The Family Graham’s Favourite Holiday Snacks!
I’m sure it will come as no surprise that I LOVE traditions, especially around the holidays. There are certain things I only enjoy at this time of year, and that makes them all the more special in my opinion. Festive classics that take me back to my childhood and bring up all kinds of wonderful memories of holiday parties with family and friends and of course, helping out in the kitchen with my Ma.
So when my friends at The Marilyn Denis Show asked me to bring them some of my favourite holiday recipes, I jumped at the chance. I wanted to share treats that are synonymous with the holidays for me, but also double as foods to serve your guests AND that you can easily give as a hostess gift when visiting friends and family. It was also important to me to keep these little gifts as low-waste as possible. See the recipes below for ideas on how to package goodies with special and reusable items!
And check out the full episode here!
(Bea)Nuts and Bolts
This is a very retro and very delicious snack that you cannot mess up and can make to your preference by swapping in or out any of your favourite cereals or crackers. It makes a massive batch so you’ll have plenty for grazing, using as part of a snack station when hosting or giving away.
Low waste tip: I’ve brought this to parties and also placed little jars of this on individual place settings for my guests. Small mason jars or terrines work perfectly and are the kind of storage people have endless uses for after they’re done with the snack. Add a little tag, some twine, a small tree cutting and voila! Festive, thoughtful and nothing going in the bin.
1 box Cheerios
1 box Crispix
1 box cheese sticks
1 bag small pretzels twists
1 box mini ritz crackers
(can also add nuts, goldfish crackers, shreddies)
1 lb melted butter
2 TSP garlic salt
1 TSP onion salt
25 shakes of Worcestershire Sauce
3-10 drops of tobasco or red hot sauce (spice level to your liking)
Preheat oven to 275.
In a large roasting pan, mix cereals and crackers together.
In a medium size bowl, whisk melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic salt and onion salt together.
Pour butter mixture over dry ingredients and stir. Bake at 275 for 1 hour, making sure to stir every 15 mins. Let cool and enjoy!
Chipped Beef Cheese Ball
#1 we have to come up with a better name than “cheese ball” but it is what they are so that’s what I’m going with. #2 I have served this to guests/given it away to a hostess dozens of times and have been asked to share the recipe afterward EVERY SINGLE TIME. It’s that good. And so easy.
Low waste tip: I like to collect vintage glassware, small dishes and bowls throughout the year from garage sales or thrift stores. That way when I’m ready to bring something like this cheese ball to a hostess, I have something beautiful and meaningful to put it in. It’s a much more special presentation and sentiment, than some basic white plate from a dollar store that will most likely end up in the garbage. Plus the next time they use the dish, they will have a little memory attached to it.
1 8oz package of cream cheese
2 TBSP sour cream
1 bunch green onions finely chopped
1 package corned beef finely chopped (can also use pastrami)
½ package Imperial Cold Packed Cheddar
Mix all ingredients well, divide into 2 balls. Refrigerate overnight for best results.
(Can be mixed in the food processor or by hand)
Pineapple Cheese Ball
Same idea here but a meat-free option. I’m proud to admit I’ve eaten an entire one of these over the course of an evening with a sleeve of Breton crackers. Something about the pineapple and cream cheese and pecan combo that is just perfection.
I love the rosemary garnish to add a little more pop to the ball on the sweet little vintage plate for gifting.
2 8oz packages cream cheese (softened)
1 8oz (1 ½ cups) can crushed pineapple well drained (if possible, drain overnight)
2 cups chopped pecans
¼ cup finely chopped green pepper
1 TBSP finely chopped onion
1 TSP salt
Mix all ingredients well, divide into 2 balls and roll in chopped pecans.
(Can be mixed in the food processor or by hand)
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I hope you enjoy these recipes as much as I have over the years! If you make them, I’d love to know what you think!
Big love,
Danielle