Recipes for a Perfect Holiday

The most heartwarming part of the holiday season is always getting to host your friends and family. From cinnamon rolls while you opening presents in the morning to a creamy cup of homemade hot cocoa in the evening, this blog is your guide to making sure your guests are warm and fed all day long. Plus, if you have a big lunch planned for your loved ones, there’s a ham recipe that’s sure to please everybody at the table.

Glazed Cinnamon Rolls

Whether you’ve got little ones that get you out of bed early when it’s time to open presents or you’ve got a slow start and want something warm to help you wake up, these cinnamon rolls are the perfect breakfast for your home during the holidays.

You’ll need:

1 ball pizza dough

3 tbsp plus 4 ½ tsp softened butter, divided

¼ cup light brown sugar

1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon

1 cup confectioners’ sugar

2 tbsp milk

pinch of salt

Follow these steps:

1. Flour rolling pin and roll dough ball to 15” by 12” rectangle. Spread with 3 tbsp softened butter; sprinkle with light brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Roll from long side tightly to form a log.
2. Cut into 9 even pieces; place in greased 8” baking pan, cut sides up. Dollop each with ½ teaspoon of softened butter. Bake at 375°F 20 minutes covered, then uncover and bake another 15 minutes or until tops are golden brown.
3. Mix confectioners’ sugar, milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
4. When rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle with glaze. Serve warm, and enjoy!

Holiday Ham

When it’s time for the whole family (even the one you choose) to come under one roof, a holiday ham is an easy way to guarantee everybody gets their fill. This sweet and salty dish, decorated with a brown sugar crust and pineapple slice scales, is a crowdpleaser that people will look forward to year after year.

You’ll need:

1 spiral-sliced half ham

1 20-ounce can pineapple slices, juice reserved

15 to 20 whole cloves (optional)

1 small jar maraschino cherries

¾ cup packed light brown sugar

2 tbsp yellow mustard

Follow these steps:

1. Bake the ham as directed on the ham package. Remove the ham from the oven about 30 minutes before the end of the warming time.
2. Decoratively arrange the pineapple slices on top of the ham, securing them with cloves (if using) or toothpicks. Place a cherry in the center of each pineapple ring and secure with a clove or toothpick.
3. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, mustard, and just enough pineapple juice to make a thick glaze. Spoon the glaze over the ham and bake for the remaining 30 minutes.
4. Remove from oven, transfer to a cutting board, and let sit for five minutes. Carve, and enjoy!

Creamy Hot Cocoa

After you’ve spent the day opening presents and visiting with family, there’s no doubt that you’ll be ready to wind down and cool off. This creamy hot chocolate is the perfect treat before bed to wind down and get settled for a night of well-deserved rest.

You’ll need:

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

¾ cup white sugar

pinch of salt

1/3 cup boiling water

3 ½ cups milk

¾ teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup half-and-half cream

Follow these steps

1. Combine cocoa, sugar, and salt in a saucepan.
2. Blend in the boiling water, bringing to a simmer for two minutes.
3. Stir in 3 ½ cups of milk and heat until just below boiling.
4. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Serve hot, and enjoy!

From the moment you wake up, to the holiday lunch, to the cup of hot cocoa before bed, these recipes are sure to solidify your sainthood to anybody in your circle. Best of all, these filling recipes will make sure any little ones you’ve got are full enough for an afternoon nap, whether they were expecting one or not. For more ways to entertain guests during the holidays, be sure to Like Lennar on Facebook.