Holiday Entertaining Hack
Entertaining season is here! From Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving to every little brunch and holiday party clear through Christmas to New Years, there’s a lot of cooking and baking going on. Ever wish you had a secret weapon? Just one thing you could have on hand so you didn’t have to make everything from scratch? I’ve rounded up my favorite baking mixes that without fail always garner a complement or four.
I’ve always loved baking, but sometimes, especially during the holidays, it can be overwhelming. Between cookies and dinner parties, sometimes I just use a box mix. I decided along time ago to keep my sanity and allow a little cheating.
We all know about making cookies from cake mixes, or using them as a base for a fancier dessert but did you know there are some other options, too? Here are my four favorite box mixes to use that I always have a backup in my pantry.
This No Bake Jell-o Cheesecake mix is delish. My secret? I don’t use it as a full cheesecake. I take a mini cupcake pan and make mini cheesecakes. Start by taking mini wrappers and add a spoonful of crust at the bottom of each. Then add the cheesecake filling almost to the top and refrigerate. Add a star of cool whip on top, add festive sprinkles and you are set.
This scone mix rivals any homemade scone I’ve ever eaten. That’s including my own personal recipe. When it’s this easy, why bother making it yourself?
NEW FIND ALERT! I just recently discovered this blueberry muffin mix from Lehi Mills and these are insanely delicious. They don’t last long at my house and these are better than Costco muffins. There, it needed to be said. Bake this up, pop in a basket with a pretty tea towel and bring them to your next event, still warm. Everyone will think you made them.
And finally, the classic. If you have ever made donuts (doughnuts?) from scratch, you know how long it takes. It’s a labor of love, but with this beignet mix from Cafe du Monde, it doesn’t have to be. You still have to fry them, but it is super simple and has been a Christmas morning tradition at our house for the last decade. Seriously, so easy and so good. Just top with a hefty dose of powdered sugar and enjoy.
You can find these in your local grocery store, sometimes even at Costco, but I’ve also rounded them up for you on Amazon. Whether you tell them it’s a mix or not, well that’s for you to decide. I’m not here to judge. If you need to, use my go to line, “it’s a family recipe”. When it tastes this good, they’ll never know.
