5 Festive Holiday Recipes for Thanksgiving and Christmas

‘Tis the season! No holiday activity is complete without family, friends, fun, and food. If you’re looking to impress your guests or simply enjoy some comforting meals, here are five festive holiday recipes for Thanksgiving and Christmas that are sure to bring warmth and joy to your celebrations.

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1. Hearty Chili

There’s nothing more filling than a bowl of hearty chili on a cold day. Try this recipe the next time you need a no-fuss, crowd-pleaser.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions

Directions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion and garlic over medium heat until softened.

2. Add the ground meat and cook until browned.

3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

4. Add the beans and diced tomatoes, bringing the mixture to a boil.

5. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes. Adjust seasonings as desired.

6. Serve hot, topped with cheese, sour cream, and green onions.

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2. Classic Pot Roast

The ideal set it and forget it dish, classic pot roast is perfect for an intimate dinner or feeding a crowd.

What You’ll Need:

• 3-4 lbs beef chuck roast
• 4 carrots, cut into chunks
• 4 potatoes, quartered
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary) for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).

2. Season the roast with salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven, sear the roast on all sides over medium-high heat.

3. Add the garlic, onion, carrots, and potatoes around the roast.

4. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.

5. Cover and roast in the oven for 3-4 hours, until the meat is tender.

6. Slice and serve with the vegetables, garnished with fresh herbs.

3. Sweet Potato Pie

If you’re ready to level up from store-bought pies, try this recipe for the holiday dessert favorite, sweet potato pie.

What You’ll Need:

• 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 large sweet potatoes)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

3. Pour the mixture into the pie crust.

4. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

5. Let cool before serving. Enjoy with whipped cream if desired.

4. Holiday Punch

What’s a party without punch? Serve this sweet, festive, sure-to-please holiday punch at your get-togethers this season.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cranberry juice
• 4 cups ginger ale
• 2 cups orange juice
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• Slices of fresh oranges, lemons, and cranberries for garnish

Directions:

1. In a large punch bowl, combine the cranberry juice, ginger ale, orange juice, and pineapple juice.

2. Stir gently to mix.

3. Add slices of fresh fruits for garnish.

4. Serve chilled in festive glasses.

5. Wreath Salad

Add a fresh element to the holiday spread with this salad inspired by Christmas decor.

What You’ll Need:

• 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, romaine)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
• Olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dressing

Directions:

1. Arrange the mixed greens on a large platter in a circular wreath shape.

2. Decoratively place the cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, feta, and pomegranate seeds on top.

3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar just before serving.

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Festive Holiday Recipes To Try This Month  was originally published on elev8.com