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Appetizer

Appetizer

Apple Cider Sangria

This Apple Cider Sangria is filled with the most perfect blend of spices, fruit, and wine, and it is so easy to make. Apple Cider Sangria is great for the holidays, pot lucks, parties, or just to enjoy with a friend! We know this recipe will surely be a crowd pleaser!

What makes this Apple Cider Sangria so perfect?

What makes this Apple Cider Sangria perfect is the fact that it comes together so easily, and it is filled with spiced goodness such as cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, and clove.

Not to mention, this sangria has the most amazing sweet flavors, too, from the apple cider, oranges and ginger. This sangria will surely be a crowd pleaser because of the amazing combination of ingredients!

Apple Cider Sangria in glass pitcher with oranges, apples, and cinnamon sticks.

How To Make Apple Cider Sangria – Step By Step

  1. Thinly slice apples and oranges. Make sure they are not to thick in width.
  2. Place thinly sliced apples, oranges, cinnamon sticks, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground clove in bottom of a good sized pitcher. Stir to coat fruit in spices.
  3. Once you are finished with that, stir in white wine and maple syrup over the coated mixture.
  4. Next, add in the carbonated water and apple cider. Keep stirring until all ingredients are mixed together. Once mixed together, transfer pitcher to refrigerator and let chill for at least 3 hours.
  5. Serve over ice inside glass. Garnish with an orange wedge and or cinnamon stick. Enjoy!
Step by step instructions for Apple Cider Sangria with oranges, apples, and cinnamon sticks.

What is sangria?

Sangria is an alcoholic punch originating in Spain. The punch often consists of wine, chopped or sliced fruit, and some additional ingredients. After the alcohol and fruit have settled together, sangria is typically served from a pitcher or punch bowl.

There are many options for serving sangria. Usually, the alcoholic punch is served over ice in glasses. Sometimes you can find sugar, spices, herbs, or other additional ingredients as garnishments.

Tips For Making This Apple Cider Sangria

  • Make sure you allow the sangria to sit for several hours prior to serving! This ensures prominent flavors to be present from the fruit and wine.
  • This recipe is best with white wine. If you do not ingest alcohol, enjoy a mocktail by leaving out the wine.
  • Do not add ice to the original container of the sangria has it will water the flavors down.

Be Sure To Check Out These Other Wonderful Recipes!

What Do We Mean By “Healthy?”

Our recipes focus on real ingredients and homemade elements. We try to avoid processed flour and sugar, like white flour or white sugar. Our recipes often swap less healthy options (like a commercial, deep-friend tostada) for an easy homemade version.

Be sure to share your photos of your creations on Instagram too!

Apple Cider Sangria with apples and cinnamon sticks.
Print Recipe

Apple Cider Sangria

This Apple Cider Sangria includes some of the BEST flavors, ever! Enjoy the perfect combination of spices and fruit while basking in the simplicity of this recipe. This sangria is great for potlucks, holidays, parties, or just with a friend!
Prep Time5 mins
Total Time3 hrs 5 mins
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American, Spanish
Keyword: beverage, cider, cocktail, delicious, Easy salmon patties, fall, potluck, punch, sangria, winter
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 327kcal
Author: cherylmalik
Cost: $15

Equipment

  • Pitcher or punch bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 orange thinly sliced (save a couple wedges)
  • 2 apples thinly
  • 1 cup carbonated water
  • 1 bottle white wine we used Sauvignon Blanc
  • 3 cups apple cider
  • 3 cinnamon sticks more for garnishment
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground clove
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions

  • Thinly slice apples and oranges. Make sure the apples and oranges are not to thick in width. Set aside an orange for garnishment purposes.
  • Place thinly sliced apples, oranges, cinnamon sticks, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground clove in bottom of a good sized pitcher. Stir to fully coat fruit in spices.
  • Next, stir in white wine and maple syrup over the coated fruit. Then, add in the carbonated water and apple cider. Keep stirring until all ingredients are mixed together.
  • Once mixed together, transfer pitcher to refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours. Serve over ice inside glass. Garnish with an orange wedge and or cinnamon stick. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 8ounces | Calories: 327kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 44mg | Potassium: 497mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 123IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 1mg

Appetizer

Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip

This spinach artichoke dip is ready in two hours, and it is nothing but perfect all thanks to the crockpot and cream cheese. The flavor profiles of this recipe are creamy, savory, and packed with garlic. Perfect for your party or dinner!

Bowl of creamy artichoke dip with tortilla chips, glass, beer, forks, and crockpot.

What is so great about this crock spinach artichoke dip?

  1. Super creamy texture and outspoken flavors of cream cheese, parmesan, and garlic.
  2. This recipe is cooked in the slow cooker and ready in two hours! That’s right. The only effort required in this recipe is to measure out the ingredients.
  3. Healthy-ish. Looking at you, spinach and artichokes.
  4. Perfect as an appetizer for a party.

How do I make this crockpot spinach artichoke dip?

This recipe is super simple!

First, measure out all of your ingredients. Turn the crockpot setting to “high”. Combine all of your ingredients in the crockpot.

Ingredients for Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip in glass bowls with silver measuring cup and parmesan wedge.

Stir with a spoon until all ingredients are mixed together. Place lid on crockpot and cook for two hours while stirring every now and then.

Image of Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip inside black crockpot.

Recipe Notes

  • You can totally add your frozen spinach to the crockpot without it being thawed.
  • If you are wanting a longer cook time, reduce the heat to “low” to cook for four hours.
  • Serve with tortilla chips or carrot sticks!

Other Recipes You’ll love:

What Do We Mean By “Healthy?”

Our recipes focus on real ingredients and homemade elements. We try to avoid processed flour and sugar, like white flour or white sugar. Our recipes often swap less healthy options (like a commercial, deep-friend tostada) for an easy homemade version.

Our recipes are not necessarily low fat or low calorie, and we aren’t afraid of fat or carbs! Some of our recipes will be “skinny,” low carb, keto, paleo, dairy free, grain free, gluten free, Whole30, or vegan, and they will be labeled when they qualify for any of these diets. All our recipes are easy and family friendly!

Bowl of creamy artichoke dip with tortilla chips, glass of beer, and bottle of beer with crockpot.

I would love to hear if you have tried this Crockpot spinach artichoke recipe – do leave me a star rating and comment down below!

Be sure to share your photos of your creations on Instagram too!

Print Recipe

Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip

This crockpot spinach artichoke dip is the best appetizer for your family meal or party! Simple, delicious, and savory thanks to parmesan cheese.
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time2 hrs
0 mins
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: crockpot dip, crockpot spinach artichoke dip, tailgating
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 266kcal
Author: cherylmalik
Cost: $6

Equipment

  • Crockpot

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup parmesan freshly grated
  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 can artichoke hearts drained and chopped
  • 2 cups frozen chopped spinach still frozen or thawed. See Note
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese full fat or low fat work
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon pepper plus more to taste

Instructions

  • Combine all measured ingredients in the crockpot. Stir ingredients with a spoon until mixed together.
  • Cook on high heat for two hours. If you want a longer cooking time, cook on low for 4 hours.

Notes

  • Your spinach can be frozen or thawed. We used both methods. 
  • If you are wanting a longer cooking time, put the crockpot on “low” cooking setting for four hours. 
  • We used freshly grated parmesan, but you can use pre-shredded or grated if you need to!

Nutrition

Calories: 266kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 781mg | Potassium: 185mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 5568IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 197mg | Iron: 1mg

Appetizer

How to Boil Artichokes + 3 Healthy Dipping Sauces

Find out how to boil artichokes – an easy way of preparing this delicious vegetable! Serve alongside three healthy dips for a healthy, easy to make appetizer that the whole family will love.

boiled artichokes served with dipping sauces

How to boil artichokes – why this recipe is so good!

They can appear daunting to prepare, but time to find out how to boil artichokes, it is by far and away the easiest way to enjoy this yummy veggie! Often the leaves are dipped in butter and garlic, but I’ve got three delicious and healthy dips for you to serve this artichoke with.

I can’t wait for you to try this recipe out – I promise you, you will be serving artichokes on the regular after trying them this way!

Two uncooked artichokes

How to boil artichokes – step by step

  • Fill a pot a little more than halfway with water. Add the salt and squeeze the entire lemon into the water. Bring to a rolling boil.
  • While the water comes to a boil, lay each artichoke on its side. Using a very sharp chef’s knife or a sturdy serrated knife, slice off the tops and the bottoms of each artichoke. Next take a pair of kitchen shears or a good pair of scissors and snip off the sharp tops off any of the little layers of “petals” on the outside.
Top of an artichoke being cut off
A trimmed artichoke
  • Once the water is boiling, place your artichokes into the pot. They are very buoyant so they will float up. Use the smaller lid to “weigh” the artichokes down in the pot so they are completely submerged. You can also use a kitchen brick. Just make sure that is is wrapped in aluminum foil and not hot.
Two artichokes in a pot of water being weighed down by a pan lid
  • Boil artichokes for 30-40 minuets, or until they can be pierced with a fork without resistance. Serve with sauces.

To make the artichoke dipping sauces

  • Choose 3 small bowls.
  • Combine ingredients for each sauce in separate bowls.
  • Serve with warm artichokes.
Butter and mayonnaise sauce

When are artichokes in season?

Californian artichokes are in season all year long, and usually you won’t have too much trouble finding them at your local store. The peak season for them though is between March and May, and we see a smaller harvest later in the year, in October.

Are artichokes healthy?

Artichokes are incredibly good for you! They are low in fat, but a rich source of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. They are particularly high in vitamins C and K, as well as being an amazing source of folate, iron and potassium. They are also one of the most antioxidant rich vegetables!

How to eat an artichoke

After you have boiled the artichokes, you can serve cooked artichokes cold, but I much prefer to serve them hot. Pull out the outer petals, one at a time, and dip them into one of the three healthy sauces. Pull the petal through your teeth to remove the soft portion of the petal and discard the rest. Spoon out the artichoke heart and enjoy!

Two boiled artichokes served with dipping sauces

Artichoke Dipping Sauces

The artichoke petals are quite often just served with melted butter for dipping, but I love serving the with a trio of yummy sauces – let me know which is your favorite:

  • Cajun sauce
  • Garlic and Herb dip
  • Basic sauce with butter and mayo

Cook’s tips for how to boil artichokes

  1. Make the sauces while you are boiling the artichoke and keep them covered in the fridge until ready to serve.
  2. Squeeze the juice from a lemon into the water and place the halves in alongside the artichokes.
  3. Be sure to weigh the artichokes down so they are fully submerged, otherwise they won’t cook evenly.
Boiled artichoke petals dipped into sauces

I would love to hear if you have tried this boiled artichoke recipe – do leave me a star rating and comment down below!

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Boiled Artichokes with 3 Healthy Sauces

Any easy fuss free way of cooking artichokes and 3 delicious dipping sauces
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Total Time50 mins
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: boiled artichoke recipe, dipping sauces for artichokes, how to boil artichokes
Servings: 6
Calories: 295kcal
Author: cherylmalik

Equipment

  • A lid smaller than the pot you are using to boil the artichokes

Ingredients

Boiled Artichokes

  • 2 artichokes medium
  • 3 tablespoons salt
  • 1 whole lemon
  • Water for boiling

Cajun Sauce

  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup mayo
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt if desired

Garlic Herb Sauce

  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup mayo
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/2 tbsp dill minced
  • Salt

Basic Sauce

  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup mayo

Instructions

Boiled Artichokes

  • Fill a pot a little more than halfway with water. Add the salt and squeeze the entire lemon into the water. Bring to a rolling boil.
  • While the water comes to a boil, lay each artichoke on its side. Using a very sharp chef’s knife or a sturdy serrated knife, slice off the tops and the bottoms of each artichoke. Next take a pair of kitchen shears or a good pair of scissors and snip off the sharp tops off any of the little layers of “petals” on the outside.
  • Once the water is boiling, place your artichokes into the pot. They are very buoyant so they will float up. Use the smaller lid to “weigh” the artichokes down in the pot so they are completely submerged. You can also use a kitchen brick. Just make sure that is is wrapped in aluminum foil and not hot.
  • Boil artichokes for 30-40 minuets, or until they can be pierced with a fork without resistance. Serve with sauces.

For the sauces

  • Choose 3 small bowls.
  • Combine ingredients for each sauce in separate bowls.
  • Serve with warm artichokes.

Nutrition

Calories: 295kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 432mg | Potassium: 215mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 445IU | Vitamin C: 14.7mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 0.7mg

Appetizer

Creamy Dill Sauce for Salmon

This creamy dill sauce is perfect for salmon, and it takes only 5 minutes to make. Rich and bright flavors are thanks to the lemon juice and fresh dill. It’s perfect on salmon, salmon patties, or with other poultry or seafood.

A bowl of creamy dill sauce for salmon with small wooden spoon

We do not know about you, but we are huge fans of savory and creamy. This easy peasy CREAMY dill sauce fits that description perfectly. With minimal effort, this dill sauce is sure to knock you off your feet (not literally) on these hot summer days.

To get started, all you need are a few ingredients, small mixing bowl, and a mixing device (whatever you prefer…) to combine the ingredients. That’s it! Have fun!

A hand spooning creamy dill sauce on a piece of salmon

Why This Dill Sauce for Salmon Is So Good

  • Simple ingredients. That statement is key for this recipe.
  • It only takes about 5 minutes to make.
  • It’s super versatile. Yes! This creamy and savory dill sauce can be paired with most seafood and poultry dishes (including our air fryer salmon recipe!).
  • This creamy dill sauce is bright and creamy, and it’s loaded with flavor.

How to make this creamy dill sauce recipe

  • 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
  • 3/4 cups of sour cream
  • Start with 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Adjust accordingly
  • 1/4 cup of chopped dill
  • pinch of sea salt
Ingredients for creamy dill sauce for salmon

Next step…

Place all ingredients in a small mixing bowl. With a spoon, simply stir all ingredients together until well combined. Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper and dill sprigs.

A bowl of creamy dill sauce with plates of salmon to the side

Recipe notes from the author

  • If you are running low on sour cream, you can substitute with plain greek yogurt. We recommend full-fat for the best taste (And it’s good for you!).
  • You can adjust the lemon juice according to your palate
  • Pairs perfectly with our air fryer salmon or easy salmon patties

What Do We Mean By “Healthy?”

Our recipes focus on real ingredients and homemade elements. We try to avoid processed flour and sugar, like white flour or white sugar. Our recipes often swap less healthy options (like a commercial, deep-friend tostada) for an easy homemade version.

Our recipes are not necessarily low fat or low calorie, and we aren’t afraid of fat or carbs! Some of our recipes will be “skinny,” low carb, keto, paleo, dairy free, grain free, gluten free, Whole30, or vegan, and they will be labeled when they qualify for any of these diets. All our recipes are easy and family friendly!

Other Recipes You’ll Love

Have you made this recipe? We would love to hear your feedback! Follow us on Instagram and please leave a rating and comment so we can chat.

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Creamy Dill Sauce

Quick creamy dill sauce which includes bright flavors from dill, citrus, sour cream, and mayonnaise.
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time2 mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: creamy, dill sauce, sauce for salmon
Servings: 2
Calories: 361kcal
Author: cherylmalik

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 3/4 cups sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice Add more or less accordingly
  • 1/4 cup freshly chopped dill
  • 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients in small mixing bowl. With a spoon, simply stir all ingredients together until well combined. Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper and dill sprigs.

Notes

If you are low on sour cream, feel free to substitute with plain greek yogurt.

Nutrition

Calories: 361kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 57mg | Sodium: 396mg | Potassium: 165mg | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 991IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 107mg | Iron: 1mg