Christmas and Holiday Recipes to Try This Season
The holiday season is a time for gathering with loved ones, sharing stories, and, of course, indulging in mouthwatering meals. Whether you’re hosting a festive feast or attending a cozy potluck in College Station, TX, these Christmas and holiday recipes will delight your guests and create lasting memories.
Appetizers to Start the Celebration
Cranberry Brie Bites
These flaky, sweet, and savory bites are the perfect way to kick off any holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- Fresh rosemary (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into 2-inch squares.
- Place the squares into a mini muffin tin.
- Add a small piece of Brie and a spoonful of cranberry sauce to each square.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Garnish with rosemary and serve warm.
Holiday Charcuterie Board
A charcuterie board is not just a snack; it’s a centerpiece. Include seasonal touches like:
- Red and green grapes
- Sliced apples or pears
- Festive cheeses like cranberry goat cheese
- Peppermint bark or chocolate truffles for a sweet twist
Main Dishes That Steal the Show
Honey-Glazed Ham
A traditional holiday ham is a showstopper on any table.
Ingredients:
- 1 spiral-cut ham
- 1 cup honey
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and cover with foil.
- In a saucepan, mix honey, brown sugar, mustard, and cloves. Heat until combined.
- Brush the glaze over the ham and bake for 15 minutes per pound, basting every 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil for the last 15 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
Vegetarian Option: Stuffed Butternut Squash
This colorful dish is as tasty as it is beautiful.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium butternut squashes, halved and seeded
- 1 cup quinoa
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and roast the squash halves for 40 minutes.
- Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
- Mix quinoa with cranberries, pecans, spinach, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Fill the roasted squash halves with the quinoa mixture and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Desserts to Sweeten the Season
Classic Gingerbread Cookies
Get the kids involved in decorating these fun, festive cookies.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon cloves
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients to form a dough. Chill for 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough and cut into shapes with cookie cutters.
- Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Decorate with icing and sprinkles once cooled.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
A warm drink is the perfect way to end a chilly December evening.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- Whipped cream and crushed candy canes for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat the milk and cream in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in the chocolate chips until melted.
- Add peppermint extract and serve in mugs topped with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.
Share the Joy of Cooking
These recipes are more than just meals; they’re an opportunity to bring people together. Whether you’re making memories with family or celebrating with friends in College Station, these dishes are sure to add a special touch to your holidays.
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from our family to yours!
