Feel like you've stepped into a Charles Dickens novel with these uncommon and surprisingly tasty old-fashioned Christmas recipes.
30 Nearly Forgotten Christmas Recipes
Orange Chocolate Mousse Mirror Cake
1/30
2/30
Roast Christmas Goose
Total Time
2 hours 25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I have such fond childhood memories of Christmas dinner and my mother serving a golden brown Christmas goose. To flavor the meat, Mom stuffed the bird with peeled and quartered fruit that’s discarded after baking. —Rosemarie Force, Heathsville, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked goose: 376 calories, 26g fat (8g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 84mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 30g protein.
3/30
Cherry Chiffon Gelatin
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've made this recipe so often, I can hardly read the card any longer. It's a beautiful salad or dessert, but beware. Once you've made this, they'll ask for it again and again! —Michelle Smith, Sykesville, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 163 calories, 3g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 50mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
4/30
Cornbread Dressing with Oysters
Total Time
55 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My father's dressing bakes separately from the turkey and is simply delicious. The secret is to prepare the cornbread first, let it cool and then crumble it to form the base for the rest of the ingredients. My father always added oysters to give the dressing a special flavor. —Nell Bass, Macon, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 171 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 753mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
5/30
Pear and Pomegranate Lamb Tagine
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pomegranate, pear and orange go together so well that I decided to use them to prepare a Middle Eastern-themed tagine with lamb. This tastes delicious served over couscous, polenta or cauliflower mashed with feta cheese. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 lamb shank with 1 cup shallot mixture: 438 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 680mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 5g fiber), 31g protein.
6/30
Plum Pudding
Total Time
2 hours 30 min
Servings
12 servings (1-1/2 cups sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
In A Christmas Carol, everyone claps for plum pudding. Our family has made this pudding our own tradition, and it really is something to clap for. —Ruthanne Karel, Hudsonville, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece with 2 tablespoons sauce: 550 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 292mg sodium, 98g carbohydrate (80g sugars, 5g fiber), 5g protein.
7/30
Cranberry Fluff Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It wasn’t the holidays without my grandmother’s cool and tangy cranberry fluff. With only four ingredients, it’s a cinch to make. Now my siblings and I carry on her tradition. —Leah Nicholes, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 413 calories, 26g fat (12g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 19mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (43g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
8/30
Ham Balls with Brown Sugar Glaze
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
about 6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These smoky-sweet meatballs are a Pennsylvania Dutch specialty. I like setting them out when folks come to visit. —Janet Zeger, Middletown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 52 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 113mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
9/30
Creamed Pearl Onions
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When our children were small, we always celebrated Christmas at our house. This was one of many recipes I relied on that could be prepared a day in advance, which gave me more time to spend with guests. Everyone expected to see this vegetable dish on the table every year.
—Barbara Caserman, Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 151 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 440mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
10/30
Orange and Olives Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother made sure this orange and olives salad was on our holiday table every year. It’s so light and simple to make. And it looks pretty on the table! —Angela David, Lakeland, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 54 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 185mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.
11/30
Roasted Chicken with Rosemary
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Herbs, garlic and butter give this hearty meal in one a classic flavor. It's a lot like pot roast, except it uses chicken instead of beef. —Isabel Zienkosky, Salt Lake City, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 449 calories, 28g fat (11g saturated fat), 126mg cholesterol, 479mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein.
12/30
Dried Cranberry Sharp Cheddar Cheese Balls
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 4-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These personal-size cheese balls are a pleasure to pass around a party. They’re much easier to eat than their large-scale counterparts. And with their bacon, pecans and berries, they’re probably more delicious too! —Donna-Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 83 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 90mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
13/30
Sparkling Fruit Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, strawberries and grapes are treated to a dressing of wine and sparkling club soda in this delightful salad. Serve in dessert dishes or set the whole bowl on the table for a fetching presentation. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 87 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
14/30
Best Deviled Eggs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Herbs lend amazing flavor to these deviled eggs, which truly are the best you can make! The recipe includes tasty variations that feature bacon, chipotle peppers and crab.—Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed egg half: 73 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
15/30
Hot Mushroom Spread
Total Time
25 min
Servings
1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve made this creamy, hearty mushroom appetizer for years—it’s a big hit every time.—Barbara Pletzke, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 184 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 269mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
16/30
Cherry Tomato Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe evolved from a need to use the bumper crops of delicious cherry tomatoes we grow. It's one of my favorite cherry tomato recipes, especially at cookouts. —Sally Sibley, St. Augustine, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 103 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 203mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
17/30
Rosemary Roasted Lamb
Total Time
2 hours 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Who knew so few ingredients could result in such an elegant and savory entree? One bite will make this no-fuss main dish memorable. —Matthew Lawrence, Vashon, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounce cooked lamb: 357 calories, 21g fat (6g saturated fat), 143mg cholesterol, 629mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 40g protein.
18/30
Rice Pudding
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My sisters and I always loved the recipe for rice pudding our grandma made. After she passed away, I took it upon myself to try and find the secret to her rice pudding. It took quite a bit of experimentation, but I finally got it right! And I'm glad to share this easy recipe here. —Margaret DeChant, Newberry, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 197 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 52mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
19/30
Buttery Spritz Cookies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 7-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This tender spritz cookie recipe is quite eye-catching on my Christmas cookie tray. The dough is easy to work with, so it's fun to make these spritz cookies into a variety of festive shapes. This is hands-down the best spritz cookie recipe ever. —Beverly Launius, Sandwich, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 43 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 30mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
20/30
Slow-Cooker Applesauce
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
12 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
My sweet and chunky applesauce is a perfect snack or side dish with your favorite entree. Because it's prepared in the slow cooker, you can fix it and forget it before you and the family head out for some fun. —Susanne Wasson, Montgomery, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 105 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 112mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 2g fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
21/30
Oyster Fricassee
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I oversee the gardens at Colonial Williamsburg. We've learned that the colonists had a ready source of oysters from Chesapeake Bay. I enjoy this rich, creamy casserole, a special dish from this area's holiday recipe collection. —Susan Dippre, Williamsburg, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 639 calories, 44g fat (23g saturated fat), 297mg cholesterol, 1024mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein.
22/30
Dad’s Creamed Peas & Pearl Onions
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While I was growing up, it was our family tradition to make creamed peas with pearl onions for every Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. My dad was not a happy camper if he didn't see this dish on the table. It was his favorite! I made it for my own family while our kids were growing up, and now my daughter makes this dish for her family. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 322 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 783mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 7g fiber), 14g protein.
23/30
Chestnut Stuffing
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
21 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It wouldn't be Thanksgiving without a serving of my family's favorite stuffing. If you can't find jarred chestnuts at your grocery store, check gourmet cooking shops or order them online. —Lee Bremson, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 290 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 503mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
24/30
Crystallized Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Cookies
Total Time
40 min
Servings
9 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is the best of twp worlds—gingerbread and chocolate chip cookies. Since they're combined, you don't have to choose between them. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 69 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 64mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
25/30
Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For those who enjoy a main course of lamb, here's a quick and delicious treatment for it. The easy preparation gives me the extra time I need to focus on other menu items. —Carolyn Schmeling, Brookfield, Wisconsin
26/30
Baked Cranberry Pudding
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is an old-fashioned pudding that's a cranberry lover's delight. Serve warm topped with whipped cream for an elegant look, or in bowls with rich cream poured over for a homey touch. —Lucy Meyring, Walden, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 402 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 75g carbohydrate (57g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
27/30
Mom’s Roast Beef
Total Time
2 hours 50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone loves slices of this fork-tender roast beef with its savory gravy. The well-seasoned roast is Mom's specialty. People always ask about the secret ingredients. Now you have the delicious recipe for our favorite meat dish! —Linda Gaido, New Brighton, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked beef with gravy: 210 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
28/30
Orange Gelatin Pretzel Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Salty pretzels pair nicely with the sweet fruit in this refreshing layered salad. It’s a family favorite that is a slam-dunk at potlucks. —Peggy Boyd, Northport, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 400 calories, 21g fat (13g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 402mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
29/30
Garlic-Rosemary Brussels Sprouts
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my go-to Thanksgiving side dish. It is healthy and easy, and it doesn't take very much time or effort to make. I usually use rosemary for my turkey, so this lets me use some of the leftover herbs. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 134 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 342mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
30/30
Garlic-Mashed Rutabagas & Potatoes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family absolutely loves mashed potatoes. I created this recipe to lighten up the calories and sneak in a serving of rutabagas. If you have the time, boil the potatoes in chicken broth to add even more flavor. —Rosemary Tatum, Sterlington, Louisiana