What I Baked & Cooked For The Holidays
Well, the holidays have come and gone. Just like that.
I don’t know about you, but as magical and fun as the holidays are, they’re a bit stressful for me too. All the gift buying, plans, events, family get togethers… it kind of all builds at once and my checklist gets a little out of control (kind of my own fault and something I’m definitely going to work on this year — especially with another child on the way).
One way for me to destress, surprisingly, is to keep busy in the kitchen by cooking and baking. I especially love to bake during the holidays because not only does it make the house smell divine, but baked goods are great to give as presents and enjoy with company. It’s really the gift that keeps on giving. This year, I gifted our new neighbors something extra sweet and it felt so good to see how happy it made them.
I think my love language is acts of service… 😂
Here’s What I Baked & Cooked This Holiday Season 🎄🦃🥖🍪🥮
French Toast Casserole (our Christmas morning tradition)
My mother-in-law baked this amazing dish years ago and I haven’t forgetten about it since. It’s now one of our own family’s new traditions to enjoy on Christmas morning. You prepare it the night before and toast up once you wake. Breakfast is ready just like that! The brown sugar at the bottom creates a nice warm crust that the bread and egg mixture soaks right up.
Chocolate Cinnamon Sugar Pull Apart Wreath
Maybe one of the prettiest and most delicious holiday desserts I’ve ever made. It takes the idea of “monkey bread” to a whole new level. Ideal right out of the oven but also a hit the next morning, cut and toasted to perfection.
This is what I gifted our sweet, new neighbors.
The Grill Bitch’s Bar Nuts
We’re big fans of Anthony Bourdain in this house and his recipe for bar nuts is unreal. Of course you can do without the cayenne but we like it as is! A great gift too if you place a couple generous scoops into baggies.
Photo: BravoTV.com
Homemade Mac and Cheese Bites
Easy, bite-size and gooey! The perfect party treat you know most everyone will love — even those little picky eaters we know (cough - toddlers - cough).
Cranberry Feta Pinwheels
An easy appetizer for a small dinner party that looks festive as ever and is equally as tasty. Comes together in just minutes! Also, the colors are very Christmasy with the cranberries, chives and cream cheese.
Shall we call it “Christmas in a wrap”?
Deep-Dish Bacon and Cheddar Quiche
I’m going to go out on a limb here and say this was not only the best quiche I’ve ever made, but maybe one of my top five favorite things I’ve ever made. Period.
A homemade buttery crust is well worth the time and work. And a layer of cheese at the bottom was a personal wow moment for me as I was building it.
Note: Put aside a couple hours to make this.
Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Soup
Always a crowd pleaser and always delicious. This is the most simple recipe to whip up for a group or just a cozy dinner in when you aren’t feeling motivated to cook. Thanks to my mother-in-law for also introducing us to this standout recipe!
What other crockpot meals do you love?
Cranberry, Apple and Sausage Stuffing (a Thanksgiving staple)
A yummy stuffing recipe that kicks things up a knotch with flavor and textures. I love the sweet and salty combo. Honestly, I’m more into stuffing than the actual turkey on Thanksgiving anyway, so this is always a dish I look foward to making and eating.
Did you bake or cook anything special around the holidays? Do you have traditional meals you must make?
I’d love to hear more!
xoxo,
Ari
