The holiday season is upon us, and with hosting holiday parties, traveling to visit family, shopping for Christmas presents, wrapping gifts, and cooking delicious meals, we know how stressful it can be. The most important thing about this season is to cherish time with your loved ones and if we can help make that happen in the smallest way, then we’re going to! To ease the stress of finding the perfect holiday recipes for your gatherings, we’ve compiled a list of our festive favorites. From tasty cocktails to main course entrees, we’ve got you covered. Enjoy!
Drinks
Cranberry Holiday Punch
While most people think of that heavenly cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving, this cranberry holiday punch recipe is good all holiday season long. Mix frozen cranberries, cranberry juice, prosecco or champagne, simple syrup, and ice, and you’ve got a super simple (but delicious) holiday drink to enjoy!
– Merritt
Caramel Apple Cider Cocktail
This sweet cocktail has become a recent holiday staple for me and my siblings. Imagine drinking a melted caramel apple candle, in the best way, of course. The flavor encapsulates the holiday spirit, and the cocktail-soaked apple slices make for a perfect dessert. For a sour twist, add a splash of apple liqueur!
– Gracie
Main Courses
Southern Oxtail & Short Rib Stew
If you’re looking for a flavor-packed stew to keep you warm this holiday season, we’ve got the perfect dish for you. Pair this dish with fresh white rice or mashed potatoes for a fulfilling balance of comfort and heartiness. Pro-tip: If you’re a meat lover, add another 3lb of oxtails, or short ribs to feed the whole family!
– Nicole
Cornish Hen
Cornish Hens provide an unexpected spin to the classic and often anticipated Thanksgiving turkey. Surprise your guests with their own personal bird. If your friends and family anxiously hover for the food to be prepared, task them with seasoning their hen for a fun activity and bonding opportunity!
– Morgan
Deep Fried Turkey Brined in Cayenne and Brown Sugar
Are there really any words needed here? This recipe is sweet, spicy, delicious, and shocker: zero calories! Although the last part isn’t accurate, it doesn’t really matter. This is amazing and pending you have a fire extinguisher handy, well worth making this holiday season.
– Megan
Prime Rib Roast
Not much of a fan of turkey? Here’s an alternative crowd-pleaser! This prime rib recipe pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, yeast rolls- or anything that suits your fancy. Although this takes some time to prepare, we assure you it’s worth the wait.
– Nicole
Side Dishes
Baked Mac and Cheese
This recipe is not only mouth-watering, but it’s also super simple! If you’re in need of a classic, show-stopping side, this is your recipe. The added crunch of the baked cheese on top makes this side dish to die for. Bonus: it’s great leftover if you heat it up with a splash of milk!
– Tami
Pumpkin Whipped Feta
This dish is a great appetizer for snacking prior to your holiday meal. It can be made up to a day in advance, and I love pairing it with toasted bread! Pro-tip: I highly recommend using fresh thyme over-dried.
– Tami
Balsamic & Honey Roasted Brussel Sprouts
These are amazing and SO easy to make. Spice it up a bit by adding in chopped pecans, pomegranate seeds, or even a sprinkle of sesame seeds right as they come out of the oven.
– Megan
Shoepeg Corn Casserole with Sour Cream & Green Beans
While this may sound not too appetizing, trust us when we say it makes for a great holiday side dish. Mix french-style green beans, shoepeg corn, butter, cheese, and sour cream, topped with crumbled Ritz crackers and you got yourself an easy casserole!
– Merritt
Desserts
Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust
This recipe is a new favorite in our house. It has all the rich deliciousness of pecan pie but without all the ooey gooey sweetness if regular pecan pie is a bit much for you. It’s fun to make, the shortbread layer is amazing, and you’ll probably find yourself coming back to sneak an extra piece when nobody’s looking!
– Dawn
Cranberry Ribbon Bread
I’ve made this one over and over for family get-togethers and gatherings with friends. While baking this treat, the cranberries really pop, making the kitchen smell amazing. the kitchen smell amazing. Pro-tip: It’s great as an after-dinner snack or as breakfast bread in the morning!
– Daw
Cranberry Custard Pie
This Cranberry Custard Pie is a delicious combo of sweet and tart with a flaky buttery crust! Be sure to bake long enough to allow the custard time to set properly. Pre-baking the bottom crust is recommended to avoid an uncooked middle. Adding the sugared cranberries on top makes a perfectly pretty garnish for your holiday get-togethers!
– Allison
A Little Extra Something
DIY Natural Christmas Holiday Scent
This combination of berries, fruits, and pine come together to make a scent to rival any holiday-themed candle you can purchase! This steamy potpourri fills your home with a warm winter holiday aroma to make a family gathering feel extra special or to get in the Christmas spirit while wrapping gifts!
- 1 1/2 Cups fresh Cranberries
- 1 Orange sliced
- 3 whole Cinnamon Sticks
- 2 Star Anise
- 1 tsp whole Cloves
- 1-inch piece of Ginger
- 1 tbsp Vanilla
- 1 sprig of Fresh Pine
- 1 cover with Apple Cider
- Add all to a pot on the stovetop and simmer on the lowest setting.
– Allison
Munchies Christmas Candy
The name might be made-up, but the flavor is for real. Dubbed from my last name, Munchies are the perfect Christmas candy for holiday parties, goodie bags, and stocking stuffers. These quick, easy treats never miss!
Ingredients:
- White Chocolate Bark
- Peanut Butter
- Peanuts
- Rice Crispies
- Mini Marshmallows
Instructions:
- Heat 2 white chocolate barks in the microwave until melted
- Add peanut butter, peanuts, and rice crispies as desired
- Mix quickly before it cools
- Throw in a handful of marshmallows and mix again
- Spoon the mix onto parchment paper and let it dry
– Gracie
If you and your friends or family try one of our holiday favorites for your festive feast, let us know by tagging us on Facebook or Instagram and using #flourishfeast. Happy Holidays!
– Flourish