18 Things to Make In December (but only if you feel like it)
Easy Dinners, Easier Party Apps, and Cookies, of course!
It feels like everyone is doing the most this time of year. My social media feeds are filled with elaborate elf-on-the-shelf pranks, homemade advent calendars, and halls that are fully, extravagantly decked.
While some of the calendar chaos is unavoidable (yes, there will be two dance performances, a choir and band concert, and something called a “Winter Extravaganza” all this month), I wonder how much of the pressure cooker of the holidays is self-imposed.
I recently watched one of my best friends tell her doe-eyed children that she did not believe in elf magic and therefore, they would not have an elf in their house this season. I was in awe. We can actually say no to some things and still have a magical, meaningful Christmas. We can pick and choose our traditions and let go of the stuff that doesn’t work for our family without guilt.
With that in mind, here is a non-mandatory list of things to make this month. I think of December food in three categories: Party Appetizers, Easy Dinners, and Cookies. I’ve got some suggestions for all three. Take what works for you, and leave the rest, guilt free.
Quick, Festive Party Bites
Maple Pecans- 3 ingredients and 15 minutes is all you need to make this sweet and salty pecans that are perfect for countertop snacking, cheese boards, and gifting.
Puff Pastry Goat Cheese Bites- Cute, poppable, flaky bites that you can fill with any kind of jam + goat cheese (or brie, or whatever tickles your fancy).
Cranberry Brie Crostini- Toasty bread + Cheese + Roasted Cranberries. This combo is never going to fail you.
Ritz Cracker Sandwiches- Grab a huge tray, line up a bunch of Ritz crackers, top with cheese and ham of your choice, butter, and bake. See also: Hawaiian Roll Ham and Cheese Sliders.
Three Cheese Lasagna Dip- Serve with garlic bread dippers for all the best lasagna flavors without the work.
Knorr Spinach Dip- A zhushed up version of the from-a-packet-Knorr vegetable dip. Serve it in a bread bowl if you’d like to feel like a party queen.
Easy Dinners for The Busiest Weeknights
Crock Pot Shredded Beef- The tastiest roast beef can be served with pasta, mashed potatoes, or on sandwiches. It makes enough to feed a family of 4 several meals!
Turkey Pho- This is my suggestion for the week after Christmas, when your body is screaming for a vegetable and you’re likely to have some turkey leftovers around.
Ground Beef Quesadillas- Pssst- you can skip the beef and just make cheesy quesadillas if you’re super short on time! It’s a go-to for me when we’re really strapped for time.
One Pot Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli- One pot and 30 minutes is all you need for this complete meal!
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs- Easy juicy seasoned chicken thighs get the best crispy skin in the air fryer!
Brie and Prosciutto Sandwiches- Turn your leftover charcuterie board into a sandwich!
Christmas Cookies
Chocolate Dipped Cranberry Shortbread- Buttery shortbread dotted with cranberries and dipped in chocolate and crushed pistachios. A quintessential Christmas cookie.
Orange Cookies- My absolute favorite fluffy iced orange cookies. They’re a burst of sunshine for cold winter days.
Ginger Molasses Cookies- Chewy, soft, and perfectly spiced.
Mint Oreo Cookies- This is an easy drop cookie with a festive twist.
Lemon Rosemary Butter Cookies- Citrus and herbs can be so lovely in the winter months. These are always a nice surprise to have in the mix.
Ritz Cracker Fluffernutter Cookies- These are our family’s favorite no-bake cookies. Sweet and salty, with chocolate, peanut butter, and marshmallow, we find these disappear first off the cookie tray.