Effortless Holiday Recipes
Across diverse cultures, holiday cooking is revered as a sacred tradition, often involving a long list of dishes. However, the burden on women in the household to cook a flawless feast can lead to stress. Emphasizing the idea that cooking serves as a means to unite families, we are recommending you some uncomplicated yet delectable recipes. And even culinary experts acknowledge that straightforward recipes need not sacrifice taste.
- Pomegranate Brie Crostini Appetizer, the fruit that brings good luck, is the main topic
Ingredients
- 1 gluten-free baguette sliced into ½-inch rounds
- Olive oil, for toasting
- 1 pound brie cheese, sliced into ¼ inch pieces
- 8 ounces pomegranate seeds
- Honey, slightly warmed
- Optional garnish: fresh thyme
Instructions
- Turn the oven on to broil and place a rack in the top of the oven. Arrange the bread pieces on a baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil. Toast under the broiler until just beginning to turn golden brown. Keep a close eye on the bread under the broiler.
- Remove the toast from the oven and turn the oven to 425°F.
- Top each piece of toast with a slice of brie.
- Return the tray to the oven and bake until the cheese starts to melt slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and transfer the crostini to a serving platter.
- Top with pomegranate seeds, a drizzle of honey, and a sprig of thyme.
Serve warm 😊
Source: https://christiannkoepke.com/2020/12/23/pomegranate-brie-crostini-appetizer/
2. Candy Cane Caprese Board, because tomato and mozzarella are the perfect combination
Ingredients
- Pre-sliced mozzarella
- Large fresh tomatoes
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze
- Olive oil
- Sea salt
- Toasted baguette
- 18×12 wood board
Instructions
- Start at the top end of the candy cane shape and alternate layering a slice of fresh mozzarella with a slice of tomato until you get a big candy cane shape.
- Place fresh basil leaves around the board and a small serving bowl with the balsamic glaze.
- Just before serving, drizzle the mozzarella and tomatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
Serve with additional olive oil and sea salt, as well as toasted baguette slices.
Source: https://thebakermama.com/recipes/caprese-candy-cane-board/
3. Cute Christmas trees made of cheese
Ingredients
- 8 Cheese Wedges (like Cow Cheese Wedges)
- 4 Pretzel Sticks (cut in half)
- 1/3 cup herbs (like basil, rosemary, dill, etc) (diced or chopped)
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Unwrap Laughing Cow cheese wedges, slice a brie wheel into wedges, slice white cheese into wedges, etc.
- Fill a shallow bowl or plate with seasonings and herbs.
- Press a cheese wedge down into the herbs to coat one side.
- Flip over and insert one half of a pretzel stick.
Serve immediately!
4. The Christmas Wreath Charcuterie Board
Instructions
- Place the skewers on a large circular serving platter or cutting board, overlapping them if needed.
- Make a circle with the skewers.
- Tuck the rosemary springs underneath the skewers all around.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze immediately before serving.
Source: https://feelgoodfoodie.net/recipe/christmas-wreath-charcuterie-board/
5. A Charcuterie Board of Tortilla Pinwheels Filled With Cream Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 blocks (16 oz.) cream cheese, softened and brought to room temperature
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 red peppers, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill, minced
- 4 large tortillas
- Fresh rosemary for garnish
- Cherry tomatoes for garnish
- Decorative holiday picks for serving (optional)
Instructions
- First, chop the red pepper into small pieces and slice the olives, if necessary.
- Now, in a large mixing bowl, add the cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder and lemon juice. Blend with hand mixer until the cream cheese mixture is smooth with no lumps.
- Once combined, use a spatula or spoon to fold in the fresh dill, olives and chopped peppers.
- Next, place a tortilla on a flat working surface (like your countertop or a large baking sheet) and using an offset spatula, spread about 1/2 cup of the cream cheese mixture onto the tortilla. Spread the mixture just to the edge of the tortilla.
- Roll up the tortilla and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Repeat for all 4 tortillas. Chill them in the freezer for 30 minutes, then cut each rolled tortilla into eight 3/4-inch slices.
- Arrange the pinwheel slices into the shape of a tree on your favorite festive serving platter, plate or wooden board. Garnish the tree with sprigs of fresh rosemary, cherry tomato “ornaments” and decorative holiday picks for serving.
Source: https://fantabulosity.com/pinwheel-christmas-tree-appetizer/
6. A Christmas Salad
Ingredients
- Fresh Greens: Select your favorite fresh greens. I suggest sticking to true green colors (rather than dark purple leaves) like romaine, arugula and spinach.
- Pomegranate: You can use fresh pomegranate or buy just the pomegranate arils in the produce section next to cut fruits. They’re sweet, slightly crunchy and DELISH!
- Oranges: I like to slice fresh navel oranges for this salad. You can serve them in large rounds to look like ornaments on a wreath or in segments. You can absolutely swap these out for mandarin oranges too.
- Pecans & Almonds: Nuts add delicious crunch, flavor and health benefits so I always love to add them in to this Christmas salad. Use what you have on hand, but I personally like pecans and sliced almonds. I highly suggest toasting them for the best flavor. Or try candied nuts too for an extra treat!
- Cucumber: Delish, crunchy and easy to add to this salad!
- Feta Cheese: Feta and citrus are one of my favorite combos, but you could leave out the cheese or swap it for a gorgonzola, goat cheese or even a blue cheese too. My mother and I both think it looks like snow on the wreath!
- Cheese Stars: Add on my very FAVORITE part of this Christmas Salad wreath by cutting out miniature star shapes from slices of white cheese like provolone or Swiss.
- Dressing of Honey Mustard Vinaigrette
Garlic
Honey
Dijon Mustard
White Wine Vinegar
Orange Juice
Salt
Olive Oil
Source: https://easysalads.com/christmas-salad/
7. Christmas Tree Apetizer
Ingredients
For the bread:
- 1 large baguette sliced into ¼ inch rounds
- Olive Oil for brushing
For the tomatoes:
- 4 cloves of garlic minced
- 6 tbs olive oil
- 2 cans of Diced Tomatoes
- ½ cup of basil washed and chopped
- 1 tbs salt
- ½ cup balsamic oil
Instructions
- On a large platter lay out basil leaves in the shape of a large tree/triangle
- Place toasted baguette slices on top of basil adding one extra for the stump
- Right before you want to serve the dish add the bruschetta topping
- Place mozzarella balls and rolled prosciutto on top to act as decorations and you can even form the prosciutto into a star and place at the top!
Source: https://www.atablefullofjoy.com/easy-bruschetta-recipe/
8. Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip
Ingredients
1/3 c. fresh orange juice, plus 1 tsp. finely grated orange zest
2 tbsp. honey, divided
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1 sprig thyme, plus 2 tsp. chopped thyme leaves
6 oz. feta in brine, cut into small cubes
1 clove garlic, grated or minced
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
6 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp. toasted chopped pistachios
Crackers or crostini, for serving
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk orange juice and 1 tablespoon honey until combined, then bring to a boil.
- Add cranberries and thyme sprig and return to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and become saucy, 7 to 8 minutes. Remove thyme and stir in orange zest. Let cool.
- Meanwhile, drain brine from feta. In a food processor, pulse feta, garlic, red pepper flakes, and chopped thyme until feta is broken up into small crumbs. Add cream cheese and pulse until combined. With motor running, drizzle in oil and blend until mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Transfer whipped feta to a serving bowl. Top with cooled cranberry sauce. Sprinkle with pistachios and drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon honey. Serve with crackers alongside.
Source: https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a41848738/cranberry-whipped-feta-dip-recipe/
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