Easy & Delicious Holiday Entertaining Recipes
Food is at the center of every holiday gathering. Just in time for the holiday season, we've collected simple tips and recipes to make entertaining easier.
“Start with quality ingredients,” says Pam Montgomery, Founder of Chukar Cherries. We use tree-ripened Northwest cherries, whole roasted nuts, and premium chocolate without any preservatives or sulfites. Cherries lend themselves to healthy snacks for appetizers, savory sauces, stuffings, and vibrant desserts. Timing makes a difference, too: “I always recommend people ship food gifts ahead when they travel,” adds Pam. “A thoughtful gift precedes you and gets your visit off to a great start. If your food has a story, it will offer an immediate talking point.”
Here are some of our favorite holiday recipes for breakfast, dessert, and everything in between.
Holiday Brunch Popovers – Top popovers with melted butter and an all-natural fruit topping such as Sour Cherry Preserves or Sweet Cherry Preserves. Allow guests to dress their own popover for added fun.
Cherry Pepper Jelly with Cheese Appetizer – Zesty and versatile. Spoon Chukar Cherries’ Cherry Pepper Jelly over locally crafted soft cheese to enjoy the flavorful combination of Northwest cherries and jalapeno heat.
Mulled Wine with Dried Cherries – A dazzling cup of cheer for before and after supper.
Cider Ingredients: 4 cups apple cider, 1 bottle red wine, 4 ounces Chukar Cherries’ Cherry Medley, 1/4 cup honey, 1 navel orange, zested and juiced, 2 cinnamon sticks, 4 whole cloves, 3 star anise. Garnish: 2 navel oranges sliced, 2 dozen 6-inch bamboo skewers.
Combine the cider ingredients and simmer for 12 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove about half the cherries and skewer them. Top each piping hot mug of mulled wine with an orange round and a cherry skewer.
Cherry & Pine Nut Stuffing – a Northwest twist on a holiday classic.
Ingredients: Two sourdough loaves cut into 1-inch chunks; 8 Tbsp. olive oil; 1-1/2 c. grated Parmesan; 2 red onions chopped; 3-1/2 c. celery chopped; 2-1/2 c. red peppers chopped; 7 garlic cloves minced; 1/2 c. unsalted butter, 3/4 c. pine nuts; 4 oz. Chukar Cherries’ Bing Cherries; 1 Tbsp. oregano; 1 Tbsp. rosemary; 3 Tbsp. basil; 4 eggs beaten; 1-1/2 c. chicken broth; kosher salt to taste; fresh ground pepper to taste.In a large bowl, mix bread, 6 Tbsp. oil, and 1 c. Parmesan cheese. Spread mix on baking sheets and toast in a preheated oven at 400°F for 11 minutes. Allow to cool.
Sauté onions, celery, peppers, and garlic in remaining oil and butter until tender. Add pine nuts and Bing Cherries and sauté for 2 minutes more. Combine all ingredients and add the spices and remaining cheese, gently toss. Adjust the amount of chicken broth depending on how bread cubes soak up liquid.
Holiday Sumptuous Assortment No preparation required! Simply unwrap and let your guests wander by to choose their favorite chocolate.
Whether you’re hosting a festive feast or need a thoughtful gift, our Northwest-inspired treats and recipes bring the taste of the holidays to your table. Cheers to delicious gatherings filled with joy, warmth, and plenty of cherries!
