Holidays Archives - Cooking with Cassandra

Asparagus Puff Pastry Bundles

So, here is my recipe for fresh asparagus with puff pastry, a lovely side dish for any dinner party. I’ll be honest: it doesn’t look like much at first, and it’s definitely not as tantalizing as a colorful berry salad. But don’t be fooled, one bite into this asparagus with puff pastry and you’ll be amazed: glazed with honey, oozing with the best cheese mixture, and simply robust asparagus, this is definitely going to be one of the most memorable dishes you’ll ever have. It is very similar to cheesy asparagus tarts, except this one has already been apportioned and is shaped...

Easy Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

Fully glazed brown sugar ham sliced and served with orange slices and rosemary on a white platter.

Looking for the perfect holiday ham that’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and guaranteed to impress your guests? This Easy Brown Sugar Glazed Ham recipe is everything you need and more. It’s sweet, savory, juicy, and has the yummiest sticky glaze with hints of garlic, orange, and warm spices. Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or a cozy Sunday dinner, this ham will be the star of the table. And yes—it's so much better than the store-bought glaze packets. Once you try this homemade brown sugar glaze, you’ll never go back! And if you're feeling a little intimidated by cooking a whole...

Easter Sugar Cookies

Introducing the best Easter sugar cookies recipe! These soft, buttery cookies are perfect for spring baking and couldn’t be easier to make. My simple cut-out cookies come together quickly and are ideal for decorating with pastel icing and sprinkles. One of the best parts? No chill time is needed! This dough rolls out smoothly, holds its shape in the oven, and has that melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone loves. Paired with my easy icing, they’re perfect for stacking, gifting, or setting out at your Easter brunch. Don’t be intimidated by the decorating—this icing is not royal icing and is...

The Best Au Gratin Potatoes (Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe)

Golden baked au gratin potatoes made with Yukon Gold potatoes and melted Gruyère cheese in a white casserole dish.

When it comes to cheesy comfort food, Au Gratin Potatoes (or as some call them, Scalloped Potatoes) are always a winner. This recipe layers tender Yukon Golds with a creamy spiced sauce and perfectly melted Gruyère cheese for a side dish that’s rich, cozy, and just a little fancy. It’s perfect for holidays, family dinners, or anytime you want something that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. What are Au Gratin Potatoes? Au Gratin Potatoes are thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, creamy sauce with layers of melted cheese until golden and bubbly. While traditional scalloped potatoes...

The Best Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Introducing my absolute favorite mashed potatoes recipe! When it comes to comfort food, this truly is the best creamy mashed potatoes recipe you’ll ever try. These homemade potatoes are rich, buttery, packed with flavor, and incredibly easy to make. Whether served at a holiday feast or a casual family dinner, they’re always a hit. What makes these mashed potatoes so special? Yukon Gold mashed potatoes are naturally creamy and buttery, and when paired with garlic, cream cheese, whipping cream, and a touch of sea salt, the flavor is out of this world! The cream cheese adds a tangy twist,...

Soft and Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies

Looking for the perfect holiday cookie that combines warm spices, rich molasses flavor, and a texture so soft and chewy that it practically melts in your mouth? Look no further! These Soft and Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies are your answer. Packed with cozy flavors like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, this recipe is perfect for your holiday baking lineup or whenever you crave a touch of comfort. Plus, they stay fresh for days, making them ideal for cookie swaps, holiday gifts, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of tea. Recently, I featured this recipe in my Ultimate Holiday Cookie Prep Guide...

Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe

A stack of almond snowball cookies dusted with powdered sugar, with one cookie broken in half to show its soft, buttery interior.

If you’re searching for a festive, quick, and easy-to-make dessert, this Almond Snowball Cookies Recipe is the holiday treat you need! These buttery, nutty cookies are delicately coated in powdered sugar, giving them their signature "snowball" look and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. I even featured this recipe in my Winnipeg Sun article, Your Ultimate Holiday Cookie Prep Guide, where I shared all my favorite tips and must-try holiday recipes. Perfect for cookie platters, gift boxes, or as a cozy snack alongside your morning coffee, these almond cookies are sure to become a festive favorite...

Best Homemade Apple Pie Recipe

The comforting aroma of a freshly baked apple pie is pure magic. This Best Homemade Apple Pie Recipe is my go-to favorite, made entirely from scratch with simple ingredients. Juicy apple slices are perfectly spiced and baked inside a golden, flaky crust that delivers a crisp contrast to the soft, tender filling—no mushy apples, no soggy bottoms, just a foolproof apple pie every time. What makes this pie truly special are the caramelized cinnamon-spiced filling that peeks through our easy lattice crust, creating tall, picture-perfect slices. Each bite is packed with nostalgic, comforting...

The Best Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe with Easy Icing

Introducing truly the best sugar cookie recipe! These soft and festive Christmas sugar cookies are perfect for holiday baking and a must-have in your seasonal collection. My simple cut-out cookies come together quickly and are ideal for decorating with your favorite icing designs. One of the best parts? No chill time is needed! Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth, and quick to make, this cookie dough has become a go-to for me and my family. This guide will show you how to make cookies that stay soft, hold their shape, and have a beautiful, shiny icing. Grab your favorite cookie cutters and enjoy...

Crispy Salami Bites

Looking for a quick, no-fuss appetizer that’s packed with flavor? These Crispy Salami Bites have you covered! With a crispy, savory base topped with feta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you're hosting a party, prepping game day snacks, or adding something unique to a holiday charcuterie board, this easy recipe is guaranteed to impress! One of the best things about this appetizer is that it takes only 20 minutes from start to finish! It’s quick, easy to make, and the perfect cute addition to any spread. I always get compliments...

Homemade All Butter Pie Crust Recipe

Close-up of a golden, flaky lattice pie crust made with homemade all-butter dough, sprinkled lightly with sugar crystals before baking.

When it comes to baking the perfect pie, it all starts with the crust. This All Butter Pie Crust Recipe is my go-to, foolproof recipe that delivers amazing results every time. It’s easy to roll out and creates a flaky, buttery crust that enhances any filling, from sweet apple or pumpkin to savory pot pies. Unsalted butter adds a rich, irresistible taste that shortening or other fats just can’t match. Made with simple ingredients, this crust is a baker’s best friend, whether you’re a beginner or an expert. If the thought of making homemade pie crust feels overwhelming, don’t worry—I’m here...

The Best Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

You're going to love this pumpkin cake as much as I do! It's a super moist, single-layer pumpkin cake with the creamiest cream cheese frosting—perfect for fall gatherings like Thanksgiving or a cozy weekend at home. The pumpkin makes the cake irresistibly soft and gives it that gorgeous orange glow. And then there’s the frosting—oh, that frosting that’s so irresistible I could eat it straight from the spoon! I’ve made this cake four times this month, and trust me, it’s that good. This recipe is foolproof, easy to whip up, and packed with real pumpkin flavor without being overwhelmed by...