5 Festive Recipes for the Host with the Most

YES, our blog is usually a source for Real Estate related content and NO, we don’t claim to be culinary experts, but one thing we absolutely do know is hosting! And we believe owning a home and learning how to host go hand in hand. Our favourite part about the holidays (besides the delicious food) is making meaningful memories with friends and family in our homes. So here are 5 crowd pleasing seasonal recipes for you to try out and flex that hosting muscle this holiday season!

1. Spinach Dip Christmas Tree

This Christmas tree shaped appetizer is a festive, but still easy, holiday snack you could take to any party. Simple, cheesy, and delicious!

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. In a bowl, beat together the spinach and cream cheese.
  3. Add garlic, salt, onion powder, chili powder, pepper, and Italian seasoning and beat to combine.
  4. Add parmesan cheese and 1/2 of the cheddar or mozzarella cheese and beat to combine. (The other half of the cheddar or mozzarella cheese will be sprinkled over the filling when you shape the Christmas tree.)
  5. Shape and dress Christmas tree as seen below.
  6. Bake for about 22 minutes until quite golden brown on top and cooked through on the bottom.
  7. Melt butter and stir in garlic salt and seasoning, then brush over breadsticks.
  8. Serve warm and enjoy with the ones you love! ❤️🎄
This gives you one large triangle and two smaller ones. Transfer the smaller triangles to a second piece of parchment paper, placing the long side edges together, to make another large triangle. The dough will stretch out a little as you move it around – no biggie, just gently tug it into the shape you want, pressing the two halves together in the middle.

2. Cranberry Moscow Mule

This refreshing cranberry cocktail is a fun twist on the classic moscow mule that’s super easy to make, and so festive. You are going to love this drink! Tart cranberries are the perfect counterpart to the zesty ginger. Refreshing, and gorgeous, too!

Instructions

  1. Fill your mug about ¾ full with ice.
  2. Squeeze in ½ oz of lime juice. This is going to be about half a good sized, juicy lime. Feel free to throw the lime in the mug when you’re done, or if you prefer, you can discard it.
  3. Add 2 oz of your favourite vodka.
  4. Follow the vodka with 2 oz of cranberry juice.
  5. Finally, add 4 oz of ginger beer. This is what gives the cocktail its signature flavour!
  6. Stir well, then add your garnish.

3. Candy Cane Caprese Salad

This stunning appetizer takes only minutes to build with minimal ingredients yet makes for such a beautiful and delicious dish to serve at a festive gathering. It’s a must make this holiday season!

Instructions

  1. Start at the top end of the candy cane shape and alternate layering a slice of fresh mozzarella with a slice of tomato until you get a big candy cane shape.
  2. Place fresh basil leaves around the board and a small serving bowl with the balsamic glaze.
  3. Just before serving, drizzle the mozzarella and tomatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Serve with additional olive oil and sea salt, as well as toasted baguette slices.

4. Christmas Crack

With just a handful of ingredients, this saltine toffee is ready to go in just about 15 minutes! Truly, the perfect combination of sweet and salty, and customizable with whatever topping you prefer!

Instructions

  1. Line a pan (10 x 15 inches) with nonstick foil. You can also use a silicone baking mat.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  3. Place the crackers in a single layer on the pan. You may have a little space left over – that is perfectly fine.
  4. Melt brown sugar and butter together in a 3 quart heavy bottomed sauce pan, stirring frequently over medium high heat.
  5. Bring to a boil and boil for 3 full minutes stirring almost continuously.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
  7. Pour caramel mixture over the top of the saltines and spread evenly over the crackers.
  8. Bake for 5 minutes in the preheat oven. Caramel should be bubbling vigorously when removed.
  9. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the top and cover the pan with foil. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  10. Remove foil and use an offset spatula to gently spread melted chocolate.
  11. Sprinkle on toppings if desired. Let toffee set up at room temperature until completely cooled, or chill in fridge for at least 2 hours.
  12. Carefully peel away the foil from the bottom of the toffee and then use your hands to “crack” it or use a knife to cut into pieces.
  13. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

5. The North Pole Cocktail

This fun cocktail just screams Christmas and nothing else. It’s sweet and slightly chocolatey with a hint of peppermint and ginger. Think gingerbread martini meets chocolate martini…basically it’s Christmas in a cup with a hit of vodka!

Instructions

  1. In a cocktail shaker combine the vodka, Kahlúa, chocolate syrup, vanilla, molasses, and ginger.
  2. Shake until well combined.
  3. Add ice and shake again.
  4. Strain into 4 glasses.
  5. Top off each glass with heavy cream.
  6. Dollop with whipped cream and garnish as desired.
  7. DRINK & BE MERRY!

The Anderson Realty Group hopes your holiday season allows your family the chance to spend quality time together trying out these tasty recipes in your beautiful homes! Cheers!

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