There’s no better time than the holidays to get together with family or friends and bond over a delicious meal. As the holiday season begins, and the year comes to an end, we wanted to share recipes for festive treats and dishes our staff loves! Here are three of our favorite holiday recipes:
Raspberry and Almond Shortbread Thumbprints
Originally from Allrecipes, these delicious cookies promise a great addition to any holiday party. They’re filled with raspberry jam and drizzled with enough glaze to make anyone’s mouth water.
Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
3/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon milk
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a medium bowl, cream together butter and white sugar until smooth. Mix in 1/2 teaspoon almond extract. Mix in flour until dough comes together.
3. Roll dough into 1 1/2 inch balls, and place on ungreased cookie sheets.
4. Make a small hole in the center of each ball, using your thumb and finger, and fill the hole with preserves.
5. Bake for 14 to 18 minutes in preheated oven, or until lightly browned. Let cool 1 minute on the cookie sheet.
6. In a medium bowl, mix together the confectioners’ sugar, 3/4 teaspoon almond extract, and milk until smooth. Drizzle lightly over warm cookies.
Bacon-Wrapped Pork Loin with Cherries
This main course dish from RealSimple is surprisingly easy to make and looks beautiful on the dinner table. With a prep time of only 15 minutes, this delicious dish can be finished in under an hour.
Ingredients
1 2-pound piece boneless pork loin
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice black pepper
1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
6 slices bacon
1 tablespoon currant jelly
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
Instructions
1. Heat oven to 350°. Season the pork with the allspice and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and place on a rimmed baking sheet.
2. In a small bowl, combine the cherries, parsley, and mustard. Spread evenly over the pork.
3. Lay the bacon slices crosswise over the pork, overlapping them slightly and tucking the ends underneath. Roast for 45 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, combine the jelly and vinegar.
5. Brush over the bacon and continue roasting until an instant-read thermometer registers 150°; F, 10 to 15 minutes more.
6. Let rest at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Caramelized Onion Tarts With Apples
These caramelized onion tarts from RealSimple are easy, unique and full of flavor. If you’re looking for a memorable dish that’s equally delish, you’ve found it.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium onions, sliced
2 red apples, cut into small pieces
Kosher salt and black pepper
2 sheets frozen puff pastry (from a 17.3-ounce package)
Thawed ½ cup crème fraiche or sour cream
Instructions
1. Heat oven to 400º F.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes.
4. Stir in the apples, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cook until just tender, 2 minutes.
5. Place each sheet of pastry on a parchment-lined baking sheet and prick all over with a fork. Spread with the crème fraîche, leaving a ½-inch border.
6. Top with the onion mixture and bake until the pastry is crisp and browned, 30 to 35 minutes.
7. Cut into pieces before serving.
We’d love to hear your favorite meals! Let us know in the comments on Facebook.