Edible Alaska Holiday Menu Planner

Yes, I always make a traditional turkey for the holidays

Brined Turkey

Straight-forward and simple, a brine is a great way to add a little something extra to a traditional bird. Give this version from Edible New Hampshire a try!

Yes, but I’m only cooking for a handful of guests

Turkey Thigh Roulade

This recipe from Edible New Hampshire is wonderful for an intimate gathering of guests, and the sous vide method is especially great if you don’t want to spend all day cooking a full bird.

Yes, but I’m looking for something unique

Clay Baked Turkey

Forget Turducken or deep-fried turkey — if you want a one-of-a-kind meal for guests try this recipe from Edible Michiana. It starts with digging a fire pit and building up a bed of coals. Your bird goes into an oven bag before being caked in a layer of clay then covered in foil and buried in the embers.

No, I want an Alaska ‘wow’ factor

Bear Bourguignon

This famous traditional French dish was made popular in the U.S. by Julia Child, but this version by Edible Alaska contributor Cameo McRoberts featuring bear meat is 100 percent Alaskan.

No, I’m more into seafood

Pirok - Savory Alaskan Salmon Pie

Edible Alaska contributor Susie Jenkins-Brito brings the flavor in this recipe from her Set The Net blog. Based in Dillingham, Alaska, she fills her holiday table with the season’s harvest.

No, we’re meat-free this holiday

Stuffed Squash

Just because your meal is vegetarian doesn’t mean it has to lack flavor. Check out this recipe for Wild Rice and Havarti-Stuffed Acorn Squash from Edible Aspen that makes a great main course or side dish.

With a big hug, it’s family after all

Hot Apple Cider

A warm cup of homemade apple cider is like slipping into your favorite fall sweater. Give this recipe for Hot Spiced Apple Chai Cider from Edible Nashville a go this holiday season.

A handshake since I don’t really know them

Signature Cocktail

If you’re unsure about your guests this year, a fun way to break the ice is having a signature drink for the evening. We prefer recipes that can be made both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Try Alaska Dispatch News columnist and Alaska From Scratch blogger Maya Wilson’s Pomegranate Mule. It’s elegant, tasty, and sure to win over your dinner guests.

With a kiss on both cheeks

Glühwein (Mulled Wine)

This European classic goes by many names. In Swedish, it’s glögg — the pronunciation sounds like “glug.” The German name glühwein directly translates to “glow wine.” (Need we say more?) Try Jessica Stugelmayer’s recipe this holiday season. This simple recipe can be easily made in a large batch for a crowd. Perfect for apres-ski!

By shouting from the kitchen for them to help themselves

Homemade Eggnog

Eggnog is one of those holiday staples — just like Aunt Joyce’s casserole, it will always be at the table. We are excited to feature Edible Alaska contributor Ashley Taborsky’s version!

With something caffeinated

Real Pumpkin + Spice Latte

The holiday season can be a stressful and tiring time of year. By the time you get to where you’re having your holiday meal, you could use a pick-me-up. This Real Pumpkin + Spice Latte from Little House Big Alaska blogger Laura Sampson will warm you and put a little pep in your step.

Tart, but sweet

Lowbush Cranberry Marmalade

If you picked some lowbush cranberries this year, Edible Alaska contributor Natasha Price’s recipe for marmalade is a fabulous way to bring them to your table this holiday season. Also known as lingonberries, lowbush cranberries are sweeter and more colorful than commercial cranberries.

Wholesome and well-rounded

Traditional Stuffing

For most of us, stuffing is a holiday table staple. Mix it up a bit this year with these three variations from Edible Sarasota.

Fancy and a bit cheesy

Tomato + Caramelized Onion Balsamic Tart

With this recipe from Edible Alaska contributor Susie Jenkins-Brito, go back to the beginning of fall — when the temperature started to drop and late summer produce was put in the oven to roast to perfection.

They stand out from the crowd

Pickled Pumpkin

This pickled pumpkin from Edible Alaska’s Mary Smith is really unique. The flavors are balanced and they take a recognizable combination (in this case, pumpkin and cinnamon) and give it a new twist.

Watching football

White Wine Smashed Potatoes

These potatoes are smashed — not mashed. The recipe from Edible Communities can serve your whole team or be scaled down for a small gathering.

Trying to beat everyone at board games

Gnocchi

These bite-sized pillows bring two favorites together — potatoes and pasta. Edible Vancouver has two variations sure to brighten your holiday menu: Potato Gnocchi with Morels, Nettles, and Roasted Garlic Cream and Squash and Walnut Gnocchi with Sage Butter and Brussels Sprouts. We won’t judge you if you use them as game pieces.

Listening to music

Sweet Potato and Feta Galette with Spicy Honey Glaze

Galettes are a graceful, free-form cousin to a traditional pie. Edible Ojai and Ventura County has you covered with this recipe for a sweet potato galette that envelops all the notes of fall.

Watching the parade with the kids

Chuli Stout Stew + Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

While these cheesy mashed potatoes would be good on their own (especially with little ones), Edible Alaska contributor and Set The Net blogger Susie Jenkins-Brito raises the bar by topping them with a stew made with stout from Talkeetna’s Denali Brewing Company.

Cookies

Holiday Sugar Cookies

Cookies may be simple, but there’s nothing like gathering everyone around for a decorating party. (If you can resist the urge to eat them all at once!) Get the Edible Alaska recipe.

Pecans

Sticky Toffee Pecan Pudding

Pecans are another classic holiday season ingredient. From stuffings to pies, you can find gobs of recipes for this little nut. If you’re feeling adventurous, have a go at this recipe for pecan pudding from Edible Charleston.

Gingerbread

Gingerbread Maple Glazed Bundt Cake

This cake is filled with winter spices. Susie Jenkins-Brito says her creation is best served with a hot cup of coffee in hand. Get the recipe on her Set The Net blog along with tips on foraging for an Alaskan centerpiece.

A twist on a classic

Butternut Squash Pie

Now, hear us out. We know you’re used to a traditional pumpkin pie, but why not give another squash a try? Edible Alaska contributor and Alaska Urban Hippie blogger Ashley Taborsky makes a pretty good case for her butternut squash pie.

Something fruity

Cranberry Tart

The ever-creative Natasha Price has taken an often burdensome recipe and stripped it down to the delicious basics. (You can substitute lowbush cranberries for store-bought berries if you have them.) You’ll want to keep this 8-ingredient recipe nearby this holiday season.

Eggs

Breakfast Strata

This recipe is one of those go-to recipes for sleepy holiday mornings. It’s best to make this a day ahead, then keep refrigerated until ready to bake. Serve with a green salad or a fresh fruit salad. Get the Edible Alaska recipe.

Buns

Apple Cider Pecan Sticky Buns

A favorite from the Edible Alaska fall issue, you can impress your guests with these luscious sticky buns bursting with pecan, apples, and cinnamon. Check out the recipe.

Spiced cake

Pumpkin Spice Cake Roll

Some might say that cake isn’t for breakfast. We say, “Pass us the cake and pour us some coffee.” Laura Sampson of Little House Big Alaska’s recipe takes the flavors of the popular pumpkin spice latte and rolls them into a delicious treat.

Muffins

Goat Cheese, Olive and Herb Muffins

If you overdid it on the sweets the night before, try a savory muffin for breakfast. These muffins from Edible Communities would do the trick!

Hair of the dog

Bloody Mary

If you’re looking to mix up a batch of this brunch go-to, here’s a list from Edible Communities with 6 different takes on the original.