The holidays are officially upon us! So we want to take some of the stress off your shoulders with four simple and delicious recipes fit for a holiday appetizer spread, all in the time it takes to color your hair. By the time your guests arrive, you’ll have fabulous hair color and tasty snacks, making you the ultimate host this holiday season.

Homemade Hot Cocoa Recipe

When it gets chilly outside, there’s nothing like snuggling up with a mug of fresh hot chocolate. Packed with chocolatey goodness, we’re making a creamy stovetop version from scratch that will make you feel all warm and fuzzy from the inside out. Whether you’re making this for you and your kids or welcoming friends and family, this homemade hot cocoa instantly makes you feel right at home. 

Ingredients: 

(Makes about 4 servings)

- 4 cups milk of choice

- ¼ cup cocoa powder

- ½ cup granulated or cane sugar

- 2 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate

- Pinch of salt

- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

- Whipped cream, optional

- Fresh nutmeg + cinnamon, optional

Instructions: 

1. Place a small to medium-sized saucepot on the stove at medium heat. 

2. Add the milk, cocoa powder, sugar, baking chocolate, and pinch of salt to the pot, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Make sure that the mixture is warmed through but does not boil. 

3. Remove from the heat and add vanilla extract. 

4. Serve warm with whipped cream and freshly grated nutmeg and cinnamon, if desired.

Herbed Baked Brie with Crostini

With an irresistible ooey-gooey texture, this baked brie cheese will impress your taste buds with a blend of sweet and savory flavors. Plus, you can make some sliced crostini in the same pan, making it a quick, simple, and delicious holiday appetizer. 

Ingredients: 

(Makes about 4-6 servings)

- 1 eight-ounce wheel of brie cheese

- 2 large cloves of garlic

- 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, stems removed

- 1 baguette, cut into slices

- Drizzle of olive oil

- 1-2 tablespoons butter, melted

- 1-2 tablespoons honey

- Pinch of salt

Instructions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 375F. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper

2. Peel garlic cloves. Carefully slice one clove of garlic into four slivers. Set the other clove aside for now. 

3. Make four thin slices into the top of the brie wheel that the garlic slivers can be tucked into. Make sure the garlic slivers are tucked fairly deep into the cheese so that the flavor will spread throughout as it cooks. 

4. Place the cheese onto the prepared baking sheet. Surround the cheese with sliced baguette and top with fresh rosemary. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for about 15 minutes. 

5. While the cheese is baking, mince the remaining clove of garlic. Combine the minced garlic with the melted butter and honey in a small bowl to make honey butter. Add a pinch of salt and set aside. 

6. Remove finished brie and crostini from the oven. Drizzle honey butter over the top and serve warm.

Bacon Wrapped Dates

Bacon-wrapped anything is sure to bring on the holiday cheer. In this recipe, we’re wrapping salty bacon around chewy dates for the perfect bite-sized treat. All you need is a few toothpicks and you’re ready to serve an indulgent appetizer. 

Ingredients: 

(Makes 16 dates)

- 16 Medjool dates, pitted

- 8 slices of bacon

- Olive oil

- Pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 400F. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. 

2. Slice the bacon strips in half. Wrap the bacon strips around each date. Place the bacon-wrapped dates onto the prepared baking sheet with the seam side down. Repeat with the remaining dates and bacon. 

3. Drizzle with olive oil and place in the oven for 8-12 minutes. You want the bacon to look crispy without burning the dates. 

4. Serve warm with toothpicks. Drizzle with more olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper, if desired.

Warm Marinated Olives

To round out your holiday spread, you can’t go wrong with some warm marinated olives. To give these olives a seasonal flair, we’re using orange peel, fresh herbs, and garlic in the marinade. It’s also important to note that you’ll want to use high-quality olives with the pits for this recipe, rather than canned or jarred olives that have been pitted. It is the holidays, after all, so go ahead and splurge a little! 

Ingredients: 

(Makes about 5 servings) 

- 2 cups mixed olives of your choice (high-quality!)

- Zest of one orange, peeled in large strips

- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed

- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped

- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1/2 cup olive oil

- 2 sprigs of fresh thyme

Instructions: 

1. If the olives are in brine or oil, drain them and place in a medium bowl. Add the orange zest, garlic, thyme leaves, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour the olive oil over the mixture, add the thyme sprigs, and toss to combine.

2. Transfer the mixture, including the olive oil, to a medium saucepot. Heat over medium heat until the oil begins to sizzle and the garlic begins to brown on the edges. 

3. Lower the heat and sauté for another 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a serving dish or serve from the pot. Make sure to leave out a small dish for the pits.

And there you have it! We hope you enjoy these recipes on a cozy solo night at home or with friends and family. Either way, make sure to refresh your hair color for the holiday season with a custom shade that fits your color goals.