5 Quick, Beautiful Bites for the Holidays
Oh, the holidays! Whether it’s Christmas or Thanksgiving, one flashes back to hours, if not days, slaving over a hot stove and an oven that never seems to finish the turkey on time. Every year, we rush to the grocery store with a list the size of Mount Everest only to return later for a few more cloves of garlic or a forgotten potato. Finally, when dinner is served, we are too exhausted to enjoy our meal and family conversation. No wonder the holidays are considered the most stressful time of year. Below are five holiday appetizers that are actually easy and beautiful, so that we have more time to spend with our loved ones.
No Bake Cheesecake
Although no-bake cheesecake requires a bit of overnight preparation and takes up coveted space in the refrigerator, the results are absolutely worth it. After the cheesecake is set, top it with fruit fresh from the farm or drizzle with chocolate to add a bit of flair and flavor. For our favorite recipe, check out this recipe.
Pumpkin-Spice Popcorn
Popcorn is not a typical thanksgiving appetizer, but it absolutely should be! Popcorn is not only easy, delicious, and quick but also has historical relevance. Popcorn played a pivotal role in the first Thanksgiving dinner. In fact, the Wampanoag tribe brought popcorn in a deerskin satchel for the Pilgrims to enjoy. With the addition of pumpkin spice, popcorn can be revitalized with a modern twist and featured as a thanksgiving staple once again. A nice, easy recipe can be found here.
Phyllo Christmas Tree
Oh, Christmas tree! Oh Christmas tree! How lovely are your branches? …especially when they are stuffed with spinach, garlic, and feta… With the aid of store-bought phyllo, crafting this appetizer is not just a statement dish to feature in the holiday spread but also a treat that is sure to be gone before you can say St. Nicholas. The creamy interior is perfectly offset by the crispiness of the phyllo which cooks in a mere 20 minutes. A delicious recipe can be found here.
Honey Glazed Ham
So, I know we said, “easy” but every holiday needs a main dish that will feed the entire family and serve as the reason for those “hit the gym” New Year’s resolutions. Honey glazed ham earns its reputation as a tradition because it is delicious, succulent, and juicy. Pineapple and cherries placed around the outside of the ham elevate the look of the dish while allowing the flavors to seep into the ham while it is baked. We recommend using Aseda’s Wild Raw Jar of Honey because it is a superfood that uses ethical and sustainable beekeeping practices.
Matcha Christmas Cocoa
What better way to wrap up the holidays in a neat little bow than resting near a cozy, warm fire with a delicious cup of hot cocoa? This year in order to justify the calorie splurge, choose a matcha cocoa infused with powerful antioxidants. The matcha gives the cocoa an earthy, sophisticated taste that transports you to early childhood memories while keeping your metabolism in check.
The holidays are truly a time for celebration. Easy recipes create a way for us to bring tradition seamlessly into modernity with a touch of sophisticated elegance.
