The holidays are upon us, and while the festive spirit is high, the pressure to create elaborate holiday meals can feel overwhelming. This December, ditch the holiday cooking stress and embrace a month of deliciousness with our curated collection of 31 amazing recipes – one for each day! This carefully crafted menu caters to all skill levels and preferences, offering a delightful culinary journey throughout the month.
Seafood Lovers Rejoice:
Kick off December with a zesty twist on a classic. Our
Mussels Marinara
recipe transforms this summer staple into a hearty, cold-weather delight. The fiery red sauce perfectly complements the succulent mussels, proving seafood isn’t just a summer treat. (Recipe: Mussels Marinara)
Vegan Delights:
For our plant-based friends, our
Roasted Carrot Soup with Za’atar Chickpeas
offers a creamy, flavorful experience. The tahini adds a luxurious texture, while the crispy chickpeas provide a delightful crunch. Serve with toasted pita bread for the ultimate dipping experience. (Recipe: Roasted Carrot Soup with Za’atar Chickpeas)
Effortless Elegance:
Short on time? Our
Sheet-Pan Chicken and Squash Salad
is a game-changer. Roasting everything together on a single sheet pan results in a vibrant, flavorful salad ready in just 30 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights. (Recipe: Sheet-Pan Chicken and Squash Salad)
Holiday Appetizer Superstar:
Forget the ordinary cheese board! Our
Whipped Ricotta
elevates your appetizer game. The silky smooth ricotta, drizzled with honey, is incredibly simple yet incredibly impressive. Your guests will be raving about it. (Recipe: Whipped Ricotta)
Global Flavors:
Embark on a culinary adventure with our
Saag Butter Beans
. This flexible and substitution-friendly dish showcases the fragrant flavors of North Indian cuisine, using pantry staples for a weeknight winner. It’s a creamy, plant-based alternative to the popular Saag Paneer. (Recipe: Saag Butter Beans)
Warm Winter Beverages:
Embrace the cozy spirit of the holidays with our
Tart Cherry Mulled “Wine”
. This alcohol-free version captures the classic flavors of mulled wine, perfect for all ages. However, an optional rum or whiskey addition is provided for those who prefer an adult beverage twist! (Recipe: Tart Cherry Mulled “Wine”)
Slow Cooker Simplicity:
Let your slow cooker do the hard work with our
Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa
. Tender, flavorful beef chuck roast, perfect for burrito bowls, tacos, or enjoyed on its own. (Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa)
Savory Stuffed Squash:
These
Stuffed Winter Squash
are hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Add sausage (or plant-based alternatives) for extra richness. This recipe is incredibly versatile, perfect for using up leftover vegetables. (Recipe: Stuffed Winter Squash)
Sweet Treats:
Skip the traditional cookies and impress your guests with
Turkish Delight
. These chewy, floral candies are surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to be a holiday hit. (Recipe: Turkish Delight)
Romantic Dinners:
Elevate your date night with our
Brown Butter Scallops with Parmesan Risotto
. This luxurious dish is easily adaptable, swapping risotto for mashed potatoes or scallops for shrimp if needed. (Recipe: Brown Butter Scallops with Parmesan Risotto)
Southern Comfort:
Dive into the heart of Southern cuisine with our
Chicken and Dumplings
. This hearty dish is the ultimate comfort food, reminiscent of both chicken pot pie and matzah ball soup. (Recipe: Chicken and Dumplings)
A Taste of Ireland:
Celebrate a bit of Irish heritage with
Boxty (Irish Potato Pancakes)
. These pancakes are a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. (Recipe: Boxty (Irish Potato Pancakes))
Fresh and Zesty:
Add a burst of freshness to your meals with our
Lemony Arugula Salad with Crispy Shallots
. The crispy shallots provide the perfect textural contrast to this light and bright salad. (Recipe: Lemony Arugula Salad with Crispy Shallots)
High-Protein Power:
Fuel your busy days with our
Cottage Cheese Eggs
. The addition of cottage cheese adds a creamy richness and a protein boost, perfect for breakfast or a quick meal. (Recipe: Cottage Cheese Eggs)
Mediterranean Fusion:
Embrace the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with our
Kiwi Feta Salad
. Sweet kiwi and salty feta combine beautifully with Mediterranean spices and fresh dill. (Recipe: Kiwi Feta Salad)
Umami-Packed Chili:
Our
Easy Chipotle Cheddar Beef Chili
features unexpected ingredients like tamari, gochujang, and salted butter, creating a depth of flavor that will leave you wanting more. (Recipe: Easy Chipotle Cheddar Beef Chili)
Elegant Pasta:
Our
One Pot French Onion Pasta
is comfort food with a touch of elegance. The caramelized onions are well worth the extra effort, resulting in a rich and satisfying meal. (Recipe: One Pot French Onion Pasta)
Festive Cocktails:
Enjoy a taste of Puerto Rico with
LyAnna Sanabria’s Coquito
. This creamy, coconut-y, spiced cocktail is perfect for holiday gatherings. (Recipe: LyAnna Sanabria’s Coquito)
Quick and Flavorful:
Prepare a delicious
Baked Cod with Parsley Olive Tapenade
in minutes. This simple yet elegant dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. (Recipe: Baked Cod with Parsley Olive Tapenade)
Romantic Desserts:
Enjoy a decadent
No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake For Two
. This easy dessert is perfect for a romantic evening, but easily scaled for a crowd. (Recipe: No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake For Two)
Hearty Baked Pasta:
Warm up on chilly evenings with our
Baked Tortellini with Sausage
. This cheesy baked pasta is hearty and satisfying. (Recipe: Baked Tortellini With Sausage)
Shrimp Scampi with a Twist:
Inspired by Ina Garten, our
Baked Shrimp Scampi
skips the pasta and adds a crunchy breadcrumb topping. (Recipe: Baked Shrimp Scampi)
Stress-Free Brunch:
Save time on busy mornings with our
Spinach Artichoke Strata
. Prepare the night before for a quick and easy brunch or breakfast. (Recipe: Spinach Artichoke Strata)
Quick Ramen Fix:
Enjoy a comforting bowl of homemade ramen in just 30 minutes with our
Easy Chicken Ramen Soup
. (Recipe: Easy Chicken Ramen Soup)
Versatile Casserole:
Our
Swiss Chard, Fennel, And White Bean Gratin
is perfect for potlucks or a week’s worth of meals. This versatile dish is a crowd-pleaser. (Recipe: Swiss Chard, Fennel, And White Bean Gratin)
Flavorful Rice Bowls:
These
Sticky Glazed Pork Rice Bowls
are simple yet flavorful, combining tender pork chops with honey, ginger, and rice wine vinegar. (Recipe: Sticky Glazed Pork Rice Bowls)
Savory Veggie Burgers:
Enjoy our
Balsamic Portobello Burgers
– packed with flavor, these veggie burgers are a delicious and easy weeknight option. (Recipe: Balsamic Portobello Burgers)
Brazilian Comfort:
Try our
Brazilian Fish Stew (Moqueca)
, a comforting stew ready in under 40 minutes. Serve with rice and farofa for an authentic experience. (Recipe: Brazilian Fish Stew (Moqueca))
Upscale Breakfast:
Impress your guests with our
Berry and Cream Cheese Croissant French Toast Bake
. This elegant breakfast dish is surprisingly simple to make. (Recipe: Berry and Cream Cheese Croissant French Toast Bake)
Elegant Main Course:
Our
Salmon En Croute
is easier to make than you might think, and it’s guaranteed to be a showstopper on any holiday table. (Recipe: Salmon En Croute)
Viral Sensation:
Finally, don’t miss out on the
Mississippi Pot Roast
, a viral sensation for a reason! This slow-cooker recipe requires minimal effort for maximum flavor. (Recipe: Mississippi Pot Roast)
Post Views: 40
