1. Roasted Garlic Rosemary Prime Rib
Ingredients:
- 1 bone-in prime rib roast (6-8 pounds)
- 8 cloves of garlic, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Make small slits in the prime rib and insert garlic slices.
- Rub the roast with olive oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary.
- Place the roast in a roasting pan and cook for 20 minutes.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C) and continue roasting until your desired doneness.
- Let it rest before carving. Enjoy a succulent prime rib with a flavorful crust!
2. Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 medium-sized butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
- In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add squash, carrots, broth, and cinnamon. Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer until vegetables are tender.
- Blend the soup until smooth.
- Stir in heavy cream and heat through.
- Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon. A comforting bowl of butternut squash goodness is ready!
3. Cranberry Pecan Brie Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese
- Cranberry sauce
- Chopped pecans
- Honey for drizzling
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the puff pastry into squares.
- Place each square into a mini muffin tin.
- Add a small piece of Brie to each cup.
- Top with cranberry sauce and chopped pecans.
- Bake until the pastry is golden.
- Drizzle with honey before serving. Irresistible cranberry pecan Brie bites are perfect for holiday gatherings!
4. Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Boil potatoes until tender. Drain and mash.
- In a saucepan, sauté garlic in butter until fragrant.
- Add the mashed potatoes and Parmesan, stirring to combine.
- Gradually add milk until desired creaminess.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with chopped parsley. Creamy garlic Parmesan mashed potatoes will steal the spotlight at any holiday table!
5. Peppermint Chocolate Brownies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- Crushed peppermint candies for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
- Melt butter and mix with sugar.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top. Let them cool before cutting into festive peppermint chocolate brownies.
These delightful December recipes are sure to bring warmth and joy to your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, these dishes are easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress. Happy cooking and happy holidays!
