Merry meals: 5 expert tips to savor the holiday season

With the holidays quickly approaching, it's the perfect time to gather with loved ones and enjoy delicious, comforting meals. Whether you're preparing a cozy brunch or a grand holiday dinner, elevate your celebrations with festive dishes. Celebrity chef and TV personality Pati Jinich shares five expert tips to add an extra layer of flavor and nutrition to your holiday cooking!

1. Give the gift of flavor and tradition

This holiday season, start a new tradition by organizing a family recipe exchange — an inspiring way to bring loved ones together. Whether it's sharing cherished recipes passed down through generations or introducing new dishes that could become future family favorites, it’s a heartfelt way to celebrate. To add to the joy and further spread holiday cheer, consider gifting kitchen tools and supplies to the cooks and bakers in your family. These thoughtful culinary gifts will not only elevate their holiday meals but also create memories for years to come.

2. Create holiday magic in the kitchen together

Make holiday meal prep a joyful, shared experience by inviting loved ones into the kitchen. Whether it’s chopping fresh ingredients, mixing up favorite dishes, or rolling out dough for festive treats, everyone can play a part in the celebration. Even the little ones can get involved, from shaping cookies to serving as taste testers. By cooking together, you’ll not only lighten the load but also create delicious meals and heartwarming memories beyond the holiday season.

3. Fuel your festivities with a filling breakfast

Kick off your holiday celebrations with a hearty, egg-based breakfast that will fuel the whole family through the day’s activities. Keep things simple with classic favorites like omelets, scrambles or quiches. These easy-to-make dishes are packed with protein and provide the perfect foundation for a long day ahead. There’s no better way to begin the holiday than with a meal that’s both delicious and nourishing.

4. Elevate your tablescape with festive décor

Enhance your holiday table with festive décor that adds a touch of warmth and charm. Incorporating seasonal elements like candles, greenery and winter-themed place settings will create a cozy and inviting atmosphere that encourages conversation and connection, making every guest feel special. A thoughtfully styled tablescape not only complements your meal but also sets the stage for memorable holiday gatherings.

5. End celebrations on a sweet note with delicious desserts

No holiday meal is complete without a delicious dessert to bring everyone together and wrap up the festivities. Baking something from scratch adds a personal touch to your celebration. For the best results, it’s important to use high-quality ingredients like Eggland’s Best eggs that will take your holiday treats to the next level. With more than double the Vitamin B12 and 25% less saturated fat compared to ordinary eggs, Eggland’s Best eggs help balance indulgence with health-conscious choices, making them ideal for your holiday baking. To truly impress your guests this season, try this recipe for Dedos de Novia (Bride’s Cookies) from Eggland’s Best — a festive and delightful addition to your holiday table.

Dedos de Novia (Bride’s Cookies)

Prep time: 2 hours; Cook time: 13 minutes; Yield: 70 cookies

Ingredients

2 Eggland's Best eggs, large. Yolks only

1 stick unsalted butter, 1/2 cup, at room temperature

1/2 cup vegetable shortening

1 cup powdered sugar, plus more for covering the cookies

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

1. In a stand-mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter, vegetable shortening and sugar at medium-low speed until soft and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Add the Eggland’s Best egg yolks and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until incorporated. Reduce speed to low and add flour, baking powder and salt. Continue to mix until all ingredients are incorporated. Scrape mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap and refrigerate for two hours or up to a couple of days.
2. When ready to bake, set oven racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees. Cover two baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. Cut the dough into two pieces, leaving one in the refrigerator. Gently flatten dough and place it between two sheets of parchment, wax paper or plastic wrap. Using a rolling pin, roll to about 1/2-inch thickness. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the dough into 1/2-inch by 2-inch rectangles. Then, use a dinner knife or back side of a fork or spoon to make 2 shallow lines down the length of the cookie.
4. Place cookies on baking sheets and bake for 12 to 13 minutes or until lightly golden on sides and bottoms. Remove from the oven.
5. When cool enough to handle, gently dip cookies in a bowl containing powdered sugar and cover entirely. Eat or keep covered in a container with a lid until ready to eat.

Create memorable culinary moments this holiday season by following these five tips. To find more holiday recipes to spread joy and treat your loved ones, visit EgglandsBest.com.