Sitting down with family or friends to revel in classic holiday foods and old family recipes is a time-honored tradition that often creates some of the most magical holiday moments. For many, the dishes on the table form more than just a meal — they relight childhood nostalgia, connect us to loved ones and create new memories. 

This season, we asked notable Garfield County community members to share some of their favorite holiday recipes, whether they’re the result of a longtime family tradition or a newly-found favorite. We hope these dishes inspire you to add a little something new to your own holiday menu. Enjoy! 

Cranberry Ginger Relish

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Provided by Mayor Ingrid Wussow, City of Glenwood Springs

“Both gluten free and raw, (this family favorite) may easily qualify as the healthiest side dish on our holiday table,” Wussow told the Post Independent.

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Ingredients:

2 bags fresh cranberries

1 to 1 ½ cups cane sugar (adjust to preference)

1 organic orange, cleaned and deseeded 

⅓ cup peeled and grated ginger

Instructions:

After scrubbing the orange peel, cut the fruit into small sections.

In a food processor, pulse the orange sections, cranberries and ginger, slowly adding sugar until your preferred sweetness is achieved. Stop occasionally to scrape down the side and continue to pulse until the consistency is even.

Chill for at least 24 hours prior to serving — the flavors enhance as they sit. 

Classic Pecan Pie

Provided by Board of Trustees Member Kim Ingelhart, City of Silt

Written by Andrea Albin for Epicurious.com. Originally printed in the November 2009 issue of ‘Gourmet’ as Old-Fashioned Pecan Pie.

“The dish that everyone seems to ask me to make, year after year, is my pecan pie,” Ingelhart said. “It’s actually just the ‘Classic Pecan Pie’ recipe from Epicurious.com. A true classic. Bring lots of whipped cream.”

Ingredients: 

1 disk of pastry dough

¾ stick unsalted butter

1¼ cups light brown sugar

¾ cup light corn syrup

2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

½ tsp. finely grated orange zest

¼ tsp. kosher salt

3 large eggs

2 cups pecans, halved

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place a baking sheet on the middle rack.

Roll out the pastry dough. Place dough into a 9-inch pie pan and trim, leaving a ½-inch overhang. Fold overhang under, press against the rim of the pie pan then crimp. Prick bottom with a fork and chill for at least 30 minutes until firm. 

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the light brown sugar and whisk until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in corn syrup, vanilla, orange zest and salt. Beat eggs and whisk into mixture. 

Put pecans into unbaked pie shell and pour the sugar mixture on top. Bake on hot baking sheet for 50 minutes to an hour, until the filling is set. Cool completely and serve.

Cranberry Brie Bites

Provided by Ingelhart

Written by Lauren Miyashiro for Delish.com

“Cranberry Brie Bites are also a favorite,” Ingelhart said. “This one’s more modern, and you can make exactly the right amount for the crowd you want to feed.”

Ingredients: 

8-oz. tube crescent dough

8-oz. wheel of brie

½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce

¼ cup chopped roasted unsalted pecans

six 1 inch sprigs fresh rosemary

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray. Roll out dough and pinch seams together. Cut into 24 squares and place into tin.

Cut brie into small pieces and place inside dough. Top with cranberry sauce, pecans, and rosemary sprig.

Bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Banana Pudding

Provided by Ray Alexander, Roaring Fork Road and Weather Facebook page administrator

“When I think of the holidays, I think of desserts. Growing up this is what my mom made every year,” Alexander said.

Ingredients:

2 cups cold milk

5 oz. instant vanilla pudding

14 oz. sweetened condensed milk

1 tablespoon vanilla

12 oz. frozen Cool Whip (thawed)

16 oz. package vanilla wafers

6-8 bananas

Instructions:

Whisk milk and instant pudding for two minutes. 

Add condensed milk, vanilla and Cool Whip and stir until blended.

Layer with wafers and sliced bananas in a glass bowl. Chill for at least an hour and top with wafer crumbs. 

Peanut Butter Kisses 

Provided by Mayor Sean Strode, City of Rifle

“These are one of my favorites!” Strode told the Post Independent. “If you like peanut butter and chocolate combined, I strongly recommend making a double batch. You can make it even more festive if you use Hershey’s Candy Cane kisses.”

Ingredients:

1 cup shortening

1 cup peanut butter

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 ½ cups white sugar

2 large eggs

¼ cup milk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 bags Hersey’s kisses

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease or line cookie sheets.

Mix shortening, peanut butter, brown sugar, and 1 cup white sugar together in a large bowl until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in milk and vanilla.

Combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir into peanut butter mixture until blended.

Shape dough into balls and roll in remaining 1/2 cup white sugar. Place cookies on the cookie sheet.

Bake for 10-12 minutes. Remove from the oven and immediately press a chocolate kiss into each cookie. Let cool.