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When the holidays arrive, there are many things to look forward to. The company of your loved ones, the cosiness of your home and those long winter nights, and the glistening Christmas trees and fairy lights that create a warm glow wherever you go. In short, there are many reasons why we all wait for the season with bated breath, wondering when we can put our cosy clothes on and begin buying thoughtful gifts for our family and friends.
However, one of the best things about the holidays is the food, and there’s nothing quite like chowing down on some of the tastiest belly-warming dishes as the winter rolls around. Whether you’re a cookery lover who prefers to create their own delicious recipes, or you’re a Walmart aficionado who would rather stock up in the grocery store, there are plenty of holiday foods that you just need to get your hands on.
We’ve noted down some of the best Thanksgiving and Christmas foods here, for those who have a real taste for the season…
Extra-juicy turkeys
Of course, turkey is the centerpiece of most Thanksgiving tables. However, it is unbelievable how many people seem to get it wrong, and you can be dreading facing that super dry meat all over again this year. Whilst turkey gravy is an absolute staple in the holiday period, it shouldn’t be used just to give you some sweet relief from the dryness of poorly cooked meat. But how do you get it perfect?
It’s important to make sure of a few things, and one of them is that your turkey is fresh rather than frozen. This will help to ensure that it doesn’t dry out, but there are other ways of doing this if you’d prefer. For example, you can rub butter under the skin (with herbs if you really want to add a bit of flavor to it) or use brine to lock the moisture in. Lastly, make sure that you don’t overcook the meat which also dries it out!
British pigs in blankets
In the US, pigs in blankets are widely understood to be hot dogs in dough, but this isn’t the same across the pond. British pigs in blankets are sausages wrapped in rashers of bacon, and they really are the best things that you can eat over the holiday period. Add them to your Christmas dinner, or enjoy as snacks if you’re thinking of putting on a festive buffet. Here’s how you easily make these British delights:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit
- Wrap a rasher of bacon around each sausage (cut in half if you’re using smaller sausages)
- Cook for around 30 minutes, or until they look lovely, golden and ready to eat!
Warming winter drinks
As the festivities get in full swing, so do the delicious winter drinks. After a cold day in the snow or perhaps just a day in our pyjamas, we all seek out something to warm us up! Whether you’re a coffee lover who knows all of the latte history that there is to know, or you prefer a glass of mulled wine, there are plenty of warming drinks to choose from if you want to get into the spirit of the season. However, it doesn’t stop there…
Christmas is the season to be jolly, and you can do this by enjoying some of your favorite tipples. Christmas cocktails (and mocktails for non-drinkers) should be on the menu, and you can shake up some classic drinks, from snowballs to White Russians. Cream liqueurs are also delicious, as well as Advocaat which is a seasonal staple. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a Christmas drink no matter what your chosen tipple is!
Desserts, desserts, desserts
It wouldn’t be the holidays without some luxurious desserts, and if you’ve got a family (and friendship group) full of pudding lovers then you’re sure to have plenty of them tucked up your sleeve. From yule logs to trifles, there is something to suit every taste, but what desserts can you make for the season that will please even the fussiest of eaters? Perhaps you could give one of the following a try:
- Yule log: a yule log is a classic Christmas dessert, ideal for chocolate lovers. Made of chocolate sponge cake with a delicious buttercream filling, this is certainly one that you should incorporate into your festivities, particularly if you’re trying to cater to fussy, chocolate-loving kids.
- Fruit cake: another Christmas staple, fruit cakes must be on the menu. Made with candied or dried fruit, spices and nuts, they have been adorning holiday tables for centuries. Most grocery stores will sell these over the festive period, but you can also try your hand at making one yourself without too much stress!
- All-American trifle: jam packed with fruit (which is pretty helpful after you’ve neglected healthy eating for a while) and cream in equal amounts, an all-American trifle is super easy to make and will feed the entire family. You can, of course, change up the amount of cake cubes, fruit and cream that you use to create the desired taste for your perfect Christmas dessert.
Yummy cheese boards
Cheese boards are brilliant snacks, starters, desserts… you name it, there are plenty of reasons to chow down on some cheese over the Christmas period. And trust us here, there are very few things that you can’t put on a cheese board. It’s pretty much trial and error, and before you know it you’ll have created something brilliant with some of the items that you’ve found in your pantry and refrigerator. Try:
- Cheeses (of course). Brie, cheddar, stilton, goats cheese… whatever it is that you and your loved ones really love, and would want to snack on
- Crackers - and butter - to accompany the cheese
- Nuts, such as pecans and walnuts
- Grapes
- Olives
- Warm breads
- Meats (such as salami)
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Pretzels
- Anything else that you want to add!
Unbeatable turkey stuffing
Another addition to your turkey dinner, stuffing is delicious and will put some more flavor into your lunch when enjoyed alongside those veggies. This may be a recipe that has been passed down through your family, and everybody has their own ways of doing it. However, changing the ingredients up every now and again can help you to discover the types of stuffing that you enjoy the most, so it’s worthwhile looking through some recipes for festive inspiration.
Classic Yorkshire puddings
For those in the US, Yorkshire puddings can be a little confusing. However, they go perfectly with meat, vegetables and gravy, and if you want to try out something new then you can consider adding them to your Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner. Using the same recipe as you would for pancakes - but adding a touch of salt and pepper - create the perfect mix. Be sure to whisk it up properly to get the air into it, then cook it in the oven after filling a tin with oil and heating it up to a high temperature. Bon appetit!
Leftover-packed casseroles
For the days following Thanksgiving and Christmas, casseroles are king. Use leftover turkey and vegetables, adding in some stock and herbs (such as sage, rosemary or thyme) with a little bit of flour to thicken it up. This warm treat will delight all of the family, and you can be sure that you’re not wasting any of the food from the previous days. Not only good for your stomach, this one is certainly a soul pleaser, too.
Enjoy your holiday foods, whether you opt for some British dishes or keep it all-American!
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