The holidays are among the busiest times for bakeries and amateurs alike. From office parties to family dinners and neighborhood get-togethers, ‘tis the season when plastic wrap is just as important as wrapping paper.

However, one of the downsides of holiday baking is the overwhelm. With so many recipes to choose from, how do you sort the naughty from the nice? Much of it comes down to personal taste, of course, but if you’re looking for inspiration, we recommend decking the halls with Crisco and trying the following: 

Ridiculously Delicious Chocolate Cake

The Ridiculously Delicious Chocolate Cake lives up to its name. This recipe is rich, creamy, and delectable. Made in about an hour, the key to a fluffy creation lies in the eggs. The cake is topped off with cream cheese frosting, which only enhances its decadence. You can freeze leftovers for up to two months...not that there will be any.

Gingerbread House

With the soaring real estate market, a gingerbread house is about the only type of dwelling that’s not terrifying to the old bank account. This recipe is easy to make as long as you follow the step-by-step instructions when constructing the base (you can decorate with whatever candy and ingredients you want). It’s a fun holiday activity that’ll keep your kids busy for a few hours. Eat it afterwards or use it for decoration.

Cheese and Rosemary Biscuits

These cheese and rosemary biscuits bring some savory to the season. They’re a good option if you’re not a huge fan of sweets or trying to cut back on sugar. They’re made in 20 minutes with Bisquick mix, rosemary leaves, milk, butter, garlic, and cheese. You can play around with the recipe until it’s flavored exactly how you want. Some people prefer to add more garlic while others go heavy on the cheese.

Matcha Cookies

Matcha is going well beyond tea and having its much-deserved moment in the spotlight. In addition to the namesake ingredient, these cookies are made with brown sugar and white chocolate chips. The earthy taste of matcha nicely compliments the cookie’s underlying sweetness and makes for a flavorful, distinctive treat. The green color fits in with holiday decor as an added bonus.

White Chocolate and Raspberry Fudge

For some people, fudge is a holiday must-have. It not only makes the ideal dessert to give away as a present, but it’s a wonderful contribution to any potluck (or you can just make it for you and Netflix). This white chocolate and raspberry fudge recipe is a fruit-filled variation of more traditional concoctions. The raspberry adds a tartness that perfectly complements the white chocolate and offers a rich, satisfying finish. 

You can’t go wrong with many holiday recipes, but the above offer unique takes on some seasonal favorites. So, buy your ingredients, grab a bowl, get creative, and don’t be afraid to mix things up.  

Fox Ridge Apartments in Longmont offers a quiet residential location, mountain views, and modern amenities. We’re the perfect place to call home. Contact us to learn more.