Holiday Cookin' Archives | https://thisfarmwife.com/category/recipes/holiday-cookin/ Cooking, farm life, recipes Sat, 03 Jan 2026 00:41:28 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.5 Hot Ham and Cheese Rolls Recipe https://thisfarmwife.com/hot-ham-and-cheese-rolls-recipe/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hot-ham-and-cheese-rolls-recipe Wed, 24 Dec 2025 17:01:03 +0000 https://thisfarmwife.com/?p=1721 These rolls are going to be your new best friend! Perfect as a pair for soup or served alone as a quick, easy meal or perfect handheld appetizer. These can’t be beat with a stick, y’all! Let me know what you think. Happy cookin’! xx, mb

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These rolls are going to be your new best friend! Perfect as a pair for soup or served alone as a quick, easy meal or perfect handheld appetizer. These can’t be beat with a stick, y’all! Let me know what you think. Happy cookin’! xx, mb

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Hot Ham and Cheese Rolls

Author Meredith Bernard

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 stick butter (ie. ½ cup)
  • 3 tbsp mustard
  • 3 tbsp poppy seeds
  • 1 small onion, chopped fine
  • 1 tsp worcestershire sauce
  • 1 pack small pepperidge farm or Hawaiian rolls
  • 8-10 slices deli ham
  • 8-10 slices cheese (swiss, provolone, mozzarella, etc.)

Instructions

  • Combine first five ingredients on stove. Once butter is melted, turn off heat.
  • Cut rolls in half, place on large sheet of foil and spread butter mixture evenly on both halves of rolls.
  • Layer meat and cheese on one side of rolls and top with other half.
  • Wrap rolls in foil and bake at 400 for 10-15 minutes, until heated through.
  • Carefully remove from oven, uncover and cut rolls completely for easy handling. (I like to use a large serrated bread knife for cutting them.)
  • Enjoy!

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So Easy, So Good Cranberry Apple Bake https://thisfarmwife.com/so-easy-so-good-cranberry-apple-bake/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=so-easy-so-good-cranberry-apple-bake Tue, 23 Dec 2025 02:17:10 +0000 https://thisfarmwife.com/?p=1708 Look no further for your new favorite festive side dish! This cranberry apple bake pairs well with any main dish. It’s not only delicious, it’s pretty to boot, AND it will make your house smell good enough to eat. This is the perfect side for Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s. Make it and get ready […]

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Look no further for your new favorite festive side dish! This cranberry apple bake pairs well with any main dish. It’s not only delicious, it’s pretty to boot, AND it will make your house smell good enough to eat. This is the perfect side for Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s. Make it and get ready for rave reviews. Happy cooking, y’all!

apple cranberry bake
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Cranberry Apple Bake

Author Meredith Bernard

Ingredients

  • 3 cups apples chopped
  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 2 tbsp flour (all purpose)
  • 1 cup sugar

Topping

  • 3 packages instant oatmeal (cinnamon, apple spice, etc.)
  • 3/4 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup melted butter

Instructions

  • Toss fruit with flour to coat, then with sugar.
  • Combing topping ingredients well and spread evenly over fruit mixture.
  • Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.

Notes

This may be made with non-packaged oatmeal instead. If so, use ¾ cup instant oatmeal + 1 tsp cinnamon.
It’s possible to substitute blueberries for cranberries. If so, reduce sugar a little.
If you leave out the nuts, you may need to reduce the amount of butter.
Consider garnishing with pecans and cranberries.

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Almost Homemade Stuffing / Dressed Up Dressing https://thisfarmwife.com/almost-homemade-stuffing/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=almost-homemade-stuffing Wed, 26 Nov 2025 14:31:41 +0000 https://thisfarmwife.com/?p=1676 Confession: I’ve never made stuffing before until I threw this together. Confession 2: I was not sure if it would be fit to serve to humans or if it would be the dog’s supper. Confession 3: It was really good and I’d make it again, so I’m sharing with you. If you need a super […]

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Confession: I’ve never made stuffing before until I threw this together. Confession 2: I was not sure if it would be fit to serve to humans or if it would be the dog’s supper. Confession 3: It was really good and I’d make it again, so I’m sharing with you. If you need a super easy “dressed-up” dressing, this works! And while close may only count in horseshoes and hand grenades, this recipe is close enough to homemade to claim that if you want (I won’t tell if you don’t.) Happy cooking, y’all!

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*Almost* Homemade Stuffing (Dressed Up Dressing)

Author Meredith Bernard

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 box stuffing mix
  • ½ small onion diced
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 3 tbsp melted butter
  • 1/2 lb sausage (breakfast or italian) cooked and crumbled

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350.
  • Saute onion, celery and garlic in some butter (additional to 3 tbsp listed) until soft. About 5 minutes.
  • Pour stuffing mix, egg, veggie mix and chicken broth into greased casserole dish and mix well. Drizzle melted butter over top.
  • Cook 30 minutes covered with foil. Uncover and bake another 10 minutes to brown top. Watch it so it doesn't burn.
  • Enjoy!

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Sweet Potato Casserole https://thisfarmwife.com/sweet-potato-casserole/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sweet-potato-casserole Thu, 16 Nov 2023 13:05:21 +0000 https://thisfarmwife.com/?p=1082 My mom made this every Thanksgiving and it’s become a staple for me to bring to our family get together. The recipe resides in a thirty-year old cookbook from my childhood church, complete with stains and tears and all the things that make old cookbook recipes just taste better. Recipe credit goes to my “second […]

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My mom made this every Thanksgiving and it’s become a staple for me to bring to our family get together. The recipe resides in a thirty-year old cookbook from my childhood church, complete with stains and tears and all the things that make old cookbook recipes just taste better. Recipe credit goes to my “second mother” growing up, Sharon Lawrence. Just opening the cookbook every fall to make this recipe brings back memories like no other. If you need a tried and true sweet potato casserole recipe, this one’s for you! Enjoy. xx, m

sweetpotato casserole
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Sweet Potato Casserole

Course Dessert, Side Dish
Keyword dessert, potato, side dish, sweet, sweetpotato
Servings 8
Author Meredith Bernard

Ingredients

  • 4-6 sweetpotatoes (enough to make 4 cups)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 tsp½ salt
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 eggs slightly beaten

Topping

  • 1 cup pecans, chopped fine
  • 1/3 cup butter, melted
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup All Purpose flour

Instructions

Filling

  • With mixer, mix all ingredients together well and pour into casserole dish.

Topping

  • Mix together well and sprinkle over the top of potatoes. Bake 30 minutes at 325 degrees.

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Granny’s Best German Chocolate Cake https://thisfarmwife.com/grannys-best-german-chocolate-cake/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=grannys-best-german-chocolate-cake Fri, 18 Aug 2023 15:17:28 +0000 https://thisfarmwife.com/?p=1024 My son wanted German Chocolate cake for his birthday and while I’ve never made one, I knew just the person to teach me. It felt like my Granny was in the kitchen with my daughter and I as we followed her hand-written instructions. I’m fairly certain she got a few laughs up in Heaven, but […]

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My son wanted German Chocolate cake for his birthday and while I’ve never made one, I knew just the person to teach me. It felt like my Granny was in the kitchen with my daughter and I as we followed her hand-written instructions. I’m fairly certain she got a few laughs up in Heaven, but hopefully she was proud in the end.

What’s your favorite dessert your Granny or special person made you?

german chocolate cake; mother and son; cooking; baking
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Granny’s Best German Chocolate Cake

My Granny Grace made the best everything – including this classic german chocolate cake.
Author Meredith Bernard

Ingredients

  • 1 pkg German Sweet Chocoloate (4 oz)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 cups cake flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 2 sticks butter
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 4 egg whites

German Chocolate Frosting

  • 1 can pet milk (12 oz.)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 stick butter
  • 1 ½ – 2 cups chopped pecans (or walnuts)
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 7 oz. Angel flake coconut (sweetened)

Instructions

  • Mix German chocolate with ½ cup boiling water, set aside. Cream sugar & butter until smooth. Add egg yolks to mixture. Add soda and salt to sifted flour. Begin adding flour and buttermilk alternately to butter mixture, starting and ending with flour. Then add German chocolate mixture. Beat egg whites and fold into cake batter. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Use 3, 9” cake pans greased and floured. 

Frosting

  • Melt sugar, milk and butter together in saucepan over medium high heat until begins to thicken. Add egg yolks and stir until thick and light brown. (10-15 minutes). Take off heat, add vanilla, coconut and pecans. Stir and cool before putting on cool cake layers. 

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Breakfast Sausage Casserole https://thisfarmwife.com/breakfast-sausage-casserole/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=breakfast-sausage-casserole Tue, 27 Dec 2022 22:38:56 +0000 https://thisfarmwife.com/?p=899 I’m not a big casserole person, but sometimes a good casserole just fits the bill. I knew this year I wanted something easy, yummy and filling for Christmas morning – that didn’t require me spending an hour in the kitchen in-between the fury of kids unwrapping presents and going to feed livestock. I knew I […]

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I’m not a big casserole person, but sometimes a good casserole just fits the bill. I knew this year I wanted something easy, yummy and filling for Christmas morning – that didn’t require me spending an hour in the kitchen in-between the fury of kids unwrapping presents and going to feed livestock. I knew I wanted a Breakfast Sausage Casserole, and what I made ended up being the perfect concoction. So perfect, in fact, my husband said, “Make sure you write this down, it’s the best you’ve ever made.” (Never mind it’s only the second I’ve ever made.) So here you go. Easy. Yummy. Filling. And I dare say would be good for any morning or special occasion or even weeknight for that matter. Just make it. And enjoy. The end.

Christmas Morning Casserole
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Breakfast Sausage Casserole

I'm not a big casserole person, but sometimes a good casserole just fits the bill. So here you go. Easy. Yummy. Filling. And I dare say would be good for any morning or special occasion or even weeknight for that matter. Enjoy!
Servings 1
Author Meredith Bernard

Ingredients

  • 1 lb loose sausage,  browned 
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup half and half
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups tater tots 

Instructions

  • Combine eggs and half and half. 
  • Add cooked sausage, 1 cup cheese and tater tots.
  • Pour into greased casserole dish and top with remaining cheese.
  • Cook at 350 for 30-45 minutes until bubbly around edges and slightly brown. 
  • To make ahead, follow all directions up until cooking and refrigerate. 

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Festive Cran-Apple Crunch Pie https://thisfarmwife.com/festive-cran-apple-crunch-pie/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=festive-cran-apple-crunch-pie Wed, 23 Nov 2022 01:22:25 +0000 https://thisfarmwife.com/?p=883 Need an easy-to-make, even easier-to-devour pie for the holidays? (Or any day?) I got you! This *slightly* healthier take on a Keebler inspired recipe lasted 5 minutes the last time I made it for dessert. I’ll always take that as a win since it wasn’t lying around tempting me to keep eating it for days. […]

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Need an easy-to-make, even easier-to-devour pie for the holidays? (Or any day?) I got you! This *slightly* healthier take on a Keebler inspired recipe lasted 5 minutes the last time I made it for dessert. I’ll always take that as a win since it wasn’t lying around tempting me to keep eating it for days. 😅 Chances are you have most of the ingredients in your pantry and if you don’t chances are a quick trip to the store to get them will be worth it! Ok, go get your crunch on. 😋

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Festive Cran-Apple Crunch Pie

A delicous combination of apples and cranberry with a sweet crunchy topping hugged by a shortbread crust. Hurry and make this!
Servings 6
Author Meredith Bernard

Ingredients

  • 1 Keebler Shortbread Ready Pie Crust
  • 1 can Whole Cranberry Sauce
  • 1 can Fried Apples I used Sweet Harvest fried apples with cinnamon. You can also use apple pie filling if you'd like it less runny or drain the fried apples.
  • ¼ cup butter
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup all purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp corn starch
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ cup chopped pecans
  • 1 tbsp egg whites or 1 egg yolk

Instructions

  • Pre-heat oven to 375. Brush pie crust with egg yolk (or whites) and bake for 5 minutes.
  • Remove from oven, combine cranberry sauce, apples, nutmeg, and cornstarch and spread in pre-baked pie crust.
  • Mix flour, melted butter, pecans and sprinkle over top of pie filling.
  • Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly around edges.
  • Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream and serve hot. 

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Sweetpotato Hand Pies https://thisfarmwife.com/sweet-potato-hand-pies/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sweet-potato-hand-pies https://thisfarmwife.com/sweet-potato-hand-pies/#comments Sun, 23 May 2021 11:46:40 +0000 https://meredithbernar.wpengine.com/?p=30 Take dessert to a new high with these fried hand pies!

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One of my favorite treats growing up was my Granny Grace’s fried “apple jacks” which were basically fried apple hand pies. This recipe is my twist on this childhood favorite – but with sweet potatoes! I’ve included directions for baking and frying (but honestly if you have the slightest inclination, you’ve got to try these fried. And you might want to make two batches, because they disappear quickly.) If you want to really take them over the top, you could sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top when you take out of skillet and then serve warm with vanilla ice cream. WHOAH NELLIE.

Be sure to check out NCSWEETPOTATOES.com for all the fun facts and more amazing recipes for this orange super food. They really are the most a-peeling. (No extra charge for that pun.) Ok, go get your taters on!

Go to the 12:42 mark in video below to see how I make these!

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Sweetpotato Hand Pies

Author Meredith Bernard

Ingredients

  • 2 medium sweetpotatoes
  • 2 tbsp butter softened
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ cup sugar
  • Splash of vanilla
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 Pillsbury pie crusts softened

Instructions

  • Cook sweet potatoes until tender. (Boil, bake or microwave).
  • Peel and mash.
  • Blend mashed sweet potatoes with other ingredients in a bowl. You can use a mixer. I prefer a wooden spoon.
  • Soften two pillsbury pie crusts (or make homemade if that suits you!)
  • Cut out 3” circles with cookie or biscuit cutter (or a drinking glass. Use what you’ve got!) Roll out to 3 ½” (with a rolling pin…or glass.)
  • Place 2 tbsp filling in middle of each circle.
  • Moisten fingertips with water and rub edges to create a better seal, fold over filling and pat together with fingers, then crimp edges with a fork.
  • Fry or Bake:
  • Fry in 350 vegetable oil or crisco ½” deep (no less temperature or they will be soggy) flipping when browned on bottom side (2-3 min.) and remove when brown on bottom again.
  • Bake in 425 degree oven 12-15 min or until light golden brown.
  • Serve warm alone or with vanilla ice cream.

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Perfect Pineapple Cheese Ball https://thisfarmwife.com/pineapple-cheese-ball/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pineapple-cheese-ball https://thisfarmwife.com/pineapple-cheese-ball/#comments Sun, 20 Dec 2020 13:12:29 +0000 https://meredithbernar.wpengine.com/?p=43 Getting cheesy and having a ball…

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Pineapple Cheese Ball Appetizer Recipe

In true fashion, I’m keeping it *cheesy* here today. There’s a few things I make every Christmas because my mom made them every Christmas. One is peanut butter balls and the other is this pineapple cheese ball. (All the balls y’all.) And before you say “eww gross” (if you did), you need to try it. Because I promise you it’s amazing and I’m not here to steer you wrong, and you need this in your life, so you’re welcome.   See video below for how I make it and get rollin’!

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Pineapple Cheese Ball Appetizer Recipe
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Perfect Pineapple Cheese Ball

Author Meredith Bernard

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 8 oz. packages cream cream cheese
  • 2 tbsp. green pepper finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp. onion finely chopped
  • 2 tsp. seasoned salt
  • ¼ c. crushed pineapple drained well
  • 1 ½ c. pecans chopped (3/4 c. inside, 3/4 c. outside)

Instructions

  • Blend all ingredients into a ball (or two), roll in pecans and chill. Serve with crackers (like ritz, if you want to be *fancy* like me. )

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Best Sweetpotato Pie https://thisfarmwife.com/best-sweetpotato-pie/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=best-sweetpotato-pie https://thisfarmwife.com/best-sweetpotato-pie/#comments Fri, 08 May 2020 15:57:45 +0000 https://meredithbernar.wpengine.com/?p=68 This recipe is as near as near and dear to me as sweet potatoes are to my home state, North Carolina. My mom made the best sweet potato pies and in honor of Mother’s Day and the awesome mom she was, I’m sharing her sweet potato pie recipe with y’all! If you’ve never made or […]

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sweet potato pie recipe this farm wife

This recipe is as near as near and dear to me as sweet potatoes are to my home state, North Carolina. My mom made the best sweet potato pies and in honor of Mother’s Day and the awesome mom she was, I’m sharing her sweet potato pie recipe with y’all! If you’ve never made or had sweet potato pie…what are you waiting for?! Also be sure to check out ncsweetpotatoes.com for more information on these little orange gems and find more great recipes. And stay tuned, I’ll be sharing more ways to cook them on here, as well! Now go get your sweet on!

Watch below to see how easy (and fun) they are to make.

sweet potato pie recipe this farm wife
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Best Sweetpotato Pie

Author Meredith Bernard

Ingredients

  • 2 c. 4-5 medium sweetpotatoes
  • 3 c. sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • ¾ cup whole milk or canned evaporated milk (NOT sweetened condensed
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice
  • 1 stick butter
  • 2 unbaked deep dish pie crusts

Instructions

  • Pre-Heat oven to 350 degrees
  • Boil potatoes until fork tender, drain and peel
  • Mix all ingredients in stand mixer (or with hand-mixer)
  • Pour into pie crusts
  • Bake for 55-60 minutes until firm
  • Top with whipped cream

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