Finals, finals, finals – its crunch time at Northeastern, and that means neglecting our workout regimens in exchange for Red Bull and late night Il Mondo. While this is all okay, there’s nothing better than some quality home-cooked food to share with friends before parting ways for the holiday break. Here are some fast, easy, and budget friendly recipes that are sure to please just about everyone.
Hearty Turkey Noodle Soup: This is the perfect recipe if you have any remaining turkey from thanksgiving, you can also substitute chicken or keep it vegetarian.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 40 minutes
Serves: 8
Ingredients: 3 cups vegetable stock, 3 cups water, 4 cups cooked, chopped turkey or chicken, 1 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon herbs de provence , 4 carrots peeled, chopped, 4 celery sticks, chopped, 1 cup egg noodles
Directions: Bring water and stock to a boil, add carrots and celery, let boil for 15 minutes on high, add seasonings and preferred meat, boil for 10 minutes, salt and pepper to taste, let simmer for 10 minutes, when carrots and celery are tender add noodles and let simmer for 5 minutes until cooked. Serve with warm bread and enjoy.
Cranberry Christmas Pie: This will easily be a new personal favorite. It’s such an easy recipe to make and is the perfect treat this holiday season. Recipe makes one 9-inch pie.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 45-50 minutes
Serves: 8
Ingredients:
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup white sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
2 cups fresh cranberries
½ cup chopped walnuts
½ cup butter melted
2 eggs
1 teaspoon almond extract
Directions: Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9-inch pie pan. Combine the flour, sugar and salt. Stir in fresh cranberries and walnuts and mix gently. Stir in butter, beaten eggs and almond extract. Spread batter evenly into pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Ginger Crinkles: There usually isn’t a ton of time between jobs and studying, but you’re still craving some gingerbread men during the holidays – go for this super easy substitute, which is sure to put a smile on your face.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 6-10 minutes
Makes: 30 cookies
Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
¾ cup softened butter
¼ cup molasses
1 egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ginger
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon cloves
¼ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons sugar
Directions:
Heat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, beat one cup sugar and butter with an electric mixer or slotted spoon until soft. Beat in molasses and egg, stir in remaining ingredients except three tablespoons of sugar. Place three tablespoons in a small bowl. Shape dough into small balls, roll into sugar and place onto an ungreased cookie sheet about two inches apart. Bake 6-10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and cool.
Chocolate Schnapps: What’s better than a mug of hot chocolate to bring friends together during the holidays? A mug of hot chocolate and alcohol of course. Try this recipe for a new spin on an old classic.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Makes: one serving
Ingredients:
Brewed hot chocolate
Candy canes
Bottle of peppermint schnapps
Whipped cream
Directions: Brew hot chocolate as preferred, place one halfed candy cane in bottom of mug, pour hot chocolate into mug, measure out one (or two) shots of peppermint schnapps, garnish with whipped cream. Enjoy.
Cinnamon Crepes: Pancakes are so 2012. Try these simply delicious festive treats for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Impress your friends with this easy recipe.
Ingredients: One-cup flour, 2 eggs, ½ cup milk, ½ cup water, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon cinnamon 2 tablespoons melted butter.
Directions: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and the eggs, add in the milk and water, add the salt, cinnamon and butter and beat until smooth. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each crepe. Tilt the pan with a circular motion so that the batter coats the surface evenly. Cook the crepe for about two minutes, until the bottom is light brown. Loosen with a spatula, turn and cook the other side. Serve hot with jam or Nutella, add sliced strawberries and bananas if preferred. Enjoy.
