2 Stalks of celery with leaves left on cleaned
  • 1 Small yellow onion roughly sliced
  • 2 Fresh rosemary sprigs
  • 2 Fresh thyme springs
  • Melted Butter for Basting amount will vary on your turkey size
  • Poultry Seasoning to taste
  • Paprika liberal, gives it the nice coloring
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • 1 Rounded Tablespoon Flour

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Put your rack on the lowest station in your oven.
  3. Stuff the cavity with the apple, celery, onion and herbs.
  4. Baste your turkey's skin in the melted butter. Don't forget to do all the sides and add a little to the cavity.
  5. Season your skin with a good poultry seasoning blend, salt and pepper
  6. Open your turkey sized roasting bag and place into your roasting pan. Make sure you've unfolded it completely.
  7. Add your rounded tablespoon of flour to the bag. Now grasp the opening so it is shut and give it a good couple of shakes so you distribute the flour all over the bag. Don't skip this step!
  8. Put the bag back in the roasting pan.
  9. Carefully add your turkey to the bag.
  10. Use the tie that came in the box to tightly secure the end but DO NOT pull the bag tight!
  11. Using scissors you need to cut 4 to 6 1/2 inch slits in the top of the bag so that steam can escape during cooking. You can use these slits to check your meat temperature with a thermometer.
  12. Make sure no part of the bag is sticking out from the pan.
  13. Place the turkey in the oven on that lowest rack.
  14. Check the cooking chart that is included with your bags. This will tell you the time allotted for your size turkey. I consider mine un-stuffed because this won't fill the entire cavity. The meat should reach an internal temperature of 180 degrees F (use the thigh for best results).
  15. Once done cooking remove your turkey from the oven and allow it to rest IN THE BAG for 15 - 20 minutes.  Again this is an important step for a moist turkey.
  16. After the rest remove the bird from the bag to your serving platter.
  17. Remove all the innards stuffing and discard (apple, onion, celery, herbs).
  18. You can use all the drippings that have collected in the bag to make some amazing gravy so don't toss that!

Other Amazing Thanksgiving Recipes For Your to Try

Be sure to check out my list of Thanksgiving Recipes for Your Instant Pot!

Thanksgiving Appetizer and Salad Recipes

Herb Stuffed Mushrooms

Greens with Pomegranate Vinaigrette

Thanksgiving Main Dish Recipes

Dry Brined Herbed Butter Turkey

Slow Roasted Turkey

Thanksgiving Gravy Recipes

Grandma’s Turkey Gravy 

Making Gravy from Scratch

How to Make Gravy

Thanksgiving Savory Side Dish Recipes 

Super Easy, All Natural, Macaroni and Cheese
Print

Easy and All Natural Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Ingredients

  • 16 oz  package of pasta I use elbow but any past will work
  • 2 Tablespoons Butter
  • 1.5   Tablespoons Flour
  • 2 Cup Milk
  • 2 Cup Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 Cup  Shredded sharp cheddar cheese for the top or more if you like
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Boil and drain pasta - you want it al dente (still a little firm)
  2. In a medium sauce pan, melt the butter
  3. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour until well mixed (will be a paste like consistency)
  4. Cook for about a minute (whisking the entire time)
  5. Slowly pour in the milk; whisk until flour mixture is well incorporated into the milk
  6. Continue to stir until the mixture thickens (this takes a little while 5-10 min)
  7. Once thickened add the cheese and stir until melted
  8. Mix with your pasta
  9. Pour into a casserole dish
  10. Top with extra cheese
  11. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20-30 min or until bubbly
  12. Serve right from the oven and watch it disappear like magic!

INSTANT POT 3 Minute Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Instant Pot Brussels Spouts in 3 Minutes!

Fresh Green Beans with Bacon Recipe

Squash Mac ‘n Cheese with Bacon

Sweet Corn Casserole

Fried Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan and Panko

Wild Rice Stuffing with Apricots, Almonds and Sage

Grandma Julia’s Green Beans Recipe

Decadent Smashed Potatoes

Moroccan Carrots

Savory Roasted Butternut Squash

Balsamic Roasted Green Beans

Maple Apple Brussels Sprouts

Sourdough Stuffing with Mixed Mushrooms, Sausage & Sage

Cauliflower Cranberry Sage Stuffing

Sweet Potatoes with Kale and Caramelized Onions

Roasted Root Vegetabels

Thanksgiving Sweet Side Dish Recipes

Sweet Potato Casserole with Oatmeal

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Cultured Cranberry Pomegranate Sauce

Canning Cranberry Sauce

All Natural Maple Sweet Potato Casserole 

Lacto-Fermented Cranberry Apple Relish

Cider and Elderberry Cranberry Sauce

Easy Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans

Ginger-Spiced Cranberry Sauce with Orange

Mashed Sweet Potato Recipe

Cherry Cranberry Sauce 

Creamy Sweet Potato Casserole with Browned Butter & Cinnamon Maple Pecans

Fermented Cranberry Sauce with Figs Citrus and Cloves

Thanksgiving Bread Recipes 

Scrumptious Old Fashioned Drop Biscuit Recipe |ImperfectlyHappy.com
Print

The Very Best Old Fashioned Drop Biscuit Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup cold buttermilk
  • 1 stick of melted butter - cool just a bit before adding
  • 4 - 6 tablespoons butter reserved to drizzle on baked biscuits optional
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Ice Cream Scoop

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees
  2. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper
  3. In your large mixing bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar
  4. In your smaller mixing bowl combine the cooled melted butter and the cold buttermilk
  5. Add the liquid to your dry ingredients
  6. Mix and use a rubber spatula to scrape the sides
  7. Use your ice cream scoop to make round heaps of the batter on your parchment lined baking sheet
  8. Bake 12 - 15 minutes, until the tops are golden brown
  9. Drizzle with the reserved melted butter, or get fancy and use a pastry brush for more even coverage
  10. Grub
Homemade Dinner Roll Recipe - easy and delicious! |by ImperfectlyHappy.com
Print

7 Ingredient Traditional Homemade Dinner Roll Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of all purpose flour + a little extra for kneading
  • 1 envelope of rapid-rise yeast
  • 2 tablespoons of sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 cup of whole milk
  • 1/4 cup of water
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees
  2. In a large bowl combine 3/4 cup of the all-purpose flour with yeast packet (undissolved), sugar and salt.
  3. On the stove top warm milk, water and butter to about 125 degrees – do not let it boil.
  4. Add your warmed liquid ingredients to the flour mixture and beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes.
  5. Add the remaining 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and continue mixing for an additional 2 minutes on high.
  6. Continue mixing in flour for 2 minutes at high speed. Add in enough remaining flour to make soft dough.
  7. Lightly flour your counter tops for kneading.
  8. Knead the dough until the smooth and elastic (about 9 minutes).
  9. Cover your bowl and let the dough rest for about 10 minutes.
  10. Separate your dough into 12 equal-sized balls.
  11. Place into greased 8 inch cast iron skillet or round baking pan.
  12. Cover with light towel and place in a warm area to rise for 20 – 30 minutes.
  13. Bake at 375 for 20 – 25 minutes (If you want to switch things up, lightly dust your rolls with garlic salt and herbs before baking)
  14. Brush with melted butter and serve warm!

Homemade Dinner Rolls

Cranberry Orange Loaf

Savory Rosemary Gruyere Scone Recipe

No Fail Dinner Rolls

Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes 

Old Fashioned Buttermilk Pie Recipe
Print

Grandma's Delicious Vintage Buttermilk Pie Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup room temperature butter
  • 4 tablespoons flour
  • 3 eggs beaten
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 deep dish or 2 regular unbaked 9 inch pie crust

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  2. Cream the sugar and butter together.
  3. Add the flour and beaten eggs and mix well.
  4. Now add the buttermilk and vanilla; mix & pour into unbaked crust
  5. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until tests done. Top should be slightly crusty and brown.
  6. Let cool completely
  7. Serve with whipped cream
  8. Try not to eat it all.

Vintage Pie Recipes for the Holidays

The Very Best Vintage Cookie Recipes

Delicious Cranberry Pie

Homemade Pie Crust Recipe

Syrup-Free Pecan Pie Recipe

Pumpkin Chiffon Pie Filling

Healthy Homemade Jello Recipe

Maple Bacon Cake with Maple Buttercream Frosting

Easy Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe

Indian Pudding with Cranberries and Maple Syrup

INSTANT POT – Honey Orange Pumpkin Pie

Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Miniature Maple Apple Pies

Cranberry Coconut Butter Fudge with Raw Honey

Specialty Diet Recipes for Thanksgiving

Are you Paleo, Keto, Gluten Free, Dairy Free? This list is for you! I’ve included some amazing recipes for specific ways of eating here.

Keto / Low Carb Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin

Paleo Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles

Whole30 Oven Roasted Crispy Potatoes

Rustic Gluten-Free Breadsticks

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Custard Cups

Grain-Free Cranberry Cheesecake Bars

Gluten-Free Roasted Cauliflower Cranberry Stuffing

Acorn Squash Custard (Paleo, Gaps)

INSTANT POT Paleo Pumpkin Pie

Make Ahead Sweet Potato or Winter Squash Casserole (Paleo / Gluten-Free / GAPS)

Grain-Free Stuffing Recipe

Cranberry Pineapple Sauce with Walnuts (GAPS)

Grain Free Coconut Bread Dressing or Stuffing (GAPS)

Low Carb, Sugar-Free, Cranberry Sauce

Low Carb Keto Mashed Cauliflower

Easy Pumpkin Custard – low carb & dairy free

 

Vintage Pie Recipes You and Your Family Will Love

by 4 Comments

When it comes to pie I think vintage pie recipes are the best. Those amazing recipes that have been handed down in families, cooked lovingly by grandmas and enjoyed at holiday gatherings for decades. I bet you have a recipe that came to mind as soon as you read that title. Today I’ve gathered my favorite vintage pie recipes for you! These are now available to everyone when decades before they were either memorized or shared on little cards kept in a recipe box on a shelf in the kitchen. These precious recipes should be written down, shared and used because they are as good today as they ever were!

Vintage Pie Recipes You and Your Family Will Love

Vintage Pie Recipes You and Your Family Will Love

For me, my favorite vintage pie recipe is one that I learned from my husband’s grandmother and I make it for every holiday – it’s the delicious Buttermilk Pie Recipe. My family expects this pie now and my nephew would probably kick me out of Thanksgiving if I didn’t bring it.

Old Fashioned Buttermilk Pie Recipe
4 from 1 vote
Print

Grandma's Delicious Vintage Buttermilk Pie Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup room temperature butter
  • 4 tablespoons flour
  • 3 eggs beaten
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 deep dish or 2 regular unbaked 9 inch pie crust

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  2. Cream the sugar and butter together.
  3. Add the flour and beaten eggs and mix well.
  4. Now add the buttermilk and vanilla; mix & pour into unbaked crust
  5. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until tests done. Top should be slightly crusty and brown.
  6. Let cool completely
  7. Serve with whipped cream
  8. Try not to eat it all. ?

More Vintage Pie Recipes You Should Try!

Shoofly Pie
A vintage pie recipe from the Pennsylvania Dutch.
Shoofly pie is a delicious molasses pie that has been baked and shared since the late 1800s.
See: Authentic Shoofly Pie Recipe from Lancaster Co

Vinegar Pie
This depression-era pie is quite custard like and the flavor may really surprise you!
I’ve seen this made with both regular vinegar and apple cider; personally I prefer it with ACV.
See: 12 Tomatoes Vinegar Pie with Apple Cider Vinegar

Old Fashioned Raisin Pie
This recipe has been handed down for decades and is filled with the sweet goodness of…well raisins.
I have heard this goes back at least 100 years.
See: All Recipes Old Fashion Raisin Pie Recipe 1

Hillbilly Pie
This is a bit of a twist on pecan pie with a similar flavor but made with oatmeal.
I don’t know the origin of this vintage pie but it is a crowd pleaser!
See: Priceless Hillbilly Pie Recipe

Kentucky Derby Pie
All the yumminess of pecan pie with chocolate and bourbon added (thank you KY).
The Kentucky Derby Pie was actually created in the 1950s by Walter and Leaudra Kern.
See: Easy Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe

Apple Scotch Pie
I’ve seen several different versions of this pie. I’m sure as recipes have been handed down each cook has put their own spin on this pie from Scotland. 
If you love apple pie then you are going to enjoy this tasty change to an American classic.
See: Scottish Apple Pie Recipe

Sugar Cream Pie
This is a mid-western that’s been around since the 1800s. 
Sugar, heavy cream and butter…need I say more?
See: Sugar Cream Pie from Nick’s Kitchen

Green Tomato Pie
An old family favorite that let grandma use up the green tomatoes instead of letting the frost get them.
A close cousin, in flavor, to the apple pie. Your guests will wonder just what’s in there!
See: Green Tomato Pie Recipe by Clinton Kelly

Sweet Potato Pie
The sweet potato pie has been in recipe books since the 18th century and is considered a southern specialty.
This is not a pumpkin pie though they are similar in texture. If you haven’t had a sweet potato pie, you must immediately!
See: Classic Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

Chocolate Ice Box Pie 
A 1950s classic that was pulled from 2 different cookbooks of that time.
This hits all the chocolate points!
See: Chocolate Ice Box Pie with Whipped Cream and Nuts

Marlborough Pie
A New England favorite since colonial times.
An apple custard pie that could quickly become a fall favorite in your home.
See: New England Today’s Marlborough Pie Recipe

Strawberry Custard Pie
A sweet fruit custard pie recipe that dates back to the 1950s. 
I’ve seen lots of variations on this scrumptious pie but this one hits all the right notes for me.
See: Side Chef’s Strawberry Custard Pie Recipe

Candy Apple Pie
From everything I’ve found this dates back to the 1930s.
If you like caramel apples this recipe is right up your alley!
See: Mel’s Kitchen Cafe Candy Apple Pie Recipe

Lemon Whey Pie
From the Farm Journal’s Complete Pie Cookbook of 1965.
I don’t know if 1965 is truly vintage yet but this is one for the recipe tin!
See: The Prairie Homestead’s Lemon Whey Pie Recipe

I hope you love these vintage pie recipes as much as I do. And I hope you’re saving your family pie recipes for future generations.

Quick and Easy to Make DIY Lemon Extract

by Leave a Comment

DIY Lemon Extract is easy to make and nce you start making your own extracts you’ll never go back to store-bought. Today I’ll show you  how to make your own organic lemon extract at home; you won’t believe how easy it is! Only 2 ingredients and you’re going to save money making it versus buying the store bought stuff.

DIY Lemon Extract

If you’re lucky enough to have neighbors with lemon trees (lots of them here in Phoenix), they are usually happy to have you come pick some for them. Last week my neighbor put out a big box of lemons with some grocery bags and a sign that said ‘Please Take Some’.

I love lemon extract in baking (lemon poppy seed muffins!!!!). And any time you need a kick of lemon flavor, 1 teaspoon of extract equals about 1 teaspoon of lemon zest (peel). But did you know that Organic DIY Lemon Extract has health benefits as well? There are good reasons to use a pure lemon extract that you can easily make at home.

Health Benefits of Pure Lemon

  • Fights Cancer Cells
  • Slows Microbial Growth
  • Prevent Kidney Stone Formation
  • Reduce Stress

Get all the details on these lemon extract benefits on Healthfully.com

Recipes That You Can Use Your DIY Lemon Extract In

Easy to Make DIY Lemon Extract – All Natural & Organic

Now that you know the health benefits of a pure DIY lemon extract AND you have a few recipes to get you started using it… let’s make some!Be sure to see the bottom of this article for 2 other delicious and easy to make extract recipes!

easy to make diy lemon extract
Print

Easy to Make All Natural Organic DIY Lemon Extract

Prep Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 - 4 Organic Lemons if they are large you'll only need 3
  • 1/2 cup of vodka
  • Zester or Grater
  • Canning jar with lid
  • Clean Sterile Bottles for Storage

Instructions

  1. Wash your lemons and pat dry
  2. Zest the lemon peels

  3. Put your peels in your canning jar; I prefer the wide-mouth jars with the plastic lids.

  4. Pour vodka over the peels and secure lid
  5. Store in cool place without a lot of light (I use the top of my pantry)
  6. Give the jar a shake every 2 - 3 days
  7. Allow the mixture to steep for 6 - 8 weeks for full flavor

  8. Once completed strain the zest out and put into your sterile storing bottles (like these)

  9. Best if kept in fridge but you can keep it in a cool cabinet.
  10. USE IT!

Can you believe that’s all it takes for yummy, pure organic lemon extract? You’ll have enough to last a long time too; at a fraction of store prices. This delicious homemade lemon extract also makes a wonderful gift, people ask for my homemade extracts every year!

Want to make other extracts?  Check out my Almond Extract and Vanilla Extract Recipes! Remember these make great gifts for just about anyone, but your baking friends will especially love them.

Wait! Do you need more DIY gift ideas? I have that too! See DIY Christmas Gifts Anyone Can Make!

Never miss a post ~ Sign up for the Imperfectly Happy Newsletter