Holiday Recipes

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.…

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…

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…

Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts

If you’re not careful, these magical bites will disappear from the baking sheet before they make it to the table! Who knew we had to guard our vegetables?   I remember the first time my older son ate a Brussels sprout. A toddler at the time, he popped one into his mouth, and the edges…

The Most Flavorful Roasted Turkey Legs or Thighs

A simple spice rub and one clever trick are the keys to crispy skin and tender, juicy meat that’s brimming with flavor. Easy to prep ahead and pop in the oven when ready.    Where turkey and chicken are concerned, there have long been two distinct camps: Team White Meat and Team Dark. This recipe…

Slow Cooker Turkey Breast and Gravy

This hands-off, foolproof way to achieve tender, juicy white meat can be fully prepped the night before if desired, and there are two spectacular gravy options-or you can simply make use of the pan juices. The aroma of Thanksgiving wafting from your kitchen is an added bonus!    I created this recipe back in 2012…

A Few of my Favorite Things-Holiday Edition

Are you making your list and checking it twice? Our annual collection of holiday favorites strikes a balance of practical, thoughtful, and economical, with a little something for everyone! 🎁           This year, I am not going to save my holiday gift preparations until the last minute. (I figured if I…

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