The holiday season is upon us, sparkling with the promise of laughter-filled evenings and the clinking of glasses in warm, welcoming homes. Eat The Culture invites you to savor the season with our Holiday Recipe Exchange, focusing on the joy of gathering and the art of entertaining through ‘Lite Bites and Drinks’ – a digital event that captures the very essence of the holidays—community, sharing, and celebration.
Our creators, have embraced the season’s theme of little nibbles and heartwarming drinks that bring a twinkle to our eyes and warmth to our hearts.In a delightful twist to this year’s festivities, each creator was paired with another, engaging in a recipe exchange that’s akin to a dance of flavors and traditions. They’ve been busy in their kitchens, whipping up cozy holiday pairings that are sure to become the highlight of your seasonal soirees.
The result? A curated collection of recipes that aren’t just about the food, but about the shared human experience. These are dishes made to be passed around a table of friends, to be served with stories of holidays past, and to be savored among the company of loved ones. The categories are as festive and diverse as our community:
Explore Our Pairings
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Appetizers & Cold Drinks
Start your soirees with a flourish of flavorsome small plates paired with refreshing sips.
Smoked Salmon Spread & Cranberry Moscow Mule
Pair the Smoked Salmon Spread with Cranberry Moscow Mule for an effortlessly elegant holiday treat. The creamy, flavorful richness of the smoked salmon spread beautifully complements the refreshing zing of the Cranberry Moscow Mule, creating a perfect balance for sophisticated yet easy holiday entertaining.
This smoked salmon cream cheese dip is luscious, creamy and perfect for your next breakfast, brunch or cocktail party. Smooth and tangy cream cheese mixed with greek yogurt and a touch of horseradish and lemon, mixed with chopped, cold smoked salmon, capers and fresh dill – it’s creamy, decadent and packed flavor. Pair it with some bagel chips or cracker and, crunchy fresh veggies and you’ve got the perfect appetizer for any occasion.
This festive Cranberry Moscow Mule is the perfect holiday drink made with homemade cranberry simple syrup, lime juice, and ginger beer served over ice to make. It’s a nonalcoholic fun twist on the classic moscow mule. It’s fruity, tart, and delicious.
Roasted Sweet Potato Turnovers & Peppermint Espresso Martini
Enjoy the festive fusion of Roasted Sweet Potato Turnovers and Peppermint Espresso Martini for a delightful holiday gathering. The comforting, flaky turnovers perfectly complement the zesty buzz of the martini, offering a unique combination ideal for a cozy celebration or as sophisticated, effortless treats.
These Roasted Sweet Potato Turnovers are a tasty Holiday dessert or snack! The sweet maple glaze and flaky puff pastry make a gorgeous dish that looks so fancy, but only takes a small amount of effort.
Nothing gets the party started like a classic espresso martini, and this Peppermint Espresso Martini has the perfect festive flair for any holiday celebration! It’s super easy to make and packs a minty, caffeinated punch!
New Orleans BBQ Shrimp & Deck the Halls Mocktail
Get your holiday groove on with this combo: New Orleans BBQ Shrimp bringing that savory, jazzed-up goodness, and Deck the Halls Mocktail for that fizzy, merry vibe. It’s a match that’ll have your taste buds dancing and your guests feeling all kinds of holiday cheer!
New Orleans BBQ Shrimp is a mouthwatering recipe with plump, juicy shrimp cooked in a savory butter sauce flavored with onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, lemon, and homemade Cajun seasoning.
What better way to toast the holidays and deck the halls than with a festive, refreshing, and beautiful signature sip?! Cue my easy, adaptable, Deck the Halls Mocktail, featuring dressed-up ice cubes and fizzy goodness, for the perfect elixir throughout the season–and beyond.
Baked Brie in Puff Pastry & Cranberry Apple Whisky Sour
Kick off your holiday vibe with Baked Brie in Puff Pastry and a Cranberry Apple Whisky Sour – the ultimate chill combo. This pairing’s all about that rich, gooey brie wrapped in flaky pastry, vibing with the tart-sweet kick of the whisky sour, perfect for keeping your holiday gatherings or your chill nights at home lit and full of flavor.
Looking for a classic party appetizer? Look no further than this baked brie in puff pastry recipe! This easy baked brie, or brie en croute, is topped with caramelized onions, prosciutto, apricot jam, and rosemary and baked in flaky puff pastry for the ultimate dish. Minimal effort with maximum flavor – bookmark this recipe for your next gathering!
Whether you’re hosting a family meal or enjoying a quiet night at home, this is one holiday drink you’ll want to have in hand! This festive cocktail made with apple cider and fresh cranberry simple syrup is the perfect cocktail for the holidays!
Soups, Salads & Bread
Enrich your tables with bowls of comfort, vibrant salads, and bread that’s just waiting to be torn and shared.
Pumpkin Walnut Bread & Pozole Verde Soup
Get your holiday taste buds buzzing with this dynamic duo: Pumpkin Walnut Bread meets Pozole Verde Soup. You’ve got the sweet, spicy vibes of the bread blending with the rich, savory depth of the pozole – a perfect pair for keeping your holiday gatherings on point and your flavor game strong.
This pumpkin walnut bread is a deliciously moist and aromatic dessert that’s perfect for fall! The fragrant spices of cinnamon and nutmeg meld with the delicate taste of pumpkin and the nutty aroma of walnuts.
Pozole is an Indigenous Mexican soup traditionally served on Christmas day. The hearty dish is made with tender pieces of pork, ancho chile and hominy.
Sweet Potato Cornbread & Creamy Roasted Cauliflower & Fennel Soup
Set the holiday table right with Sweet Potato Cornbread and Creamy Roasted Cauliflower & Fennel Soup – it’s comfort food with a capital ‘C’. You’re looking at fluffy, honey-glazed cornbread dipping into a bowl of creamy, flavor-packed soup that’s all about bringing that cozy, holiday joy to your table.
Sweet potato cornbread with a honey butter glaze is perfectly fluffy and moist, with a tender crumb. In under 1 hour, you can have this mouthwatering soul food side dish on the table for Sunday dinners and holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Southern Hot Water Cornbread & Shrimp and Tomato Bisque
Kick off your holiday feast with a bang with this soulful pairing of Southern Hot Water Cornbread and Shrimp and Tomato Bisque. You’ve got that classic, crispy cornbread ready to soak up all the rich, spiced-up goodness of the shrimp bisque, making it the perfect starter to get your festive vibes flowing.
Southern hot water cornbread is a tasty Southern delicacy made from a simple mixture of cornmeal, hot water, and a touch of seasoning, creating crispy, golden-brown discs with a delightful crunch on the outside and a tender, moist interior. This classic recipe is a beloved staple at Southern tables, making it a perfect accompaniment to any of your favorite holiday comfort dishes.
This Shrimp, Tomato, and Corn Bisque recipe marries succulent shrimp with sweet corn in a rich, creamy tomato base enhanced by garam masala. Whether you’re seeking a comforting meal or an elegant appetizer for your next dinner party, this dish has you covered.
Caribbean Johnny Cakes (Yani-Clecas) & Apple Strawberry Cabbage Slaw With Candied Pecans
Dive into a tropical taste adventure with Caribbean Johnny Cakes and Apple Strawberry Cabbage Slaw with Candied Pecans. It’s a vibrant, fresh combo where the warm, fluffy Johnny Cakes meet the crisp, sweet, tart, zing of the slaw, bringing a festive Caribbean twist to your holiday starters and easy-breezy bites.
Because many of the Caribbean islands were colonized by various people, these Caribbean Johnny Cakes or Yani-Clecas as their called in Puerto Rico, found their way into the cuisines of the West Indian isles. Since then, the name and preparation have morphed into each island’s versions, enjoyed with many Caribbean meals.
This is not your ordinary slaw. You get the best of both worlds with this Apple Strawberry Cabbage Slaw! Made with Granny Smith apples, strawberries, and a cabbage blend with champagne dressing. It’s topped with candied pecans and orange zest.
Desserts & Hot Drinks
End on a sweet note with confections and warm beverages that embody the spirit of the holiday.
Peach Cobbler & Cozy Gingerbread Hot Cocoa with Bourbon
Get your holiday comfort fix with this soul-warming pair: homemade Peach Cobbler and Cozy Gingerbread Hot Cocoa with Bourbon. It’s all about digging into that sweet, juicy cobbler and then sipping on that spiced-up cocoa with a bourbon twist, perfect for turning up your holiday chill sessions.
Are you tired of settling for store-bought desserts when you and your family could be savoring a homemade cast iron peach cobbler? With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can make this easy and delicious peach cobbler right in your own kitchen. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this mouthwatering masterpiece is a crowd-pleasing dessert!
Gingerbread hot chocolate tastes like dunking a holiday gingerbread cookie into a steaming mug of sweet cocoa–the best of both worlds. Made even better with a shot of your favorite bourbon!
Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies & New Orleans Eggnog
Level up your holiday snack game with Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies and New Orleans Eggnog. Bite into those chunky, gooey cookies and then take a sip of the creamy, spiced eggnog – it’s a classic holiday duo that’s all about cozy vibes and sweet indulgence.
Loaded with gooey chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts, these addictive chocolate chip walnut cookies have a crispy exterior and a soft, almost doughy center. They go great with a glass of egg nog or cold milk.
New Orleans Eggnog is made from scratch with eggs, sugar, cream, and nutmeg. This rich and creamy holiday staple is guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends! Serve it on its own or alongside your favorite Christmas cookies for the ultimate treat.
Caribbean Rum Cake & Tangawizi Tea
Bring some island flair to your holiday table with this lush pairing of Caribbean Rum Cake and Tangawizi Tea. You’ve got the deep, boozy sweetness of the rum cake blending perfectly with the spicy, health-boosting zing of Kenyan ginger tea, making it a totally lit combo for those cozy holiday vibes.
Copycat Tortuga Rum Cake is a rum soaked cake that is laced with rum – included in the batter as well as being fed with a delicious rum glaze. While many versions are made with instant pudding mix, this is an all natural recipe that will have your guests begging for more.
Ginger is known for its immune-boosting, and other numerous health benefits. This Kenyan Tangawizi (ginger) chai, which uses fresh ginger, is healthy, soothing, and delicious, making it the perfect holiday drink. Sip on it with your loved ones or simply drink it to boost your immunity during the cold seasons.
Soft And Chewy Monster Cookies & Slow Cooker Peppermint Hot Cocoa
Get your holiday snack on with Soft and Chewy Monster Cookies and Slow Cooker Peppermint Hot Cocoa. It’s the ultimate chill combo where the loaded, colorful cookies meet the creamy, minty cocoa goodness, perfect for those laid-back holiday moments or late-night treat sessions.
This recipe for soft and chewy monster cookies are the absolute best Christmas cookie recipe! Holiday monster cookies are packed with oatmeal, chocolate chips, white chocolate chips and M&Ms and pecans. The perfect Christmas cookie to leave out for Santa.
Making hot chocolate for your holiday crowd is easy in the slow cooker. This creamy hot cocoa recipe is festive and flavorful with notes of peppermint and chocolate topped with lots of whipped cream and marshmallows!
Ginger Cake & Hot Zaddy (Apple Cider Hot Toddy)
Spice up your holiday treats with this hot combo: Moist Ginger Cake and a smooth, swaggering Hot Zaddy (Apple Cider Hot Toddy). Dive into the cake’s rich, sweet spices, then wash it down with the Hot Zaddy’s warm whiskey-cider blend, making your holiday nights as cozy as they are stylish.
This Easy Moist Ginger Cake is the perfect dessert for Christmas. It has a soft and fluffy texture and a rich and sweet flavor. Plus it is filled with sweet, warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
The Apple Cider Hot Toddy might be its Sunday name, but when it slips into something more comfortable, it goes by Hot Zaddy. It’s the stylishly warm cocktail with that swagger—whiskey, apple cider, honey, citrus, and a cinnamon stick strut. Perfect for those of us who crave the cozy heat with an edge of suave. This Zaddy’s got the moves to keep you warm all through the crisp fall nights.
How to Support Our Creators?
How can you join in the festivities and support these incredible creators? It’s simple but impactful. Indulge in the spread of this season’s recipe exchange by:
- Discovering and Delighting: Browse through the collection of exchanged recipes on our platform. Let each creator’s story and dish lead you through a journey of cultural celebration and culinary excellence.
- Sharing the Cheer: Spread holiday cheer by sharing your favorite pairings with your network. A share, a like, a comment—it’s all about showing love and appreciation for the craft of our creators.
- Connecting with the Community: Engage with the community by using the hashtags #HolidayswithETC & #PerfectPartyPairings. Let’s make these tags glow with interactions that mirror the holiday lights!
- Providing Feedback: Did a recipe become the star of your holiday dinner? Reach out and let the creator know! Your feedback is a cherished gift that keeps on giving.
The ETC Virtual Holiday Recipe Exchange is more than just a collection of recipes—it’s a celebration of the bonds that form when we come together to eat, drink, and be merry. So raise your glasses and ready your plates; let’s make this holiday one that’s remembered for its warmth, its flavors, and the community we build around the table.
