The popular response when asked what your favorite part of the holidays is of course, “Spending time with the family!” But at this point, you’re probably on your third In-Law-get-together, you’ve seen Uncle Ralph double dip for the 15th time in a row, and if Phyllis from down the street cracks her knuckles one more time at the dinner table, you just might lose it. We know what you’re really looking forward to at this point is…the food! Don’t worry, your secret is safe with us. In fact we’ve teamed up with the fine folks at Saratoga Olive Oil Co. to come up with a few recipes to get you through the holidays with your belly full, a smile on your face, and with the family yuletide spirit blissfully intact. Enjoy!

1. Fig & Raspberry Baked Brie

This baked brie is so delicious and decadent – you might be tempted to eat it for dessert! For additional variations, substitute a savory filling for the raspberry preserves – we’re thinking of pesto and artichokes, but would love to hear about your creations!

Ingredients: 

Brie (or your favorite soft, creamy cheese round)

1 Tablespoon Raspberry Preserves

1/2 Tablespoon Saratoga Olive Oil Co. Fig Balsamic

Pillsbury Crescent Rolls or Phyllo Dough

Directions:

1. Slice cheese horizontally through the middle.
2. In a bowl, combine raspberry preserves and fig balsamic. Spread mixture on one half of cheese, then place other half on top.
3. Wrap cheese in dough. Make sure ends of dough are fully sealed around cheese. Place on greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes.

2. Winter Warmer Whiskey

Nothing beats the rest and relaxation of the holidays and this Vermont variation on the traditional Hot Toddy really hits the spot. All we need now is a crackling fire, a good book, and of course, a refill.

Ingredients: 

1 1/2 oz whiskey

2 oz boiling water

1 tablespoon Slopeside Syrup Grade B Maple Syrup

Splash of Saratoga Olive Oil Co. Cinnamon Pear Balsamic Vinegar 

Splash of Saratoga Olive Oil Co. Tangerine Balsamic Vinegar

Directions: 

1. Combine maple syrup, boiling water, and whiskey in a mug or glass.
2. Add splashes of balsamic vinegars to taste.

3. Gingerbread Men Cookies 

This holiday classic gets bumped up a notch with the addition of some amazing ingredients from near (Slopeside Maple syrup) and far (Himalayan Pink Sea Salt).

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons & 1/2 teaspoon Saratoga Olive Oil Co. Ras el Hanout spice

1 stick of butter, cut into 12 pieces softened

3/8 cup organic molasses

1/4 cup Savannah Bee Company Sourwood Honey

1/8 Slopeside Syrup Grade B Maple Syrup

3 cups flour

3/4 cup dark brown sugar

1/2 tsp Himalayan Pink Sea Salt

2 tbsp milk

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350

1. In a mixer fitted with whisk attachment, mix together flour, sugar, Ras el Hanout, salt and baking soda. Mix on medium speed for about 30 seconds to 1 minute or until mixture is a fine grain.
2. In liquid measuring cup, combine maple syrup and honey. Add 3/8 cup molasses, until mixture reaches a total of 3/4 cup.
3. With your paddle attachment on medium speed, gradually add in butter and mix for about 2 minutes
4. Slowly add in milk and molasses/syrup/honey mixture until combined
5. Separate dough into 2 equal parts. Roll out each and place on a cookie sheet with parchment paper
6. Place dough in freezer for about 20 minutes
7. Cut out your gingerbread men and place in oven for 8-10 minutes
8. Let cool and then decorate with icing or sprinkles

Enjoy!

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Saratoga Olive Oil Company is located at 86 Church St. in Burlington, VT. Open Holiday Hours Mon – Thur: 11 am to 7 pm / Fri – Sat: 10 am to 8 pm / Sun: 11 am to 5 pm, Saratoga Olive Oil Co. is a family business owned and operated by Clint Braidwood, Barbara Braidwood and Chad Braidwood. To learn more about all the awesomeness that goes on at Saratoga Olive Oil Co. [Editors Note: We really do mean that – not only are there always cool events and tastings going on, but everyone who works there is incredibly knowledgeable and great to talk to!] please read Following the Crush: 5 Questions with Saratoga Olive Oil Co.