Holiday Recipes

Holiday

Recipes

We love spending the holidays entertaining.......

… but we don’t love making it more complicated than it needs to be. The holidays should be spent enjoying time with family and friends, not slaving away in the kitchen. With everything from appies (or hors d’oeuvres if that’s more your style) to sides to mains to desserts – we have you covered for whatever you plan to make this holiday season.

Appetizers

  • Steak Bites

    Looking for a gluten free appetizer for the holidays? Look no further than our chimichurri steak bites. Simple marinated delicious steak from Urban Butcher, on top of delicious roasted baby..

  • Elk Meatballs

    Mainly known for being a main, meatballs also make a great appetizer! Here, we have made them with ground elk to make them full of a unique flavour. We also..

  • Scallops with Roasted Carrot Puree & Pomegranate Beurre Blanc

    I love scallops. Like, adore them. There is something so delicate and elegant about them that makes them feel like such a delicacy. I love the idea of the simple..

  • Pecan Baked Brie

    Who doesn’t love baked brie? Seriously?! There is just something about it that screams the holidays. And with the pecans and sugar on top, you can’t help pair it with..

  • Pan-Seared Scallops

    I am obsessed with scallops. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE bacon wrapped scallops, but they are so much more, even without bacon. I consider scallops a rare treat, as..

  • Beef Sliders

    Nothing is a more classic pairing than a burger and a beer. For our Big Rock Traditional Ale pairing, we wanted to keep it classic with a twist. Adding the..

  • Apple Pancetta Crostini

    Don’t know what chiffonade means? Perfect, neither will your guests. Start the night off right with this surprisingly impressive crostini. You can even chat it up and sound like you know..

  • Mozza Balls

    As soon as I tried the mozzarella balls at Famoso, I knew I had to create this at home. With delicious, good-quality ingredients, this recipe is irresistible and a definite..

  • Salami Crostini

    I’d like to claim I’m always on-point with my ingredients. That I shop at only the best, local, freshest bistros…but lets get real, I’m as busy as everybody else.  I..

  • Bruschetta

    If you hadn’t noticed by now, I’m a big fan of Italy. This is partly because of their beautiful art, language and culture, but mostly, its because of their stellar..

  • Beer & Cheese Dip

    Just when you thought that beer and cheese couldn’t be more perfect together – you discover that you can combine them into one perfect dish. This simple and delicious dip..

  • Apple Chutney & Goat Cheese Crostini

    So sorry, it has been a while since I have posted something new! This is what happens when life gets busy and you don’t have time to experiment with new..

  • Berry & Goat Cheese Crostini

    Nothing is better for entertaining than some delicious finger food that can be shared around friends. Crostinis are the perfect based for an easy-sharing bite-sized treat and can be topped..

  • Sauteed Onion, Pear & Bacon Crostini

    My family love crostinis. They are perfectly bite-sized and have endless possibility for toppings. These Sauteed Onion, Pear and Bacon Crostinis are a lovely balance of salty, sweet and savory flavours…

  • Mushroom, Bacon & Gruyère Crostini

    As you have heard a million times, I love recipes that are easy and delicious. I always have bacon lardons in my fridge pre-cooked (what, I love bacon!), which makes..

  • Baked Brie

    Two recipes in one! How lucky is that? One sweet and one savoury – for whatever your mood is. There are a million ways to do baked brie, but these two..

  • Almond-Stuffed Dates

    Inspired by Victoria’s Tapa Bar, these almond-stuffed dates are to die for! Wrapped in bacon, they are are completely irresistible and will be a huge hit at any party! INGREDIENTS..

  • Goat Cheese & Sauteed Pear Crostini

    Another Momma & Poppa Powell creation. This one was something we made up at Christmas. We started with the cheese and pears, and then adding toppings until we were satisfied..

  • Price’s Beef Kati

    This is one of my Dad’s recipes that never fails to be the crowd favourite. A delightful balance of flavours, it’s a tasty mouthful that is great for parties or..

  • Caramelized Onion & Pear Crostini

    A crostini can be topped with almost anything, and this combination is unexpected but addicting. The hardest part about this recipe is having the patience to caramelize the onions – believe..

  • Tomato & Cambozola Crostini

    Throwing it back to a Momma & Poppa Powell classic. It is made with cambozola, but if you don’t like blue cheese camembert works just as well! As I say with..

  • Fig & Chevre Crostini with Balsamic Crema

    It’s fig season! Fresh figs are one of my favourite things, and when combined with goat cheese, mint & balsamic vinegar (three of my other favourite things), the outcome is..

  • Tomato & Chevre Crostinis

    One of the many recipes my father has in his repertoire, and it always a favourite. The best dishes for dinner parties are the ones that can be prepped ahead..

  • Sausage, Chili & Cheese Tartlets

    These are a classic my mother has been making for years. These tiny, bite-sized bites of mexican flavours are seriously addicting. They’re easy to make ahead and throw together when..

Mains

  • Surf & Turf

    Now this is a gift box – ribeye steaks, stuffed potatoes and scallops? Yes please! Urban Butcher has their Family Cookout Box ready to go this holiday season and we’re..

  • Elk Tenderloin Steak

    Elk Tenderloin Steaks with Red Wine Au Jus

    Everyone has their favourite steaks and I have to say tenderloin is one of mine. So flavourful and tender, it is really hard to beat. Combine that with the subtle..

  • Wild Boar Ragu

    Wild Boar Ragu

    Wild Boar is one of those things that you are thrilled to see in a restaurant, but rarely see at the store – and consequently never make at home. When..

  • Bison Roast

    We are lucky to live in an area of the world where we have access to bison. Not a common meat, it is similar to beef, but more lean and..

  • Classic Beef Roast

    We don’t get to have a good beef roast very often – but it definitely a meal I absolutely cherish (and completely underestimated how simple it was until I made..

  • Turkey Pot Pie

    Turkey Pot Pie

    A great way to use up extra turkey after a holiday feast, this pot pie also uses up the extra veggies you have kicking around the fridge! Great fridge clean..

  • Lasagna

    This is a twist on a classic Lasagna. Like most of the food we eat, although we adore the beloved meat, cheese and pasta classic dishes, our bodies also crave..

  • Seared Duck with Spiced Fig Au Jus

    Duck is so versatile in its flavour – working with anything from savory to sweet. Here, we’ve gone for a mix of both. A hint of sweetness from the fig,..

  • Goat Cheese Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Blackberry Compote & Vegetable Sauté

    You know the trick to making a dish sound fancy? Include all the ingredients in the title. Yes, it sounds complicated (and impressive), but really it is pretty simple (I..

  • Chimichurri

    What do you do when fall is pending and you have a ton of parsley left in the garden? Make chimichurri of course! Originally from South America, this sauce is..

  • Scottish Leg of Lamb with Barley & Root Vegetables

    Straight from the highlands in late winter, although this dish is rich, is it addicting! It’s also a great dish to warm you up on those cold winter evenings. I..

  • Venison Roast

    Venison (a.k.a meat from game animals like deer, moose or elk) is not very common in your average North American grocery store. But, if you’re lucky, you may be able..

  • Cedar Planked Salmon with Blueberry Compote

    You know your meal is gonna be good when it starts with lumber. Don’t forget to add the beer, to the recipe and to the chef. This delightfully easy salmon..

  • Maple Mustard Salmon

    This is my go-to weeknight recipe – 30 mins (including cooking) and dinner is on the table! Boom! So easy, yet so delicious and moist, how can you not love..

  • Cedar Planked Snapper

    There is just something about a simple white fish recipe with a fruit salsa. I love putting a twist on it and incorporating the smokiness of the cedar plank. It..

  • Crispy Chicken Thighs

    Chicken thighs are delicious, especially when you can achieve amazingly crispy skin that is full of flavour. The key is to render the fat out of the skin utilizing direct high..

  • Salmon with Zucchini & Sage Garlic Butter

    Tinfoil pouches are the perfect weeknight dinners. They are how I survived exams during university (yes, you can survive exams without living on ramen) and can be done with chicken, fish..

  • Lemon & Oregano Turkey

    It’s almost Christmas!! And for me nothing says Christmas dinner like turkey (with all of the fixings of course!). It is my favourite holiday meal, which I look forward to..

  • Salmon with Berry-Juniper Sauce

    This recipe is a mix of a compote I do for pork tenderloin and the Juniper Sauce recipe from Michel Roux’s Sauce book. The delicious, sweet sauce is a great..

Sides

  • Stuffing

    Apple, Sausage & Cranberry Stuffing

    Stuffing is a classic holiday side dish – best served with turkey and all the fixings. Here, we’ve given it a sweet and salty twist, while keeping all of the..

  • Mushroom Pasta

    Spaghettini with Sautéed Mushrooms

    Deliciously savoury sautéed mushrooms in tasty white wine sauce on a bed of spaghettini? Yes please. Delightfully easy, this weeknight meal feels like weekend treat from your favourite restaurant –..

  • Easy Cranberry Sauce with Apples & Almonds

    I love pretty much all things Thanksgiving and holiday – especially the food. And of course, the big turkey dinner with all the fixings is one of the top items..

  • Autumn Harvest Salad

    There is something about a fall harvest salad that wonderfully bridges the gap between light summer salads and hearty winter dishes. Featuring butternut squash, apples and dried cranberries, this salad..

  • Roasted Broccoli with Curried Yogurt

    Sometimes you just need to mix things up. I tried this roasted broccoli and curried yogurt at a restaurant recently and was hooked. It’s not what you would traditionally think..

  • Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Yogurt Dressing

    I had a similar dish in a restaurant a few weeks ago, and I just couldn’t stop thinking about it. The balance of the nutty/bitter tahini with the tangy yogurt..

  • Pilsner & Parmesan Risotto

    Risotto is one of those dishes that seem daunting, but actually just requires patience. Nothing about it is particularly difficult, but you need to be willing to wait – and..

  • Chicken & Spinach Pasta

    I had this simple and delicious pasta recipe at a restaurant once, and I’ve always wanted to recreate it at home. Having the pasta tossed in oil made the dish..

  • Roasted Tomato Soup

    There is just something about a warm soup on a cold day. Truth be told, when it comes to soup, I’m really in it for the “stuff.” Like, the good..

  • Caprese Salad with Avocado

    Now that nice weather is here to stay, lets celebrate the beginning of summer with a classic Caprese Salad. This classic Italian dish is often served as a light starter..

  • Kohlrabi Salad

    Kohlrabi – it’s interesting to spell and a just as interesting a cross-over vegetable. From the broccoli/cabbage family, it is similar to Jicama (pronounced ‘Hick-ih-ma’) with a firm texture much..

  • Sautéed Pancetta & Brussel Sprouts

    So I think we can all agree that bacon makes everything better. You know what makes bacon dishes even better? When you use the fat to cook with. YUM. So,..

  • Potato Bacon Soup

    It snowed Sunday and I definitely did not want to go outside. I am not ready to accept winter – except for all of the delicious foods that come with..

  • Simple Butternut Squash Soup

    Fall: the wonderful time year when the leaves turn colour, it’s not too warm or cold and all of the basic girls come out in full force for anything pumpkin..

  • Bacon Mac & Cheese

    Mac & Cheese is a classic comfort food and one of my favourite meals to enjoy on a cold day. But you know what makes Mac & Cheese even better?..

  • Orange and Watercress Salad

    This salad came from my go-to recipes for salads: some lettuce, something sweet, something nutty and assorted vegetables. The ingredients vary from week to week, depending on what is in..

  • Zucchini Spirals

    This is the perfect weeknight side. Ready in under 10 minutes, it only has 6 ingredients (including salt and pepper) and is incredibly simple to make. The recipe is actually..

  • 30 Min Butternut Squash

    This recipe is so easy – and only takes 30 mins from start to finish! With just a handful of ingredients, you can have a delicious, colourful side ready in no..

  • Beet Salad

    This simple salad is deliciously easy, can be prepped ahead of time and looks amazing on the plate. With the beautiful colours of the beets and oranges, it is a..

  • Garlic Acorn Squash

    Are you in a rush and have limited time for dinner on weeknights? Can you spare 10 minutes to make dinner? That is all the time this recipe needs. It..

  • Polenta with Chevre & Roasted Tomatoes

    I had never enjoyed polenta until my parents served this recipe over Christmas. The simplicity of the ingredients perfectly complements each other without over powering any one component. It is..

  • Brussel Sprout Slaw with Hazelnut dressing

    Happy New Year! If you’re like me those extra xmas pounds were definitely worth it, but need to go. To start 2015 right, exercise and a healthy diet is on..

  • The Creamiest Mashed Potatoes

    Seriously, try to not stuff your face with these mashed potatoes – I dare you. Mashed potatoes are my favourite food ever. Yes, you read correctly, I said ever. Consequently,..

  • Sweet & Smoky Caramelized Cauliflower

    Who doesn’t love the flavour of smokiness (like the kind you get from barbequing anything)? In this dish the smokiness of the smoked paprika and chipotle powder marry in perfect..

  • Warm Potato Salad

    It’s Sunday. The guys are coming over for football and you are left with the question of “what on earth am I going to feed them?!” It’s time to add..

  • Mini Herbed Pommes Anna

    My favourite recipes are those that look impressive, yet are easy to make and deceptively delicious! Like the mini apples pies I posted last week, this is my second recipe..

  • Kale Caesar Salad

    Stampede is over and after all of those mini-donuts, beers, beef on a bun, pulled pork, turkey legs, fried pickles and anything you can put on a stick  (not to..

  • Orange Citrus Salad

    Here is to thinking positive thoughts for good, warm weather! I do not know where my mother found the recipe, but it is delicious! It is so light, and a perfect..

  • Moroccan-style Carrot & Parsnip Salad

    Looking for something a little different tonight? This is an absolutely delicious side to a spiced up meal. The raw carrots and parsnips are crunchy, but not too crunchy, the spices..

Desserts

  • Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

    We’re here for indulging your sweet tooth – but in a healthy way. And to satisfy those peanut butter chocolate cravings without feeling guilty. Based on a classic Reece’s Peanut..

  • Chocolate Berry Trifle

    The holidays are that wonderful time of year where we don’t worry about eating healthy and just love to make delicious food for all of our friends and family to..

  • Ice Cream with Cassis

    Ice Cream with Cassis

    So simple, but so tasty! Ice cream with cassis is a wonderfully speedy dessert and needs only 3 ingredients (5 if you’re feeling fancy). My mother used to make this..

  • Apple Crisp

    Apple Crisp

    It’s apple season! And we have a ton of them. So, the logical answer is to make Apple Crisp! Mike is OBSESSED with crisp (he loves dessert) – it is..

  • Fresh Apricot Cherry Pie

    I love pie. But sometimes I am not in the mood for hot cooked fruit, but rather something fresh. Enter the Fresh Apricot Cherry Pie. By using a pre-cooked shell..

  • chocolate cake

    Salted Chocolate Cake

    6 years – we’ve been doing this for 6 years and have made over 200 recipes in the process! Can’t believe how time has flown by! So, to celebrate we..

  • Brownies with Cherry, Blueberry & Blackberry Compote

    Brownies, who doesn’t love brownies (the correct answer is no one)? Even if you’re not a big cake person, there is just something about delicious, fudgy brownies. Now try that..

  • Tarte Tatin

    “Ok, let’s try this again.” Four attempts later, my inner scientist motto, and belief in the scientific method triumphed in getting my Tarte Tatin recipe just right. It was one..

  • Apple Cider Sorbet

    I bet you had to adult today. Did you have to attend a meeting, contemplate about doing something bad for you versus doing something good, have somebody come ask you..

  • Field Berry & Cider Crisp

    It’s amazing how some of the best recipes are so wicked simple and this  is no exception. While I’m a fan of dessert, my co-workers tend to get the best..

  • Vanilla Honey Poached Pears

    Sometimes you need a break from baked goods, but really, who wants to say goodbye to dessert completely? Poached Pears are one of my favourite dessert alternatives that don’t overload..

  • Spiced Chocolate Cakes

    Firstly, who doesn’t love beer and who doesn’t love chocolate (seriously, I want names!)? You don’t often see them paired together, but when you do the result is magical. For..

  • Easy Chocolate Mousse

    4 ingredients. 1 delicious dessert. Could it really be any better? Oh right, you could serve it and look like a rock star. INGREDIENTS 2 cups raspberries 8 oz dark chocolate 4..

  • Easy Apple Galette

    Galettes are one of my favourite desserts because they are quick, easy and are perfectly imperfect! Galettes are meant to be rustic, there is no need to perfectly lay the..

  • Holiday Log

    This dessert is one that we have made for years in my family. It is so simple that it was the first dessert I ever helped my family with. A..

  • Easy Phyllo Berry Tartlets

    These easy bite-sized treats will be an eye-catching hit at any holiday get-together. They are a new twist on a sweet classic. The sweetness of the berries and tartness of the..

  • Lemon Bars

    Lemon bars are a classic dessert that twist the traditional notation of desserts by combining sweetness with a delicious citrus zing. The classic shortbread crust adds the perfect light base..

  • Brownies

    Brownies are a classic and absolute staple in any kitchen repertoire. This recipe is simple and delicious – just the way brownies should be. Expect them to be a hit..

  • Mulled Wine Sorbet

    This all started when a friend told me about Mulled Wine Sorbet. I dreamt about it for the next two days and promptly decided I needed to make it. I thought that if..

  • Mini-Cheesecakes with Berry Merlot Compote

    These cheesecakes are just the right serving for such a deliciously rich dessert. The Merlot Strawberry topping is a unexpected twist on the classic cheesecake that is sure to please..

  • Lemon Sorbet Twist

    Lemon sorbet is one of my favourite desserts, especially when slightly tart. This variation is dairy-free, gluten-free and still dangerously delicious. Seriously, you have now been warned you may end..

  • Raspberry & Mint Wine Gelée

    Who doesn’t love adult jell-o (and classy adult jell-o at that!)? Wine gelées are possibly one of my favourite desserts – it’s another way to enjoy my wine, while having..

  • Chocolate Cupcakes with Salted Chocolate Ganache Icing

    Happy Birthday to us! It’s been one year since the first post of Wine, Food and Friends hit the internet and we’re looking to celebrate with one of my favourite cupcakes…

  • Crème Brûlée

    Crème Brûlées – the epitome of decadence. The combination of creamy custard and crispy sugar topping. These desserts are daunting, however once you figure out the technique, it’s easy to..

  • Panna Cotta

    What is better for celebrating Valentine’s Day than with dessert? Panna Cotta is one of my favourite desserts, as it is so easy and so delicious! Plus, with chocolate and..

  • Mini-Lemon Cheesecakes with Raspberry Coulis

    When I think of classic holiday desserts, cheesecake always comes to mind. I always enjoy these mini treats, as they are just the right size. The lemon keeps the cheesecake..

  • Red Wine Poached Pears

    Another one of my favourite desserts inspired by my mom’s (my recipe is slightly different than hers). Superbly delicious and looks incredibly gourmet – the perfect way to impress at..

  • Gail’s Berry Napoleons

    My mother has been making these Napoleons for the past ten years, and they are still one of my favourite desserts. They are not very difficult, look very impressive, and..

  • Quinoa Chocolate Cupcakes with Bailey’s Buttercream

    Yes! Gluten free can be delicious! These amazing cupcakes are super easy, and the cooked quinoa gives the texture of chocolate chips – even better! The best part? People will..

  • Berry Crisp

    Crisp is one of all my favourite desserts, and the best part is how easy it is! It can literally be done with whatever fruit you have on hand (my..

  • Apple Cake

    What is the best way to brighten up an afternoon? Good old fashion Afternoon Tea! This was a huge such a huge hit with my office, they asked me to..

  • Mini Apple Pies

    Ever wondered what you could make with a muffin tin other than muffins? Well here is one of the million other things you can do! They are perfectly sized portions,..

  • Fallen Chocolate Cake

    This is the very best of a delicious brownie and a cake! It is moist and chewy, but still not too heavy and the slightly bitter cake is perfectly balanced by..