Holiday recipes

After trying numerous green bean casseroles I was not a fan. This casserole changed my mind. Tender-crisp green beans that were actually green. Just the right amount of creamy coating loaded with mushroom flavor. And no canned tasteless fried onions. Delish!

Along the coast of the Southern US eating Hoppin' John on New Year's Day is thought to bring a year filled with luck and prosperity. The beans symbolize coins or pennies. Sometimes a penny is added to the pot or can be left under the bowls of Hoppin' John. Greens such as Collards, chard or kale can be added and symbolize the color of money and are said to add to ones wealth in the new year. The day after New Year's Day the leftovers are called "Skippin' Jenny," and further demonstrates one's frugality. A common tradition in the south US is each person at the meal should leave three peas on their plate to ensure the New Year will be filled with Luck, Fortune and Romance. Another tradition holds that counting the number of peas in a serving predicts the amount of luck (or wealth) that will be collected over the next year.

This delicious sweet potato casserole impresses everyone. It's creamy but not too rich, it's sweet but not too heavy. The candied pecan topping adds the extra crunchiness and nuttiness, a great side dish to share on your Thanksgiving table.

This is one of my favorite Christmas Recipe especially for my children. They also loved making it over the years. Thanks again!!

How about having some baked "rats" made of ground beef at Halloween dinner, this will impress everybody!

Just like little fruitcakes! I soaked my fruit in the bourbon overnight. Easy recipe to put together and great way to use extra fruit from making my fruitcakes.

This wonderful crispy phyllo tart is a great recipe especially for holidays or you have guests, you can use fresh or frozen spinach. The ricotta, feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes mix with spinach, adding eggs and egg whites, after baking, it is fantastic.

No sugar, flavour is still so nice, and much healthier too!

Seasonal root vegetables are tossed with olive oil, salt and black pepper, after baking, they look nice and colourful, you can serve them with any kind of your favorite gravy or roasted turkey, chikcen, it is also a fantasitc side dish.

A delicious butter cookie with a twist of chocolate swirl. One of our Christmas gift staples.

"Tastes best if you marinate your ham the day before cooking."

Settle down around the fireplace with this snack that is sure to be gone in a matter of seconds!

My wife has an excellent recipe for White Bread brought to this country from her grandmother who was originally from Poland. Makes 5 loaves. Typically, this style of bread would be served with baked ham. However it can go with almost anything. Stale leftovers can make excellent French toast.

Perfect make ahead breakfast casserole for Christmas morning. Make it ahead the day before and pop in the oven in the morning for a great breakfast that can feed a crowd.

Last Christmas I made these cookies for my family, they all told me how delicious and pretty they were. I will definitely make these delicious cookies for every Christmas.

Quick and easy, belly warming perfect with a pint of German beer.