We love this time of year! From Thanksgiving through the end of the year, there’s nothing we’d rather do than gather with family for our favorite holiday recipes, games, movie watching, and of course, holiday baking.

That’s why in today’s blog post we will be sharing with you our favorite holiday recipes and why they’re so important to us. But before we share those, we wanted to discuss why food is more than just fuel! 

Food is More Than Fuel

Yes, food provides sustenance and nourishment, but food is also joy, pleasure, connection, memories and so many other things. Food becomes associated with specific events, feelings, people, places, etc. due to the powerful brain connection between taste, smell, and memories. These connections are wired automatically and are there whether you’re aware of them or not. Emotions and memories associated with certain foods are commonly the reason why people choose certain foods.

These connections are often what drive comfort or emotional eating… and that’s not a bad thing! The reality is that we all eat emotionally from time to time. How lifeless and boring would it be to not have special foods at holidays, celebrations, births, cultural events, or in life in general? Food is frequently used at these events to help provide tradition, memories, and joy! 

Now… the moment you’ve all been waiting for… 🥁

Our Confidently NourishED Dietitians’ FAVORITE Holiday Recipes: 

Heather’s Favorite Holiday Recipe: 

“This is my grandma’s handwritten recipe for Christmas magic cookie bars. These have been the staple dessert on Christmas Day ever since I was a child. Every time I get to enjoy them again, memories always flood back. My cousins and I always get excited for them every year to this day! Another reminder why food is soooo much more than just fuel.”

Grandma’s Magic🪄Cookie Bars Recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 13×9 in a baking pan. 
2. Place 1/2 cup of melted butter in the bottom of the pan. 
3. From there, sprinkle 1 1/2c graham cracker crumbs over melted butter. 
4. Pour 1 (14 oz can eagle brand condensed milk) over the crumbs. 
5. Top with 6 oz mini chocolate chips and 1 1/3 c of flaked coconut. 
6. Press down firmly. 
7. Bake for 25-30 min or until browned. Let cool. Cut into bars. Enjoy!
   

Danielle’s Favorite Holiday Recipe: 

“Growing up, and still to this day, every Christmas morning my mom makes homemade cinnamon rolls that are TO DIE FOR! I always remember her waking up extra early for them to be done just before we opened our eyes Christmas morning. Get the recipe here!” 

Kirsten’s Favorite Holiday Recipe: 

“One of the traditions I remembered growing up was my grandmother baking a German Chocolate Cake for the holidays.  She loved cooking and baking and you can always feel the love as we surrounded the table. My grandmother never wrote down her recipes, she just always knew how much was enough. She recently passed away in 2020 so my mother and I have created a new tradition of trying to recreate her signature dishes for the holidays. Get the recipe here!” 

Joanna’s Favorite Holiday Recipe: 

“One of my holiday favorites has to be lasagna. Growing up in an Asian-American household, we didn’t typically make lasagna on a regular basis. During the holidays, however, my cousin would make the best spinach lasagna and I’d always go for seconds! Get the recipe here! pasta 🤝 cheese”

While celebrating the holiday season this year, remember that food is more than just fuel! If you try one of our holiday recipes, tag us on Instagram! 

Interested in learning more about our dietitians? Check out our bios here!

We wish you a happy holiday season!