‘Tis the season for parties and gatherings, and for some, thinking of what to bring to their next Christmas party. In a time where everyone is busy running around trying to get their holiday errands done while still attending a number of events, less is always more. 

Here are two quick, easy but flavorful recipes that focus on true taste by using fewer ingredients for a stress-free yet delicious dish.

Butterboard

Charcuterie boards have become a staple in almost all events. For weddings, birthdays, parties, and even just dinner and drinks among friends, our beloved meat and cheese platter is always present. However, we’ve been seeing more and more butterboards in our feeds. A simple yet genius recipe of spreading butter on a wooden board and topping it with any ingredient you’d like– from different herbs, spices, meats, and vegetables, there are countless toppings that can result in many flavorful combinations. 

Ingredients

• 2 sticks of butter
• 2 heads of garlic
• An onion
• Truffle honey
• Salt for seasoning

Recipe

1. Roast 2 heads of garlic by cutting them in half and seasoning them with olive oil and salt and pepper. Wrap with foil and throw into the oven for 10-15 minutes.
2. Julienne your onions.
3. Take a block of room-temperature butter and spread it on a wooden board and sprinkle some salt for added flavor.
4. Add the toppings by squeezing the garlic heads over your board and adding the onions.
5. Drizzle truffle honey over top.
6. Garnish with edible flowers.
7. Serve with warm bread.

Creamy Onion Dip

I had to add this dish to this list. This is my mom’s recipe that she has been making since I was a little kid. Admittedly, this dish is loaded with dairy (so sorry for the lactose intolerant!) but it’s highly addictive and absolutely delicious. With only 5 ingredients that need no measuring and most of which you just all dump in a bowl–sans having to dice an onion, this recipe is the quickest dip you can ever whip up.

Ingredients

• 1 block of cream cheese
• 1 tub or 240 g of sour cream
• 1 tub or 240 g of cottage cheese
• Large onion
• Salt and White pepper for seasoning

Recipe

1. Take room-temperature cream cheese and mash it to break it down into smaller bits.
2. In a bowl mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. If you’re making a bigger batch just remember a 1:1:1 ratio.
3. Dice a large onion and add to the mix and season with salt and white pepper.
4. Garnish with green onions. (optional) 
5. Serve with your choice of dippers ie: carrots, celery, chips, and crackers.

Header photo by JT Fernandez