December is brimming with celebrations. Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa are upon us, as are chilly winter days for some of our favorite fun outdoor activities! Here, we offer a lineup of dishes and cold-weather cookery ideas — from holiday gatherings with family and friends to stick-to-your-ribs breakfasts and weeknight slow cooker meals — that bring welcome warmth from the cold all month long.
Cheers to fresh citrus!
Splendid winter citrus, such as clementines, Mandarin oranges, and tangerines, offers a hearty dose of vitamin C to boost our immune system. "Celebrating" and "health" fit like hand in glove (or mitten!) when you spin fresh juice into the base of a non-alcoholic beverage, such as this refreshing orange mocktail.
Hunker down pancake breakfasts
Winter mornings call for home-cooked pancake breakfasts. We “flip" for custard-style cast iron skillet Dutch baby pancakes with a side of marionberry whipped cream — after all, snow-thing is more warming than the taste of summer. Or try pumpkin butter-infused pancakes, full of the warm spices of pumpkin pie. And here's a tip to keep them extra fluffy: Gently turn your pancakes over, resisting the urge to both flip and press them down. This technique ensures the bubbles in the middle stay intact, which gives pancakes their fluff.
Hanukkah brunch
Crunchy potato latkes have their roots in biblical times: Their frying oil represents the miracle of the Hanukkah menorah oil lasting not one but eight days! Create latke eggs Benedict for a modern twist on your Hanukkah food traditions. Layer potato latkes between fluffy Wolferman's English muffins and poached eggs for rich, savory flavor and incomparable texture. Add slices of smoked salmon for an eggs Benedict that is next level geshmak (delicious)!
'Tis the season for cheesin'!
Freezing December days call for the warmth of comfort foods — think mac and cheese, fondue, grilled cheese sandwiches, and tomato soup. Pick the perfect cheese for your favorite heartwarming dishes with our comprehensive guide to the 11 types of the cheese everyone should know, because the only thing melting in December should be cheese in a pan, pot, or stove!
Get-together dippers and spreads
Harry & David's jarred dips and spreads are versatile, and oh so tasty. And they make assembling holiday appetizers a breeze, affording you plenty of time to visit with loved ones. Use the classic pepper relish for a cream cheese dip, sesame honey mustard dip as a sidekick to salty snacks, such as crackers and pretzels, or pick four dips to nestle among cured meats and gourmet cheeses on an antipasto board, or as a filling in savory pastries.
Ain't no party like a snow party!
A winter wonderland yard party is just the way to celebrate the season! Create a warm glow by hanging twinkle lights on bushes and trees. Keep tummies warm by setting up a hot cocoa and coffee bar, including our favorite winter libation: hot buttered rum coffee. Set a buffet-style table indoors, with a variety of fun sweet and salty snacks and dried fruit, then put on a classic holiday flick and cozy up with a tin of Moose Munch for crunchy, sweet, and chocolatey popcorn bliss.
Taking the month slow
Using your slow cooker is the ultimate time saver — and money saver, too! We love these slow cooker recipes that range from pear butter to inexpensive chicken, pork, and beef cuts for hearty winter meals. Try pulled pork chutney, savory and healthy stuffed turkey tenderloin, and hearty brisket. Each one is full of deep flavor for a crowd-pleasing fare. For a festive gathering, pair a slow cooker favorite with a Harry & David award-winning wine.
Spread the love of Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa — a week-long holiday observed annually from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 — is an adaptation of the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, which means “first fruits." Families gather to celebrate, pay homage, and follow seven core principles that honor pan-African culture. Create an abundant meal rich with flavors and symbolism, such as hearty sides, warming baked casseroles, and fresh fruits and vegetables, and share it with loved ones and the community to honor the spirit of this unifying holiday.
