The Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are my most favorite time of the year. From the beautiful home décor, to the wonderful food, to the delightful and special memories made around this time of year, it's no wonder that people feel closer than ever before.
And with that cheerfulness and feeling of belonging and love, I see women hosting in their homes more often during these times.
Here are quick and easy recipes to help you get through hosting the holidays in your home!
Cranberry Salsa
1 bag fresh cranberries
1 cup sugar
1 bunch cilantro
1 bunch green onions
1 Tbsp. Lime juice
1 Tbsp. Olive oil
In a food processor, finely chop the cranberries, cilantro and green onions. Mix everything together and serve. Serve with tortilla chips. It’s that easy.
**A few side notes: While it can be served freshly prepared, I like to make it the night before. It tastes great chilled and it gives the ingredients time to blend together to create a wonderful flavor.
For me, 1 cup of sugar makes it a little “too sugary”. So, I only use ¾ cup of sugar.
Always make a double batch! Trust me.
Cream Cheese with Pepper Jelly
1 block cream cheese
1 jar specialty pepper jelly
Crackers of your choice
Place cream cheese block on a pretty platter or cheese board and cover with pepper jelly. Surround the pepper jelly/cream cheese block with crackers.
**It is fun to have several blocks of cream cheese with different pepper jelly flavors as a variety for your guests.
Delicious Apple Cider
6 packets Spiced Hot Apple Cider
1 six ounce box of red hots
6 cups water
6 cups pineapple juice
Melt the box of red hots in water, stirring continually. Once melted, stir in all other ingredients. Serve warm.
This is my favorite drink to make during the holidays. It is a wonderful addition to family gatherings.
Sausage and Cream Cheese Croissant Bake
2 cans Crescent Dough Sheets
1 roll mild sausage
1 block cream cheese
Cook and drain sausage. In the same pan, combine the sausage with cream cheese and heat until cheese and sausage are combined. In a 9X13 pan, layer one dough sheet. Spread the sausage and cream cheese mixture over the entire dough sheet. Layer the second dough sheet on top of the sausage and cream cheese mixture. Bake in the oven at 375 degrees until the pastry is brown. Cut into small squares and place on a tray that makes for easy grab n’ go.
I hope that you will try at least one recipe. These are all easy to prepare and serve. Enjoy your holiday festivities with your family!
