My Best Make Ahead Christmas Recipes

When the holiday season is in full swing, the last thing you want to worry about is spending all your time in the kitchen. That’s why I’ve put together a collection of my best make-ahead Christmas recipes to help you spend less time cooking and more time making memories with your loved ones. From delicious mains to decadent desserts, these recipes will allow you to prepare ahead of time and simply enjoy the festivities when the time comes. One of my personal favorites is a recipe for Cranberry Orange Almond Granola – a delightful mix of flavors and textures that is perfect for a quick and nutritious breakfast or a thoughtful homemade gift.

Title: Cranberry Orange Almond Granola

Ingredients:
– 3 cups old-fashioned oats
– 1 cup sliced almonds
– 1 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Zest of 1 orange
– Pinch of salt

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, sliced almonds, and dried cranberries. Stir to evenly distribute the ingredients.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, orange zest, and salt until well combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and mix until everything is well coated.
5. Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, pressing it down slightly to form an even layer.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the granola is golden brown and crisp.
7. Remove from the oven and let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet.
8. Once cooled, break the granola into clusters of your desired size.
9. Store the Cranberry Orange Almond Granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks or freeze for longer storage.

This Cranberry Orange Almond Granola is not only a wonderful treat for yourself but can also be a thoughtful gift for friends and family during the holiday season. You can enjoy it as a topping for yogurt, a snack on its own, or even as a festive addition to ice cream or baked goods. The combination of tart cranberries, sweet honey, and zesty orange creates a delicious medley of flavors that will surely bring warmth to your home this Christmas. Prepare a batch ahead of time, and you’ll have a versatile and tasty option ready whenever you need it.