HOLI DAYS 2022
the
holidays my guide to
W YSE GUID E
contents
In this guide: Thanksgiving
Christmas
05 07 09 11 13 15 17 17 17 19 19 21 23 23
27 29 31 33 35 37 39 41 43 45 47
Three Thanksgiving appetizers Swiss chard & squash strata Fig, walnut & squash salad Easy slow cooker stuffing The best buttermilk biscuits Mom’s butterhorns Chipotle sweet potato casserole Apple cider sangria Spiked apple cider Grandma Alice’s mashed potatoes How to make homemade drippings gravy Citrus dry-brine turkey Classic pumpkin pie How to make pie dough
Grandma Conrad’s peanut brittle Christmas sugar cookies Brown butter herb party mix English toffee Cinnamon roll cookies Overnight blueberry French toast Cocktail meatballs with cranberry sauce Holiday smashed potatoes Brussels sprouts with bacon & aioli Glazed ham with cranberry chutney No-bake peppermint cheesecake
Well, hello! One August day in 2012, as I was sitting in my office working as an accountant, I was desperately searching for a passion project. I majored in accounting at college and never thought about what would come next. My first job taught me, if it taught me anything at all, that accounting was not for me. Every day after work, I would race home to work outside in the vegetable garden, landscape the yard, preserve the produce I grew, and decorate my farmhouse for each season. So it made me ask myself: why not put these passions to work? That August, Wyse Guide was created. I grew up with a mom who would aim to make the most of the holidays. Both sides of my family would gather for all special occasions, and I looked forward to assisting with the hosting so I could prepare the table and help cook and bake the food. Not much has changed. I still look forward to preparing and entertaining, maybe even more so these days. My family has taught me that being together and sharing special moments during the holidays is essential. Having some good food along the way helps, too. I hope to inspire some part of your Thanksgiving and Christmas tables this year with this holiday guide. The recipes are some of my favorites over the years, with many being family favorites passed down from generation to generation. The citrus dry-brined turkey (see page 21) is a recipe I use yearly, and the pumpkin pie (see page 23) will always be on the table. Grandma’s peanut brittle (see page 27) is one of the first candies I make as Christmas inches closer. The sugar cut-out cookies (see page 29) are my mom’s favorite Christmas cookie. Not only do they look pretty, but they’re a cut-out cookie you actually want to eat. These recipes are a part of my immediate family and now you, my social media family. With this guide in hand, I’m so glad we can all spend the holidays together!
Kaleb Wyse Creator
My mom Jodi and me
My sister Kelsey and me
My nieces and nephew and me
Kaidence (left), Kyan (center), and Karcyn (right)
Thanksgiving Growing up, we often had two Thanksgiving celebrations, one for each side of the family. As a child, I always felt so special, having two of this iconically special day. Thanksgiving Day was usually reserved for my dad’s side of the family. We would all go to Grandma and Grandpa’s house, which is where I now live. Grandma Alice would always prepare her famous mashed potatoes, a recipe you see in this magazine (page 19). She still prepares these to this day, to the joy of everyone.
and working in my sister’s kitchen alongside my nieces and nephew. We make too much food, laugh, sometimes yell, and in the end, have a great time. These pages have many recipes we make together, and I’m excited for you to make them with me! Let’s get started!
My mom’s side of the family would get together the weekend after Thanksgiving. Grandma Conrad usually made the dressing (which we call stuffing although it never actually goes in the turkey) and always worried it wasn’t quite right. It was perfect. The slow cooker stuffing in this holiday guide (see page 11) is a version of that recipe adapted to work in a slow cooker. One holiday, I made my recipe for Grandma Conrad, and she approved of it to the point where she thought it was better than hers. I can’t entirely agree, but I enjoy using the recipe yearly. Traditions change, and now that my sister and her family live in Virginia, my mom and I travel to their home for the holiday. I spend all week preparing The tree in my backyard showing it’s autumnal flair for the fall season. 04 | Holidays 2022
Sweet & Smoky Baked Brie 1 8-oz wheel Brie cheese 1 tsp chipotle powder 1 tbsp honey
1
Preheat oven to 350°F.
2
With a sharp knife, remove just the top rind of the Brie to expose the inside. Place the Brie into a shallow ramekin, or baking dish, cut side facing up. Sprinkle with chipotle powder and drizzle with honey.
3
Bake in the preheated oven until the Brie is melted and soft, 5-8 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
Citrus & Rosemary Marinated Olives 16 1 3 3/4 3 2 1
If you’re looking for Thanksgiving day appetizers, these are the ones to make! 2 3 2 2 1 1/2 2 3
tbsp light brown sugar tbsp maple syrup tbsp water tsp Garam masala tsp cinnamon tsp cardamom tsp salt cups mixed unsalted nuts
oz olives cup olive oil cloves garlic, peeled orange peel from 1/4 of orange lemon peel from 1/4 of lemon tsp red pepper flakes bay leaves 4-inch sprigs rosemary tsp black pepper
1
In a small saucepan, combine the olive oil, garlic cloves, orange peel, lemon peel, red pepper flakes, bay leaves, rosemary, and black pepper.
2
Gently warm over low heat until the oil is warm to the touch but not boiling, 4-5 minutes.
3
Remove from the heat and pour over the olives. Store in the refrigerator if not serving immediately.
Fall Spiced Nut Mix 1
Preheat oven to 350°F.
2
Pour nuts onto a greased and parchment-lined baking sheet. Set aside until ready to use.
3
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, water, Garam masala, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt. Mix to combine. Pour over the nuts and mix to evenly coat nuts in the mixture.
4
Roast in the preheated oven, stirring every 7 minutes until the sugar caramelizes and coats the nuts, 15-20 minutes.
5
Remove from the oven and continue to stir every 10 minutes until the nuts have cooled and the sugar hardens, 20 minutes. Holidays 2022 | 05
06 | Holidays 2022
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Swiss Chard & Squash Strata Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Resting Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 3 hours, 10 minutes
Thanksgiving morning is frequently overlooked. The day is busy enough with so much food preparation that
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breakfast is forgotten. This strata can be assembled the night before to relieve stress and work. Have the strata ready in the refrigerator, then place it in the oven on Thanksgiving morning, and a perfect breakfast will soon be ready. MAKES 15 SERVINGS
1 whole delicata squash (approx. 1 lb) 1 lb bacon
1
Preheat oven to 425°F.
2
Remove the stem and slice the delicata squash in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and pith. Slice each half into ¼-inch slices and lay on a baking
2 tbsp bacon oil
sheet. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 ½ tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
3/4 cup diced onion
Roast in the preheated oven until golden and tender, 18-25 minutes. Re-
1 bunch Swiss chard (approx. 11 oz), leaves removed from the stems, stems diced, and leaves chopped
move from the oven and set aside.
3
batches until browned and crisp. Remove all the bacon oil and add 2 tbsp back to the skillet. With the skillet over medium heat, add the onion and
2 cups whole milk
Swiss chard stems with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper and sauté until
3/4 cup heavy cream
the onion is translucent and the Swiss chard stems are tender, 4-6 minutes.
9 large eggs
Add the chopped Swiss chard leaves and sauté until wilted, 6-8 minutes.
1 tsp black pepper 1 1/2 tsp salt
While the squash is roasting, cook the bacon in a large skillet in two
Remove from the heat and cool.
4
In a large bowl, combine the milk, cream, and eggs. Whisk to combine and
2 tsp Dijon mustard
break up the eggs. Add the pepper, salt, mustard, and nutmeg. Whisk and
1/2 tsp nutmeg
set aside.
8 cups 1/2-inch cubed challah bread (approx. 11 oz)
5
In a 9x13 baking dish, arrange the cubed bread with the prepared squash, bacon, Swiss chard mixture, and cheese. Evenly distribute all the components and pour the custard over the top slowly to ensure each cube of
4 oz shredded Gouda cheese
bread receives some custard. Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours. QUICK TIP If Swiss chard is not readily available or not your favorite green, it can easily be swapped for spinach or kale, either fresh or frozen.
6
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the strata in the preheated oven and bake until the top is golden and the casserole is puffed and just slightly jiggly in the center, 60-75 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Holidays 2022 | 07
08 | Holidays 2022
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Fig, Walnut & Squash Salad Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Salads are an afterthought on many a Thanksgiving table. But this recipe takes the salad and makes it a star. The
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key is all of the texture and flavor additions. If figs are hard for you to find, look for ripe pears as an apt substitute. Plus, the dressing and candied nuts can be made the day before for even less Thanksgiving Day stress. MAKES 6 SERVINGS
FOR THE SALAD
FOR THE SQUASH
1 delicata squash
1
Preheat oven to 425°F.
2 bunches kale, stems removed and chopped
2
Remove the stem and cut the squash in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and pith. Slice halves into ½-inch pieces and place them on a large baking
16 oz fresh figs, stems removed and quartered 2 oz feta cheese, crumbled
sheet. Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil, rub with hands to coat evenly, and place in a single layer. Sprinkle with ½ tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
3
Roast in the preheated oven until golden and beginning to caramelize, 1520 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
FOR THE WALNUTS 1 1/2 cups walnuts 2 tbsp maple syrup 1 tbsp light brown sugar 3/4 tsp cinnamon
FOR THE WALNUTS
1
Preheat oven to 375°F.
2
On a baking sheet, combine the walnuts, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and salt. Toss to evenly combine and spread to a
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper 1/4 tsp salt
single layer.
3
Place in the oven and watch closely until the sugar begins to caramelize and the nuts are toasted, 8-12 minutes. Remove from the oven and stir occasionally while cooling to separate the pieces.
FOR THE DRESSING 2 tbsp minced shallot 1 clove garlic, minced
FOR THE SALAD
3 tsp Dijon mustard
1
salt, black pepper, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk to com-
1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp black pepper 2 tbsp maple syrup 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar 1/2 cup olive oil
In a large salad bowl or a small jar, combine the shallot, garlic, mustard, bine. Continue to whisk and slowly add the olive oil in a steady stream.
2
Add the kale and toss to coat. Using hands, massage the kale slightly to tenderize. This can be done up to five hours before serving.
3
When ready to serve, add the prepared squash, figs, walnuts, and feta cheese.
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10 | Holidays 2022
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Easy Slow Cooker Stuffing Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 7 hours, 10 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours, 35 minutes
Stuffing is not always everyone’s favorite Thanksgiving side dish, but what if it could be? You’ve stumbled across
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the correct recipe because this one is simple and a true crowd-pleaser. It’s an old family-favorite recipe that will soon become part of your family too! Space is always at a premium when making a big meal, so this recipe uses a slow cooker. But if you would rather, you can bake the stuffing in a 9x13 baking dish instead. MAKES 12 SERVINGS
10 cups bread (about 1 loaf), torn into irregular pieces 4 cups turkey/chicken/vegetable stock 2 tbsp sage, freshly minced (1 tbsp dry)
1
Preheat oven to 225°F.
2
Place torn bread on two large sheet pans and place them in the oven to dry. Let dry for approximately one hour, switching racks halfway through. Once baked and cooled, the bread cubes should feel very dry and brittle.
3
Over medium heat, melt the butter in a large skillet. Add the chopped
1 tbsp thyme, freshly minced (1/2 tbsp dry)
onion and celery. Sauté over medium heat until the onions are translucent
1/2 tbsp rosemary, freshly minced (2 tsp dry)
allow to cool slightly.
1 tsp salt
and slightly tender, 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, remove from the heat and
4
mixture, chestnuts, salt, and black pepper and stir to combine. To ensure
1 tsp black pepper
the egg is evenly distributed, combine the egg with the stock and pour over the bread. Allow the bread to soak up the liquid, 10-12 minutes.
1 1/2 cups chopped onion 1 1/2 cups chopped celery
Place cooled bread in a large bowl and add the minced herbs, cooled onion
5
Pour into a 6-quart slow cooker and set to low. The stuffing will take 5-6
1/2 cup unsalted butter
hours and become slightly puffed and set around the edges.
1 large egg, beaten
NOTE: If not using a slow cooker, use a 9x13 baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 60-70
1 1/2 cups roasted chestnuts, cut in half (if large)
minutes.
COLLECTIONS
Each season, especially each holiday, I look for antique items I can collect and use. Turkey platters are a great way to present the turkey on Thanksgiving day, but they’re also eye-catching when hung on the wall. I love this ironstone transferware platter, made by the Woods company in Burslem, England, with its mauve-colored turkey, flowers, and pastoral farm scene. It’s as though the turkey was passing through the Iowa countryside and stopped by an old
fencepost to preen. The plate lives in my baking room, lovingly hung above the brass rails that hold my copper collection (see page 25 for this rack). In the early 1900s, papier mâché was a popular method used to make seasonal items. This brown-colored delicate turkey (smaller image on left) has a beautiful patina and instantly provides a late autumn touch to any place it chooses to rest, like on my kitchen counter.
Holidays 2022 | 11
12 | Holidays 2022
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The Best Buttermilk Biscuits Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Chill Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 56 minutes
Biscuits are a quick way to serve fresh bread at a holiday meal. And if kids are an indicator of a recipe’s merit, my
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nieces and nephew love these biscuits! To make this even easier, prepare the biscuits a few weeks before serving. Simply cut out the dough into biscuits and freeze. Once the biscuits are frozen, place them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer. Before baking, thaw the biscuits in the refrigerator overnight, then bake following the recipe instructions. MAKES 8 BISCUITS
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (1/4 cup reserved for the bench) 1 tsp salt 1 tbsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 8 tbsp unsalted butter 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
1
Preheat the oven to 450°F.
2
In a large bowl, combine 2 ¼ cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix to combine and set aside.
3
Grate the butter on a box grater, using the thick cut. Place the grated butter in the freezer for 15 minutes to chill.
4
Once the butter is chilled, add the grated butter to the dry mixture and toss to combine. Pour in the buttermilk and stir to form a rough, shaggy dough. Sprinkle the reserved ¼ cup of flour onto the countertop. Dump the dough
2 tbsp melted unsalted butter (for brushing)
on the floured surface and use the flour on the bench to knead the rough dough into a cohesive mass.
5
Roll the dough to a rough 12-inch by 8-inch rectangle. Cut the dough into thirds and place them on top of each other. Roll out the dough into a 10-inch by 8-inch rectangle. Repeat this step one more time. On the final time, roll the dough into a rectangle about ¾-inch thick. Cut six 2 ½-inch round biscuits and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Push the remaining dough together, roll out to ¾-inch, and cut out an additional two biscuits.
6
Brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter and place in the preheated 450°F oven until they have risen, and are golden brown, 14-16 minutes. Once baked, remove from the oven and brush again with the melted butter.
pair these biscuits with a quick honey butter In a bowl, place 8 tbsp of room-temperature salted butter. Using a spatula, press and smash the butter to loosen it. Then add 1 tbsp honey and ½ tsp cinnamon and mix all three ingredients until homogenous.
Holidays 2022 | 13
14 | Holidays 2022
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Mom’s Butterhorns Prep Time: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Bake Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours, 45 minutes
This recipe has been a part of my family’s holidays since before I was born. The butterhorns are soft, with a but-
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tery flavor that nearly melts in your mouth. My mom is the master at making perfect butterhorns every time. She would often bake these up to one week before serving and store them in the freezer. The night before Thanksgiving Day, Mom would set them out in airtight containers at room temperature. Then before the meal, she placed them in the microwave to be warmed throughout! MAKES 36 ROLLS 1 cup scalded milk 180°-185°F
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature 1/2 cup sugar
1
fitted with a dough hook. Mix until the butter and sugar are dissolved, and the mixture cools slightly to 120°F or less, 6 minutes.
2
until it is smooth and beginning to pull away from the sides of the bowl,
2 1/4 tsp (1 pkg) instant active dry yeast
4 - 4 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
Add beaten eggs to the warm mixture and mix. Add 4 cups flour and the instant yeast. Use the stand mixer (or your hands) and knead the dough
1 tsp salt
3 large eggs, beaten
Place butter, sugar, salt, and scalded milk in the bowl of a stand mixer
6-8 minutes. If the dough is sticking to the sides of the bowl and is tacky, you will need to add more flour, 1-2 tbsp at a time, until smooth.
3
Once the dough clears the side of the mixing bowl and just slightly sticks to the bottom of the mixing bowl, remove the dough and knead a few times by hand on a lightly floured surface. The dough should be slightly
6 tbsp melted unsalted butter (for brushing)
tacky but not stick to the board while you are continually kneading.
4
Put the dough in a large oiled bowl to rise. Place a damp towel (or plastic wrap) over the bowl to ensure the dough will not dry out. Put the bowl in a
QUICK TIP To know when the butterhorns are done baking, check the bottom. This is our family’s tried-and-true method to know when they’re ready to remove from the oven. The surface of the bottom should be golden brown in color.
warm place to rise until doubled, about 1 to 1 ½ hours.
5
Once risen, punch down the dough and cut it in thirds. Shape each third into a ball and punch out any air bubbles. Roll out each dough ball to a 15-inch circle (about ¼-inch thick) on a well-floured surface. Brush with melted butter, then cut into 12 triangles, as one would for a pizza. Start by cutting in quarters, then each quarter into three triangles. Take one triangle, stretch the large end slightly, then roll up tightly toward the point of the triange. Pinch the end to create a seal, then place the pinched end down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let the prepared butterhorns rise until they are about doubled in size (about 1 to 1 ½ hours).
6
Place into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 8-15 minutes, switching racks and watching carefully to ensure the tops and bottoms do not overbake but turn lightly golden.
7
Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter. Let cool but serve warm.
Holidays 2022 | 15
16 | Holidays 2022
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Chipotle Sweet Potato Casserole Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Bake Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
If you’re looking for something unique to add a little spice and turn up the flavor on the holiday table, this is the
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recipe! Instead of the traditional casserole, these sweet potatoes have a sweet and spicy sauce. The potatoes are shingled in the baking dish to deliver an excellent presentation. I find this is a great way to change up a traditional meal without pushing the boundaries too far. MAKES 14 SERVINGS
12 tbsp unsalted butter
1
Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13 baking dish and set it aside.
1/4 cup chipotle purée
2
Remove the ends of the sweet potatoes to create even-sized slices. Save
1/4 cup orange juice
the discarded pieces and roast them separately. Slice the sweet potatoes
2 tbsp lime juice
¼-inch thick. Lay in a baking dish in a shingle style.
3 tbsp maple syrup
3
juice, maple syrup, thyme, and salt. Bring to a simmer over low heat, 3-4
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
minutes. Once at a simmer, stir to ensure all of the ingredients are evenly
1 1/2 tsp salt 5 lb sweet potatoes
In a small saucepan, combine the butter, chipotle purée, orange juice, lime
mixed. Remove from the heat and pour over the prepared sweet potatoes.
4
Bake in the preheated oven until the potatoes are tender, 55-65 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve.
WHAT IS CHIPOTLE PURÉE? Chipotle purée is canned chipotles in adobo that are blended together to create a purée. It cannot be purchased, but must be made by buying chipotles in adobo then blending them at home.
bonus cocktail recipes Apple Cider Sangria
Spiked Apple Cider
3 cups apple cider
2 oz whiskey
1 bottle (750 mL) white wine
1/2 oz orange liqueur
1 cup calvados 1 cup orange juice
1/2 cup apple cider 1 cup ice cubes 1/4 cup ginger beer
Combine all ingredients. Add garnishes and mix.
To a glass, combine the whiskey, orange liqueur, and apple
Optional garnishes: apple slices, orange slices, dried cranberries, cinnamon sticks
cider. Add in as many ice cubes as desired. Top with ginger
SERVES 8
beer, cinnamon, and homemade apple chips (optional). SERVES 1
Holidays 2022 | 17
Grandma Alice I was privileged to grow up across the road from my Grandma Alice and Grandpa Gene. My sister and I would often walk over to their house and bake cookies with Grandma, go on bike rides, and help her in the house. Grandma and Grandpa often worked side by side on the farm, with Grandma hauling corn during harvest time and running meals to the field. Their joint work ethic is extraordinary and something I can only aspire to.
18 | Holidays 2022
Grandpa Gene
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Grandma Alice’s Mashed Potatoes Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Grandma Alice has always made the best mashed potatoes. And no matter how much I try, I’ll never match her
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perfect mash. Her recipe is simple, but note how she uses a small amount of water that almost steams the potatoes rather than submerging them in water. If you ask me, it’s the key to light, fluffy potatoes that have the perfect consistency. MAKES 10 SERVINGS
5 lb russet potatoes
1
Wash and peel potatoes, removing any eyes. Rinse and slice the potatoes into quarters lengthwise. Place in an 8-quart stockpot. Add two inches of
1 1/2 cups whole milk, kept warm
water and 1 tablespoon salt. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cover
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
until the potatoes are cooked through and easily pierced with a knife, 2025 minutes.
1 tbsp salt
2
Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the heat and drain. Reserve the potato water for another use, like gravy (see recipe below). Pour the drained potatoes into a bowl and allow the steam to settle for 2 minutes. Using an electric hand mixer or mashing by hand, mash the potatoes thoroughly. Add milk and butter and mix together until smooth.
3
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding salt and pepper. Serve immediately as potatoes can become stiff the longer they sit.
bonus recipe
How to Make Homemade Drippings Gravy 1
Start by pouring all the turkey drippings into a fat separator or large measuring glass. Allow the drippings to sit for 15-20 minutes or until the fat separates from the stock in the drippings.
2
ing from roasting the turkey. If the drippings do not reach 1 cup, add stock
1 cup pan drippings from roasting turkey (see page 21)
to supplement. Set the roasting pan with the drippings over medium heat. Using a whisk, work up the browned bits on the bottom of the pan and
2 cups potato water (or stock)
bring the mixture to a simmer. If using, whisk in the cognac.
2 tbsp cornstarch 2 tbsp cognac (optional)
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Add the drippings back to the roasting pan with the browned bits remain-
3
In a medium bowl, whisk the cornstarch and potato water (or stock) until smooth to form a cornstarch slurry.
4
Whisking constantly, slowly add the cornstarch slurry to the drippings mixture. Thin with more potato water/stock or thicken with more slurry as needed. Taste for seasoning. Holidays 2022 | 19
20 | Holidays 2022
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Citrus Dry-Brine Turkey Prep Time: 25 minutes
Resting Time: 9 hours, 30 minutes
Roasting Time: 3 hours (depending on turkey size)
Total Time: 13 hours
In so many cases, turkey is traditionally made by the same family member every year. And that’s usually the
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person the family trusts to make the best turkey. I get it: we all get worried we’ll be the one to mess it up. But this recipe makes for a perfect turkey! A dry brine uses salt with spices, herbs, and aromatics to create a delicious turkey with lots of flavor. Rather than dissolving the mixture in water, the brine is rubbed into the meat. The salt seasons the meat and helps it retain moisture. The spices and citrus add flavor that will have everyone asking you to make the turkey every year going forward. MAKES 15 SERVINGS (for 15 lb turkey) 12-18 lb turkey
1
skin from the meat. Work fingers slowly in between the meat and skin and
2 tbsp black peppercorns
keep working into the legs and thighs. Once the skin is separated, set the
1 tbsp pink peppercorns 2 tsp coriander seed 1 tsp fennel seed
turkey aside and prepare the brine.
2
spices become fragrant, 3-5 minutes.
3
brown sugar. Stir to combine.
1 tbsp baking powder
4
ered for 8 to 24 hours. Leaving the turkey uncovered will dry out the skin,
2 tbsp orange zest
which will make the skin crispy once baked.
5 FOR THE BASTING BUTTER
Remove the turkey from the refrigerator one hour before roasting. Preheat oven to 425°F.
6
In the bottom of a roasting pan, place two ribs of celery, two carrots, and one onion, all roughly chopped. Place the turkey in the roasting pan on top
2 tbsp pomegranate molasses
of vegetables, stuffing a few pieces of the vegetables in the cavity as well.
1/4 cup orange juice 2 tbsp lemon juice
Work the brine mixture under the skin and on top of the skin of the turkey, including in the cavity. Place the brined turkey in the refrigerator uncov-
2 tbsp lemon zest
1/2 cup unsalted butter
Remove the spices from the heat and grind, using a coffee grinder. In a bowl, combine the ground spices, salt, citrus zest, baking powder, and
example: 3 tbsp for 12 lb turkey
2 tbsp light brown sugar
In a small skillet, combine the black and pink peppercorns, coriander, fennel seed, and bay leaves. Heat slowly over medium-low heat until the
5 bay leaves 1 tbsp kosher salt per every 4 lbs
Remove the giblets and neck from the thawed turkey. Slowly separate the
Place in the preheated oven and immediately turn the heat down to 375°F.
7
While the turkey is roasting, prepare the basting butter by melting all the ingredients together over low heat. Every 30 minutes, brush the turkey with the basting butter.
QUICK TIP Due to the size of a turkey, thawing takes time. To thaw, place the turkey in the refrigerator and allow 1 day of thawing time for every 4 pounds of weight.
8
Turkey takes about 15 minutes to cook per pound. If the turkey becomes too dark, tent with aluminum foil. Roast until the breast registers 160°F and the thighs register 170°F.
9
Remove the turkey from the oven and allow to rest 20-30 minutes before carving. In this time, the breast will come up to the correct temperature of 165°F and the thighs up to 175°F. Holidays 2022 | 21
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes
This recipe for pumpkin pie is a classic. No matter what pie I make during the holidays, this will always be on
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Classic Pumpkin Pie the table. Personally, I love a custard pie, and the spices added in perfectly complement and elevate the pumpkin flavor. The key is to make sure you do not overbake the filling. The center should jiggle slightly when the pie is removed from the oven. If overbaked, the pie could crack and “weep,” or collect moisture on top. Also, don’t forget the copious amount of whipped cream needed when serving! MAKES 8 SERVINGS
15 oz pumpkin purée
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2 large eggs
2
In a large bowl, combine the eggs, pumpkin purée, sugar, salt, cinnamon,
3/4 cup sugar
ground ginger, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, cream, milk, and flour.
1/2 tsp salt
Whisk until smooth.
1 tsp cinnamon
3
Pour into a prepared 9-inch pie shell (recipe below). Bake on the bottom rack of the oven for 45-60 minutes until the pie is set. When lightly shaken,
1/2 tsp ground ginger
the center of the filling should jiggle slightly. The internal temperature
1/4 tsp ground cloves
should read 180°F to 185°F. Let cool fully before serving.
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 1 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup whole milk 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
my absolute favorite recipe!
How to Make Pie Dough 1
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In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt and mix together. Add the pieces of butter and toss them with the flour. Using your thumbs and forefingers, press pieces of butter into the flour. Continue to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles a course crumbly texture with some larger pieces of butter and some smaller.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp sugar
2
not work easily into a disk, add 1 tbsp of ice water a time until the dough is
1 tsp salt 10 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into 1/4-inch pieces and par frozen 5-6 tbsp water, ice cold
Add 4 tbsp of ice water and mix. Quickly work the dough together. If it does a cohesive mass.
3
Transfer the dough to a sheet of plastic or reusable wrap and work into a 6-inch disk. Wrap tightly and store in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. Once chilled, roll out the dough as needed. Holidays 2022 | 23
Christmas All year long, I dream about Christmas. When I left home to attend college, I would often put up a Christmas tree in my bedroom at home before leaving for school. That way, my room was ready for the season as soon as I came home for break, and I’d often think about the tree while studying. Using the antiques I collect is one of my favorite ways to decorate. At a young age, when I would go to flea markets with Mom and Grandma, I would gravitate toward Christmas decorations. Today, my home is filled with those antiquing memories. I love mixing and matching the various Christmas collections I have. I use papier mâché Santas on side tables, antique Kugel ornaments in bowls, and bottle brush trees all over the house. Each thing holds a memory, which is why Christmas should evoke good thoughts.
to the love my sister and I had for the potato casseroles we ate at large family gatherings. And it wasn’t Christmas without a few recipes of my grandma’s candies (see page 27). She lovingly spent the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas preparing treats to give as gifts. Christmas is about memories and the act of creating new ones. I hope these recipes will be a part of your memories this year and for years to come!
So many foods, treats, and candies make the Christmas season special. And for each person, the food differs. For me, it’s about a few iconic recipes, a host of which you’ll find on the following pages. In our house, my mom always made party mix; a brown butter and herb version is in this holiday guide (see page 31). I can still smell the party mix being made, as the whole house filled with the iconic aroma. Our holiday smashed potatoes (see page 41) are a nod My French bulldog, Kip, looking dapper on Christmas morning. 24 | Holidays 2022
I found this vintage banner once while antiquing and knew it would have a place in the kitchen come Christmas!
These copper pieces are both functional in the kitchen and a beautiful decor piece during the holidays. I adorn the brass racks from which they hang all year with faux cedar boughs and let the simplicity shine!
I’m often asked if this display of copper is simply for beauty or if I actually use each piece. All of my copper are antique pieces I have sourced from flea markets and antique stores. And I plan on using it all!
Most of the pieces need to be sent away for new tin linings as the tin does wear off over time. This re-tinning process is relatively easy for someone to do but does take an investment. But that’s why copper is used in the kitchen. These pieces will last well past my lifetime if
they’re cared for, used, and cleaned. And fun fact: copper cookware has been used in kitchens as far back as 9,000 BC! The moral of the story is that sometimes things can be both beautiful and functional.
Holidays 2022 | 25
look at all that airiness!
26 | Holidays 2022
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
CH RIST MA S
Grandma Conrad’s Peanut Brittle Total Time: 25 minutes
Grandma Conrad made Christmas occasions special. Grandma, also known as Joyce, would start baking in November, and her house would always smell like warm spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. I loved to search out the antique Christmas tins Grandma used to store the batches of her treats and steal a few. Peanut brittle was a recipe Grandma made with ease. Her key instruction was to never spread the hot mixture once poured into the pan. Let it cool naturally, and it will be light, airy, and easy to eat! MAKES 150 1-INCH SQUARE PIECES
2 cups sugar
1
Butter a 10x15 sheet pan and set it aside.
2 cups raw peanuts
2
Combine the sugar, corn syrup, and hot water in a 4-quart heavy-bottom
2 tbsp unsalted butter
kettle. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Continue to cook
1 cup light corn syrup
and bring the mixture to a temperature of 250°F. Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature. I like using a high-quality instant-read thermom-
1/2 cup hot water 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 tsp baking soda
eter, but a good candy thermometer fitted on your kettle will work as well.
3
Once at 250°F, add in the raw peanuts and butter. Raw peanuts are a must with this recipe as they have a longer cooking time at high heat. Once the peanuts are added, stir the mixture continuously so no peanuts scorch on the bottom. Bring the mixture up to 310°F.
QUICK TIP Candy making works best when you have everything ready to go. This brittle process goes quickly, especially at the end and is cooked at extremely high temperatures. Having all items pre-measured and your 10x15 pan buttered helps the process go smoothly.
Grandma (Joyce) Conrad, my mom’s mother, was a maker of so many foods and candies during the Christmas season. She loved sharing her gift of preparing food with family and friends and became known for her perfection in both baking and canning.
4
Once at 310°F, remove from the heat and add the vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will foam and grow, so make sure to stir constantly to completely incorporate.
5
Working quickly, pour into the prepared 10x15 pan. To keep the brittle light and airy, do not spread or flatten the mixture. Instead, let it flow freely.
6
Place in a cool area and leave until completely cooled, about 2-3 hours.
7
Once cooled, break into pieces as preferred.
Grandamda Conr Before she passed in 2014, Grandma Conrad taught me much about the vegetable garden and the art of canning and preserving, for which I’ll be ever thankful! Holidays 2022 | 27
28 | Holidays 2022
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 14 minutes
CH RIST MA S
Christmas Sugar Cookies Total Time: 1 hour, 4 minutes
Growing up, we always made sugar cookies, which were good but not great. My mom had difficulty letting my sister and me make a huge mess with the frosting and sprinkles, but we all enjoyed eating the cookies. This recipe has been updated to amp up the flavor with orange zest and almond extract. And a little cream cheese in the dough makes for the best melt-in-your-mouth texture. These cookies can be made to look fancy or rustic, and either way, they’ll be your favorite Christmastime sugar cookie! MAKES APPROXIMATELY 30 COOKIES
FOR THE COOKIES 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
FOR THE COOKIES
1
In an electric mixer, cream the butter and cream cheese until smooth, 1-2 minutes. Add the sugar and cream until light and fluffy, 3-4 minutes. Mix in
2 oz cream cheese, room temperature
the egg, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Add
1 cup sugar
everything is incorporated.
1 large egg
the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well and scrape the bowl to ensure
2
Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 30 minutes or overnight. The dough may also be frozen for up to one month.
1 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 tsp almond extract
3
Preheat oven to 350°F.
2 tsp orange zest
4
Once well chilled, roll out the dough on a lightly-floured surface to ¼- to ½-inch thick and cut with desired cookie cutters. Place on parchment-lined
1 1/2 tbsp orange juice
baking sheets. Place in the preheated oven and bake until slightly puffed
3 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt
and just beginning to turn golden, 10-14 minutes.
5
Once baked, remove from the oven and cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes. Transfer to cooling racks and cool completely. Frost with favorite icing or try royal icing (instructions below).
FOR THE ROYAL ICING 3 oz egg whites (about 3 egg whites) (or meringue powder)
FOR THE ROYAL ICING
4 cups sifted powdered sugar
1
Mix the egg whites, 3 ½ cups powdered sugar, and vanilla powder together until smooth. Add the remaining ½ cup of powdered sugar until the frost-
1/2 tsp vanilla powder (or vanilla extract)
ing is thick and like a ribbon when pouring out.
2
Separate into bowls and color with food coloring.
3
Use pastry bags or a plastic cookie decorating bottle to decorate the cookies.
make a n you loyves!hape Holidays 2022 | 29
30 | Holidays 2022
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 1 hour
CH RIST MA S
Brown Butter Herb Party Mix Total Time: 1 hour, 25 minutes
I often wonder why we only make certain recipes during the holidays. Party mix smells and tastes like the holidays, but we should all be making this year-round. Browning the butter first adds a toffee-like nutty flavor. The herbs add a new layer of flavor that party mix often lacks. Along with the traditional spices, this party mix is next level! MAKES 26 SERVINGS
3/4 cup unsalted butter
1
Preheat oven to 275°F.
1 sprig thyme
2
To start, brown the butter. In an 8-inch skillet, melt the butter with the
1 sprig rosemary
thyme and rosemary over medium heat. Once melted, continue to cook
1 1/2 tsp onion powder
until the foaming slows down and the butter becomes a deep golden color and smells nutty, 6-8 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool for 5
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder 2 tsp seasoning salt 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
minutes.
3
Squares, Wheat Chex, Parmesan fish crackers, sesame sticks, pretzels, and
4 cups Corn Chex cereal 2 cups Oat Squares cereal
mixed nuts. Stir to combine and set aside.
4
salt, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk to combine.
1 cup Parmesan fish crackers
5
Drizzle a few tablespoons of prepared butter mixture over the party mix and stir well. Continue to drizzle and stir in small amounts to ensure the
1 cup pretzels 2 cups mixed nuts
Once the butter has cooled for 5 minutes, remove the thyme and rosemary and discard. To the butter, add the onion powder, garlic powder, seasoning
2 cups Wheat Chex cereal
1 cup sesame sticks
While the butter is cooling, in a large bowl, combine the Corn Chex, Oat
cereal mixture is evenly coated.
6
Pour onto two parchment-lined baking sheets. Spread out to an even layer and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, stirring and switching racks every 15 minutes.
7
Once baked, remove from the oven. Cool 20 minutes and serve or store in an airtight container in a cool place for up to one month.
Holidays 2022 | 31
32 | Holidays 2022
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cooling Time: 4 hours
CH RIST MA S
English Toffee Total Time: 4 hours, 30 minutes
English toffee is a recipe that’s all about patience. If the butter melts at too high of heat, the sugar and butter can separate. To be successful, slowly melt the butter and sugar together until they reach the correct temperature, and this recipe will be perfect. No gift is better than homemade candy, especially at Christmas. MAKES 120 1-INCH SQUARE PIECES
1 cup salted butter
1
stant-read thermometer ready or fit the saucepan with a candy thermom-
1 cup sugar
eter.
2 tbsp light corn syrup 6 oz dark chocolate chips
2
In a heavy-bottom 4-quart saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, and corn syrup. Over medium-low heat, bring to a boil, stirring slowly. Continue to
1 cup chopped toasted pecans
boil until the mixture reaches 290°F. It will be a light amber color and smell
1 tsp vanilla extract
like caramel and butterscotch.
3
Remove from the heat, add in the vanilla extract, and pour into the prepared baking sheet pan. Let cool for one minute and sprinkle with ¼ cup
QUICK TIP Low and slow is the name of the game when it comes to making English toffee. Don’t be tempted to crank up the heat on your stovetop to hurry the process. Doing so will cause the butter and sugar to separate, which will cause issues with the final result.
Butter a shallow 9x13 baking sheet pan and set it aside. Have an in-
chopped pecans over the entire mixture. Sprinkle with the chocolate chips. Let sit until melted, about two minutes. Spread the chocolate evenly with an offset spatula. Sprinkle with the remaining chopped pecans. Let cool completely, about four hours.
4
Once cooled completely, break into desired pieces. Store in an airtight container in a cool place for up to one month. If in a warm climate, store in the refrigerator.
COLLECTIONS
Sometimes Christmas needs to be whimsical, and what’s more magical than a Christmas tree? I like to create themed Christmas trees, like the one on the cover of this holiday guide, using the items I collect. Antique mushroom ornaments can be hard to find, but I’m undeniably drawn to them. Slowly over time, I’ve collected
a decent amount. I like to mix these into a tree amongst Putz Christmas houses, woodland animal onaments, and other mushrooms. Plus, it’s said that a mushroom in your Christmas tree symbolizes reverence for nature and good fortune for the coming year.
Holidays 2022 | 33
ese h t , d e t s o r f n u Frosted aorre a mini cinnamon cookies an almost bite-sized roll in piece!
34 | Holidays 2022
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Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 8 hours
CH RIST MA S
Cinnamon Roll Cookies Total Time: 8 hours, 45 minutes
My aunt Maretta introduced our family to these cinnamon roll cookies. She would always bring them to family events, and I would sneak as many as possible. What I love about these is that they are indeed like miniature cinnamon rolls. Not only do I add these to Christmas cookie plates, but I also set them out at breakfasts and brunches. Because they are so unique, they’re also fun to include in cookie swaps. MAKES 48 COOKIES
FOR THE COOKIES 2 1/4 tsp (1 pkg) instant active dry yeast 4 cups all-purpose flour
1
In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Cut in butter as would be done for pastry dough.
2
In a separate bowl, combine the beaten eggs, vanilla, and scalded milk. Mix together to combine the wet ingredients. Add the wet ingredients to the
1/4 tsp salt
dry ingredients and mix together. The dough will be very shaggy and wet. If
1 tsp vanilla extract
worried, do not fear! It is unlike any other yeast dough.
1/4 cup sugar
3
for at least eight hours (up to 10 hours). Once the dough has rested in the
1 cup unsalted butter 2 large eggs, beaten 1 1/4 cups scalded milk
180°-185°F scald and allow to cool slightly
1 cup light brown sugar
Once mixed together, cover the bowl tightly and place it in the refrigerator refrigerator, it will have risen slightly and be much easier to handle.
4
When ready to make the cookies, preheat oven to 350°F.
5
In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, and cinnamon and set aside.
6
On a lightly floured surface, separate dough into three sections. Working with one section, roll into a 12x15-inch rectangle. Sprinkle evenly with ⅓
1 tbsp cinnamon
cup of the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture, leaving a one-inch border on the long side.
FOR THE FROSTING
7
Roll up as you would cinnamon rolls or a jelly roll. Slice into one-inch-thick
1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
cookies and place on a greased cookie sheet. Press lightly with floured
2 cups powdered sugar
puff and brown slightly.
1 tsp vanilla extract
hand and place into the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. The cookies will
8
Once baked, let cool five minutes on pan then remove and place on a cooling rack.
2 tbsp heavy cream
9
For the frosting, combine all the ingredients and mix at high speed until smooth and creamy. Frost the cookies while they are still slightly warm so they are coated evenly.
Holidays 2022 | 35
36 | Holidays 2022
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Soak Time: 2 hours (minimum)
Bake Time: 55 minutes
CH RIST MA S
Overnight Blueberry French Toast Total Time: 3 hours, 15 minutes
Imagine waking up on Christmas morning and having breakfast ready to place in the oven. That idea is what caused me to design such a recipe. This French toast can be assembled the day before baking and stored in the refrigerator, during which time the bread soaks in all the custard. On Christmas morning, you can bake this and have fresh French toast casserole. It’s a perfect way to start a special day! MAKES 15 SERVINGS
1 loaf challah bread, sliced into 1-inch thick slices 2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen) 7 large eggs
1
Grease a 9x13 baking dish with butter and set aside.
2
Shingle the slices of bread into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of blueberries over the slices of bread, allowing them to fall into the cracks.
3
Add the milk, heavy cream, salt, zest, lemon juice, sugar, vanilla extract,
1 3/4 cups whole milk
and cinnamon. Whisk to combine and pour over the prepared bread, en-
1 cup heavy cream
suring to moisten each slice.
1/2 tsp salt
NOTE: For overnight French toast, cover tightly with plastic wrap and chill
2 tsp lemon zest
for up to 8 hours. If wanting to bake the same day, allow the bread to soak
2 tbsp lemon juice 1/2 cup sugar
for 2 hours.
4
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Top the French toast with the remaining blueberries and chopped pecans. Bake until puffed and
2 tsp vanilla extract
golden brown, 45-55 minutes.
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1 cup chopped toasted pecans
To make the custard, crack the eggs into a large bowl. Whisk until smooth.
5
Remove from the oven and cool for 10 minutes. Serve with powdered sugar and maple syrup.
To serve, dust the top with pow-dered sugar and drizzle on maas ple syrup. Nothing says Christmst! morning quite like French toa
Holidays 2022 | 37
38 | Holidays 2022
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
CH RIST MA S
Cocktail Meatballs with Cranberry Sauce Total Time: 40 minutes
I love a recipe that can be an appetizer or be turned into a full meal, and these meatballs fit that bill. The meatballs are tender and full of flavor. But the real star is the sweet sticky glaze poured over the top, made from bottled or homemade barbeque sauce cooked with cranberries. The cranberries are tart but, when cooked, release pectin and thicken. The result is a sweet, tart, and sticky glaze that’s addicting. Whether these are served at a cocktail party or made for a meal, they’ll go quickly! MAKES 20 MEATBALLS
FOR THE MEATBALLS
FOR THE MEATBALLS
2 slices bread (approx. 3 oz)
1
Preheat oven to 375°F.
1/4 cup whole milk
2
In a large bowl, tear up the bread into pieces and add the milk. Mash the milk and bread together to form a paste. Add in the salt, black pepper,
1 1/2 tsp salt
grated onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and egg. Mix to combine. Add in
1 tsp black pepper 2 tbsp grated onion 1 clove garlic, minced
the ground beef and pork.
3
pletely combined and smooth. Use a scoop or spoon to make 20 1-ounce
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce 1 large egg, beaten
Use hands or an electric mixer to combine until all the ingredients are comsize balls.
4
Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium heat with 1 tbsp neutral oil. When
1 lb ground beef
the oil is hot, add the meatballs. Allow the meatballs to brown on two
1 lb ground pork
sides, about 3-5 minutes. Once browned, place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven until they reach 160°F, 15-20 minutes. While the meatballs are roasting, prepare the sauce.
FOR THE SAUCE 12 oz bottled barbecue sauce 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
FOR THE SAUCE
1
In the same skillet in which the meatballs were browned, add the barbeque sauce, marmalade, and cranberries. Over low heat, bring to a simmer.
1 cup orange marmalade
Continue to cook over a low simmer until the cranberries begin to burst and are softened, 12-15 minutes.
2
Once the meatballs are baked and fully cooked, remove them from the oven and add them to the prepared sauce. Spoon the sauce over the meatballs, coating them completely. Serve directly from the skillet or set on a platter.
Holidays 2022 | 39