Our beef with polenta recipe is a major upgrade from your basic meat and potatoes. The slow-cooked rosemary and garlic-spiked beef is served over creamy polenta for an extra-dreamy comfort food dinner.

Here we soak lentils instead of fully cooking them, which gives them just enough added moisture to be whirred up into a fritter without being too wet. Serve these curry-spiced fritters on top of a green salad or tucked into a pita.

This apple cider recipe is super easy to make. I used to buy the spices already mixed at the grocery store, and they stopped carrying them, so I just made my own. Great for a shower or get-together, and the slow cooker keeps it warm so guests can enjoy it through the night! Serve with a slice of orange, and add spiced rum, if desired.