As the holiday season rolls in, there's a magical feeling in the air as it becomes crisp, and the world feels a bit quieter. It's the ideal time to gather with family, cozy up by the fire, and enjoy warm meals that provide comfort and joy. For many, the holiday season brings back memories of traditions, laughter, and, of course, food. The dishes we prepare and share often hold a deeper significance, evoking nostalgia, and a sense of warmth that only a homemade meal can provide.
Here are some staff favorite holiday recipes from their childhood. These recipes are not just about food; they evoke joyful memories and remind us of the times spent in the kitchen with family. Each dish is simple yet delicious, and these recipes have been passed down through generations.
Pizzelle Cookies
Charlie fondly remembers her wonderful Italian grandmother, who made light and buttery Pizzelle cookies that melted in your mouth. She cherishes the memories of these cookies, which her grandmother prepared for every holiday, often making extra to share with everyone.
Ingredients
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- 1 stick (½ cup) melted butter
- ⅔ cup (134g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups (224g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
Instructions
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- In a large bowl, combine the butter with sugar and whisk until combined. Add in the eggs and extract if using and whisk again until well combined.
- Add flour and baking powder and stir until just combined.
- Preheat and grease your pizzelle iron maker.
- Drop 1 heaping tbsp of batter onto the iron for each pizzelle cookie and cook for 45-60 seconds or until done (when it stops steaming, it means your cookies are done).
- Remove onto a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Fried Buttermilk Scones
Marissa remembers her grandma making fried buttermilk scones for her dad and his siblings, and now he makes them for her around the holidays.
Ingredients
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- 1 qt. buttermilk, warmed
- 2 packages yeast, ¼ cup warm water
- 2 tbsp. sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp. oil
- 1 ½ tsp. salt
- 3 tsp. baking powder
- ½ tsp. baking soda
- 8 cups flour
Instructions
Mix all ingredients. Beat the dough, let it raise for an hour, and then push it down. Raise the dough overnight in the fridge. The next day, roll the dough thin. Cut pieces of dough, stretch, and then fry in hot oil. Once they are fried, cover with choice of powdered sugar, honey butter, or cinnamon sugar. This recipe can be halved for a smaller batch.
Italian Cheesecake
Suzanne's nostalgic memories of her grandmother and mom's Italian cheesecake recipe remind her of Christmas and Easter gatherings, bringing back the warmth of family traditions.
Ingredients
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- 1 lb. Ricotta cheese
- 1 lb. Cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups Sugar
- 3 tbs Cornstarch
- 3 tbs All-Purpose flour
- 1 tbs Vanilla extract
- ½ tsp Lemon juice
- 1 stick Unsalted butter, melted and cooled before adding it to the batter
- 1 16-oz Sour cream
- 4 Eggs, slightly beaten
Instructions
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- Combine in a large mixing bowl all the ingredients – melted butter must be cooled before adding to the batter.
- Mix well on medium speed until all ingredients are blended – do not over beat.
- Place batter in a greased springform pan.
- Bake 325 degrees for 1 hour.
- After 1 hour of baking, turn off oven and leave the pan in the oven for 2 hours – do not open the oven door because the center of the cake may crack
- Cut the cheesecake when completely cooled and add pineapple, strawberries, or blueberries on top of each slice or eat it plain.
Puppy Chow
Ashley shared her family's favorite recipe, which her grandma used to make. She fondly recalls a joyful memory of not mixing the ingredients in a bowl, but instead simply dumping everything into a gallon-sized bag and shaking it up.
Puppy Chow, opens a new window
Sunday Roast
Aubrey's family traditionally prepares a hearty Sunday roast for Christmas Day, complete with roasted beef and vegetables, mashed potatoes, gravy, and Yorkshire puddings, which is comforting for the holiday even when we celebrate in 70-degree weather.
Sunday Roast, opens a new window
Sauerkraut Balls
Brock’s family holiday treat is easy to make and brings the whole family together in the kitchen.
Sauerkraut Balls, opens a new window
Cornbread Stuffing
Julie and her family have enjoyed making cornbread stuffing for years and she cherishes memories of her kids helping her by slicing onions, stirring, and cracking eggs. To make it extra yummy she adds more cream and broth, as well as 1 cup of cooked ground breakfast sausage.
Cornbread Stuffing, opens a new window
We hope these recipes bring joy to your home. Whether you're gathered in the kitchen with loved ones or enjoying a quiet moment by yourself, explore the books below from the Frisco Public Library. Create new memories that will fill your heart with warmth and happiness. Let us know your favorite recipes for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. Happy holidays!
The Children's Jewish Holiday Kitchen, opens a new window
Cookies for Santa, opens a new window
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