The festive season is finally here, which means that it’s again time to cook delicious dishes and bring them to the table for everyone to enjoy! According to statistics, nearly 58% of people say that cooking brings them joy.
But if you’re tired of making the same old mashed potatoes and pot roast for Christmas and New Year’s, then here are some unique recipes that are sure to become a major hit among guests!
1. Carolina She-Crab Creamy Soup
A warm bowl of Caroline She-Crab Creamy Soup is the perfect starter for an intimate dinner party or if you simply want to have a hot bowl of soup while it snows outside.
First, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a stockpot over medium heat. Next, add a finely diced onion, along with a bay leaf, until the onion is translucent.
Sprinkle a bit of flour and stir until everything is blended. Whisk in the crab stock until it reaches a smooth consistency, and add 2 cups of milk, 1 cup of cream, and 2 tablespoons of paprika.
Add half of the fresh crab meat and season with salt and pepper. Let the soup simmer until it becomes thick and creamy!
2. Chocolate Yule Log
If you have little ones in the house who love having something sweet, then why not prepare a yummy chocolate yule log for them?
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a jelly roll pan with thin parchment paper. Next, beat two egg yolks and add sugar in a bowl until the mixture looks pale.
In another bowl, whip another two egg whites until you can see stiff peaks. Fold this into the yolk mixture in the first bowl.
After this, sift in ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour, ¼th cup of cocoa powder, and ½ tablespoon of baking powder.
Mix everything and pour it into the jelly roll pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Once it cools, add whipped cream or sugar powder and roll it into a log!
3. Spicy Creamed Corn
Spicy creamed corn is a favorite among youngsters simply because of its unique taste and consistency. Moreover, this dish is super easy to make, which makes your job less stressful!
Melt a big stick of butter over medium-low heat. Next, add 2 finely diced jalapenos and saute them in the butter for about 5 minutes. Add 8 oz cream cheese and ½ cup of sour cream to the previous mixture.
Keep stirring the new mixture until the cream cheese is completely melted. Add about 16 oz of frozen corn to the new mixture.
Reduce the heat to low and let the corn simmer for 15 minutes. Keep stirring, and finally, add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Mulled Red Wine
Move over regular old red wine; it’s time to welcome something warm and refreshing in the form of mulled red wine! You can even use it as a refresher when guests arrive at your place.
Heat 750 ml of red wine in a medium saucepan over low heat just until it starts steaming.
Combine 3 whole star anise pods, 2 whole cloves, and 2 cinnamon sticks in a muslin bag to make a sachet. Add the spice sachet, ½ cup sugar, 1 medium-sized sliced orange, and a cup of water to the pot of wine.
Cook for about 20 minutes until the flavors have melted. Don’t let the mixture boil. Remove the heat and stir in the bourbon. Add garnishing and serve in glasses!
5. Orange Coriander Glazed Ham
This recipe has the perfect mixture of spices, making it a unique festive recipe!
Heat your oven to 375°F and place a ham cut-side-down on a rack set on a roasting pan. Add ¼th cup of water to the pan and score the ham if needed. Next, cover the ham and the pan with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
In another pan, crush 3 tablespoons of coriander seeds and 1.5 teaspoons of peppercorn. Add a jar of orange marmalade and ¼ cup of white vinegar and whisk them.
Transfer ½ cup of this glaze to a small bowl for serving. Brush the leftover glaze over the ham and bake again for 20 minutes. Finally, brush the other half of the glaze and bake for another 20 minutes.
Conclusion
On your next festive dinner or gathering, try out these delicious recipes. As a pro tip, serve dinner along with a glass of wine or champagne to add to the celebrations!
