6 Festive Recipes to Brighten Your December

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with delicious, easy-to-make recipes? Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply looking for something festive to enjoy, these recipes are perfect for the season. Each one uses seasonal ingredients and offers healthy alternatives for guilt-free enjoyment. Some recipes have been passed down from my family in Greece so you might wanna take it easy on the lemon;)

 Let’s get cooking!

Lemonates Patates sto Fourno 

1. Patates Ston Fourno (Greek Lemon Roasted Potatoes)

A quintessential Greek dish and personal favorite ,these roasted potatoes are infused with lemon, garlic, and oregano, making them the perfect side dish for any holiday meal. 

Tip: My mom advised me to marinate the potatoes in a bowl or ziplock bag overnight in the refrigerator before baking them. The taste will be significantly enhanced. I also usually cover the pan with parchment paper and aluminum foil while in the oven and uncover the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered

• 1/3 cup olive oil

• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 cup yellow mustard

• fresh oregano to garnish

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.

3. Toss the potatoes in the mixture and spread them evenly in a baking dish.

4. Roast for 50 min to 1h, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and uncover the last 15 min  for a golden brown color. Garnish with branches of fresh oregano and enjoy.

Healthy Alternative: Use less olive oil and substitute sweet potatoes for a lower-carb, nutrient-dense option. Sometimes I mix yellow with sweet potatoes. I love the sweet lemony taste of the sweet potato

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Mosxari Giouvetsi

2. Instant Pot Mosxari Giouvetsi (Beef with Orzo)

This hearty and traditional Greek dish combines tender beef and orzo pasta in a rich tomato-based sauce. Cooking it in an Instant Pot makes it faster without losing its comforting flavor! My family loves it.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck or stew meat, cut into chunks

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes I love to use fresh but you can substitute for 1 can of  crushed tomatoes

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for authentic Greek flavor)

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 bay leaf

• 1/2 cup dry red wine

• 4 cups beef broth or water

• 1.5 cups orzo

• 1/3 cup grated kefalotyri or parmesan cheese (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sear the Beef: Set the Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode and heat the olive oil. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then sear in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the onion to the pot and sauté until translucent (about 3 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

3. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the red wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.

4. Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, cinnamon, bay leaf, and beef broth. Return the beef to the pot.

5. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to "Pressure Cook" (or "Manual") on high for 35 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow a 10-minute natural release, then carefully quick-release the remaining pressure.

6. Cook the Orzo: Remove the lid and set the Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode. Stir in the orzo and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.

7. Let it rest for 30 min as the orzo will keep cooking

8. Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve warm, topped with grated kefalotyri or parmesan cheese if desired.

Healthy Alternative:

• Use lean beef or chicken to reduce fat content.

• Skip the cheese for a dairy-free option.

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Carrot Fennel Soup

3. Fennel Carrot Soup

Light, refreshing, and perfect for winter, this soup combines the sweet earthiness of carrots with the delicate anise flavor of fennel. I tried this recipe last month and fell in love.

Ingredients:

• 1 large fennel bulb, sliced

• 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped

• 1 onion, chopped

• 3 cups vegetable broth

• 1/2 cup coconut milk (optional)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Fennel fronds, topping (optional)

• Chopped almonds for taste (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté fennel, carrots, and onion until softened (about 10 minutes).

2. Add vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until carrots are tender.

3. Blend the soup until smooth. Stir in cream or coconut milk for added richness and season with salt, pepper, fennel fonds and chopped almonds. I also love to squeeze some lemon here :)

Healthy Alternative: Skip the coconut milk to reduce calories.

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Kourabiedes

 4. Kourabiedes (Greek Butter Cookies)

These buttery, almond-flavored cookies dusted in powdered sugar are a holiday classic in Greece. It is impossible to only have one. My mother in law used to make a bunch of them and give them to her friends during this time of the year. I remember her big dining table being full of beautifully decorated trays of them. Hers were the best!!!!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/4 tsp almond extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and almond extracts.

3. Gradually mix in flour and almonds. Form small balls or crescent shapes.

4. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes. Cool, then coat in powdered sugar.

Healthy Alternative: Swap half the butter with coconut oil and use almond flour to make them gluten-free. Dust lightly with powdered sugar instead of coating.

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Gingerbread Cookies

 5. Classic Gingerbread Cookies 

My son’s favorite we have been making those since he was 3 years old

These cookies are fun to bake, decorate, and share with loved ones.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 2 tsp ground ginger

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

• 1/4 tsp cloves

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 cup molasses

• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, spices, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat butter, sugar, and molasses. Add the egg.

3. Gradually mix in dry ingredients. Chill dough for 30 minutes.

4. Roll out dough, cut shapes, and bake for 8-10 minutes. Decorate as desired.

Healthy Alternative: Use whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar by substituting with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative like monk fruit.

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Date Peanut butter Chocolate Bark

 6. Date Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Bark (super easy and a personal favorite)

This bark is a healthier take on a classic holiday treat. Packed with natural sweetness and rich flavor, it’s perfect for gifting or snacking!

Ingredients:

• 8 oz dark chocolate, melted

• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

• 6-8 Medjool dates, pitted and chopped

• 1/4 cup crushed nuts (almonds, pistachios, or walnuts work great)

• Sea salt for garnish

Instructions:

1. Take a  parchment paper.

2. Take the pit of the dates and line them on the parchment sheet open. 

3. Cover them  with  a second parchment paper and roll them out with a rolling pin. 

4. Remove only the top parchment paper and place the flat dates into a baking sheet

5. Pour  peanut butter over the dates and spread it out 

6.  Pour melted dark chocolate on top of the peanut butter 

7. Add crushed nuts evenly over the top.

8. Garnish with a light sprinkle of sea salt.

9. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or until set. Break into pieces and enjoy!

Healthy Alternative: Use tahini instead of peanut butter for a Mediterranean twist and lower the sugar content by reducing the number of dates/ I also substitute the dates for bananas. Just cut them up and create small sections on bark (eat frozen)  yum

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With these healthy alternatives, you can enjoy the festive spirit without compromising your wellness goals.

Which of these recipes will you try? Share your creations on social media and tag me @xplorefit_wellness_retreats —I’d love to see your holiday magic!

With Love,

Katerina