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Holiday Baking and Cooking: Recipes and Inspiration
During the holiday season, people come together to enjoy warm company and delicious food. This month, we’re diving into some classic holiday treats and savory dishes that are found on most holiday dinner tables.
Traditional holiday baked goods such as gingerbread men and houses, fruitcake, sugar cookies, eggnog, candy canes, and peppermint bark are cherished favorites that bring joy and happiness to any holiday celebration.
In addition, savory dishes such as roasted turkey or ham, stuffing, side dishes like green bean casserole, soup or stew to warm up on chilly nights, and desserts like pumpkin pie or apple crisp are all popular and beloved holiday dishes.
These dishes help create special memories and make the holiday season a truly magical time of year.
Classic Holiday Baked Goods
Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. ~Melody Beattie
| Sugar cookies are a simple yet delicious treat that everyone can enjoy. We make these cookies with a basic dough recipe that can be rolled out and cut into a variety of festive shapes.
Once baked, we can decorate sugar cookies with colorful frosting, sprinkles, and other decorative toppings to create beautiful and tasty treats. |
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Gingerbread is a classic holiday flavor that is typically associated with gingerbread men and houses. These treats are made with a blend of spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, which give them a distinct flavor and aroma.
Gingerbread dough can be cut into a variety of shapes, but gingerbread men and houses are the most popular. These cookies are often decorated with icing, candy, and other festive toppings, making them a fun and creative treat for all ages. |
| Fruitcake and holiday breads are often served during the holiday season as a sweet treat or dessert. Fruitcake is typically made with a dense cake batter mixed with dried fruits, nuts, and spices.
Holiday breads, on the other hand, can be made with a variety of ingredients such as cranberries, nuts, and spices. These baked goods are often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea, making them the perfect companion for cozy winter nights. |
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Eggnog is a rich and creamy drink that is often served during the holiday season. This classic beverage is made with milk, cream, sugar, and eggs, and flavored with vanilla and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Eggnog can be enjoyed hot or cold and is a favorite among adults and children alike. |
| Other festive beverages include hot chocolate, spiced cider, and mulled wine.
Hot chocolate is a classic winter treat made with milk and chocolate, while spiced cider is a warm and comforting drink made with apple cider and spices like cinnamon and cloves. Mulled wine is a popular holiday drink made with red wine, spices, and citrus fruits, served warm and often enjoyed at holiday parties and gatherings. |
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Finally, candy canes and peppermint bark are festive treats that add a touch of sweetness to the holiday season.
Candy canes are shaped like a cane and made with peppermint flavoring, while peppermint bark is made with layers of chocolate and crushed candy canes. These treats are often used as decorations on Christmas trees or given as stocking stuffers for children. |
Savory Holiday Dishes
The Perfect Christmas Dinner
The holiday season is a time of warmth, togetherness, and of course, delicious food. Savory dishes are an integral part of holiday celebrations, and there are a few dishes that are staples on most holiday dinner tables.
Some of the most popular savory dishes during the holiday season include roasted turkey or ham, stuffing and side dishes like green bean casserole, soup or stew to warm up on chilly nights, and desserts like pumpkin pie or apple crisp.
| Roasted turkey or ham is the centerpiece of many holiday meals, and it is usually served with a variety of side dishes.
Roasting a turkey or ham can be a time-consuming task, but the end result is well worth it. The meat is often seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices and then roasted to perfection. Ham is often glazed with a sweet sauce or flavored with spices like cinnamon or cloves, while turkey is often basted with butter or oil to keep it moist. |
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Stuffing is another staple during the holiday season. It is made by combining breadcrumbs with a variety of vegetables, herbs, and spices, and then stuffing the mixture into the cavity of a turkey or baking it separately.
Stuffing can be made with a variety of ingredients, including celery, onions, apples, and nuts, and it is often flavored with sage, thyme, and other herbs. |
| Green bean casserole is a classic holiday side dish that is made with fresh green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions.
This dish is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, which makes it a popular choice for holiday dinners. Other popular side dishes include mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, roasted vegetables, and cranberry sauce. |
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Soup or stew is a great way to warm up on chilly nights during the holiday season. Soups and stews are often made with a variety of hearty ingredients like beef, chicken, or vegetables, and are often flavored with herbs and spices. Some popular soup and stew recipes include beef stew, chicken noodle soup, and vegetable soup. |
| No holiday meal is complete without a delicious dessert. Pumpkin pie and apple crisp are two of the most popular desserts during the holiday season.
Pumpkin pie is made with a creamy filling made from pumpkin puree, eggs, cream, and a blend of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg Apple crisp is made with sliced apples that are baked with a topping made from flour, oats, sugar, and butter. |
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Whether you are cooking for a large gathering or a small family, these dishes are sure to bring warmth and comfort to any holiday celebration.
Creative Twists on Traditional Recipes
No matter what the recipe, any baker can do wonders in the kitchen with some good ingredients and an upbeat attitude! ~Buddy Valastro
The holiday season is a time to celebrate traditions and indulge in delicious food. However, adding a creative twist to traditional recipes can make the holidays even more special. Here are some creative ideas to elevate classic holiday dishes.
| Sugar cookies are a holiday staple that can be made even more festive by adding colorful frosting and fun decorations.
Instead of using basic white frosting, try using bright colors like red, green, and blue to make your cookies stand out. Add sprinkles, edible glitter, and candy pieces to create unique designs. You can even make sugar cookies in the shape of holiday icons like Christmas trees, Santa Claus, and snowmen. |
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Gingerbread is a classic holiday treat that can be made even more exciting by adding unexpected flavors.
Instead of traditional gingerbread spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, try adding coffee or chocolate to your gingerbread batter. You can also experiment with different types of sweeteners like honey or maple syrup to give your gingerbread a unique flavor profile. |
| Seasonal ingredients like cranberries and chestnuts can add a festive touch to holiday dishes.
Add cranberries to stuffing or use them to make a tart cranberry sauce to accompany your roasted turkey. Chestnuts can be used in a variety of ways, from being added to stuffing to being roasted as a side dish. |
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For those with dietary restrictions, experimenting with alternative ingredients can lead to delicious results.
Gluten-free flour can be used to make holiday cookies and cakes, while vegan butter can be substituted in stuffing and other dishes. There are also many dairy-free options for making creamy soups and sauces. |
| Creating a new holiday drink can add a fun and festive touch to any gathering. Try infusing spiced liqueurs like cinnamon or nutmeg into hot cocoa or cider.
You can also create a signature holiday cocktail using seasonal ingredients like cranberry juice or pomegranate seeds. For a non-alcoholic option, mix sparkling water with pomegranate juice and fresh rosemary for a refreshing and festive drink. |
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To wrap it up in a bow, the holiday season is a time of warmth, togetherness, and delicious food.
From classic holiday baked goods like sugar cookies and gingerbread houses to savory dishes like roasted turkey or ham, there are endless possibilities for creating a holiday feast that will bring joy and cheer to any gathering.
The key is to try new recipes and experiment with ingredients to create your own unique holiday traditions.
So this holiday season, don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen and make some unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Whether it’s baking festive treats or cooking up savory delights, there are endless possibilities for creating a holiday feast that will be sure to delight your taste buds and warm your heart.