Holiday Melodies and Munchies 🎵
Holiday Melodies and Munchies 🎵
The holidays have officially arrived when Mariah’s voice bellows “All I want for Christmas is you!” Being that festive tunes and delectable foods both play a significant part in the holiday spirit, I’m merging the two for a musical flavor explosion. The next few slides pair some of the season’s most beloved melodies with some of the most treasured seasonal meals…welcome to my Holiday Melodies and Munchies edition.
Holiday Melodies and Munchies: The Christmas Song
The Christmas Song 🎵 (Merry Christmas to You)
Nat King Cole sings this classic, which, according to stories, was written in just 45 minutes during a steamy July heat wave in an attempt to cool down by thinking of wintry things (Jack Frost, Yuletide carols, Eskimos and mistletoe). It’s often called “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire” because of its famous opening line.
This Rotisserie Chicken Lettuce Wrap is a yummy appetizer or main, and it features “water chestnuts” to keep with the theme (well, sort of, lol).
Holiday Melodies and Munchies: Let It Snow
Let it Snow 🎵
Interesting fact: This popular song contains no mention of Christmas! Instead, it talks about frightful weather, a delightful fire, warm embraces, and of course, some corn for popping. Several artists have covered the tune, but Dean Martin’s version is probably the most well-known.
For me, this song for me is all about the popcorn, which I like to enjoy snuggled up on the couch wrapped in a cozy blanket while bingeing romantic Hallmark holiday movies. I personally prefer a savory spin, so I usually pop up a batch of my Cacio e Pepe Popcorn, which features a delish mix of pepper and Romano cheese. It’s just as addictive as those Hallmark movies!
Holiday Movies and Munchies: It’s Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas
It’s Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas 🎵
This Perry Como hit (re-recorded by Bing Crosby and Johnny Mathis, among others), written by Meredith Wilson, details a town, possibly in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia or the song writer’s hometown, Mason City Iowa, getting ready for the holiday season. The lyrics go “Take a look at the five and ten, it’s glistening once again, with candy canes and silver lanes that glow.” The song sets the scene of a town bustling with holiday spirit.
I sometimes use candy canes in my holiday recipes as an accent, for their minty, fresh flavor, their crunch and their signature red and white color. And sometimes…I just use it as inspiration. For instance, in this recipe, it’s all about the fun visual. I layer creamy mozzarella and juicy tomatoes to form the candy cane shape and color. Then, I sprinkle some minced basil on top and drizzle on balsamic vinaigrette. It is a jolly good appetizer.
Holiday Melodies and Munchies: Rocking Around the Christmas Tree
Rocking Around the Christmas Tree 🎵
Brenda Lee recorded the classic at the tender age of 13! This upbeat, catchy tune has been covered by countless artists since then, including Justin Bieber, Meghan Trainor and Carrie Underwood, to name a few, and has been featured in several films, such as “Home Alone,” and “Deck the Halls.”
It invokes all the joyous aspects of the holiday—joy, spirit, laughter, family, fun. What’s not to love about dancing merrily around the tree, getting sentimental, decorating, and, my favorite part, having some pumpkin pie followed by some caroling. Food and singing…it’s a magical combination.
This mini version of pumpkin pie allows you to enjoy the beloved dessert in a more wholesome (and adorable) package. Give them a shot—make a few for yourself while wrapping presents, or a whole platter for a holiday party.
Holiday Melodies and Munchies: Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah
Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah 🎵
This upbeat tune is all about the fun and special traditions of the holiday—dancing, lighting the menorah and of course, gobbling down delicious latkes.
I love this version of latkes because they’re baked, bite-size and are the perfect shape for holding whatever topping you’re in the mood for—BBQ Applesauce, Chipotle Sour Cream…so many options!
Holiday Melodies and Munchies: The 12 Days of Christmas
The 12 Days of Christmas 🎵
Talk about true love—you have to appreciate a song with 12 different gifts for your sweetheart.
While we all know day five (golden rings) and day one (a partridge in a pear tree), I tend to get tripped up on the other days, haha. How many geese a laying? Pipers piping? Forget about the partridge on day one, it’s the pear tree that catches my attention as a nutritionist. It reminds me of my Single-Serve Pear Cobbler, which is just like enjoying a spoonful of a gooey pie filling. You can easily whip up one for yourself, or a bunch for a crowd. And this Spiced Pear Mocktail, which features a triple dose of juicy pear—sweet pear juice, fresh pear slices and bubbly Peach-Pear LaCroix. You can sip it while enjoying a meal or reading a book, although it’s also elegant enough to serve your guests at a party.
