Are you getting ready for a holiday party but don’t know what to bring? Often older adults want to bring something homemade to share with friends and family. So, we’ve put together a list of three easy holiday recipes for Senior Citizens to make and take with them to parties. 

When you’re invited to a Christmas gathering, it’s nice to have an easy dish to bring along. For starters, pigs in a blanket make a fun appetizer. If you’re asked to bring a side dish to a sit-down dinner, try making cranberry sauce from scratch—it’s easier than you think. Likewise, you can’t go wrong with serving Christmas fudge for dessert.

3 Holiday Recipes for Senior Citizens

1. Pigs in a Blanket 

Pigs in a Blanket have been a family favorite for generations. These dough-wrapped sausages are a crowd-pleaser and are so easy to make. You can give this dish personal flair with optional seasonings. 

Ingredients 

• 1 14-ounce package of cocktail sausages
• 1 8-ounce can of crescent roll dough 
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• Optional toppings:
• Garlic salt
• Everything bagel seasoning
• Poppy seeds
• Sesame seeds

Instructions 

1. Preheat the oven to 375.
2. Unroll the can of dough and separate individual triangles.
3. Slice each section into three narrower triangles.
4. Place a cocktail sausage at the point of a narrow triangle and roll it to the base. Continue rolling the rest of the sausages in the dough.
5. Whisk one egg with a splash of water and brush the eggwash over the rolled dough. Add optional toppings if desired.
6. Bake until golden brown, about 12 – 15 minutes. 
7. Serve warm.

2. Homemade Cranberry Sauce

This simple, sweet sauce made from fresh cranberries is a massive hit at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. It’s an excellent compliment to turkey, pork, and ham. You can replace the water with orange juice and add orange zest for increased flavor. 

Ingredients 

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water (or orange juice)
• 1 12-ounce package of fresh cranberries
• Optional mix-ins:
• Orange zest
• Currants
• Pecans
• Raisins 

Instructions

1. Bring water and sugar to boil in a saucepan over high heat. Stir to dissolve. 
2. Rinse and pick cranberries in a strainer, discarding cracked or bruised ones.
3. Add cranberries to the saucepan and return to boil.
4. Simmer until most cranberries have burst, about 10 minutes. 
5. Add optional mix-ins, if desired
6. Allow to cool and thicken before serving.

3. Basic Holiday Fudge

Fudge is a classic Christmas treat. This easy recipe can bring rich, delicious flavor to your next holiday party. You can make it plain or mix in nuts for added flair. You can incorporate the add-ins into the fudge or place them on top. Also, remember that the baking sheet you use will need to fit in the refrigerator.

Ingredients 

1 12-ounce bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins

Chopped walnuts or pecans

Crushed candy canes

Sprinkles 

Mini Marshmallows 

Instructions

1. Prepare a 9-inch pan with wax paper.

2. Melt the chocolate and stir in sweetened condensed milk and salt. Mix well.

3. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Mix in add-in now, if desired.

4. Spread fudge in one even layer in the prepared pan. Place add-ins on top, if desired.

5. Refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours. 

6. Lift the edges of the wax paper to remove the fudge from the pan. 

Bonus Recipes

If none of these dishes fit the bill, try some of our old favorites.

• Hot Apple Cider 
• Pecan Cranberry Blue Cheese Ball 
• Oatmeal Apple Crisp 
• Skillet Fried Apples 
• Chicken in White Wine Sauce 
• Butternut Squash and Lentil Soup 

Holiday Recipes for Senior Citizens

Appetizers, side dishes, and desserts make great holiday recipes for Senior Citizens to bring to their next Christmas event. Don’t worry about making a dish by yourself. At Anita’s Angels, Inc., our dedicated CHHHAs can help Senior Citizens with shopping, cooking, and transportation to their holiday parties. We are Families Helping Families. Give us a call at 908-788-9390.