The holiday season is upon us, bringing with it the joy of spending time with loved ones, decorating our homes, and of course, indulging in delicious food. If you’re looking for some new recipes to try this holiday season, look no further! Here are five delicious and easy holiday recipes that are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
1. Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze
No holiday feast is complete without a perfectly roasted turkey, and this recipe takes it to the next level with a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze. To make this dish, start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Rinse and pat dry a whole turkey, then place it breast side up in a roasting pan.
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of cranberry juice, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
Brush the glaze over the turkey, then roast it in the oven for about 3 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the remaining glaze. The turkey is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F. Let the turkey rest for about 20 minutes before carving and serving.
2. Butternut Squash Soup with Apple and Sage
This cozy soup is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly winter night. To make it, start by peeling and dicing a medium butternut squash, then sautéing it in a large pot with a diced onion and a clove of minced garlic until softened.
Add 4 cups of vegetable broth, 1 diced apple, and a handful of fresh sage leaves to the pot, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, until the squash is tender.
Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot, garnished with a drizzle of cream and some crispy sage leaves.
3. Cranberry and Goat Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
These elegant stuffed mushrooms are perfect for serving as an appetizer at your holiday gathering. To make them, start by removing the stems from a dozen large mushrooms, then hollowing out the caps to create a space for the filling.
In a small bowl, mix together 4 ounces of soft goat cheese, 1/4 cup of dried cranberries, 2 tablespoons of chopped walnuts, and a sprinkle of fresh thyme. Spoon the mixture into the mushroom caps, then bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and the cheese is melted.
Serve the stuffed mushrooms warm, garnished with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
4. Pecan Pie Bars
If you’re a fan of pecan pie, you’ll love these easy and portable pecan pie bars. To make them, start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Gradually stir in 1/2 cup of melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish, then bake for about 15 minutes, until lightly golden. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2/3 cup of dark corn syrup, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 2 beaten eggs, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Stir in 1 cup of chopped pecans, then pour the mixture over the partially baked crust. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, until the filling is set. Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
5. Peppermint Chocolate Truffles
These decadent truffles are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth during the holidays. To make them, start by melting 8 ounces of dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream, then remove the bowl from heat.
Let the mixture cool slightly, then stir in a teaspoon of peppermint extract and a pinch of salt. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about an hour, until firm.
Using a small cookie scoop, form the chocolate mixture into balls, then roll them in crushed candy canes for a festive touch. Chill the truffles for another 30 minutes, then serve and enjoy!
These five delicious and easy holiday recipes are sure to impress your guests and become new favorites in your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner party or simply looking for a cozy night in, these dishes are perfect for the holiday season. Give them a try and let us know which one is your favorite!
