Amanda Bailey | White CHocolate Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake

Student Services Level 2 Paraprofessional 

“Growing up I wanted to own my own bakery and for my early Christmas gift my parents gave me a KitchenAid mixer. So I started making different things: cookies, cakes, different icings, etc. For Christmas that year I made a White Chocolate, Raspberry swirl cheesecake. It was such a hit for my family, I started making it every year for the holidays. This Christmas will be my 19th year making it for my family to enjoy. Here’s the recipe:’’

White Chocolate Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake:

2 8oz bricks of Cream cheese

1/2 cup of Sugar

1/2 tsp. Of Vanilla

2 Eggs

1/2 cup or so of White chocolate chips, I always add a little more.

3 tbsp of Raspberry Preserves.

1 9 in graham cracker crust

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°
2. Beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla with a mixer until well blended. Add eggs and mix just until it’s blended.
3. Melt the chocolate in a heat resistant container and add to the mixture a little at a time to incorporate it well. Pour it into the crust.
4. Take the preserves and melt them in a microwave safe container and drop dollops of the preserves all around the top of the cheese cake. Take a knife and drag it through to give it a swirl effect. 
5. Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes until the center is almost set, let cool and then refrigerate for at least 3 hours. 

Ellen Bowman | Sweet Potato Casserole 

Job Coach 

“Here is a recipe that I fix every year at Thanksgiving, Christmas as well as other holidays. Our family loves this. Try it, you will love it!”

Sweet Potato Casserole:

10 fresh sweet potatoes

½ cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons of butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 bag of pecans

Peel sweet potatoes, boil sweet potatoes till tender, drain

In a bowl add sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter vanilla

Use a mixer to whip the sweet potatoes

Add half bag of the pecans, mix well

Pour into a casserole dish

Crush the rest of the pecans and sprinkle on top

Place in the oven on 350 for approximately 30 minutes or until hot

Kendi Zacherl | Swedish Meatballs 

US & VA History Economics & Personal Finance

¨My grandma was always huge on traditions. Every Christmas Eve, she always made homemade Swedish meatballs. We’re not Swedish, so I never quite understood it, but it was a huge part of my childhood growing up. Every Christmas Eve, we also had celery that she ‘stuffed’ with…Cheez Whiz? I think it was something her mother used to do. Honestly, it wasn’t even good, but I still think of it on a very specific glass dish she used for only the celery. Now that she’s gone, I still try to keep it going because it’s a comforting memory.¨

Swedish meatballs:

Ground Beef: Regular ground beef

Bread Crumbs:  I used Panko

Parsley: Freshly chopped

Allspice and Nutmeg: Trust me, these spices are what make it uniquely delicious.

Onion: Finely chopped

Garlic Powder: Gives flavor without the bulk.

Salt and Pepper To taste.

Egg: The binder for the meatballs

Olive Oil: To brown the meatballs in.

Butter: Creates the perfect flavor while helping the beef brown, you’ll add more for the sauce.

Flour: The thickener.

Beef Broth: Creates the base for the sauce

Heavy Cream: This creates the creamy velvety sauce.

Worcestershire Sauce: Secret ingredient that creates a rich flavor.

Dijon Mustard: Spice

1. Mix: In a medium sized bowl combine ground beef, panko, parsley, all spicee, nutmeg, onion, garlic powder, salt and pepper and egg. Mix until combined.
2. Roll: Roll into 12 large meatballs or 20 small meatballs. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter.
3. Brown: Add the meatballs and cook turning continuously until brown on each side and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil.
4. Sauce: In the same skillet add 4 Tablespoons butter and flour and whisk till it turns brown. Slowly stir in beef broth and heavy cream. Add the worcestershire sauce and mustard and bring to a simmer till it starts to thicken.
5. Simmer: Add the meatballs back to the skillet and simmer for another 1-2 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Now! These teachers-recommended holiday recipes that are sure to bring joy and deliciousness to your festive celebrations. From a mouthwatering dessert to a savory main course, these recipes have been tried and tested by the best. So, gather your loved ones, put on your apron, and get ready to create some unforgettable culinary memories this holiday season. Happy cooking and Happy holiday!