*Easy* French Apple Tart

Check it out! I almost got it to look just like Ina's.... (keyword "Almost")

Yes, folks..... it is easy! Reading the recipe in the book, [I have to admit] seemed a little daunting at first, but the only thing that may seem time consuming about this dessert is peeling the apples. (Note to self: ask for an apple peeler for Christmas!) Seriously, that's the only hard thing about this recipe. The pastry is super quick to make, (and you can make it a day in advance). When it is almost done baking........ the smell alone will be worth it.

"Comfort Central" will be the new name of your kitchen.

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You have to try making this at least one time before you die,

just so you can say that you made a

"French Apple Tart"! (doesn't it sound so regal??)

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First Taste: Warm, comfort, BLISS! It's almost like a fancy single-layer apple pie. And, yes, it's basically to die for!

Addition: You can add this dessert after any dinner.... but I think the most appropriate time to serve this is when you have guests over....it's a large dessert and if you don't have anyone to share it with, you will end up eating all of it, by yourself, in one sitting. I know from personal experience. :)

Healthy AND Yummy....and might I add, Chewy!

Barefoot Contessa Granola Bars.... need I say more?

Easy. Simple. Delicious. What's not to love about a snack that can be all that?

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First Taste: Sweet and chewy were the first words that came to mind, when biting into the world's most flavorful granola bar. These bars pack a huge amount of flavor all in just one bite - and let's face it, everyone needs a snack throughout the day...... and let me tell you, if you had these in your pantry, you'd never reach for a greasy potato chip ever again.

Addition: These granola bars are a great snack to have with some plain vanilla yogurt (preferraby Greek).... or you could even drizzle a little bit of melted chocolate on top for a "naughty-but-nice" dessert - you're daily calorie intake will be less by opting for one of these instead of ice cream.... the keyword being "one".

Butternut Bliss

I really don't even need to write anything in this post because the picture alone shows you how incredibly comforting and tasty this side dish is. Butternut squash is [Hands Down!] by far my favorite vegetable! Yes, I am very excited about this veggie, and proud of it - I don't think you can find a better flavor/texture combination. And the key to this easy side? The easy *four* - olive oil, salt (has to be Kosher!), ground black pepper, and brown sugar. Done!

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First Taste: Flavor popping, warm & comforting goodness.... that tastes way too good to be healthy for you - but believe me, it is!

Addition: This side can of course be added to any main dish (in my mind), but if I had to choose one, it would be best suited along the side of an herb roasted turkey.

SWEET Sweet Potato "Fries"!

Okay, so these fries are about as close to the "taste" of heaven as you're ever gonna get! When you pull the tray out of the oven, you can't help but pick one up...even if it burns your finger and mouth - it's totally sweet and definitely worth it!

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First Taste: There is a fine crispiness to the outside of these sweet little things. Once you bite down, the gushy sweet potato texture explodes into your mouth and within seconds of swallowing, your hand will automatically grab another one. Another great thing about this snack: it will definitely satisfy any "sweet & salty" craving!

Addition: This side dish goes great with burgers, steak, or as an "anytime" snack.

....trust me, you're gonna love it! Oh and did I mention....these "fries" are baked, not "fried"? -oh yeah!