Festive Holiday Recipes to Try This Christmas

Beyond gift-giving, one of the highlights of Christmas is the delicious food. Everyone has special holiday recipes they enjoy sharing with loved ones during the festive season. To bring a fresh twist to traditional Christmas dishes, here are some unique recipes worth trying.

Salmon with Spinach and White Beans
This nutritious dish adds a wholesome touch to holiday menus. You'll need 4 salmon fillets (each 4 oz.), 2 teaspoons plus 1 teaspoon olive oil, seafood seasoning, a garlic clove (minced), a can of cannellini beans (rinsed), salt, pepper, fresh spinach, and lemon wedges. Preheat the broiler. Brush the fillets with olive oil, sprinkle seasoning, and broil on a greased rack 5-6 inches from heat for 6-8 minutes. Meanwhile, heat remaining oil in a skillet, cook garlic briefly, then add beans, salt, and pepper. Stir until coated, add spinach until wilted, and serve with lemon wedges and salmon.

Warm Cinnamon Holiday Punch
This aromatic drink is perfect for Christmas brunch. Prepare it with 1 bottle of cranberry juice, 5 cans of unsweetened pineapple juice, 1/3 cup of cinnamon candies, a cinnamon stick, and optional sugared cranberries. Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and simmer on low for 3-4 hours until candies dissolve. Remove the cinnamon stick, adjust sweetness if needed, and serve warm.

Caramelized Onion and Apple Tartlets
These savory tartlets are excellent for holiday appetizers, paired with a fresh green salad. Prepare with 2 tablespoons olive oil, sliced onions, diced red apples, salt, pepper, thawed puff pastry sheets, and sour cream or crème fraîche. Preheat oven to 330°F. Sauté onions until golden, add apples, salt, and pepper. Prick pastry sheets, spread sour cream on top, add onion-apple mixture, and bake for 30-35 minutes.