Share the Flavors of the Season!

The holiday season is all about coming together, sharing joyful moments, and of course, indulging in delicious food! Whether you’re whipping up a batch of grandma’s famous cookies or experimenting with a new twist on a classic dish, holiday recipes have a magical way of bringing people closer.

This year, we’re inviting you to join our Holiday Recipe Exchange and share your beloved holiday recipes with the Old West Christmas Light Fest community. It’s the perfect way to spread some holiday cheer and discover new culinary delights to try out this season.

Cooking Christmas food

Why Participate in a Recipe Exchange?

Recipes aren’t just a list of ingredients; they’re treasured memories. Whether it’s a savory dish passed down through generations or a new favorite your family has come to love, each recipe has a story to tell.

By participating in our Holiday Recipe Exchange, you can:

  • Share Your Traditions: Let others experience the joy of your favorite holiday meals.
  • Discover New Ideas: Get inspired by festive dishes from our community that may become part of your own holiday traditions.
  • Connect with Others: Food is a universal language! Exchanging recipes is a fun way to feel connected and build a sense of holiday community, even if we’re not all gathered around the same table.

How to Share Your Recipe

Sharing your cherished recipe is simple:

  1. Submit Your Recipe: Send us your recipe by tagging us on social media using #OldWestRecipeExchange.
  2. Tell Us the Story Behind It: We’d love to hear what makes your recipe special. Is it a dish that’s been part of your family’s traditions for decades? Or is it a fun, new experiment that’s become a holiday staple? Share the background so we can experience the magic with you!
  3. Inspire Others: We’ll be featuring some of our favorite submissions on our blog and social media to inspire others to bring new flavors to their holiday table.
Close up of woman looking for recipe for pumpkin's soup
Christmas peppermint chocolate bark with candy cane chips.

Recipe Spotlight: Chocolate Peppermint Bark

To kick things off, we’re sharing a recipe that’s always a hit during the holidays: Chocolate Peppermint Bark! Simple to make and perfectly festive, this sweet treat is a great addition to any holiday gathering.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 cups white chocolate chips
  • 1 tsp peppermint extract
  • 1 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

Instructions:

  1. Melt the semi-sweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 20 seconds until smooth. Spread it evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
  2. Melt the white chocolate the same way. Stir in the peppermint extract.
  3. Pour the white chocolate layer over the cooled semi-sweet chocolate, spreading it evenly.
  4. Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies on top, lightly pressing them into the chocolate.
  5. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until fully set. Break into pieces and enjoy!

Let's Make This Holiday Season Special Together!

The holidays are about connection, warmth, and sharing what we love with the people who matter most. Through our Holiday Recipe Exchange, we hope to bring a little extra joy to your kitchen this season—and we can’t wait to try out the wonderful dishes you’ll be sharing.

Whether you’re a seasoned holiday chef or just love trying new recipes, this is your chance to exchange a little bit of your culinary creativity with our community. And who knows—you might just discover your next holiday favorite!

Happy cooking and even happier eating!

 

Join the Holiday Recipe Exchange! Share your recipe with us on social media using #OldWestRecipeExchange. We’ll try to feature as many as we can throughout the season!