Cat Cora's Holiday Recipes Made Simple
Party Like a Pro
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).
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Cocktails
Ouzotini
Ingredients:
Pineapple juice, ouzo, vodka, lime juice, sugar
Calories: 188
Try this recipe:Ouzotini
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Grasshopper
Ingredients:
Bittersweet chocolate, corn syrup, clear crème de menthe, white-chocolate liqueur, vanilla-infused vodka, mint
Calories: 306
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Royal Gin and Tonic
Ingredients:
Lime wedge, gin, tonic water, Champagne
Calories: 308
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The Big O
Ingredients:
Vodka, simple syrup or agave nectar, lime juice, ginger beer, crystallized ginger
Calories: 157
Try this recipe:The Big O
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Savory apps
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
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Leek and Broccoli Tartlets With Pancetta
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
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Grilled Shrimp and Citrus Skewers
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
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Basque Beef Tenderloin Crostini
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
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Desserts
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
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Honey-Dipped Cookies
Ingredients:
Sugar, honey, lemon juice, shortbread cookies, pistachios, wax paper–lined plate
Calories: 161
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Red Velvet Cupcakes With Coconut
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
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Peanut Butter Blondies
Ingredients:
Butter, creamy peanut butter, sugar, light-brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, flour, baking powder, salt, cooking spray, peanuts.
Calories: 273
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Cheese
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
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Stuffed Medjool Dates
Ingredients:
Medjool dates, almonds, Gorgonzola
Calories: 35
Try this recipe:Stuffed Medjool Dates
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Baked Brie With Honey
Ingredients:
Brie, seedless grapes, apple, dried figs, honey
Calories: 135
Try this recipe:Baked Brie With Honey