One of the best things about the holidays is making recipes that have been passed through generations. It’s funny how a simple family recipe can create a wonderful memory.
“Growing up we used to have Christmas Meat Roll on Christmas Eve for dinner,” shares Barbara Lentz (Beulah, MI). “It is so good and the red and green makes it so Christmasy!”
If you’re looking for a simple Christmas Eve dinner idea, this would be it! It will make a beautiful presentation on the table. Ham adds another layer of flavor to the beef and pork mixture. Melted Swiss cheese in the middle is a wonderful surprise. It’s super yummy.
I bet your family would love to start Christmas morning with Debbie Thurmond’s (Shreveport, LA) Easiest Ever Cinnamon Rolls. They’re easy and definitely delicious!
“These are great anytime, but my family traditionally expected these to be around to snack on when we decorated the Christmas tree and again as part of the Christmas morning spread,” reveals Debbie. With or without pecans, these are fabulous. Packed with cinnamon and topped with an ooey, gooey glaze, they’re a sweet way to start the day.
Another welcome addition to Christmas breakfast would be Elin Criswell’s (Georgetown, TX) Swedish Coffeebread. “Coffeebread was one of the baked goods my mom would make that celebrated our Swedish heritage [and] would usually be included with the desserts after Christmas Eve supper and also eaten at breakfast on Christmas Day,” explains Elin. “I decided as a teenager that I would carry on the tradition by learning how to make coffeebread. My oldest daughter also makes coffeebread and so the tradition will continue!”
I’m not sure which is lovelier, this recipe’s presentation or the tradition behind it! The bread has a light cinnamon flavor and is simply pretty as a picture. I would proudly serve this for any special occasion or brunch. Just beautiful!
“This recipe has been in our family for as long as I can remember, at least 55 years or more,” remembers Rose Mary Mogan (Sauk Village, IL). “The only time we ever got this cake was at Christmas time. It is especially good for those that think they do not like fruit cake.”
Rose Mary’s Mama’s White Fruit Cake (Family Favorite) is definitely not your ordinary fruitcake. The addition of lemon extract gives a different flavor. Guests will be asking for a second piece of this. So yummy!
“We have made these yummy Peanut Butter Balls every Christmas for 24 years,” says Lisa Allen. “I always make them with my mother in law, [and] now my little girl loves making them with us.”
The Kitchen Crew went plain nutty for these little guys and I bet your family will too. Graham crackers, peanut butter, and powdered sugar formed into a cute little ball then dipped in chocolate. These are very easy to make and a fabulous last minute addition to your cookie tray.
The holidays are a great time to dust off the old family recipes and reminisce about all the yummy good times. From our family to yours, we wish you a fun food filled holiday!