Holiday Food Hot Takes

Taylor Holshouser A&E Team

As some may remember in my holiday food rankings from last year: I hate eggnog. The flavor really never fails to disappoint me every year. The gulp of the thick, creamy, bubble-gum-tasting beverage is something that I would not wish even my worst enemy to experience. However, despite my passionate hatred for the drink, I still try it every year hoping for a miraculous change in my seemingly stubborn opposition to it.

Holiday Baked Good are Essential

I think that most people would agree with me here: holiday baked goods (especially cookies) are essential to a good winter season. The cold weather mixed with holiday spirit seems to exert some kind of supernatural force that possesses the masses to bake sweet holiday treats. Sugar cookies, molasses cookies, fudge, brownies, you name it and I’m sure someone you know will bake it during the holiday season. These desserts are an absolute necessity during the time of year when the sun sets early and the days are more gloomy than ever.

Ham is Gross

Bread and Cheese Dips are Still Great

The holidays are the perfect time to enjoy cozy, comforting food. Warm dips like artichoke, buffalo chicken or queso are the perfect appetizers for the winter season. Toasted bread and cheese or spreads can also make the perfect appetizer in the midst of cold, wet and dreary weather. These foods are not only warm but also comforting and delicious (who doesn’t love a carb and something to dip it into).

When it comes to holiday dinners, a big lump of ham has no place on the dinner table. Side-byside with classics like mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing and more, ham quite frankly ruins the plate’s atmosphere that other dishes create. While I can appreciate ham sandwiches, ham in eggs and other practical uses for the meat, a huge piece of roasted ham cut into thick slices will never be a factor on my holiday dinner plate.

Eggnog is Bad Holiday Drinks Need More Love

Starbucks gets a lot of attention during the holiday season for its Peppermint Mochas and other winterexclusive drinks, but I feel a lack of appreciation for holiday drinks as a whole. Individuals should begin to take advantage of making their one winter-themed drink like Starbucks has been doing for years. The experience of making your own Peppermint Mocha or Sugar Cookie Latte is worlds better than cruising through the Starbucks drive-thru and ordering one.