The holiday season brings gatherings, get-togethers and parties of all kinds, meaning dishes that can feed a crowd are all too important for successful entertaining. From appetizers to snacks to desserts, recipes that come together quickly mean more moments with loved ones.
For example, these dairy-fueled recipes from Milk Means More pack plenty of festive flavor for feeding family and friends without keeping you cooped up in the kitchen. Appetizers and snacks such as roasted garlic-whipped feta crostini and cheese buds help hold over hungry guests until the main course is served, while peppermint shortbread cookies make for a perfect way to cap off the night. Find more recipes for holiday gatherings at milkmeansmore.org.
CHEESE BUDS
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes, plus 1 hour chill time
Servings: 12
1 cup cake flour or all-purpose flour
1 cup grated extra-sharp white cheddar cheese
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into chunks
1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
40 pecan halves
1 egg white, whisked with 1 teaspoon cold water
Smoked paprika
Note: Cheese buds can be made plain without pecans, or pecans can be chopped and sprinkled on after egg wash and smoked paprika.
(Source: Sheila Johnson of “Eat 2 Gather,” on behalf of Milk Means More)
PEPPERMINT SHORTBREAD COOKIES
Prep time: 15 minutes, plus 30 minutes freeze time
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 40
2-2 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup peppermint crunch baking chips
(Source: Rachel crosti of “Rachel Cooks,” on behalf of Milk Means More)
ROASTED GARLIC-WHIPPED FETA CROSTINI
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 16
1 bulb garlic (about 12 cloves)
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1 teaspoon pepper, divided
32 slices baguette
8 ounces feta cheese
1/2 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
1/4 cup parsley, minced
(Source: Liz Della Croce of “The Lemon Bowl,” on behalf of Milk Means More)
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