From Our Kitchen to Yours: 10 Recipes to Celebrate the Season

The holidays are a time to gather with loved ones, share delicious meals, and create memories. What better way to celebrate the season than with delicious homemade dishes to share with family and friends? 

Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or looking for a new recipe to try, we’ve got you covered! At the dsmSOLD Team, we love bringing people together, and we know great food is one of the best ways to do it. Here are five festive Christmas recipes that will warm your home and your hearts this season.

1. Classic Holiday Sugar Cookies

Why you’ll love it: These cookies are a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, decorating them is a fun activity for the whole family!

Ingredients:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp baking powder

• 1 cup butter, softened

• 1 ½ cups white sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 3 tbsp milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a bowl.

3. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and milk, and beat until smooth.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients.

5. Roll the dough into small balls and place on a cookie sheet.

6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.

7. Decorate with icing and sprinkles!

2. Glazed Holiday Ham

Why you’ll love it: This classic centerpiece is as impressive as it is easy to prepare, filling your home with irresistible holiday aromas.

Ingredients:

• 1 fully cooked ham (7-8 lbs)

• 1 cup brown sugar

• ½ cup honey

• ¼ cup Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp ground cloves

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

2. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.

3. Mix brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and cloves in a bowl.

4. Brush the glaze over the ham and bake for 1.5–2 hours, basting every 20 minutes.

5. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

3. Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Why you’ll love it: This rich, creamy side dish is the ultimate comfort food to pair with your Christmas feast.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes

• ½ cup butter

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes until tender, about 20 minutes.

2. Drain and mash them with butter and heavy cream.

3. Stir in garlic, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper.

4. Serve hot and garnish with parsley if desired.

4. Cranberry Orange Bread

Why you’ll love it:  This tangy-sweet bread is perfect for gifting, breakfast, or dessert. The citrusy aroma alone is enough to bring holiday cheer!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped

• Zest and juice of 1 orange

• 2 eggs

• 1/3 cup vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.

2. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. Add cranberries and orange zest.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, orange juice, and oil. Combine with dry ingredients.

5. Pour batter into the loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes.

5. Hot Cocoa Bar Essentials

Why you’ll love it:  It’s a simple, interactive treat for guests of all ages. Plus, it doubles as a fun, festive décor piece for your holiday party.

What you’ll need:

• Hot cocoa mix or homemade hot chocolate

• Marshmallows

• Whipped cream

• Candy canes

• Chocolate chips

• Caramel syrup

• Holiday-themed mugs

Instructions:

1. Set up a station with all the toppings in small bowls.

2. Keep the hot chocolate warm in a slow cooker or insulated carafe.

3. Let guests customize their drinks with toppings of their choice!

6. Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Why you’ll love it: This appetizer transforms Brussels sprouts into crispy, savory bites that even picky eaters will enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts

• 12 slices of bacon, halved

• ¼ cup maple syrup

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Wrap each sprout with half a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.

3. Place on a baking sheet and brush with maple syrup.

4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until bacon is crispy.

7. Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread

Why you’ll love it: This pull-apart bread shaped like a Christmas tree is as festive as it is delicious. Serve it as an appetizer or alongside dinner!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pizza dough

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¼ cup butter, melted

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and stuff each with a pinch of mozzarella cheese.

3. Arrange the balls in the shape of a tree on a baking sheet.

4. Brush with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.

5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

8. Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Why you’ll love it: This warm, velvety soup is the perfect way to start your holiday meal. It’s also a great make-ahead dish!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs butternut squash, peeled and cubed

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock

• 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Roast the squash and onion at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.

2. Blend roasted vegetables with stock until smooth.

3. Heat on the stove, stir in cream, and season with salt and pepper.

9. Holiday Charcuterie Board

Why you’ll love it: This customizable option lets you showcase your creativity and cater to a variety of tastes. It’s a low-effort way to wow your guests!

What to include:

• Assorted cheeses (cheddar, brie, goat cheese)

• Cured meats (salami, prosciutto, pepperoni)

• Crackers and sliced baguette

• Fresh fruits (grapes, berries, apple slices)

• Nuts (almonds, walnuts)

• Festive touches like rosemary sprigs and cranberry sauce

10. Peppermint Bark

Why you’ll love it: This easy-to-make treat is a holiday favorite for gifting or snacking. It’s a no-bake recipe that looks as good as it tastes!

Ingredients:

• 12 oz dark chocolate, melted

• 12 oz white chocolate, melted

• ½ cup crushed candy canes

Instructions:

1. Spread melted dark chocolate on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let it set.

2. Pour white chocolate over the dark chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.

3. Let it set in the fridge, then break into pieces.

The heart of every home is the kitchen, where memories are made and love is shared. This holiday season, embrace the joy of togetherness, try these festive recipes, and savor the magic of your home.

If you’re dreaming of a new home for next year or ready to make a move, the dsmSOLD Team is here to help you every step of the way.

From our kitchen to yours, we wish you a season filled with love, joy, and great food. Share your creations with us on social media—we’d love to see them!

Happy Holidays from the dsmSOLD Team!