Cat Cora's Holiday Recipes Made Simple

Wow friends and family with the ultimate seasonal soirée, Cat Cora style."When I throw a party, I definitely want to be able to mingle—rather than being stuck in the kitchen," Cora says. Prep and plate these drinks, apps, desserts and cheeses ahead of time, and rely on snacks like Marcona almonds or marinated olives to bulk up the buffet.

"Simple-themed parties cut down the prep and planning," Cora says. However it cooks up, a get-together starring her effortlessly elegant recipes lets you relax and enjoy your guests’ company (which, after all, is the most delicious part).

Ouzotini

Ingredients:

Pineapple juice, ouzo, vodka, lime juice, sugar

Calories: 188

Try this recipe:Ouzotini

Ingredients:

Bittersweet chocolate, corn syrup, clear crème de menthe, white-chocolate liqueur, vanilla-infused vodka, mint

Calories: 306

Try this recipe:Grasshopper

Ingredients:

Lime wedge, gin, tonic water, Champagne

Calories: 308

Try this recipe:Royal Gin and Tonic

Ingredients:

Vodka, simple syrup or agave nectar, lime juice, ginger beer, crystallized ginger

Calories: 157

Try this recipe:The Big O

Smoked Salmon Rillettes and Dilled Yogurt

Ingredients:

Smoked salmon, red onion, chives, capers, light mayonnaise, cream cheese or crème fraÎche, lemon juice, ground black pepper, plain low-fat Greek yogurt, dill, pumpernickel bread

Calories: 103

Try this recipe:Smoked Salmon Rillettes and Dilled Yogurt

Ingredients:

Butter, leek, white and light green parts, yellow onion, large egg, light cream, nutmeg, kosher salt, ground pepper, blanched broccoli rabe florets, pancetta, rebaked miniature phyllo shells

Calories: 37

Try this recipe:Leek and Broccoli Tartlets With Pancetta

Ingredients:

Orange zest, chili powder, sea salt, shrimp, bell peppers, orange, lemon, jarred romesco sauce

Calories: 134

Try this recipe:Grilled Shrimp and Citrus Skewers

Ingredients:

Orange zest, chili powder, sea salt, beef tenderloin, olive oil, French baguette, Green Sauce (see below) and additional herbs

Basque-Style Green Sauce

Ingredients: chopped garlic cloves, bay leaves, jalapeños, sea salt, sherry vinegar, parsley leaves, fresh oregano leaves, basil leaves, extra-virgin olive oil.

Calories: 195

Try these recipes:Basque Beef Tenderloin Crostini, Basque-Style Green Sauce

Grand Marnier Pistachio Truffles

Ingredients:

Unsalted butter, light corn syrup, heavy cream, semisweet chocolate, Grand Marnier, pistachios, orange zest

Calories: 157

Try this recipe:Grand Marnier Pistachio Truffles

Ingredients:

Sugar, honey, lemon juice, shortbread cookies, pistachios, wax paper–lined plate

Calories: 161

Try this recipe:Honey-Dipped Cookies

Ingredients:

All-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cocoa powder, vegetable oil, low-fat buttermilk, egg, red food coloring, vanilla extract, white distilled vinegar, store-bought cream cheese frosting, dried sweetened shredded coconut, raspberries

Calories: 104

Try this recipe:Red Velvet Cupcakes With Coconut

Ingredients:

Butter, creamy peanut butter, sugar, light-brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, flour, baking powder, salt, cooking spray, peanuts.

Calories: 273

Try this recipe:Peanut Butter Blondies

Mediterranean Skewers With Bloody Mary Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

Vodka, Worcestershire sauce, celery hearts, kosher salt, ground black pepper, Bocconcini, grape tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and kalamata olives, hot sauce, horseradish, extra-virgin olive oil

Calories: 157

Try this recipe:Mediterranean Skewers With Bloody Mary Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

Medjool dates, almonds, Gorgonzola

Calories: 35

Try this recipe:Stuffed Medjool Dates

Ingredients:

Brie, seedless grapes, apple, dried figs, honey

Calories: 135

Try this recipe:Baked Brie With Honey