There are certain desserts that you put on the table and everyone immediately thinks: Oh, you went to a LOT of trouble. This is one of them.

My Upside-Down Caramel Apple Cake has a layer of beautiful caramelized apples sitting on top of a tender cinnamon cake, with that rich, buttery caramel soaking into everything underneath.

It looks impressive. It tastes like fall. And here’s the little secret I want you to remember: It doesn’t have to be difficult.

That’s actually one of the things I want you to take away from all of my Complete Dinner Party Plans—and from the way I cook in general. Homemade doesn’t have to mean complicated.

Let’s Talk About the Apples

Yes, this is dessert. There’s butter. There’s caramel. There’s cake. And I am perfectly happy calling dessert dessert.

But one of the reasons I love baking with apples is that you’re also using a beautiful whole-food ingredient. Apples provide fiber, vitamin C and naturally occurring plant compounds, and leaving some of that wonderful fruit front and center makes this cake feel especially appropriate for this time of year.

Cinnamon brings more than that unmistakable fall flavor, too. It’s rich in plant compounds with antioxidant properties.

And here’s something else I think is important: A healthy way of eating has room for cake. I would much rather enjoy a wonderful homemade dessert made with recognizable ingredients and truly savor it than spend my life trying to make every single thing I eat fit into some imaginary category of “perfect.”

Real food. Good ingredients. Reasonable portions. And sometimes caramel. I think there’s room at the table for all of it!

Easy. Easier. Easiest.

If you’ve seen my Complete Dinner Party Plans, you know I include Easy, Easier and Easiest options with my recipes.

Why? Because your available time on a Saturday afternoon isn’t always the same. Sometimes you want to make the whole thing from scratch. Sometimes you need a shortcut. And sometimes people are arriving in two hours and we need to get moving!

For this cake, you have choices:

✳️ EASY: Make the caramel and slice your apples earlier in the day. When you’re ready, assemble the cake and bake it shortly before dinner.

✳️ EASIER: Grab your apple slicer. It’ll quickly core the apples and give you those nice, even wedges. Measure your dry ingredients and make the caramel ahead, too.

✳️ EASIEST: Use a good-quality yellow cake mix for the batter. Make the caramel and apple layer as directed and let the cake mix do the rest.

Same idea. Same beautiful presentation. You simply choose how much work you want to do. That’s the point.

Upside-Down Caramel Apple Cake

• 1¼ cups butter, divided
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• ⅓ cup light corn syrup
• 3 small Braeburn apples
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1¼ cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Heat ½ cup butter, the brown sugar, cream and corn syrup in an 11-inch skillet over medium heat until simmering, stirring until smooth. Continue cooking, uncovered, for another 7–9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the caramel has thickened and darkened slightly. Remove from the heat.
3. Cut the apples into wedges, reserving five wedges. Beginning around the outside edge of the skillet, arrange the remaining apple wedges cut-side down over the caramel. Arrange the reserved wedges in the center.
4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar and cinnamon. Add the vanilla, eggs, sour cream and remaining butter and mix until blended.
5. Carefully spoon the batter over the apples and spread evenly.
6. Bake uncovered for 38–42 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Remove the skillet from the oven and let it stand for 2 minutes. Carefully invert the cake onto a serving platter.
8. Let it stand for another 5 minutes—and then bring it to the table and enjoy the reaction.

This Is What I Mean by Easier Entertaining

I don’t want you standing in the kitchen exhausted while everyone else is having fun. I want you at the table.

That’s why my Complete Dinner Party Plans don’t just give you recipes. I plan the evening—the menu, prep timeline, shopping list, styling ideas, welcome cocktail, take-home gift and, yes, the shortcuts.

Because sometimes you’ll choose Easy. Sometimes you’ll choose Easier. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with choosing Easiest.

If you’ve been waiting for a reason to invite people over, let this be it.

✨ Shop my Complete Dinner Party Plans and let me do the planning so you can do more of the part that actually matters: gathering people around your table.

✨ Follow me on Instagram for real-life cooking, entertaining ideas, kitchen shortcuts and a behind-the-scenes look at how I make hosting easier.

Because great food brings people to the table.
Meaningful moments keep them there.

Save me a bite!
Colleen 🥂

There’s something about the first cool evenings of fall that makes me want to pull out my cast iron Dutch oven. Not because I’m ready for heavy winter food quite yet—but because I’m ready for dinners that simmer a little longer, make the house smell wonderful and feel like an actual meal.

This White Wine Braised Chicken is exactly that. Tender chicken thighs, potatoes, carrots, mushrooms and red onion slowly braise in white wine, chicken stock, garlic and fresh thyme until everything is rich, savory and incredibly comforting.

And one of the things I love most about it? It’s just REAL food. No packets. No canned cream soup. No long list of ingredients you can’t pronounce. Chicken. Vegetables. Potatoes. Olive oil. Herbs. Stock. Wine. That’s dinner.

Why REAL Food Matters

I talk a lot about eating REAL food because I truly believe some of the best things we can do in the kitchen are also the simplest. Meals built around whole and minimally processed foods naturally give us more of the things our bodies need—and less of the stuff we really don’t. And this dinner has quite a bit going for it.

The chicken thighs provide plenty of protein, which helps make dinner satisfying. Carrots bring beta-carotene, which our bodies convert to vitamin A. Mushrooms provide nutrients including B vitamins and selenium, while potatoes contribute potassium and vitamin C.

Then there’s garlic, onion, thyme and olive oil—all adding tremendous flavor without needing a highly processed sauce to make the food taste good. Is it a “health food” recipe? I don’t think we need to label it that way. It’s good, nourishing food made from recognizable ingredients. And that’s something worth putting on the table.

And Yes, There’s Wine

Two cups of dry white wine give the braising liquid wonderful depth and flavor. You don’t need an expensive bottle—just choose a dry white wine you’d be happy to drink. Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio or an unoaked Chardonnay would all work beautifully. Then pour yourself a glass while dinner is in the oven. I mean… the bottle is already open, right?

Cooking for Two or Four?

The original recipe makes 8 servings, which is wonderful if you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers. But don’t let that quantity stop you from making it. This recipe is incredibly easy to cut in half.

Use four chicken thighs and halve the remaining ingredients. The method stays essentially the same, and suddenly you have a cozy dinner that’s much more practical for a smaller household. And if you make the full batch? Those leftovers are going to be pretty fantastic the next day.

White Wine Braised Chicken

Makes 8 servings

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 ounces small red potatoes, quartered
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 8 ounces white mushrooms, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, pressed
• 2¼ cups chicken stock
• 2 cups dry white wine
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in an oven-safe Dutch oven. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, working in batches if necessary to avoid crowding.
3. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
4. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the Dutch oven. Add the potatoes, carrots, onion, mushrooms and garlic. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to brown.
5. Add the chicken stock, white wine and thyme sprigs.
6. Return the chicken to the Dutch oven and bring the liquid to a simmer.
7. Cover and bake for about 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
8. Remove the thyme stems and serve in bowls, garnished with additional fresh thyme if desired.

This Is the Kind of Dinner I Love

It isn’t complicated. It doesn’t require twenty specialty ingredients. And once the Dutch oven goes into the oven, most of the work is done. That’s my kind of cooking.

Eating REAL food doesn’t have to mean spending your entire evening in the kitchen. And neither does entertaining.

That’s really the heart behind Slice, Dice & Dish and my Complete Dinner Party Plans. I want good food and gathering around the table to feel doable—not like one more thing you have to make perfect.

Because great food brings people to the table. Meaningful moments keep them there.

If you make this White Wine Braised Chicken, I’d love to hear what you think. And if you’re ready to make gathering around your own table a little easier, take a look at my Complete Dinner Party Plans for menus, timelines, shortcuts and all the details that help you actually enjoy your guests.

And, as always, follow along with me on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for more real-life cooking, entertaining ideas, kitchen shortcuts and plenty of what’s-for-dinner inspiration.

Save me a bite
Colleen 🥂

I love a hearty salad.

And when I say hearty, I mean a salad that actually feels like dinner—not one that leaves you wandering back into the kitchen an hour later looking for something else to eat.

This Roasted Potato, Chicken & Apple Salad with Blue Cheese checks all the boxes for me: chicken, roasted potatoes, crisp apples, salty pistachios, fresh basil, scallions, and plenty of blue cheese.

But one of my favorite things about it is that it works year-round.

In the winter, I’ll serve it with the chicken and potatoes still warm. The blue cheese softens just a little when everything is tossed together, and it becomes cozy enough for a cold-weather dinner.

In the summer? I’ll make the whole thing ahead and serve it chilled. Same salad. Completely different feel.

And you know how much I love a recipe that can do double duty.

I also love that there really isn’t a traditional dressing to make. Just a splash of white wine vinegar and olive oil brings everything together. The blue cheese adds creaminess, the apples add sweetness, and the pistachios give you that little bit of crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

• Hearty enough to serve as the entire meal
• Delicious warm or chilled
• Easy to prep ahead
• A great way to use leftover chicken or roasted potatoes
• Full of sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy flavors
• Just as good for an everyday dinner as it is for a casual lunch with friends

And because most of the work can be done ahead, this is exactly the kind of recipe I love when I’m entertaining. Roast the potatoes, cook the chicken, chop a few things, and you’re practically done.

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Roasted Potato, Chicken & Apple Salad with Blue Cheese

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds baby potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• Kosher salt and black pepper
• 2 apples, diced
• 3 scallions, chopped
• ½ cup chopped fresh basil (about ½ bunch)
• ¼ cup chopped pistachios
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 5 ounces crumbled blue cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Toss the potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with kosher salt and black pepper. Spread in a single layer on the prepared pan. Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring once, until golden brown and tender.
3. Meanwhile, pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until the thickest portion reaches 165°F.
4. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before chopping into bite-size pieces.
5. In a large bowl, combine the roasted potatoes, chicken, apples, scallions, basil, and pistachios.
6. Drizzle with the white wine vinegar and gently toss. Taste and season with additional salt and black pepper as needed. Drizzle with oil and toss again.
7. Add the blue cheese and gently fold it into the salad, leaving some larger crumbles throughout.
8. For a cool-weather dinner: Serve while the chicken and potatoes are still slightly warm.
   For a warm-weather dinner: Cool completely, refrigerate, and serve chilled.

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Easy • Easier • Easiest

✳️ Easy

Cook the chicken and roast the potatoes earlier in the day. Refrigerate them separately, then chop the remaining ingredients and assemble when you’re ready to eat. Warm the chicken and potatoes slightly if you want the salad served warm.

✳️ Easier

Plan this salad for the day after you’re already serving chicken and roasted potatoes. Make extra of both the first night, and most of tomorrow’s dinner is already done.

✳️ Easiest

Use refrigerated cooked baby potatoes and a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Warm the potatoes briefly in the oven or air fryer for the winter version—or use everything cold for an almost no-cook summer dinner.

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Make It for Guests

This would be such an easy lunch or casual dinner when you’re having friends over because you don’t need to be standing at the stove when everyone arrives.

For summer entertaining, make the entire salad ahead and serve it chilled with a loaf of crusty bread and something bubbly.

When the weather turns cooler, prep everything ahead but warm the chicken and roasted potatoes before tossing the salad together.

Either way, dinner is basically waiting for you—which means you can actually sit down and enjoy the people you invited over.

Ready to Gather More Often?

Hosting doesn’t have to mean spending the entire day in the kitchen. That’s exactly why I create my Complete Dinner Party Plans—the menu, recipes, prep timeline, shortcuts, table inspiration, and all the little details are already planned for you.

✨ Shop my Complete Dinner Party Plans.

❤️ Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for weekly recipes, real-life cooking, entertaining inspiration, and simple ideas for gathering your favorite people around the table.

Because great food brings people to the table. Meaningful moments keep them there.

Save me a bite!
Colleen 🥂

Every home has that one recipe… the one you can make without looking at the recipe card. The one friends start hoping you’ll bring. The one that’s always a good idea when someone could use a little kindness.

For me, it’s these Cake Mix Cookies. I make them almost every week. They’re what I bake when I’m visiting a friend, heading to an appointment (because let’s be honest… what office staff doesn’t appreciate homemade cookies?), delivering a meal, packing as a take-home gift after a dinner party, or simply filling the cookie jar at home.

I love sending guests home with a little something sweet. It’s a simple way to say, “Thank you for spending the evening with us,” and it gives them one more reason to smile the next day.

What I love most is that these cookies never have to be the same twice. One week they’re classic chocolate chip. The next they’re packed with butterscotch chips, peanut butter chips, or toffee bits. Sometimes I stir in dried cranberries and white chocolate. Other times it’s lemon cake mix with dried blueberries for a bright, summery treat. And if I’m really short on time? A handful of trail mix creates the perfect sweet-and-salty cookie with almost no extra effort.

And here’s my little secret… I’m perfectly happy letting the cake mix do the heavy lifting.

Some people think everything served to guests has to be made completely from scratch. I don’t. I believe hosting is about creating meaningful moments—not proving how much work you can do.

Take help where you can get it.

A boxed cake mix is just one of the many shortcuts that frees you up to spend more time with the people gathered around your table. And honestly? No one has ever guessed these started with a cake mix.

That’s exactly why I think every host should keep a few boxes in the pantry.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

• Only four simple ingredients
• Ready in about 20 minutes
• Easy enough to make with kids or grandkids
• Endlessly customizable for every season and occasion
• Perfect for gifting, sharing, dinner party favors, or keeping the cookie jar full

Whether you’re welcoming new neighbors, thanking a teacher, taking dinner to a friend, or sending guests home with a sweet treat after dinner, these cookies always feel thoughtful without adding stress.

A Few Sweet Benefits

While cookies are definitely a treat, making them at home gives you complete control over what goes into them. Choosing dried fruit or trail mix adds fiber, nuts, and antioxidants, while baking at home often means fewer preservatives than many store-bought desserts.

But perhaps the biggest benefit isn’t nutritional at all.

Sharing something homemade—even when you start with a simple shortcut—is one of the easiest ways to make people feel loved and remembered.

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Cake Mix Cookies

Makes: About 24 cookies

Ingredients

• 1 package (15.25 oz.) cake mix (any flavor!)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• ¾ cup mix-ins of your choice:
  • Semisweet chocolate chips
  • Peanut butter, butterscotch, white chocolate, or toffee chips
  • Dried fruit
  • Trail mix

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Combine the cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and your chosen mix-ins in the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix on low speed for about 45 seconds, just until combined.
3. Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, place dough 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until the tops are lightly cracked and no longer look wet.
5. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

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🫐🍋🍓🍫🥜 Endless Flavor Ideas

• Chocolate cake + peanut butter chips
• Lemon cake + dried blueberries + white chocolate chips
• Strawberry cake + white chocolate chips
• Spice cake + toffee bits
• Red velvet cake + white chocolate chips
• White cake + trail mix
• Devil’s Food cake + chocolate chunks

Mix, match, and create your own favorite combination!

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Easy • Easier • Easiest

✳️ Easy

Keep several flavors of cake mix in your pantry so you’re always just a few ingredients away from fresh cookies. Change the mix-ins to match the season or whoever you’re baking for.

✳️ Easier

Use pre-portioned baking chips or snack-size trail mix packets so there’s no measuring beyond opening the bag and pouring it in.

✳️ Easiest

Bake a double batch, freeze the cookie dough balls on a sheet pan, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Whenever you need fresh cookies, bake them straight from the freezer—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

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Ready to Gather More Often?

Hosting doesn’t have to be complicated. With a simple plan, you can spend less time stressing and more time making memories around the table.

✨ Shop my Complete Dinner Party Plans—each one includes a complete menu, tested recipes, shopping list, prep timeline, hosting shortcuts, table inspiration, serving suggestions, and conversation starters so you can host with confidence.

🛒 Purchase your Complete Dinner Party Plans at: www.slicedicedish.com

❤️ Follow me on Instagram @SliceDiceDish for weekly recipes, entertaining inspiration, behind-the-scenes hosting tips, and simple ideas to help you gather friends and family around your table more often.

Because the best memories aren’t made in a perfect house or with a perfect meal—they’re made when people gather.

Save me a bite!
Colleen 🥂

Sometimes the best appetizers are the simplest ones.

These Three Onion Mini Flatbreads prove that you don’t need a long ingredient list or hours in the kitchen to create something guests will rave about. Sweet caramelized onions, melty mozzarella, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze come together on crisp flatbread for an appetizer that’s equal parts comforting and elegant.

It’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect for small gatherings because it feels a little special without creating extra work for the host. Serve the flatbreads as guests arrive with a glass of wine or your favorite seasonal cocktail, and you’ll instantly create a relaxed atmosphere that encourages people to linger, snack, and settle into conversation.

After all, some of the best evenings begin with everyone gathered in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for serving 4–8 guests as a starter.
• Simple ingredients with big flavor.
• Easy to prepare ahead—the onions can be caramelized earlier in the day.
• Elegant enough for a dinner party but simple enough for a weeknight happy hour.

A Few Health Benefits

Onions do more than add incredible flavor. They’re naturally rich in antioxidants and contain compounds that may support heart health and help reduce inflammation. Green onions provide vitamins A and C, while olive oil contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Pair the flatbreads with a fresh salad or vegetable platter for a well-balanced appetizer spread.

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Three Onion Mini Flatbreads

Makes: 16 pieces

Ingredients

• 4 small naan breads or 8 mini flatbreads
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 3–4 green onions (scallions), sliced
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the yellow and red onions and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Stir in the sliced green onions during the last minute of cooking.
4. Arrange the naan or mini flatbreads on a baking sheet.
5. Spread a thin layer of balsamic glaze over each flatbread.
6. Divide the onion mixture evenly among the flatbreads and sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly golden.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and cut into halves or quarters before serving.

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Easy • Easier • Easiest

Easy

Turn these flavors into a warm Three Onion Dip by mixing the sautéed onions with softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until hot and bubbly. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with toasted mini pita wedges, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

Easier

Skip the caramelized onions altogether and simply top the flatbreads with mozzarella, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and your favorite Italian seasoning for quick, cheesy flatbreads.

Easiest

Pick up your favorite prepared French onion dip and serve it with crisp vegetables, pita chips, or artisan crackers. You’ll still create a welcoming appetizer board with almost no prep.

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Gather Around the Table

Hosting doesn’t have to be complicated to be memorable. Sometimes all it takes is a simple appetizer, a few favorite people, and an evening with nowhere else to be.

✨ If you’re looking for more recipes, effortless entertaining ideas, and inspiration for gathering friends and family around the table, follow along with Slice, Dice & Dish. My goal is to help you create meaningful moments around the table—one meal, one gathering, and one conversation at a time.
✨ Shop my Complete Dinner Party Plans and discover how enjoyable entertaining can be when someone else has already done the planning.
✨ Follow me on Instagram for weekly recipes, entertaining inspiration, behind-the-scenes hosting tips, and simple ideas to help you gather more often.

Cheers!
Colleen 🥂

There are some desserts that instantly make people smile. These Individual Strawberry Slab Pies are one of them.

With their flaky, golden crust and sweet strawberry filling, they’re everything we love about homemade pie—but in a perfectly portable, individual serving. They’re charming enough for a spring brunch, elegant enough for a dinner party, and just plain fun for backyard gatherings, picnics, or holiday celebrations.

The best part? They look bakery-worthy but are surprisingly simple to make.

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☀️ Why You’ll Want to Make Them

I love serving individual desserts at dinner parties. There’s no slicing. No worrying about whether everyone gets an equal piece. And no balancing a pie server while guests are chatting around the table. Everyone gets their own little pie.

These hand-held treats are delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, at room temperature with coffee, or tucked into a picnic basket for an afternoon outdoors.

They’re also a wonderful make-ahead dessert. Bake them earlier in the day, then simply arrange them on a platter when guests arrive.

Simple. Beautiful. Stress-free. Exactly how entertaining should feel.

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❤️ The Health Benefits

Dessert can absolutely be part of a balanced lifestyle, especially when it’s made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Strawberries are loaded with vitamin C, which supports immune health and collagen production. They’re also a great source of antioxidants, fiber, and potassium, helping support heart health while adding natural sweetness.

Lemon juice brightens the filling while providing an extra boost of vitamin C.

Using fresh strawberries means you’re enjoying one of spring and summer’s most flavorful fruits at its nutritional peak.

Sometimes the simplest ingredients really are the best.

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🍓 Individual Strawberry Slab Pies

Makes 8 individual pies

Ingredients

• 2 refrigerated pie crusts
• 3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional)

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F.
2. Roll out the pie crusts and use a 4-inch round cutter to cut 16 circles.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt. Stir gently until evenly coated.
4. Place 8 of the pastry circles onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Divide the strawberry filling evenly among the circles, leaving a small border around the edges.
6. Top each with another pastry circle and press the edges together with a fork to seal.
7. Cut a few small slits in the tops to allow steam to escape.
8. Brush with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired.
9. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
10. Cool slightly before serving. Delicious warm or at room temperature.

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✅ Easy, Easier & Easiest

✨ Easy: Purchase pre-sliced strawberries or prepare the berries a day ahead to save time.

✨ Easier: Swap the fresh strawberries for canned strawberry pie filling for an even quicker dessert.

✨ Easiest: Use store-bought hand pie dough or refrigerated crescent roll dough for an ultra-fast shortcut that still tastes delicious.

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🍽️ A Great Dessert Deserves a Great Dinner Party

These Individual Strawberry Slab Pies are exactly the kind of dessert I love including in my Complete Dinner Party Plans.

Because here’s what I hear all the time:

“I’d love to have people over… I just don’t know what to make.”

That’s exactly the problem these plans solve.

Instead of piecing together recipes from dozens of websites, you’ll have everything you need in one beautifully organized guide:

✔️ A complete, coordinated menu
✔️ Tested recipes that work together
✔️ A prep timeline so you’re never scrambling at the last minute
✔️ Table setting inspiration
✔️ Hosting tips and shortcuts
✔️ Easy, Easier & Easiest recipe variations

The goal isn’t to impress your guests.

The goal is to enjoy them.

Because great food brings people to the table. Meaningful conversation is what keeps them there.

✨ Shop my Complete Dinner Party Plans and discover how enjoyable entertaining can be when someone else has already done the planning.
✨ Follow me on Instagram for weekly recipes, entertaining inspiration, behind-the-scenes hosting tips, and simple ideas to help you gather more often.

Here’s to flaky crusts, sweet strawberries, and creating memories one gathering at a time.

Save me a bite,
Colleen 🥂