It seems like a lot of our holiday traditions are based on foods. Probably the most popular dishes with a lot of emotions attached are the desserts. Whether it's the fruitcake, holiday cookies, or a pumpkin pie, they all seem to bring back memories of home and family. It could be though that our classic desserts are really due for fresh ideas. Here are just a few creative variations on some classic holiday desserts.
I am a person who has never been that fond of pumpkin pie. I always found it a little heavy and kind of plain for my tastes. Then I found a great recipe that uses a pumpkin vanilla ice cream as the filling. It's easy to make and result is delicious. To keep it simple I start with a pre-made graham crust, then mix French vanilla ice cream with some canned pumpkin. Add a little spicing such as nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon and layer the mixture into the crust. Follow with a layer of whipped cream and put the pie into the freezer for 2 hours before serving. It's absolutely yummy and so simple to make.
Another classic that I find a little puzzling is the ever-present fruitcake. The fruitcake does have a bad reputation, and can be so sweet it's quite overpowering, yet they are always present during the holidays. This is one dessert overdue for a makeover. As a substitute for this heavy, sugary cake, why not try something new? You can create rich dessert bread with some added fruits. Or another variation is oatmeal bread with coconut shavings and pineapple baked inside. Spread scrumptious white chocolate cream cheese icing on top and serve with some fresh-brewed coffee.
Now here's a really creative fruitcake - it's actually a fruitcake sushi! Just buy some phyllo dough and chop up some of your favorite fresh fruits like strawberries, cherries, or grapes. Roll your fruits in the dough and place it on a baking sheet. Your dessert sushi should look like typical sushi with the phyllo substituted for seaweed and the fruit in place of fish. Place the baking sheet in a hot oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. Once it's cooled, slice the fruitcake sushi into rounds and add a white chocolate icing on top for a delightful decadent dessert that is sure to be a hit!
No one ever has enough cookie recipes in the holiday seasons. We want cookies to swap, to have available for company, to take to parties, and for a host of other reasons. The first cookie I'll suggest is very old fashioned, but so unusual it definitely rates as a fresh take on the standard holiday cookie! Mix 1 cup rolled oats, 1 cup flour, 1 cup brown sugar, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon all spice, and 1/2 cup butter. After mixing place in your favorite baking pan. Cover with one pound of mincemeat. Cover the mincemeat with a 1/4-cup of roasted nuts. Bake in a 350-degree oven for forty minutes. Mincemeat sounds scary, but these cookies have a complex taste that is unbelievable.
So while everyone likes seeing their favorite desserts served at the holidays, it's also a lot of fun to add some new treats to try. It's possible that some of your new creations will become the new family favorites and start a whole new tradition. It's fun to experiment and you'll probably be surprised at the how much enjoyment your reinvented classics bring to your loved ones! - 16463
I am a person who has never been that fond of pumpkin pie. I always found it a little heavy and kind of plain for my tastes. Then I found a great recipe that uses a pumpkin vanilla ice cream as the filling. It's easy to make and result is delicious. To keep it simple I start with a pre-made graham crust, then mix French vanilla ice cream with some canned pumpkin. Add a little spicing such as nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon and layer the mixture into the crust. Follow with a layer of whipped cream and put the pie into the freezer for 2 hours before serving. It's absolutely yummy and so simple to make.
Another classic that I find a little puzzling is the ever-present fruitcake. The fruitcake does have a bad reputation, and can be so sweet it's quite overpowering, yet they are always present during the holidays. This is one dessert overdue for a makeover. As a substitute for this heavy, sugary cake, why not try something new? You can create rich dessert bread with some added fruits. Or another variation is oatmeal bread with coconut shavings and pineapple baked inside. Spread scrumptious white chocolate cream cheese icing on top and serve with some fresh-brewed coffee.
Now here's a really creative fruitcake - it's actually a fruitcake sushi! Just buy some phyllo dough and chop up some of your favorite fresh fruits like strawberries, cherries, or grapes. Roll your fruits in the dough and place it on a baking sheet. Your dessert sushi should look like typical sushi with the phyllo substituted for seaweed and the fruit in place of fish. Place the baking sheet in a hot oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. Once it's cooled, slice the fruitcake sushi into rounds and add a white chocolate icing on top for a delightful decadent dessert that is sure to be a hit!
No one ever has enough cookie recipes in the holiday seasons. We want cookies to swap, to have available for company, to take to parties, and for a host of other reasons. The first cookie I'll suggest is very old fashioned, but so unusual it definitely rates as a fresh take on the standard holiday cookie! Mix 1 cup rolled oats, 1 cup flour, 1 cup brown sugar, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon all spice, and 1/2 cup butter. After mixing place in your favorite baking pan. Cover with one pound of mincemeat. Cover the mincemeat with a 1/4-cup of roasted nuts. Bake in a 350-degree oven for forty minutes. Mincemeat sounds scary, but these cookies have a complex taste that is unbelievable.
So while everyone likes seeing their favorite desserts served at the holidays, it's also a lot of fun to add some new treats to try. It's possible that some of your new creations will become the new family favorites and start a whole new tradition. It's fun to experiment and you'll probably be surprised at the how much enjoyment your reinvented classics bring to your loved ones! - 16463
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