If you enjoyed last year’s delicious no-fail holiday party recipes, you’re in luck: we’ve put together another set of recipes for entertaining! Whether you’re hosting an elegant cocktail gathering at home or bringing a side dish to a big family dinner, these simple, inexpensive recipes are impressive without requiring you to spend all day in the kitchen.
Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple
This tasty variation on rumaki eliminates the chicken livers, for the squeamish. Crispy, salty, and sweet, these bite-size treats need only a couple of ingredients and a few minutes in the oven. Get the recipe.
Sour Cream and Onion Dip
Make-ahead dishes mean one less thing to cook on the day of your event. As an added benefit, this caramelized onion dip actually improves overnight. Serve with a veggie tray, pita chips, or baguette slices. Get the recipe.
Light and Fluffy Spinach Quiche
This easy quiche is a snap to put together, thanks to time-savers like frozen spinach and pre-made pie crust. You can also spice it up with extras like feta, sundried tomatoes, or mushrooms. Serve it for brunch, bring it to a potluck, or pair it with a salad for a light dinner when you’re feeling the holiday bloat. Get the recipe.
Citrus-scented Wine Cake
This recipe had me at “wine cake.” This not-too-sweet dairy-free dessert is easy to make and uses ingredients (citrus, white wine, olive oil) you probably have on hand. Because it’s not overly sweet or rich, it’s a good choice for both day and evening get-togethers. Get the recipe.
Spicy Parmesan Green Beans and Kale
The quick and easy side is a lighter and more modern alternative to the ubiquitous green bean casserole. Remember, one side of kale will negate the calories of two slices of pie*, so be sure to have a big scoop of the green stuff. Get the recipe.
*Scientific proof not even remotely pending.
Spinach Madeleine
Popular in Louisiana, this cheesy dish works well as a side or a dip. Many recipes rely on Velveeta, but this version from Whole Foods improves the dish by replacing the chemical cheese with real pepper jack. Be sure to make extra so you have leftovers — it’s a wonderful addition to turkey sandwiches. Get the recipe.
What’s your go-to holiday party dish? Share it in the comments!
Julia Nardelli Gross. Julia is the Bar’s Online Communications Specialist. She manages the Bar’s social media presence and website, and works on other member communications.
Originally from Massachusetts, Julia moved to Seattle to attend Seattle University School of Law. Outside of the office, Julia spends her time cooking, concocting natural cleaning supplies and beauty products, and travelling with her husband and daughter.
Contact Julia at juliang@wsba.org or 206.733.5951.
Stephanie Perry. Stephanie is the WSBA communications specialist/publications editor. She edits the “Literary Lawyer” column in NWLawyer. Find more of her reviews and reading lists at www.readerslane.com.
