The holidays are notorious for nostalgia — from finger foods to must-watch movies. By combining the 2 classics, you can keep the cinema rich and the food light (and delicious!). Make new memories with these movie-inspired easy holiday goodies recipes.
Perfect Pairing Inspired by “A Christmas Story”
Official Red Cider
Ingredients
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- 2 cups apple cider
- 4 ounces vodka
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Fresh thyme sprigs
Directions
In a large measuring cup, combine all ingredients (except thyme) and whisk together. Once the mixture is well combined, serve over ice. Add a sprig of thyme to the glass to garnish.
Only, I Didn’t Say Fudge
This mock-fudge recipe is so delicious, you’ll think it’s the real thing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup low-fat milk
- ¾ cup raw cocoa powder
- 5 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup agave
- 1 teaspoon brandy extract
Directions
In a small saucepan, combine milk and cocoa. Whisk over medium heat, stirring until thick. In another small saucepan, sprinkle gelatin over water and let soften for a few minutes. Stir over low heat until gelatin dissolves. Whisk into cocoa mixture. Stir in agave and remove from heat. Pour into a square baking dish. Let stand at room temperature several hours until firm. With a sharp knife, cut evenly in 10 one way and 10 the other way. Place in a container, cover, and refrigerate.
Party Pairing Inspired by “Elf”
World’s Best Cup of Coffee
Not only is it the world’s best coffee, it’s the world’s healthiest — for your teeth, anyway.
Mix 8 ounces of coffee brewed with ½ cup low-fat milk. Milk contains vitamin D and calcium, which strengthen teeth and bones and prevent tooth loss. Top with a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg. These spices add flavor, thus reducing or replacing the need for sweetener in your drink.
Choco-Headed Ninny Muffins
Bonus points for chocolate — it’s one of the best sweets for your teeth. The flax seeds and prunes are secretly stashed into these decadent delights.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons low-fat milk
- ½ tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon flax seed
- ½ cup pureed prunes
- ½ cup flour (almond, all-purpose, or your choice)
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons xylitol
- 2 tablespoons agave
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and grease a standard-sized muffin pan. In a mixing bowl, combine first 5 ingredients and whisk. In a separate bowl, combine all remaining ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t over-mix. Distribute batter evenly among 12 muffin cups. Bake 12 minutes. Cool 5-10 minutes before removing from the muffin tins.
Party Pairing Inspired by “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
Hearts 3-Sizes-Too-Small Berry Kabobs
Berries are high in vitamin C, which protects hums from bleeding easily and becoming loose prematurely.
Ingredients
- Strawberries
- Grapes
- Blueberries
- Wooden skewers
Directions
Place a strawberry (with top cut off), a grape, and a blueberry onto a wooden skewer. Serve on a platter, or use to garnish the Pome-Grinch (below).
Pome-Grinch
Pomegranate juice can prevent the microorganisms that form plaque, according to a new study in the Journal of Ancient Science of Life.
Ingredients
- 2-¼ cups pomegranate juice
- 2-¼ cups vodka
- 1 cup lime juice
- ¼ cup ginger
- 2 tablespoons agave
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
Mix ingredients well. Serve over ice and garnish with a sprig of rosemary or a berry kabob (above).
Happy Hosting!
