There is enough drama around Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner that it’s best to keep some things very simple. The funny thing is, four of the five super simple recipes listed below are the ones that we get requests to make (and for the recipes… I end up emailing at least a couple of my kids or their friends the recipes every holiday season. So here are  5 Quick Dishes To Make (or Bring) for Thanksgiving or Christmas. whether you’re hosting at home, or bringing these on the road, you’ll be thankful for a few appetizers and deserts you can make (mostly) ahead.

Artichoke Dip

8 oz cream cheese

1 c. Parmesan cheese – shredded

1 c. mayonnaise (low-fat or fat-free is acceptable) (pantry)

½ t. dill weed

1 clove garlic, crushed

1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped (pantry)

Preheat oven to 350

Cream the cream cheese, add the Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, dill weed  and garlic. Mix well.

Fold in the chopped artichoke hearts and then spoon mixture into a 9×9 pan.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Serve with crackers, toasted baguettes, or toasted pita points.

Serves 8 as an appetizer

Goat Cheese Bruchetta

Ingredients

2     tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2     tablespoons chopped fresh herbs, such as dill, parsley, or basil
Toasted baguette
Goat cheese

Prep

Add the balsamic vinegar and herbs together. Drizzle over slices of toasted baguette or other bread and spread with goat cheese. Finish with another drizzle of vinaigrette. Garnish with thyme.

Drive By Cheese Plate

For those last minute party invites. Just grab a plate and cheese knife from home. You can assemble once you arrive. (Or, if you’re like me, in the backseat of the car while your hubby is driving…)

Grab at the store:

Camembert  or other artisan cheese

Carr Water Crackers

1 bunch of green grapes

Roger’s Pumpkin No-Bake Cheesecake

2 sticks of cream cheese

1 Cup of sugar

1 Tablespoon vanilla

1 Tablespoon lemon juice

¼ Cup Pumpkin pie filling

Pre-made graham cracker crust

Blend until creamy and fluffy

Pour into graham cracker crust.

Garnish with

Cinnamon sugar  (makes it look baked)

Shaved white chocolate

Refrigerate for a few hours

Roger’s Cranberry No-Bake Cheesecake

2 sticks of cream cheese

1 Cup of sugar

1 Tablespoon vanilla

1 Tablespoon lemon juice

1/3 Cup Whole cranberries in jelly

Pre-made graham cracker crust

Blend until creamy and fluffy

Pour into graham cracker crust

Garnish with any (or all) of the following:

The remaining whole cranberries/jelly.  I put this just on the outside edge of the pie.

Orange peel zest

Shaved white chocolate

Refrigerate for a few hours

 Now it’s your turn. Tell me your can’t miss, so simple it’s embarrassing, recipe that you pull out for the holidays in the comments below.