I’m not a big sweets person, darlings. I know what you are thinking “But it’s the holidays! How can you not adore all the festive cookies and cakes?!” Because my dear readers I love the savory flavors the holidays bring. I love the ham and the side dishes, but of course there is a small place in my heart for dessert so today I’m sharing with you three dishes and recipes that are my go-to. But first I know you all have beloved recipes. I have beloved recipes as well. But it is crucial to be open to trying new recipes. One of these recipes that I am sharing with you today in particular I tried for the first time this year. We may have our staples but should never get so set in our ways as to avoid new ways to make our favorites OR to look for new favorites. Holidays are about tradition, but they are also about being together and enjoying the time. Don’t get so tied to your traditions that you don’t find new favorites.  So here are some of my favorite recipes for the holidays.

Latkes

I know Hanukkah is coming to a close soon, but I had to share the latke recipe I used this year. They were delicious! And if you aren’t Jewish I still recommend you whip up some latkes. They are too good to leave off a holiday menu and most holiday meals do include a potato so you should consider latkes! 

I found this one on All Recipes and there is a fantastic video that shows you how to each of the steps.

Ingredients:

4 large potatoes
1 yellow onion
egg, beaten
teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
ground black pepper to taste
2 cups vegetable oil for frying

Directions:

Finely grate potatoes with onion into a large bowl. Drain off any excess liquid.
Mix in egg, salt, and black pepper. Add enough flour to make mixture thick, about 2 to 4 tablespoons all together.
Turn oven to low, about 200 degrees F (95 degrees C).
Heat 1/4 inch oil in the bottom of a heavy skillet over medium high heat. Drop two or three 1/4 cup mounds into hot oil, and flatten to make 1/2 inch thick pancakes. Fry, turning once, until golden brown. Transfer to paper towel lined plates to drain, and keep warm in low oven until serving time. Repeat until all potato mixture is used.

Watch the video on how to make latkes here.

Beef tenderloin

I know turkey and ham are often holiday go-to’s but for me it’s a good beef tenderloin that steals the show. I also know that when you are entertaining during the holidays it’s best to keep it simple. This simple beef tenderloin recipes has only a few ingredients which is perfect  for this very busy time. This one is from My Recipes. 

Apple pie

An unpopular opinion perhaps, but apple pies time is NOT just Thanksgiving. It’s one of my favorite desserts and my top option for he holidays. Everyone has a favorite recipe for this, but I recently tried the New York Times Double Apple Pie and it was FABULOUS. It’s a very complicated recipe and has a lot of ingredients so click here to get the full run down. 

What about you, darlings? What do you have to have on your holiday table? Share with me in the comments or on Facebook.