Celebrate the Holidays with these Festive Recipes
For many, the holiday season is a time to celebrate our family and friends. It’s a season to reflect on the past year and look forward to new adventures in the next. And it can be a season of whipping up some great recipes in the kitchen.
Do you have a holiday tradition of making a certain dish, cookie or drink? Perhaps you can still remember the sweetness of the icing as you decorated cookies as a child. Maybe the small sips of egg nog reminds you of staying up late Christmas Eve. Or every time you bite into a berry scone, you think of waking up Christmas morning and celebrating the day with those you love.
Festive Recipes to Celebrate the Holidays
We all have those foods that bring back memories or remind us of our love for the season. While we all have our staples, the world of holiday foods is just waiting to be discovered.
Here, we share some holiday recipes - with an extra flavor surprise of extra virgin olive oil or balsamic vinegar - that you can add to your holiday foods bucket list.
Festive Holiday Appetizers
With the holiday season, chances are there are probably a few parties you’ll be hosting or attending. Wow the guests with these easy yet delicious appetizers that will get people asking for your recipe.
Bruschetta
For this super simple appetizer idea, start by toasting some bread or crostini. Combine quartered cherry tomatoes, pinch of salt and extra virgin olive oil (we suggest Basil olive oil). Stir in some chiffonade basil for some festive color. Top toasted bread slices with tomato mixture and drizzle 18 Year Balsamic on the top.
Pear, Olive and Cheese Crostini
For another take on bruschetta, try this flavor pairing with pear, cheese and olives. The sweet drizzle of the Cinnamon Pear Balsamic Vinegar brings in the sweet from the pear with the sharp and salty goat cheese and olives.
Goat Cheese and Fig Spread
Combine the smooth texture of goat cheese with the sweet bite of figs in this easy appetizer perfect for your next holiday party. Simply cook down your figs with a few other savory flavor additions. Top your block of goat cheese with these softened and sweet fruits for a quick and festive side.
Spiced Cranberry Sauce
Whether you choose to pour it on your roasted turkey or just a slice of bread, this spiced cranberry sauce is full of flavor and a perfect addition to your dishes. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, mandarin slides, apple, brown sugar, ginger, cloves, orange juice and Cinnamon Pear balsamic. Heat until cranberries burst, about 15 minutes. You can even serve this sauce hot or cold depending on your dish.
Holiday Drinks
Celebrating with friends can be a great opportunity to try out some new drink combinations. Get your bartending on and try out these fun holiday concoctions - some for all ages, some for adults only.
Holiday Peppermint Float
For a sweet and creamy beverage that tastes like Christmas, try this Peppermint float that will amaze your guests and family. It starts with combining ginger ale with Ginger & Honey balsamic and 12 Year White balsamic. Add in honey, heavy cream and peppermint ice cream to get that classic winter flavor. Top with peppermint candies and you’re ready for a wintertime treat.
Sweet Treats for the Holidays
For many, the holidays aren’t complete without a day of baking in the kitchen with family. Whether you’re into simple sugar cookie decorating or amping it up with macaroons, Christmas cookies make a great gift idea - and snack for yourself. Check out these cookie recipes and get baking.
Rustic Raspberry Truffles
Like Christmas cookies, truffles make a great gift idea for friends and neighbors, or even just a treat for yourself. Try out these Rustic Raspberry truffles that you can whip up in no time. Just combine dark chocolate and cocoa then drizzle in some Butter olive oil and Raspberry balsamic.
Orange Olive Oil Sugar Cookies
Try out these cookies this season with this easy recipe. The spices mixed in with the cream cheese balance well with Blood Orange olive oil. Get your baking on with these sweet cookies with a blood orange twist.
What Are Your Favorite Holiday Recipes?
The holiday season is a great time to spend in the kitchen with those you love. Whip up your old favorites and try something new this season. Whatever dishes and sweet treats you make, there’s almost always an opportunity to amp up the flavors with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Discover what new additions you can bring to your holiday cooking.
