Month: December 2024
How To Create a Christmas Sweet Treat Table
How To Create a Christmas Sweet Treat Table
Transform your celebration into a magical experience with a Christmas sweet treat table showcasing the season’s finest flavors.
This table will captivate your guests, from indulgent chocolates to sugar-free delights, offering something for every taste. Here’s your ultimate guide to crafting a dessert spread featuring Heggy’s signature confections and creative tips to elevate the presentation.
Choose the Star Treats
Your sweet table’s charm lies in the selection of irresistible treats. For a balanced mix, include:
- Chocolate buckeyes: These peanut butter and chocolate delights are a classic crowd-pleaser.
- Heggy’s haystacks: A crunchy, sweet-salty combination of pretzels coated in creamy chocolate.
- Heggy’s milk chocolate brownie creams: Luxuriously rich and perfect for brownie lovers.
- Heggy’s chocolate-covered raspberry creams: A fruity twist wrapped in decadent chocolate.
- Heggy’s milk chocolate peanut clusters: Nutty, crunchy, and satisfyingly sweet.
- Sugar-free mint meltaways: Guilt-free treats with a refreshing minty flavor.
- Sugar-free chocolate caramels: A chewy, indulgent delight minus the sugar.
- Heggy’s walnut caramels: A perfect addition for texture and flavor variety.
Plan the Presentation
A well-curated layout makes your table a visual and gastronomic delight. Here’s how to arrange it:
1. Choose a theme
Go for a festive theme, like “Winter Wonderland” with snow-white accents, or “Traditional Christmas” featuring reds, greens, and gold. Use themed tablecloths, runners, or garlands to set the tone.
2. Vary heights and layers
Use cake stands, tiered platters, and decorative bowls to create levels. This not only adds visual interest but also makes the treats more accessible.
3. Divide and conquer
Group similar items together for easy navigation. Arrange chocolates, sugar-free options, and nuts in distinct sections with labeled name cards for an elegant touch.
Add Extra Festive Flair
Add in decorative elements to tie the look together:
- Twinkling lights: String fairy lights around the table for a magical glow.
- Seasonal greenery: Add sprigs of pine, holly, or rosemary to bring natural warmth.
- Edible decorations: Use candy canes, gingerbread cookies, or chocolate ornaments to accent the table.
Sweet Pairings
Complement your treats with beverages like hot cocoa, coffee, or spiced cider. Think about creating a mini drink station beside the table for added convenience.
Accommodate Dietary Needs
Adding sugar-free options makes sure no one feels left out. Clearly label these items to guide guests with dietary preferences or restrictions.
Encourage Takeaways
Provide festive goodie bags so guests can take a piece of the magic home. Add personalized tags so that everyone feels special.
Final Touches
Before the party, make sure everything is neatly arranged and fresh. Refill empty spaces as guests enjoy the treats to keep the table looking inviting.
With a touch of creativity and the delicious charm of our confections, your Christmas sweet treat table will become the highlight of the holiday celebration. Let this joyful spread bring smiles, sweet memories, and festive cheer to your home!
The Ultimate Christmas Wreath With Cheese
Looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s as pretty to look at as it is to eat? This Christmas wreath with cheese is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday gathering.
Made with a medley of cheeses, fresh herbs, and seasonal garnishes, it’s easy to assemble and irresistibly delicious.
If you loved this recipe, check out our Christmas breakfast ideas, plus this recipe for white cheddar and apple scones.
Recipe
Here’s what to round up to make this festive Christmas wreath with cheese, plus the exact steps to making it:
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Fresh herbs for garnish (rosemary, thyme, parsley)
- Cherry tomatoes or red grapes (for “berries”)
- Crackers, breadsticks, or veggie sticks for serving
Optional toppings:
- Toasted nuts (like pecans or almonds)
- Dried cranberries
- Pomegranate seeds
Instructions
1. Mix the cheese base: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, goat cheese, shredded cheddar, chives, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Use a hand mixer or spatula to blend until smooth and well combined.
2. Shape the wreath: Place a sheet of parchment paper on your serving platter. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the center and form it into a circular wreath shape, leaving a hollow center. Smooth the edges using a spatula or damp hands.
3. Chill the wreath: Refrigerate the cheese wreath for at least 1 hour to firm up. This makes it easier to decorate and serve.
4. Decorate with herbs and garnishes: Remove the wreath from the fridge and carefully transfer it to your serving platter (if it isn’t already there). Arrange sprigs of fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley around the edges of the cheese ring to mimic evergreen branches.
5. Add holiday “berries”: Use cherry tomatoes or red grapes as your “berries,” tucking them in among the herbs. For extra sparkle, add pomegranate seeds or sugared cranberries.
6. Finish with optional toppings: Sprinkle toasted nuts or dried cranberries over the top for added texture. You can even drizzle a little honey for a sweet-savory touch.
7. Serve and enjoy: Surround your cheese wreath with an assortment of crackers, breadsticks, or veggie sticks for dipping and spreading. Encourage guests to scoop up a little of everything for a burst of flavor in every bite.
Tips for Success
Here are our tips for getting the best results:
- Make ahead: Prepare the cheese wreath up to two days in advance and decorate just before serving.
- Customize the flavors: Swap out cheddar for Gouda or add crumbled blue cheese for an extra punch.
- Keep it fresh: Garnish with herbs right before serving to keep them vibrant.
This Christmas wreath with is more than an appetizer—it’s a conversation starter. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family gathering or an elegant holiday soirée, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles and festive cheer to your table.
Serving Idea:
Pair the wreath with a glass of sparkling wine or your favorite holiday mocktail for an elevated experience. Cheers to the holidays and happy entertaining!
Christmas Breakfast Ideas With Cheese
Christmas Breakfast Ideas With Cheese
Make a festive spread to remember with our Christmas breakfast ideas with cheese. From sweet to savory, this list will have you covered!
Savory Options
- Cheesy egg and sausage casserole
A hearty baked dish layered with eggs, breakfast sausage, and loads of shredded cheddar or Gruyère. - Cheese-stuffed croissants
Flaky croissants filled with brie, cream cheese, or Gruyère, baked until golden. - Spinach and cheese breakfast strata
A layered bread casserole with spinach, eggs, and a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella. - Cheddar and chive scones
Fluffy scones packed with sharp cheddar and a touch of fresh chives. - Caprese breakfast sandwich
Fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze on a toasted English muffin. - Ham and cheese puff pastry pockets
Puff pastry filled with diced ham, cream cheese, and Swiss or Gruyère. - Cheesy potato hash
Crispy potatoes tossed with melty cheddar or Pepper Jack and topped with poached eggs. - Baked brie and cranberry pastry cups
Mini puff pastry cups filled with brie, cranberry sauce, and a sprinkle of pecans. - Cheese and herb frittata
A simple yet elegant egg dish with goat cheese, feta, or ricotta and fresh herbs. Mix in a little pumpkin butter into the egg filling. - Everything bagel breakfast pizza
Bagel halves topped with cream cheese, scrambled eggs, cheddar, and bacon crumbles.
Sweet Cheese-Inspired Options
- Ricotta pancakes with honey
Light and fluffy ricotta pancakes drizzled with honey and topped with fresh berries. - Cheesecake-stuffed French toast
Thick slices of bread filled with sweetened cream cheese and dusted with powdered sugar. - Cheese Danish pastries
Classic puff pastry filled with sweetened cream cheese and topped with fruit or jam. - Apple and brie Puff pastry braid
A stunning breakfast centerpiece filled with brie, thinly sliced apples, and a touch of cinnamon sugar. - Savory- sweet cheese board
A breakfast twist on a charcuterie board featuring soft cheeses, fruits, nuts, bagels, and spreads.
Our Top Tips for a Festive Spread
We’ve broken these up into menu and general tips:
Tips for a Great Christmas Breakfast Menu
- Plan a balanced menu: Include a mix of sweet and savory items. For example, pair pancakes or pastries with egg-based dishes or casseroles. Add a variety of textures: crispy (bacon, croissants), creamy (yogurt, cheeses), and fluffy (waffles, frittatas).
- Incorporate holiday colors: Use red and green ingredients like cranberries, pomegranates, strawberries, spinach, and basil to create a festive look. Garnish dishes with edible holiday touches such as rosemary sprigs or powdered sugar “snow.”
- Have that one showstopper dish: Make one centerpiece dish, like a baked brie wreath or a Christmas tree-shaped pull-apart bread, to wow your guests.
- Prepare ahead: Choose recipes that can be made or prepped the night before, like breakfast casseroles, overnight oats, or muffin batter. Lay out serving dishes, utensils, and decorations the evening prior.
- Incorporate cheese: We are biased, but….everyone loves cheese! Right? Check out our full range here.
- Serve seasonal drinks: Prepare a festive beverage menu featuring items like cranberry mimosas, eggnog, or spiced apple cider.
- Keep portions small: Offer bite-sized portions for variety and ease, such as mini quiches, slider-style breakfast sandwiches, or muffin tin casseroles.
- Use decorative serve ware: Go for holiday-themed plates, napkins, and serving trays to tie the theme together.
- Have DIY options: Set up stations:
- Bagel bar: Include cream cheese, smoked salmon, sliced veggies, and festive toppings.
- Pancake or waffle station: Offer syrups, fresh fruit, whipped cream, and sprinkles.
- Hot chocolate bar: Provide cocoa, marshmallows, whipped cream, peppermint sticks, and chocolate shavings.
General Tips for a Great Christmas Breakfast
- Make it interactive: Include a group activity to enhance the experience, like decorating Christmas cookies or building a gingerbread house after breakfast.
- Label dishes: Add small cards to identify each dish, mainly if you include allergy-friendly or gluten-free options.
- Add personal touches: Include handwritten thank-you notes or mini Christmas crackers at each place setting to make guests feel special.
- Don’t forget the kids: Offer kid-friendly options like fruit skewers, yogurt parfaits, or Christmas-shaped pancakes with fun toppings.
The Best Sides With Boneless Smoked Ham
The Best Sides With Boneless Smoked Ham
Make a classic festive meal with our list of the best sides with boneless smoked ham. Nothing screams holiday time louder than juicy, tender ham. Well, maybe turkey does, but they’re both pretty festive.
9 Ideas for Sides with Boneless Smoked Ham
Here’s a list of what we think goes really well with our boneless smoked ham:
- Garlic mashed potatoes: Boil potatoes with garlic until tender, then mash with butter and milk for a creamy texture—season with salt and pepper.
- Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze: Toss Brussels sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until crispy. Drizzle with a homemade balsamic glaze made by reducing balsamic vinegar and honey.
- Honey-glazed carrots: Steam or boil carrots until tender, then toss in a simple glaze made with melted butter and honey. Season to taste.
- Crispy roasted sweet potatoes: Cube sweet potatoes, toss them with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper, and roast at a high temperature until crispy and tender.
- Green bean almondine: Steam or blanch green beans, then sauté them in butter with sliced almonds and a splash of lemon juice.
- Cranberry sauce: Simmer fresh cranberries with sugar, orange juice, and zest until the berries burst and the sauce thickens.
- Buttered corn on the cob: Boil corn until tender and drizzle with melted butter, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Cheese and herb stuffing: Combine cubed bread, shredded cheese, sautéed onions, sage, and chicken broth, then bake until golden and crispy.
- Garlic bread: Spread a mixture of softened butter, garlic, and parsley on French bread, then bake until golden and fragrant.
How To Reheat Boneless Smoked Ham for Christmas
To heat a cooked boneless smoked ham, follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven: Set it to 325°F (165°C). This is the optimal temperature for warming the ham without drying it out.
- Prepare the ham: Remove the ham from any packaging and place it in a roasting pan. If you like, you can add a little liquid (such as water, broth, or apple juice) to the bottom of the pan to help keep the ham moist during heating.
- Cover the ham: Cover the pan with aluminum foil to retain moisture and prevent the ham from drying out.
- Heat the ham: Place the ham in the oven and heat for about 10-15 minutes per pound, depending on the size. For example, a 5-pound ham will need about 50-75 minutes to heat through.
- Check the internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The ham should reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) when fully heated.
- Optional glazing: If you want to add a glaze (such as honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup), brush it on the ham during the last 20-30 minutes of heating and return it to the oven uncovered to allow the glaze to caramelize.
- Rest before serving: Let the ham rest for about 10 minutes after removing it from the oven to allow the juices to redistribute before slicing and serving.
This method gives you juicy ham that is loaded with flavor and warmed through.
White Cheddar and Apple Scones
White Cheddar and Apple Scones
These savory-sweet white cheddar and apple scones combine sharp white cheddar with tart apple for a perfect addition to your holiday menu.
Make them as a Christmas morning treat or side for your festive spread.
Hunting for more cheesy-based recipes? Try our Smoked Horseradish Cheese Gratin, this blue cheese tart, or our artichoke and goat’s cheese dip.
White Cheddar and Apple Scones Recipe
These apple and cheddar scones are easier to whip up than you’d think. Here’s how:
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 medium tart apple ( Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and finely diced
- ¾ cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat and prep: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
- Cut in butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add cheese and apple: Stir in the shredded white cheddar and diced apple, making sure they are evenly distributed.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and egg. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until a shaggy dough forms.
- Shape the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Pat the dough into a 1-inch-thick round and cut into 8 wedges, or use a round cutter to shape individual scones.
- Prepare for baking: Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Brush the tops with heavy cream for a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the scones are golden and firm to the touch.
- Cool and serve: Let the scones cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
4 Tips for Perfect White Cheddar and Apple Scones
- Use cold ingredients: Keep the butter, cheese, and cream cold to get flaky layers.
- Don’t overmix: Stir the dough until just combined to avoid tough scones.
- Dice apples small: Finely dice the apple to evenly distribute the flavor and prevent large chunks from breaking the dough.
- Make ahead: Shape the scones, then freeze them unbaked. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the baking time.
Storage Notes
Store scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freeze baked scones for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven before serving.
Smoked Horseradish Cheese Gratin (The Perfect Potato Side)
Smoked Horseradish Cheese Gratin
Smoked horseradish cheese gratin is delicious with roasted meats like turkey or ham. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad to balance the rich flavors.
Make a batch of indulgent potato gratin layered with creamy smoked horseradish cheese as a show-stopping side dish perfect for your Christmas feast.
Smoked Horseradish Cheese Gratin Recipe
Round-up your ingredients and get cooking!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (about 5 medium) Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 ½ cups smoked horseradish cheese, grated
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for greasing the dish)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with the softened butter.
- Prepare the potatoes: Wash and peel them, then slice them thinly (about ⅛ inch thick) using a mandoline or a sharp knife.
- Make the cream mixture: Warm the heavy cream over low heat in a small saucepan. Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Heat until just warm but not boiling.
- Assemble the gratin:
- Layer one-third of the potato slices evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle one-third of the smoked horseradish cheese over the potatoes.
- Pour one-third of the warm cream mixture over the layer.
- Repeat with two more layers, finishing with the cheese and cream on top.
- Optional topping: If you like, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for a crispy finish.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife.
- Serve: Let the gratin cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra thyme.
This dish pairs beautifully with roast meats or as a centerpiece on a vegetarian holiday table.
10 Tips for Perfect Smoked Horseradish Cheese Gratin
Here are our top 10 tips for getting the best out of this recipe:
- Choose the right potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for gratins thanks to their creamy texture and ability to hold their shape. If unavailable, Russet potatoes are a good substitute.
- Slice uniformly: Use a mandoline slicer for evenly thin potato slices. This makes sure they cook evenly.
- Don’t skip the butter: Greasing your baking dish with butter prevents sticking and adds a rich, golden finish to the edges.
- Warm the cream: Heating the cream mixture before pouring it over the potatoes helps the flavors meld and reduces the overall baking time.
- Layer cheese generously: Distribute the smoked horseradish cheese evenly in each layer for a consistent, smoky flavor in every bite.
- Cover and uncover strategically: Cover with foil during the initial bake to trap steam and soften the potatoes. Remove the foil for the last 20–25 minutes to achieve a golden, bubbling crust.
- Check for doneness: Pierce the center of the gratin with a sharp knife. If it slides through effortlessly, the potatoes are fully cooked.
- Let it rest: Leave the gratin to cool for 10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set, making it easier to serve.
- Boost flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika to the cream mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Crispy top hack: For an ultra-crispy topping, broil the gratin for 2–3 minutes after baking. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Storage Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
For longer storage, freeze fully cooled gratin in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
