Every family has traditional recipes that are served during the holidays. Since there are must-make recipes, menus can be updated by adding one or two new recipes. I thought I’d share five Blue Ribbon recipes that could round out your Christmas meal.
I absolutely love those grape jelly and chili sauce meatballs that have been served at parties for years. They are a tradition in my family, but to switch things up Vivian Queen-Chase’s (Benton, AR) Cranberry Meatballs are a delicious option.
“Back in the ’60s, our gas company put on what they called their Holiday Cooking show,” explains Vivian. “This is adapted from one of those shows. We tried it that holiday season and it’s been on our tables ever since.”
These are fantastic meatballs with a holiday flair. Using a combination of beef and pork for the homemade meatballs gave them a wonderful flavor. The seasonings are subtle but keep the meatballs from being plain.
The slightly sweet and full of tang sauce is what makes these special. Chili sauce and cranberry sauce are amazing. They’re easy to throw together and perfect for any Christmas meal.
Ham your traditional holiday centerpiece? Maybe try a new recipe and make Robin Lieneke’s (Chamois, MO) Orange Coca Cola Ham.
“This ham always turns out juicy and flavorful,” reveals Robin. “So good it just disappears every time.”
Your holiday meal will be a little sweeter when you serve this delicious and simple baked ham. The glaze, that’s sweet, citrusy, and tangy all at once, is what makes this ham special.
Poking holes allows the glaze to seep into the ham while basting. The cola and orange marmalade flavors permeate the meat. As the ham bakes, the glaze gets thick and delicious.
If roast beef is a must-have, skip the store-bought horseradish sauce and make Andy Anderson’s (Wichita, KS) A Kinder, Gentler Horseradish Sauce.
“You can’t have a good prime rib, without a good horseradish sauce… full stop,” thinks Andy. And, I couldn’t agree more.
Andy has shared a nice, mild horseradish sauce with a bit of tang that’s refreshing. Lemon adds freshness to the sauce and balances the flavors. Besides prime rib, try drizzling the sauce over veggies. Yum!
For a side, why not try Baked Brussels Sprouts this year? Joshua McGee (Pasadena, CA) shared an amazing recipe.
“I improvised this recipe to use up the smaller Brussels sprouts I snapped off from a full stalk I purchased,” says Joshua. “I will definitely make this again!
Think you don’t like Brussels sprouts? This recipe will convert you to a fan. They have a buttery nuttiness that’s only enhanced by a sprinkling of lemon zest and Parmesan cheese. They’ll be a delicious holiday side dish.
Last week, I shared some ideas on holiday baking. So, check out that post for delicious Christmas desserts.
But, if you’re just looking for a sweet to end the meal, whip up a batch of Nor Mac’s Skinny Eggnog.
“This is a reduced-fat version of the thick rich holiday drink,” shares Nor. A guilt-free way to enjoy a non-alcoholic cocktail on Christmas.
Thick and creamy, this has just the right amount of spice. There is a tiny bit of rum flavoring which adds to the traditional eggnog flavor.
This year, if you’re looking to add something new to your menu try one of these Christmas meal recipes. What’s your must-make every Christmas? Tell me below and Happy Pinching!