Here are a few recipes to add to cheerful holiday celebrations. Whether to serve at a party, for friends or just yourself, these winter foods are the perfect companion to a cold and joyful winter day.

Winter Apple Crumble

Ingredients:

4 apples

½ cup oatmeal (optional)

2 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp vanilla extract

1 cup flour

1 cup sugar

1 stick of butter (8 tsp)

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp cloves

Steps:

1. Set oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, and grease a 9 by 12 by 3 pan.
2. Dice apples to small ½ inch cubes, peeling is unnecessary (should fill ¾ of the pan).
3. Toss apples around in pan along with lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves until evenly covered.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour and sugar. Melt the butter completely and add to the mixture. Using hands or a fork, mix the ingredients until the butter has formed small chunks along with the flour and sugar. If wanted, fold in the oatmeal to the mixture.
5. Lay the butter mixture on top of the apples, creating an even layer.
6. Bake for one hour or until top is golden. Serve with vanilla ice cream.

Traditional Hot Cocoa

Yields 1 cup

Ingredients:

3/4 cup milk

¼ cup heavy cream

2 tbsp of 100% cocoa powder

2 tbsp sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Steps:

1. Heat the milk over medium heat and bring just to before a boil.
2. Turn to low heat, add cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla, salt and cinnamon, stir until well blended.
3. Transfer to mug and add heavy cream to cool it down, and give it a creamy texture.
4. Top with whipped cream and marshmallows and crushed peppermints if a peppermint flavor is wanted.

Pizza Toast

Ingredients:

2 slices white bread

2 tbsp marinara sauce

½ Mozzarella cheese

Pizza toppings i.e. pepperoni, olives, basil

Butter as needed

Steps:

1. Spread marinara sauce on one side of the white bread.
2. Drizzle with Mozzarella cheese, and layer with pizza toppings.
3. Put second bread on top, and butter both sides.
4. Cook like a grilled cheese in a pan on medium high heat or in a grilled cheese maker.