15 Christmas recipes and ideas to try this season——-Special.

Effizzie Magazine Presents chef Lola,s Kitchen.

www.cheflolaskitchen.com

It’s another Christmas season again. I can’t believe how fast the year went. I hope you had a wonderful year?

Every month of this year was super busy for me with family, work, commitments and so much more but I’m so thankful that the most wonderful time of the year is here where we can all sit back to count our blessings and prepare for another beautiful year ahead.

I have gathered some recipes for the holiday season to help make your celebrations simpler, easier and more delicious.

As we all know, the festive period can be full of stress; therefore, I have included some helpful tips in this article for you to get a bit more organized in your kitchen so that you will be able to spend most of your time with your family and friends.

1. Nigerian Meatpie: How about making some classic meat pies. You can prepare ahead for this by buying your ground beef or mincing your own Meat a couple of days before Christmas and freeze it.You can even make the pie filling a day or two ahead. Pop into a suitable container, freeze it and thaw it when you are ready to use it.As for the pie dough, you can make it a day before, wrap it tightly with a plastic wrap and place in the fridge as well until you are ready to use it.
2. African Egg Roll :African Egg roll is a simple snack that can also be served as breakfast. So easy to make.
3. Buns : I cannot talk about Christmas and not mention buns. Easy to mix and fries in no time. 
4. Puff puff : Grace your table with spongy deep-fried dough. You will be glad you did. This puff puff recipe has a zing to it. Click and see.
5. Sparkling Zobo/ Sorrell drink: Christmas drink recipes are a favorite part of Christmas recipes. Surprise your family and guests by making this satisfying sparkling zobo recipe.

   You can definitely make this ahead and chill it as long as you don’t finish it up before Christmas day ?

6. Lemon ginger Pineapple Juice  :This is another I like to make during the festive season. Not because it’s only refreshing, but it can satisfy your craving for alcoholic drinks and it also helps your digestion after eating the rich Christmas meals.

   This can also be made ahead and chilled in the fridge till needed. 

7. Yogurt Lemon Cake :I know most families do like to have a type of cake for Christmas. Why not try this super easy yogurt Lemon cake.

   It is very easy to make and it will definitely satisfy your cake cravings.You can bake this a day or two ahead wrap it up tightly and place it in the fridge.

8. Vanilla Cupcakes : Another cake recipe you might want to try are these amazing vanilla cupcakes.

   Yes, you can make them a night before, cover tightly in a cupcake bowl, pack them in a ziplock and leave them on the countertop. 

9. Easy Roast chicken :What’s Christmas without a good roasted chicken?  I’m so sure you will love the spices used for this incredibly delicious roast chicken.

   This is best made on the same day.

10. Salad : Salad is a side meal that is loved during festive seasons. You can prepare this classic Nigerian salad ahead by cutting and dicing all the Vegetables a day before.

    Cover it up with a plastic wrap or a cling film and keep in the fridge.  The following day, just throw in the baked beans, and sweet corn, the boiled eggs and add the dressing.

11. Pounded Yam  : Pounded Yam is one meal that some families cannot do without during the festive season. I have a simple way of making this to prevent you from sweating while pounding.

    All you need is a mixer!Pounded yam can be served with egusi soup, Ogbono soup, okro soup, or vegetable soup.

12. Jambalaya : I’m not going to forget our friends that are not meat-eaters, seafood lovers, or people who want a change from the norm. This is it! Just mix and bake and done!

    I promise, your guests will be wowed!!!

13. Easy Nigerian Fried Rice recipe : Nigerian holiday cooking is not complete without Rice recipes, even if you don’t like it, your guests will…This easy Nigerian fried Rice recipe will save you a lot of time in the Kitchen.

    To even save you more time, simply parboil the Rice a day before and keep in the fridge to be used the next day. The same applies if you want to make this chicken fried Rice.

14. Nigerian Jollof Rice : Everyone I know loves Jollof Rice, whether you make your  Jollof Rice with Basmati Rice or the stressless oven baked Jollof Rice.
15. Mashed Potatoes: Mashed potato recipe is a tradition for some during the Christmas season. I want to challenge you this time to make your mash a little fancier by adding sweet corn and peas.

    This is the african mashed potatoes called Irio. Perfect for Christmas dinner!