The Holidays are Coming: 5 Quick and Easy Recipes to Save Your Sanity
The Holiday Rush is Upon Us
The holidays are here, and with them, a whirlwind of activities, events, and gatherings. From parties to gift-shopping, school programs, recitals, and family get-togethers, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Amidst the chaos, cooking a delicious meal can seem like a daunting task. Fear not! We’ve got you covered with these 5 quick and easy recipes to save your sanity and satisfy your taste buds.
Recipe 1: Quick and Easy Holiday Brunch
- 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 1/4 cup of butter, melted
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup of chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out puff pastry and place on a baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, honey, cranberries, pecans, sugar, eggs, salt, and pepper. Spread the mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Fold the edges over the filling and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Recipe 2: One-Pan Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil
- 1 pound of pasta
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook the pasta according to package instructions. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent. Add the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and basil. Stir to combine. Add the cooked pasta and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Recipe 3: Simple and Delicious Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 package of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, mix together spinach, feta cheese, olive oil, and garlic. Lay the chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket. Stuff each breast with the spinach and feta mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
Recipe 4: 5-Minute Fudge Brownies
- 1 and 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
- 2 cups of sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 and 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts (optional)
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with butter and line with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth. Fold the chocolate into the batter. If using walnuts, fold them in at this stage. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted 2 inches from the pan’s edge comes out clean.
Recipe 5: Quick and Easy Cinnamon Rolls
- 1 package of active dry yeast
- 2 cups of warm water
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup of cinnamon sugar (a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon)
- 1/2 cup of chopped pecans (optional)
In a small bowl, combine the yeast, warm water, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and melted butter. Add the yeast mixture and mix until a sticky dough forms. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, until smooth. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and pecans (if using). Roll up the dough and cut into 12 equal pieces. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving 1 inch between each roll. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Conclusion
These 5 quick and easy recipes are perfect for busy holiday seasons. Whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick meal, these recipes are sure to save your sanity and satisfy your taste buds. So go ahead, take a break from the holiday chaos, and indulge in these delicious and easy-to-make dishes.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these recipes ahead of time?
A: Yes, most of these recipes can be prepared ahead of time. Simply refrigerate or freeze until ready to cook.
Q: Can I substitute ingredients?
A: Yes, most ingredients can be substituted with similar alternatives. However, be sure to adjust cooking times and temperatures accordingly.
Q: Can I make these recipes gluten-free?
A: Yes, many of these recipes can be adapted to be gluten-free. Simply substitute gluten-containing ingredients with gluten-free alternatives and adjust cooking times and temperatures accordingly.
