Favourite Recipes for Get Togethers

Well, Christmas is over but the celebrating isn't quite finished yet! New Years Eve is just around the corner, and the get togethers with family and friends are still in full effect! Whether you're hosting or bringing some goodies over to someone else's place, you'll need these quick and easy recipes to be the hit of the party!

We found something for each time of day to make sure we've got you covered for all types of occasions! Let's just say Pinterest made us very hungry after finding these recipes!

Breakfast/Brunch:

Gingerbread Scones with Cream Cheese Frosting

by Countryside Cravings

This could definitely be the perfect morning treat for your breakfast or brunch get togethers. It's still festive enough to keep on track with the holiday theme and won't take up too much of your time to bake! Not to mention how nicely it would pair with a hot, festive beverage! Malinda, of Countryside Cravings, provided nice and clear instructions to follow! The only issue will be not eating all of them before sharing with your family and friends!

INGREDIENTS

Gingerbread Scones

3 cups (400g) all purpose flour
1/4 cup (45g) packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground clove
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/3 cup (80ml) molasses
1/4 cup (60ml) milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

Cream Cheese Frosting

2 ounces (55g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup (110g) powdered sugar
1-2 tablespoons milk or maple syrup
sprinkles (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Gingerbread Scones

Preheat over to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease; set aside.
In a large bowl combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, clove, adn salt. With a pastry cutter or two knives, cut the butter until it resembles coarse crumbs (or you can freeze the stick of butter briefly then grate it, after just simply mix it in).
Add the eggs, molasses, milk, and vanilla. Stir just until combined then place on a work surface to knead 10-15 times (this will help to finish incorporating the flour). Pat out to an 8 inch circle. Cut circle into 8 equal triangles and plae on prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
Allow them to cool completely before frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting

In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk. Drizzle over cooled scones.

RECIPE NOTES

Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in a single layer covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Make ahead tip: Freeze unfrosted scones for up to 3 months. Thaw completely (on the counter or refrigerator) before frosting.

More information or full posting: click here

Lunch:

Bacon & Roasted Garlic Spinach Dip

by: Ruled.Me

Who doesn't love a good dip for lunchtime!? Spinach Dip is always a classic and always a hit at any party. Ruled.Me keeps it quick and easy to prepare this yummy treat for your midday occasions. We love that you could pair any dipper with this as well, so get creative with your bread or cracker choices!

INGREDIENTS

6 slices bacon
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream
5 ounces fresh spinach, wilted in bacon grease
2.5 ounces parmesan cheese, grated
1 ½ tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon roasted garlic
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Fry the bacon in a pan until crisp. Set the bacon on paper towels while keeping the grease in the pan. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
Add the spinach to the bacon grease and allow to wilt completely.
In a bowl, add all of the ingredients together (includding excess bacon grease). Mix together well.
Divide mixture between 3 standard ramekins, then bake for 25 minutes. Broil for an additional 3-4 minutes.
Let cool slightly and enjoy!

More information or full posting: click here

Dinner:

Cranberry Brie Bites

by: delish/Lauren Miyashiro

Brie. Need we say more? Lauren has given us everything we need for the perfect holiday themed appetizer for your dinner time occasion. You might need to make a couple pans worth...

INGREDIENTS

1 (8-oz.) tube crescent dough
Cooking spray for pan
Flour for surface
1 oz. (8-oz.) wheel brie
1/2 c. whole berry cranberry sauce
1/4 c. chopped pecans
6 sprigs of rosemary, cut into 1" pieces.

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 375° and grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray. On a lightly floured surface, roll out crescent dough, and pinch together seams. Cut into 24 squares. Place squares into muffin tin slots.
Cut brie into small pieces and place inside the crescent dough. Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce, some chopped pecans, and one little sprig of rosemary.
Bake until the crescent pastry is golden, about 15 minutes.

More information or full posting: click here

Dessert:

Chocolate Cake Balls

by: Ashlyn (Belle of the Kitchen

Bite sized desserts are always great for get togethers! What we love about cake balls is how easily you could customize them to fit every occasion, theme, or taste bud by just changin up the sprinkles of flavours. We loved these chocolate/winter themed ones from Belle of the Kitchen!

INGREDIENTS

1 (18.25 oz) package chocolate cake mix + ingredients to prepare cake
1 (16 oz) can prepared chocolate frosting
1 container microwave dipping chocolate or almond bark
Sprinkles for topping

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare cake and bake according to package directions in a 9x13 inch pan. Allow to cool completely.
After cake has cooled, use your hands to crumble the cake into a large mixing bowl. A fork can also be used to crumble large chunks. Make sure cake is completely broken into fine crumbs.
Add 1/2-3/4 of the container of frosting, mixing with a spoon until the cake crumbs are coated. I don't add the entire container because then the cake balls come out a little too mushy. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.
Remove the bowl from the refrigerator and roll the mixture into small balls. Place balls on a plate or cookie sheet topped with wax paper and freeze for 1 hour.
Melt dipping chocolate or almond bark according to package directions. Place a wooden skewer on the bottom of a cake ball and dip into the chocolate, swirling and then tapping off the excess. Place the skewer in a mug or glass (I used short skewers for this recipe) and immediately add sprinkles if using. Allow to dry completely. Repeat with remaining cake balls.

More information or full posting: click here

- BONUS! Would it really be a recipe blog post without a cocktail!? -

As you may have seen, the KBD Team made some Cranberry Moscow Mules on our Retreat to The Blue Huron, so here is the recipe we used!

Cocktail:

Cranberry Moscow Mule

by: Tara Noland of Noshing with the Nolands

We couldn't get over how yummy this recipe was and loved how the cranberries made it a little more festive to get us in the holiday spirit! It is a fast and easy drink to make, which is perfect while entertaining. You'll be spending more time drinking with your guests than serving them all night long!

INGREDIENTS