12 Days of Holiday Cooking
Cherished by many, dreaded by some, one thing is synonymous with families and communities across the globe during the holiday season: food. During this special time of year people gather to celebrate, savoring special foods that can bring people closer and mark the season with unique flavors. Whether you’re hosting a large family dinner, planning an intimate evening with friends, or simply looking for fresh inspiration this season, Cooking With Gas is here with 12 days of recipes this holiday season. This guide offers the perfect blend of classic elegance, unique flavors, and warmth for the winter – and with 12 recipes to choose from, you can try new dishes throughout the whole season!
Festive Starters
Pan-Seared Scallops with Fresh Corn Polenta
Approachable yet elevated, this dish is perfect for a classy celebration. The corn polenta brings a cozy seasonal richness that complements the delicate scallops beautifully.
Southern Maryland Fresh Crab Cakes
Crab cakes bring charm to holiday entertaining and feel instantly special, adding a seaside flair. As a bonus, you can either serve these as a light yet refined appetizer or a satisfying main course.
Crispy, golden shrimp are always a crowd-pleaser, making this recipe ideal for festive gatherings. Its shareable, finger-food appeal fits perfectly with relaxed holiday celebrations and cocktail hours.
Cozy Mains
Bold, warm, and filling – jambalaya is ideal for big crowds on a chilly holiday night. With layers of spice and hearty ingredients, jambalaya turns any gathering into a special occasion.
Crab Gemelli in Scallion Cream Sauce with Lemon Ricotta and Chili Crunch
This rich, smooth, decadent pasta feels tailor-made for cozy winter evenings. The lemon ricotta and chili crunch add bright, festive touches that elevate the dish.
Seared Trout with Wild Rice and Grilled Corn
Rustic and winter-ready, wild rice and grilled corn give this dish a grounded, earthy character. The trout offers a lighter alternative to traditional holiday roasts without sacrificing flavor, making it perfect for the diet-minded without compromising on treating yourself for the holidays.
Balanced, comforting, and timeless, this pasta brings familiar warmth to the table when the outside gets chilly. Its delicate noodles and rich flavors make it a perfect pairing with a full holiday spread.
Classic Sides and Timeless Staples
This is simply the ultimate comfort food. This superb mac and cheese recipe is sure to win over guests of all ages. The smooth creamy cheese hiding just beneath a golden brown and crunchy crust are guaranteed to make it a reliable holiday favorite.
How can you go wrong with homemade bread? This easy recipe instantly elevates a holiday meal, inviting everyone to tear, share and savor. The warm, crusty exterior makes it perfect for spreading, dipping, or enjoying on its own.
The Star of the Show: Dessert
Raspberry Cream Cheese Cookies
It wouldn’t be the holidays without cookies! Rich red color and snappy bright flavor make these cookies a great addition to any dessert tray. The blend of creamy filling and tart raspberry feels just right for the season.
Simple, nostalgic, and universally loved – Rice Crispy treats add a playful sweetness to your celebration, and they’re perfect for any picky eating little ones.
After a heavy dinner, these light pastries offer a delicate, sweet, and flaky end to the meal. Elevate your dinner with this rich and luxurious pastry to send your guests home with a WOW!
Natural Gas is fueling your holiday meals
These recipes combine comfort, creativity, and seasonal charm – everything you need for memorable holidays. And during the chaos of planning, decorating, and hosting loved ones, the last thing you want to worry about is what’s on the menu. That’s where natural gas comes in – there’s a reason why ‘Cooking With Gas’ is synonymous with speed and efficiency. Whether you lean into new adventurous dishes, crave classic comfort foods, or simply want a few impressive starters and sweets, CookingWithGas.org has a recipe for your needs.