Hopefully you already have us scheduled to help you clean up before the holiday guests start arriving. So, you have plenty time to plan and prep as the holidays approach! Before you head to the grocery store, here are some of our favorite recipes that you might want to add into the mix this season. Plus, some bonus kitchen cleaning hacks we can’t wait to share with you.
Breakfast
Breakfast seems to be overlooked during the holidays. We have large lunches and delicious dinners, but it’s hard to think about a big breakfast when you’re planning an important meal for later on in the day. Here is a great recipe that’s sure to please your overnight guests without taking away from the main meal.
Breakfast Pie
In less than an hour you can have these cooked and served. The great thing is you can make substitutions for picky eaters or allergies. Everybody loves croissants. Use them as the crust for a surprising breakfast pie. Check out the detailed instructions here on Pillsbury’s website.
- Roll out each croissant.
- Top with your favorite toppings
- Bake on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper for 18-22 minutes at 375.
***Are your pots and pans gross? Use acidic cleaners like white vinegar or lemon juice as a gentle, natural method. Alkaline cleaners like baking soda can cause discoloration. Then, line them with foil or paper next time you cook to make clean up a breeze.***
Lunch
Holiday celebrations traditionally mean a lot of turkey.
Make your leftovers something to remember by trying this recipe. You and yours can get warm and cozy by the fire with a nice bowl of Crockpot Turkey Chili. Throw all the ingredients in the crockpot after lunch, and you’ll have a simple but tasty meal ready by dinner!
All you need is:
- 2 Cans Chili Beans
- 2 Cans Diced Tomatoes
- 2 Cups Shredded Turkey
- 1 Cup of Water
- 1 Package of Chili Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp. Chili Powder
Combine in crockpot and let cook for 4-6 hours on high.
***After you’ve served this delicious chili, your crockpot can clean itself! Use this awesome trick from Life Should Cost Less with water and vinegar to make clean up a breeze.***
Dinner
Mashed potatoes are a holiday staple. Don’t let traditional become boring.
Put a twist on this classic! You can read the recipe at Little Spice Jar, but it’s pretty simple. You’ll need your traditional mashed potato ingredients along with sour cream, garlic, and cheddar cheese. Serving these loaded mashed potatoes will be sure to please.
Dessert
Peanut Butter, Ritz, and Chocolate Sandwiches
(In my house, we called them Yummies!) For those of you who would rather spend time socializing than over the stove, these are for you! These no-bake sandwich cookies are quick and easy to make.
Spread. Melt. Dip. Dry. That’s it.
All you need to do is spread your choice of peanut butter between two Ritz crackers, melt chocolate as directed, and cover the sandwiches completely with melted chocolate. Then, set out on wax paper to harden.
You can eat them as is, but if you prefer, you can get a little more creative by adding sprinkles or making edible characters like they did over at Something Swanky!
***Careful! Chocolate is yummy, but can make a mess. Chocolate is much easier to clean up while it is melted than after it hardens. Be sure to use hot water to keep the chocolate from hardening while you are trying to rinse the bowl. ***
Decorative Delights
Whether its for a class party, a pot luck meal, or the dessert table at the family gathering, you can impress and entertain with a decorative dessert. We couldn’t decide on just one. So, here are several ideas!
- Reindeer Noses
Hershey’s kisses, M & M’s, and pretzels
- Oreo ornaments
Oreo cookies, chocolate bark, and icing
- Melted snowman
White chocolate and pretzels
- Lump of Coal Treats
Oreo cookies, marshmallows, rice cereal
- Brownie trees
Classic brownies with a new twist
Call us today!
We can’t help you with cooking, but we can help you with prepping your kitchen and cleaning up afterward. Remember, there is less than 2 weeks until Christmas! Call us today at 541-601-6263 to schedule your appointment or grab a gift certificate for someone you love.