Holidays Archives - Foxes Love Lemons https://foxeslovelemons.com/holidays/ simple, yet special, recipes for the home chef. Tue, 26 Dec 2023 09:00:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 https://foxeslovelemons.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/favicon-200x200.ico Holidays Archives - Foxes Love Lemons https://foxeslovelemons.com/holidays/ 32 32 Fun and Festive New Year’s Eve Party Food Ideas https://foxeslovelemons.com/new-years-eve-snack-board/ https://foxeslovelemons.com/new-years-eve-snack-board/#comments Tue, 26 Dec 2023 09:00:00 +0000 https://foxeslovelemons.com/?p=22179 These New Year’s Eve Appetizers are 98% store-bought, for a low effort, but high impact, charcuterie board-style spread of finger foods. Get festive with these New Year’s Eve Food ideas Recently, I was talking with a neighbor about a dilemma she was having for New Year’s Eve: her and her friends need some sort of […]

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These New Year’s Eve Appetizers are 98% store-bought, for a low effort, but high impact, charcuterie board-style spread of finger foods.

Platter filled with New Year's appetizers, including shrimp, cheese, cookies, wontons, cannoli and quiche.

Get festive with these New Year’s Eve Food ideas

Recently, I was talking with a neighbor about a dilemma she was having for New Year’s Eve: her and her friends need some sort of dinner, but nobody wants to cook and their group is too big for a restaurant reservation.

I’m guessing this could be quite a common issue, so I figured I would put together a board of New Year’s Eve appetizers that eats more like a light dinner, with cheese AND charcuterie AND seafood AND sweet treats AND even a simple homemade appetizer, if you want. 

While this board of New Year’s Eve finger food looks pretty epic, it actually consists of one item I made, a few things I heated up in the oven, and 98% stuff I bought at the store.

This post will give you a ton of ideas to put together the New Year’s appetizers spread of your dreams. The board pictured here is for a big crowd, but if your gathering is a little smaller, just cut it down to a few of your favorite things.

Why you will love a New Year’s Eve Charcuterie Board

  • Low Effort, High Impact. Almost everything you see in these photos was simply purchased at the store and unwrapped or unboxed. But wow, what an impact when it’s all presented together!
  • Versatility – A big board like this gives you the chance to offer a mix of flavors, from savory to sweet, and also makes it pretty easy to cater to dietary restrictions, if needed.
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Taco Soup Slow Cooker Recipe https://foxeslovelemons.com/crockpot-taco-soup/ https://foxeslovelemons.com/crockpot-taco-soup/#comments Mon, 18 Dec 2023 09:00:00 +0000 https://foxeslovelemons.com/?p=26060 This Crockpot Taco Soup recipe has layers of flavor, and isn’t just one-note like many other slow cooker recipes. Includes variations for large batch, small batch, freezing and stovetop. There used to be a restaurant chain here in the Midwest called Max & Erma’s that had delicious chicken tortilla soup. It was creamy, lightly spicy […]

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This Crockpot Taco Soup recipe has layers of flavor, and isn’t just one-note like many other slow cooker recipes. Includes variations for large batch, small batch, freezing and stovetop.

Black bowl filled with crockpot taco soup and garnished with sour cream, lime, cilantro, cheese, red onion and crushed tortilla chips.

There used to be a restaurant chain here in the Midwest called Max & Erma’s that had delicious chicken tortilla soup. It was creamy, lightly spicy and so comforting on a cold day.

Sadly, I think the chain mostly went out of business a few years ago, and the only one still around is at the airport, I think.

This Crockpot Taco Soup is inspired by, but quite a bit different than that restaurant soup. My version is a little lighter (less creamy) and uses ground beef instead of chicken.

Unlike many other crock pot soup recipes out there, this one doesn’t just have a dull, one-note flavor. Deeply browned ground beef, tomatoes, two types of beans, green chiles and lots of seasoning give this soup layers of comforting flavor.

Why you will love this Crockpot Taco Soup

  • Full of fiber! If you’re like me, and always looking for delicious ways to get more fiber into your diet, this soup with two different kinds of bean is a no-brainer.
  • Comfort in every bite. The perfectly browned ground beef and rich broth makes this soup a go-to for nights where you need something cozy.
  • Tailor to your liking. Especially with the toppings! Put out things like onion, cilantro, lime wedges, sour cream, shredded cheese and tortilla chips, and let each person make the bowl of their dreams.
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Melomakarona Greek Cookies Recipe https://foxeslovelemons.com/greek-honey-spice-cookies-melomakarona/ https://foxeslovelemons.com/greek-honey-spice-cookies-melomakarona/#comments Thu, 14 Dec 2023 09:00:00 +0000 https://foxeslovelemons.com/?p=7486 These Greek cookies stay fresh up to two weeks, and in fact, get BETTER in the days AFTER you bake them. Savor the warmth of the Mediterranean with every bite of melomakarona flavored with walnuts, spices, orange and honey. Melomakarona Recipe I originally discovered these Greek cookies while completing a practical exam in culinary school, […]

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These Greek cookies stay fresh up to two weeks, and in fact, get BETTER in the days AFTER you bake them. Savor the warmth of the Mediterranean with every bite of melomakarona flavored with walnuts, spices, orange and honey.

Melomakarona sprinkled with walnuts on white parchment paper with a honey dipper.

Melomakarona Recipe

I originally discovered these Greek cookies while completing a practical exam in culinary school, where I had to prepare a meal of traditional Greek foods.

The melomakarona cookies I made for dessert ended up being absolutely delicious, and I couldn’t wait to make them again.

With love, I have refined my recipe for years ever since, resulting in the soft spiced cookies bathed in honey syrup and sprinkled with walnuts that you’ll find in this post.

Not only do the warm Mediterranean flavors instantly put me in a Christmas spirit, but because these cookies stay fresh up to two weeks, I actually CAN start my holiday baking by making them earlier in the month!

Why you will love these Greek Honey Cookies

  • They get BETTER as they sit. Tell me a cookie that’s actually better 3 to 4 days after you make it, versus fresh out of the oven. It’s hard to believe, but melomakarona are!
  • They’re perfect for holiday gifting and cookie tins, because they transport so well and last so long.
  • This is a time-tested recipe that I have been making for my family for years. I hope you love it as much as we do.

“Oh, my goodness! Made these cookies to bring to my daughter’s for Christmas. I waited patiently to do the “taste test” and it was worth the wait! They are delicious and taste just like the ones I’ve been buying at the annual Greek festival close to home for years. Thank you so much!”

—Connie
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Christmas Salad (Pomegranate and Oranges on Arugula and Radicchio) https://foxeslovelemons.com/christmas-salad/ https://foxeslovelemons.com/christmas-salad/#comments Tue, 12 Dec 2023 09:00:00 +0000 https://foxeslovelemons.com/?p=31959 Elevate your holiday feast with a Christmas Salad with crisp greens, juicy oranges, pom seeds, cheese and nuts. The zesty homemade orange dressing is what sets this one apart! The perfect salad for Christmas Dinner No matter what your entree is for Christmas dinner, I’m willing to be that this Christmas Salad will go with […]

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Elevate your holiday feast with a Christmas Salad with crisp greens, juicy oranges, pom seeds, cheese and nuts. The zesty homemade orange dressing is what sets this one apart!

A Christmas Salad recipe made with greens, oranges, cheese, pomegranate seeds and nuts, arranged like a wreath with a bowl of dressing in the middle.

The perfect salad for Christmas Dinner

No matter what your entree is for Christmas dinner, I’m willing to be that this Christmas Salad will go with it.

It’s a combination of peppery arugula and crisp radicchio, topped with juicy oranges, creamy goat cheese, cinnamon roasted almonds and beautiful pomegranate seeds.

But the thing that sets this salad apart is the zesty orange dressing. It’s creamy but not too creamy, filled with the flavor of fresh orange juice, sweetened with a bit of honey, and made a bit tangy by white wine vinegar and Dijon mustard.

Why you will love this Salad for Christmas

  • You can arrange it like a holiday wreath on a round platter with a bowl of dressing in the middle for a stunning presentation!
  • It’s versatile and customizable. You can play around with the greens, cheese and nuts, based on what you like and what you have on hand.
  • This salad, with its zesty orange dressing and peppery greens, is a nice counterpoint to rich, creamy casseroles and heavy meat dishes that usually dominate the holiday table.
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Christmas Spritz Cookies https://foxeslovelemons.com/spritz-cookies/ https://foxeslovelemons.com/spritz-cookies/#respond Mon, 11 Dec 2023 09:00:00 +0000 https://foxeslovelemons.com/?p=45254 This Spritz Cookie Recipe walks you through creating these exquisite treats, from the viewpoint of a spritz cookie novice. It will tell you everything you need to know about each step of the process so that you succeed at these festive delights the first time you ever make them. Spritz Cookie Recipe For years, I […]

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This Spritz Cookie Recipe walks you through creating these exquisite treats, from the viewpoint of a spritz cookie novice. It will tell you everything you need to know about each step of the process so that you succeed at these festive delights the first time you ever make them.

The results of a spritz cookie recipe - red, green and white spritz cookies decorated for Christmas - in a small red decorative sled.

Spritz Cookie Recipe

For years, I would see Spritz Cookies on cookie trays and think there was simply no way I would ever be able to make those myself. Too fussy, too much chance of failure, I thought.

But, in a moment of fearlessness a few years ago, I bought a cookie press and tried my hand at it using another recipe. The cookies ended up turning out fine, but there were a lot of missing details I wish I had known, since it was my first time making them.

I’m here today to walk you through how to make spritz cookies, from the viewpoint of a spritz cookie novice. Along the way, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about each step of the process so that you succeed at these cookies the first time you ever make them.

What are Spritz Cookies?

Spritz cookies are delicate, buttery little treats that are often the prettiest part of a cookie tin or platter. Their distinctive shapes and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them a favorite for Christmas.

The name “spritz” comes from German word “spritzen,” meaning to squirt or spray, which describes how these cookies are made using a cookie press or piping bag.

Why you will love this recipe for Spritz Cookies

  • This is a meticulously crafted spritz cookie recipe from a culinary school graduate, taking into account the science behind each ingredient, to ensure your success.
  • The combination of vanilla and almond extracts create a nuanced flavor that’s both familiar and intriguing.
  • You’ll have so much fun decorating these using sprinkles and icing.
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Thumbprint Jam Cookies https://foxeslovelemons.com/thumbprint-cookies/ https://foxeslovelemons.com/thumbprint-cookies/#respond Thu, 07 Dec 2023 09:00:00 +0000 https://foxeslovelemons.com/?p=44875 This Thumbprint Cookie Recipe pairs salty, nutty cookies with sweet jam the way generations of Midwestern grandmas have been making. It uses a special technique of baking the cookies for a bit before making the indentation, which helps prevent the cookies from cracking quite so much. Classic Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies My family’s classic Midwestern sour […]

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This Thumbprint Cookie Recipe pairs salty, nutty cookies with sweet jam the way generations of Midwestern grandmas have been making. It uses a special technique of baking the cookies for a bit before making the indentation, which helps prevent the cookies from cracking quite so much.

Raspberry thumbprint cookies on white parchment paper.

Classic Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies

My family’s classic Midwestern sour cream sugar cookie recipe got such a nice response on social media, that I’m back today sharing our thumbprint cookie recipe!

This recipe combines a salty nutty cookie with sweet jam, and it uses a special technique of baking the cookies for a bit first before making the thumbprints, which helps prevent the cookies from cracking quite so much.

What are Thumbprint Cookies?

Thumbprint cookies are a classic in the baking world, especially around Christmas!

The unique feature of these cookies is the indentation created by pressing your thumb into the center, which provides the perfect well for a delicious filling.

Types of Thumbprint Cookies

Thumbprint cookies come in various flavors and with different fillings. Sometimes, they are made with a simple sugar cookie dough, and sometimes they are nutty.

The fillings can range from jams and preserves to chocolate, caramel or even something like Nutella. My mom actually fills hers with frosting!

Why you will love these Jam Thumbprint Cookies

  • If you grew up eating thumbprint cookies, there’s a good chance this recipe is very similar to your grandma’s or mom’s. Nostalgic comfort!
  • These are so versatile and customizable! Swap the walnuts for a different nut, and fill them with any filling you love!
  • These visually stunning cookies make a beautiful addition to a cookie tray.
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Dry Rub for Prime Rib https://foxeslovelemons.com/prime-rib-rub/ https://foxeslovelemons.com/prime-rib-rub/#respond Tue, 05 Dec 2023 09:00:00 +0000 https://foxeslovelemons.com/?p=44855 If you want your prime rib to rival the best steakhouses in town, you can achieve it with The Best Prime Rib Rub. A combination of fresh herbs, garlic and shallots forms an irresistible crust on a standing rib roast. BEST Prime Rib Rub My family doesn’t have a certain meal we eat every Christmas, […]

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If you want your prime rib to rival the best steakhouses in town, you can achieve it with The Best Prime Rib Rub. A combination of fresh herbs, garlic and shallots forms an irresistible crust on a standing rib roast.

A standing rib roast covered in prime rib rub in a festive holiday dinner table scene.

BEST Prime Rib Rub

My family doesn’t have a certain meal we eat every Christmas, but often enough, it’s prime rib. Otherwise known as a standing rib roast, it can be intimidating for a home cook to execute.

So let’s just start at the beginning. The first step to achieve a beautifully seasoned prime rib that will leave your guests impressed is a really great Prime Rib Rub.

A rub made with simple ingredients like rosemary, thyme, garlic and shallots creates a deeply flavorful and crispy crust on the meat, making it a memorable meal every single time.

Why you will love this Prime Rib Rub Recipe

  • It elevate a home-cooked meal to a restaurant-quality feast with a simple technique that a novice cook can accomplish.
  • Unplanned aromatherapy! As the rub permeates the meat while it cooks, your kitchen is going to smell SO herby and fragrant!
  • This versatile rub is also great for steaks, roasted chicken, and even vegetables.
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Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Recipe https://foxeslovelemons.com/chocolate-peppermint-cookies/ https://foxeslovelemons.com/chocolate-peppermint-cookies/#respond Mon, 04 Dec 2023 09:00:00 +0000 https://foxeslovelemons.com/?p=44813 These Chocolate Peppermint Cookies were developed by a professional pastry chef to have a magical brownie-like texture and a festive addition of peppermint candy. Nothing says “Holiday Season” like Chocolate Peppermint In terms of flavor combinations, chocolate and peppermint is right up there with peanut butter and jelly, and tomatoes and basil. And chocolate and […]

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These Chocolate Peppermint Cookies were developed by a professional pastry chef to have a magical brownie-like texture and a festive addition of peppermint candy.

Chocolate Peppermint Cookies on a wire rack with small red and white bulb ornaments decorating the scene.

Nothing says “Holiday Season” like Chocolate Peppermint

In terms of flavor combinations, chocolate and peppermint is right up there with peanut butter and jelly, and tomatoes and basil. And chocolate and peppermint tastes BEST during the holiday season. It’s a fact.

This Chocolate Peppermint Cookies recipe has been developed using both cocoa powder and melted dark chocolate for the richest, deepest chocolate flavor. And, these cookies have a just-slight-underbaked chewy texture, so they almost eat like a brownie!

They also have both peppermint extract and crushed peppermint candy, so I guess you can say they’re double chocolate and double peppermint cookies!

These cookies are dedicated to the true lovers of the combination of chocolate and peppermint, but I think just about everybody will end up loving them!

Why you will love Peppermint Chocolate Cookies

  • They have a magical texture that combines cookie and brownie. They’re shaped like a cookie with a crisp exterior, but the insides are velvety and chewy.
  • The coating of crushed peppermint candy makes them a festive-looking addition to a cookie tray or gifting box.
  • This recipe is versatile enough to use year-round. You can use vanilla extract in place of peppermint extract and skip the candy, and you just have a really great chocolate cookie.
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Sour Cream Sugar Cookie Recipe https://foxeslovelemons.com/sour-cream-nutmeg-sugar-cookies/ https://foxeslovelemons.com/sour-cream-nutmeg-sugar-cookies/#comments Tue, 28 Nov 2023 09:00:00 +0000 https://foxeslovelemons.com/?p=743 These pillowy soft Sour Cream Cookies have been made in the Midwest for generations. They’re bursting with nutmeg flavor and stay soft for at least a week after they are baked. This is the best Sugar Cookie Recipe with Sour Cream This is probably the most personal recipe on this blog – my family’s Christmas […]

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These pillowy soft Sour Cream Cookies have been made in the Midwest for generations. They’re bursting with nutmeg flavor and stay soft for at least a week after they are baked.

Frosted Sour Cream Cookies with sprinkles in a variety of shapes on a textured baking pan.

This is the best Sugar Cookie Recipe with Sour Cream

This is probably the most personal recipe on this blog – my family’s Christmas cookie recipe!

My mom got this recipe for Sour Cream Cookies from my grandma, who got it from a coworker, who probably got it from a local newspaper here in the Midwest.

What makes it so special? Two things – flavor and texture. The flavor largely comes from a generous spoonful of nutmeg. While most sugar cookie cutouts have very little flavor other than sugary dough, these ones have a subtle spice flavor.

And the sour cream keeps them extremely soft. They even stay soft for at least a week after they’re baked – an impressive feat for a sugar cookie.

My mom generously helped me translate our family recipe into a foolproof written version, and even helped me make the cookies for this post (those are her hands rolling out the dough in the step-by-step photos below).

What does sour cream do in baking?

Sour cream is magic! It serves several functions in baked goods such as these sour cream sugar cookies:

  • Moisture Booster. Sour cream adds extra moisture to the cookie dough, ensuring a soft and tender final product.
  • Flavor Enhancer. The subtle tang of the sour cream complements the sweetness of the other ingredients.
  • Leavening Agent. The acidity of the sour cream reacts with the baking soda, resulting in a light and airy cookie.

Why you will love Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

  • These are pillowy soft cookies that are bursting with flavor. How many Christmas cookies can you really say that about?
  • They stay soft for a week (maybe even a little longer) after they are baked, meaning you can make them well ahead of the holiday.
  • The dough is easy to work with, allowing you to cut it into various shapes and sizes without compromising its integrity.

“I had lost my grandma’s recipe last year in a house fire, so one of those small things that hit me when trying to make that holiday cheer. THANKFULLY I found this recipe and it will now be our family traditional Christmas cookie. Husband wasn’t a fan of grandma’s recipe but said I should receive a cookie award for these. Kids loved decorating them. Sturdy enough for little hands to grab, soft and chewy, subtle nutmeg flavor and holds details of cookie cutters very well.”

—Kris
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Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts Recipe https://foxeslovelemons.com/air-fryer-brussels-sprouts/ https://foxeslovelemons.com/air-fryer-brussels-sprouts/#comments Tue, 21 Nov 2023 09:00:00 +0000 https://foxeslovelemons.com/?p=26660 This Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts recipe uses a totally-worth-it two-step process to guarantee tender insides and crispy outsides. Still done in 20 minutes! Air Fried Brussel Sprouts Have you seen that meme about how everybody hated Brussels sprouts in the 80’s and 90’s because they didn’t have the same marketing person they have now? Back […]

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This Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts recipe uses a totally-worth-it two-step process to guarantee tender insides and crispy outsides. Still done in 20 minutes!

Air fry brussel sprouts in shallow white bowl with white serving spoon, on top of beige linen with pom pom edging.

Air Fried Brussel Sprouts

Have you seen that meme about how everybody hated Brussels sprouts in the 80’s and 90’s because they didn’t have the same marketing person they have now? Back then, they were steamed and bland, but now they’re fried and flavorful!

The Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts I’m sharing today have the NEW marketing person, but with the healthful twist of air frying rather than deep frying.

Because we all know that a boiled or steamed sprout just can’t compare to a crispy one. It’s all about that deep golden brown deliciousness, and your air fryer can get it done!

Why you will love this Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts Recipe

  • This recipe uses a special combination of microwave steaming and air frying to ensure that the insides of the sprouts are tender while the outsides are super crispy!
  • Air frying requires minimal oil compared to traditional frying methods, making these Brussels sprouts a healthier alternative to restaurant sprouts that you love.
  • The crispy exterior of these Brussels sprouts may convert even the pickiest eaters into veggie enthusiasts!
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