The holiday season is a time of joy, laughter, and, of course, indulgent feasts. While the prospect of hosting a memorable holiday meal might seem daunting, it doesn't have to burn a hole in your wallet. These delicious recipes will serve up a meal that’s filling, delicious and easy on the budget.
Hint: Serve this menu with sides of buttered whole kernel corn and dinner rolls.
Classic mashed potatoes
8-10 russet potatoes
¾ cup milk
½ cup butter, melted
Salt and pepper
Peel, rinse and chop the potatoes into small 1-inch cubes or chunks. Fill a large pot with cold water and season with a pinch of salt. Place the potatoes in the pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to medium-low heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
Stir potatoes occasionally and pierce with a fork to test they're done. Drain the potatoes in a colander then return to the pot. Heat milk in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl. Add hot milk and butter before mashing the potatoes with a masher. Transfer the warm potatoes to a serving dish and serve. Season with salt and black pepper. For added flair, chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives can add a burst of freshness and colour. Mix them into the mashed potatoes or use them as a garnish.
Slow cooker glazed ham
½ spiral cut ham
1 can pineapple chunks, drained with juice reserved
1 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp. ground ginger
Unwrap ham and place into slow cooker. Sprinkle ¼ cup of brown sugar over ham, and pour reserved pineapple juice around the sides of ham. Sprinkle half the pineapple over top and around the ham.
Cook on high for 2.5 hours or low for 4.5 hours. In a small bowl, combine the remaining sugar and ground ginger. Sprinkle sugar mixture and the remaining pineapple chunks over the top of ham in the last 30 minutes of cooking. Let it cook for the remaining 30 min. Remove ham from slow cooker, place slices on serving plate and enjoy.
Christmas cheer salad
1 head broccoli, chopped into florets
1 head cauliflower, chopped into florets
1 red onion, thinly sliced
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
1 tbsp sugar
¼ cup sliced almonds
In a large bowl, add broccoli, cauliflower, onion and tomatoes. In another bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream and sugar. Pour over veggies and toss together. Chill in the fridge one hour before serving. Garnish with sliced almond
Candy bar pie
1 - 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened
1 - 8 oz. package frozen whipped topping, thawed
4 - your favourite candy bars (Crunchie, Skor, Butterfinger, KitKat, Aero or O’Henry are good options)
1 - 9-inch graham cracker pie crust
In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Crush or chop candy bars and fold one cup into the cream cheese mixture. Spoon cream cheese mixture over pie crust. Sprinkle with remaining candy bar crumbs. Refrigerate for at least four hours or overnight.
Hint: Refrigerate candy bars before chopping or crushing.