Holiday Recipes and Gifts:
Christmas Recipes and Thanksgiving Recipes

My favorite times of the year are Thanksgiving and Christmas, gathered around wonderful holiday recipes with family and friends, enjoying each other's company.

You will find both Thanksgiving recipes and Christmas recipes sprinkled throughout the site but I have gathered several of them together here to give you a few ideas for great tasting holiday menus.

Pick and choose or search the site to try something new. Any way you do it the most important thing is to enjoy the day.

Note the recipes you can make ahead - the pies, some of the salads, the sweet and sour meatballs and potato recipes. Try to incorporate a few make ahead dished so the cook isn't too frazzled to enjoy the holiday too!

Oh...and don't forget the classic, must haves -
Sugar Cookies
Rich Dark Fruit Cake
Our Light Fruit Cake Recipe
Gum Drop Christmas Cookie Recipe

Recipes for Christmas Dinner or Thanksgiving Dinner

Poinsetta image

Menu 1 - Turkey Dinner Menu

Roast Turkey with Gravy
Delicious Turkey Stuffing
Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Baked Squash
Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits
Pumpkin Pie or Lemon Meringue Pie (or make one of each)

For how to thaw, stuff and cook a turkey, look here.
Find out how to properly carve a turkey here.

Click here to download your free copy of our 2007 Holiday Gift Guide.

Menu 2 - Prime Rib Roast Dinner Menu

Crab Dip Appetizer
Prime Rib au jus
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Ambrosia Salad
Asparagus
Apple Pie
Key Lime Pie (or make one of each)

Look here for Prime Rib cooking times to make sure your roast is perfect every time.
Take it up a notch with zesty prime rib rubs.

Buffet Dinner Menu

If a buffet dinner is more your style, here is a menu of holiday recipes that is sure to please just about everyone.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Hash Brown Potato Casserole
3 Bean Salad
7 Layer Salad
Deviled Eggs
Chicken and Broccoli Casserole and/or
Ham Casserole with Sweet Potato Crust
Watergate Salad
Chocolate Fondue

Here's how to do Chocolate Fondue for a crowd:
Have the fondue set up at a separate table and surround the warm chocolate fondue pot (or pots if you have lots of people) with bowls of "dippables". See the recipe page for lots of dipping suggestions.

Holiday Brunch Buffet

Got overnight holiday guests or having the crowd over early? Here is a delicious breakfast or brunch buffet menu. Just add sausage or bacon for the meat lovers in the group and you have something for everyone.

Breakfast Casserole
Blueberry Oat Bran Pancakes
Hash Brown Potato Casserole Banana Muffins
Fresh Fruit Salad

If you want more ideas for great holiday recipes, browse our entire recipe collection. You will find it here.

Gorgeous red serving bowls with Christmas Tree motif. Brilliant red color, perfect for the holidays.
Waechtersbach Set of 2 Christmas Trees Medium Serving Bowls

Layers of poured glass created this stunning serving plate from Peggy Karr. Dozens of shapes and patterns to choose from for any season or reason.
Peggy Karr 14-in. Red Poinsettia Serving Platter