Christmas Recipes

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

  The time-honored pairing of peanut butter and chocolate is elevated with more peanut butter and a dusting of sea salt in this super simple, salty-sweet recipe that will delight any time of year!    Peanut butter and chocolate. What could be better?  Perhaps when that peanut butter and chocolate is enrobed in a peanut butter…

Grapefruit Gimlet

A delightful balance of sweet and tart, this eye-catching twist on the classic cocktail requires just three simple ingredients. The refreshing drink is also easy to customize with other liquors and flavors, and I’ve included a few of my favorites.     Most winters around this time, I begin looking forward to an annual trip to…

Pomegranate Martini (with sparkler and mocktail variations)

Fruity yet not overly sweet, this martini is delightfully crisp and refreshing—and not too potent! And ever wonder how to make crushed ice, or better yet, “soft” ice? I’ve included the easy how-to!   mar·ti·ni (märˈtēnē): a cocktail made from gin (or vodka) and dry vermouth, typically garnished with an olive or a twist of lemon.…

Whole Roasted Parmesan Cauliflower

A whole roasted head of cauliflower is delicious AND impressive. It can also be easy and relatively quick thanks to a helpful shortcut!   A whole roasted head of cauliflower can be really impressive: beautifully golden brown with a delightfully savory, lightly nutty flavor. It can also take a really long time to cook. But…

Mandarin Mixed Green Salad

A crisp, colorful salad can breathe life into a winter meal, and this fresh combination delivers palette pleasing flavor and texture: sweet oranges, buttery avocado, a pop of salty feta, and a bed of crisp greens. And the flavor-packed vinaigrette is worth returning to again and again!   We don’t usually think of winter as…

Homemade Lip Balm (Happy Chappy)

For its creamy texture and ability to effectively coat chapped lips, this homemade balm has long been my favorite chapstick. It makes a fun project and a great gift, too.    Several years ago, the younger daughter of a good friend decided she wanted to start a business. Libby was 16 at the time and…

Christmas Potpourri

The aroma of warm spices and fresh citrus join festive cranberries in this colorful, easy-to-make mix that is perfect for gift giving. Printable gift tags included above recipe card.   My very thoughtful friend, Anne Besterman, is to thank for this festive recipe, which although made of edible ingredients, is not intended for consumption. Christmas…

Apple Bourbon Smash

Warm notes of bourbon complement the sweetness of apples in this lightly effervescent cocktail that takes a mere minute to make. Prefer a mocktail? Just skip the bourbon! Over the years, I’ve tended towards a simple glass of wine over a mixed drink. But an occasional cocktail can be a fun mealtime addition, and lately…

Overnight Sticky Buns

A clever shortcut and prep-ahead convenience make these tried-and-true sticky buns as easy as they are delicious. The recipe has long been a family and reader favorite on holidays and special occasions. As an added bonus, the aroma wafting from your kitchen will remind you of the corner bakery! The anticipation of waking up to…

Sausage & Egg Casserole

This tried-and-true casserole can be prepared in advance and is perfect for holidays and special brunches. A smaller batch option follows the main recipe and is ideal for more intimate gatherings and the occasional breakfast for dinner!     In the years before The Fountain Avenue Kitchen came to be, this recipe was one of the…

Pan Seared Lamb Chops (with optional bonus sauce)

Juicy, mouthwatering, pan-seared lamb chops are restaurant quality but couldn’t be easier to prepare at home. Minimal ingredients and a hot skillet are all that’s required. As an added perk, the recipe can easily be prepared for one or two diners, or for a larger family.    Most holidays, our whole family is together and we…

Christmas Chex Mix

Sweet, salty, and delightfully crunchy, a big batch of this festive mix takes about 10 minutes to prepare and is perfect for holiday snacking and gift giving. Tailor the recipe to any occasion by simply varying the color of the M&Ms!   I recently read that the first recipe for Chex Party Mix appeared on…

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