The time has come. As a foodie, the holiday season means whipping up traditional recipes — and new ones! In celebration, I have gathered some recipes and have divided them into a three-course meal with an added bonus: drinks. So be my guest, and enjoy!
Appetizers
First, we have our appetizers. Now I know many of you are waiting all day for this dinner and many of you (especially all my college students) have been starved of a nutritious home-cooked meal for far too long. Just the thought of having to wait 10 plus hours for my dinner makes me want to faint. So in order to keep the hungry stomachs at bay, here are three appetizers to enjoy before the main course.
Tomato Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze
I mean, who doesn’t love carbs? And better yet, it’s fast, easy and picture-worthy. Most of the following ingredients you may even already have at home. All you need is some Italian bread, tomatoes, red onion, garlic, basil, olive oil, salt and pepper and, lastly, balsamic vinegar. It can’t get any easier than this.
Crock Pot Honey Garlic Smokies
For a little bit of change in taste, enjoy this sweet and tangy crowd pleaser! A little more sophisticated than your usual pigs in a blanket, here are some honey garlic smokies. You can enjoy them solo or even eat them with any leftover Italian bread from your bruschetta.
Smoked Cheese & Onion Straws
You are going to be ecstatic to learn that our next recipe only requires THREE ingredients. All you need is puff pastry, smoked cheese and spring onions. These cute little breadsticks can be eaten on their own, as part of a charcuterie board or as side dishes to compliment that delicious turkey.
Cauliflower Piccata
This one is for all my vegetarians. Here we have some cauliflower, chickpeas and lemon for a delicious piccata dish. These roasted vegetables will add some nutritious benefits to your dinner while avoiding the bland taste of ordinary vegetables.
Brussel Sprouts with Honey and Miso
If you aren’t a piccata fan, try this tasty alternative. Dress up your vegetables in miso and umami and add a little bit of a crunch with some chopped almonds for this fancy dish. You’ll truly feel like a chef making this meal.
Desserts
I know you all have been waiting for this one. Moving into desserts! If you have a sweet tooth, these are for you.
Apple Tarte Tatin
This mouthwatering recipe uses caramelized apples and an apple pie liqueur to create a warm and wholesome tarte. This treat is similar to, but not quite the same as, your traditional apple pie.
Caramel Pecan Blondies
If you’re anything like me, then you love the sweetness and crunch that candied pecans give you. Here we have what chef Tess Arias calls an “ultra-chewy brown sugar blondie with a hidden layer of rich, gooey and crunchy caramel pecan filling.” I couldn’t have said it better myself. I’ve already sent this recipe to my mom when preparing for Thanksgiving break.
Now, for those 21 and older, boy, do I have a special treat for you! Here are three cocktail recipes that’ll help you take a load off and enjoy the holiday break.
Spiced Cranberry Hot Toddy
This cocktail is different from the usual ones you’ll order at the bar because this one comes out hot! This version of the hot toddy uses cranberry juice in addition to the traditional ingredients to give it a sweeter taste. I remember ordering one of these during a trip in Italy, so you bet I’ll be reminiscing on those memories while sipping on this drink by the fire.
Pumpkin Spice White Russian Cocktail
You know I had to include some form of pumpkin-spiced concoction in this collection of recipes. This drink adds a fun twist to the white Russian cocktail by making it seasonal with a creamy pumpkin spice flavor.
Apple Cider Mimosas
Lastly, but not least, we have a mimosa. One of my favorite meals of the day is brunch and to perfectly complement a complete brunch, you need to add a mimosa. This apple cider mimosa is perfect for this time of the year and will be great to sip on while waiting for dinner to be finished cooking or to have the next day with the leftovers.
There you have it. Spice up your usual holidays’ dinners and give one — or all — of these recipes a try! Enjoy your time with your family, be proud of all you have accomplished and earned this year, give back what you can and surround yourself with loved ones this holiday season.