I don’t think anyone can resist the smell of a mother’s kitchen at Christmastime. The smell of fresh brown sugar, the eye-appealing glaze of melted butter, and the sound of crunching cinnamon sticks are three things that definitely get me into the holiday spirit. From scrumptious side-dishes to delectable desserts, we spend an exorbitant amount of time in the kitchen preparing for Christmas, trying out new recipes for the holidays, keeping the winners and ousting the recipes that make my dad and brother cringe at first sight. Over the years, we’ve discovered three amazing recipes that are both easy to make and so delicious that not even the Grinch could resist a bite. So, grab your family members, pump up the Christmas music, and get your hands ready to dive into piles of flour with the Melone’s favorite Christmas recipes. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
Sweet Potato Crunch
This recipe works a Halloween treat, a Thanksgiving side-dish, or a Christmas dessert, making it a versatile and tireless favorite of my family. You’ll love the crunch of the sweet pecans over the soft sweet potatoes on your first bite. We always end up finishing the whole plate!
Ingredients:
- 3 large sweet potatoes
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 stick butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Directions:
Boil potatoes until tender for about 45 minutes. Remove skins when cooled. Put into a large bowl and whip until fluffy. Add remaining ingredients. Pour into a greased casserole and top with the Crunch topping. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
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Biscotti
During the holidays, my family loves to revert back to our Italian roots. My mom’s biscotti recipe is just one of our classic Italian desserts that my entire family is obsessed with. The softness of the cookie with melt in your mouth, and the kick of black licorice flavor will definitely get you hooked! This recipe is a little bit harder than the last, but the time and effort will give you more time to bond with your family.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp. baking powder
- ¼ tsp. salt
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp. Ground amise seed
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Line a heavy, large baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl to blend. Using an electric mixer, beat the sugar and butter in a large bowl to blend. Beat the eggs in 1 at a time. Add the flour mixture and beat just until blended. Add the ground anise seed and mix well. Stir in the chocolate chips.
Form the dough into a 16 inch long, 3 inch wide log. Transfer the log to the prepared baking sheet. Bake until light golden, about 30 minutes. Cool 30 minutes.
Place the log on the cutting board. Using a serrated knife, cut the log on a diagonal, in ½ or ¾ inch thick slices. Arrange the cookies cut side down on the baking sheet. Bake the cookies until pale golden, about 5 minutes on each side. Transfer the cookies to a rack and cool completely.
Corn Casserole
Now, this recipe is an important one in my family. If there’s ever a holiday where my mom doesn’t make it, there is a legitimate uproar from all of my cousins since it is such a family favorite. After a couple of years of the corn casserole being completely devoured in a matter of seconds, she now even makes individual casseroles for my cousins to bring home to their apartments because they love it so much. We hope you’ll love it just as much as our family does! P.S. It’s super easy too!
Ingredients:
- 1 can whole drained corn
- 1 can cream style corn
- 1 8½ oz. box Jiffy corn bread mix
- 2 eggs slightly beaten
- 1 stick melted margarine
- 1 cup sour cream
Directions:
Mix all, add sour cream last. Grease open casserole dish. Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees.
Photo Sources:
http://www.jeremiahfletcher.co…