Make-ahead recipes and easy entertaining ideas for a high-impact, low-stress winter gathering
In theory, the holidays are meant to let us catch up with those we care about—and catch our collective breath before embarking upon a new year. Reality can be another thing entirely, though, with mile-long to-do lists and a seemingly endless parade of parties to throw and attend. Is it possible, we wondered, to host a low-key holiday gathering that’s light in preparation, yet heavy in celebration?
We asked San Francisco-based food writer Amy Hash that very question, and her answer was an enthusiastic yes—provided one plans ahead with the right mix of no-fuss recipes and easy entertaining ideas. Here are her tips for making the most of every minute this season.
Warm Crab and Parmesan Dip
November and December are prime Dungeness crab season, which makes the holidays the perfect time for indulging in this decadent ingredient. Our dip is a snap to throw together, and can be made the day before the party and baked just before guests arrive.
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp. minced garlic
- 8 oz. fresh crab meat, drained and picked of shells
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- About 1 tbsp. chopped chives
- 1 baguette, warmed and sliced (or crackers)
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, crab, Parmesan, and half the chives. Spoon into a 16-oz. ramekin or gratin dish. Set on a rack 6 inches from the top of the oven and bake at 350 degrees until bubbly and starting to brown on top—about 30 minutes. Garnish with remaining chives and serve immediately with baguette slices. Makes 2 cups.
- 1. Set up a holiday art station for kids to make their own decorations, ornaments and cards.
- 2. Make “fun bags” of little toys, crayons, or activities that kids can play with—then take home.
- 3. Set up a side room as a movie theater that's playing the latest holiday-themed flick.
- 4. Start a “story time” tradition and gather children to hear a classic holiday story read aloud.
- 5. Bake a few dozen sugar cookies and hire a local teen to supervise the decorating mayhem.
Candy Cane Ice Cream Pie
Nothing sparks holiday nostalgia like candy canes, so don’t be surprised if this dessert becomes the thing your family looks forward to year after year. It requires very little effort and can be made days ahead of time. Better still: it speaks to the kid inside each guest, ensuring that your gathering will have a very sweet ending indeed.
- 1 tsp. vegetable oil
- 13 oz. homemade or store-bought brownies
- 3 qts. high-quality vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 2 tbsp. sugar
Using your fingers, rub the bottom and sides of an 8-inch spring form pan (or 10-inch deep-dish pie pan) evenly with vegetable oil; this will help the frozen pie lift off the pan more easily when serving. Break brownies into bite-size pieces and press evenly into pie pan, covering the bottom and sides flush to the edge. Cover pan and freeze for at least 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, put ice cream in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment; beat at medium speed until ice cream is smooth and malleable (like taffy), about 1 minute. Add candies and mix just until combined, about 1 minute. Using a spatula, spread ice cream over brownies. Freeze, covered, for at least 6 hours or until ice cream is completely firm.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips on full power until half-melted. Stir until smooth, adding about ¼ cup of cream to thin. Whip the remaining ¾ cup cream with the sugar until stiff peaks form, about 4 minutes. With a large knife run under hot water, cut cake into 12 equal slices. Set slices on individual plates (keep any remaining cake covered in the freezer until ready to serve). Dollop whipped cream onto each slice and use a spoon to drizzle warm melted chocolate over the top. Serves 12.
- You need not have a full-blown wreath to set a festive tone—take a few clippings from the base of your tree and tie them with a bright ribbon.
- An hour before guests are set to arrive, set an old-fashioned wassail on the stove to simmer. Your whole house will smell just heavenly.
- Make a centerpiece in minutes with a few bare branches from a backyard tree; find a sturdy vase and hang twigs with small ornaments.
- A dash of cheer and a disposable tablecloth—dress up those old card tables with holiday wrapping paper for an enticing food display.
Double Chocolate Brownies
- 3 squares (1 oz each) unsweetened chocolate, chopped
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ cups flour
- ¼ tsp. salt
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 325°. Combine unsweetened chocolate and butter in metal bowl, then set bowl over a pot of simmering water, stirring often, until completely melted.
Whisk together eggs and sugar until smooth and slightly lighter in color, about 3 minutes. Add flour and salt and whisk until smooth, then stir in melted chocolate and mix until no streaks remain. Stir in chocolate chips then pour batter into a greased 8- by 8-in. baking pan.
Bake until brownies start to look dry on top and edges are slightly puffy, 25 to 30 minutes. Set pan on a rack to cool completely before cutting.
