Host a Dessert and Coffee Open House, a lovely way to say Happy Holidays!

Finding time to entertain is often the hardest part of the holidays. But maybe it could be easier than that. Maybe you could offer your friends the opportunity to come over, relax, enjoy a bit of dessert and conversation without wearing you and everyone else out....like that idea? Take a look here!

The secret? Make-ahead desserts. Plus they all take basic ingredients found in most pantries, including yours. If you are worried that they might not be fancy enough for guests? Stop worrying! The desserts will be just fine because you made them. 

One of the great secrets of catering is that the food doesn't taste wonderful because it is out of the ordinary, no the reason it tastes wonderful is that someone cooked it for you. Nothing says you care like a food offering. So nothing will say Happy Holidays like a Dessert and Coffee Open House!

Let's get started, shall we?

Start with those recipes that need a rest before serving...

On the day before, start with the recipes that actually improve with 24-hours aging. Cheesecakes will cut easier, after 24 hours as well as a loaf of quick bread. And anything with spice is better the next day so the flavor can marry together in the finished product. Making these three suggestions perfect, for the day before...

This Brown Sugar Sour Cream Banana Bread turns out cake soft and the caramel under-tones are delicious! Bake, cool slightly, turn out to cool completely, then wrap and let it rest until the next day before slicing. This banana bread is so good, it needs no glaze or topping of any kind...

Brown Sugar Sour Cream Banana Bread, soft and tender like cake!

The Perfect Cheesecake is just that! You can bake at 350 degrees for a standard cheesecake texture or at 200 degrees overnight (yes, don't be alarmed, it turns out so delicious) for a creamy, silky cheesecake that is sure to please your guests.

The Perfect Cheesecake, two baking methods for two different cheesecakes! 

Snickerdoodles are a holiday favorite. But this pan of Sugar and Spice Snickerdoodle Bars stirs up quickly and bakes unattended while you tend to other chores. Once removed from the oven, let them cool completely, and cut into bars. Cover the pan and let them rest for 24-hours. Then all you have to do the day of your open house is place them on a platter. 

Sugar and Spice Snickerdoodle Bars, whole grain delicious!

These final two suggestions can be done the next day!

And then on the day of your open house, the following two desserts will leave you plenty of time to get the house ready for company, but not be so much work (or make too much kitchen mess) that you will not be able to enjoy your own gathering. 

Easy to Make Toffee is just that easy! It is the first candy recipe that I ever tried, and it doesn't even need a candy thermometer. I would like to recommend two batches and that way those who fall in love with this candy treat can also take a piece home. Make it first thing in the morning, then break it into pieces to place on a serving tray. 

Easy to Make Toffee, no candy thermometer needed!

This warm and fragrant Slow Cooker Apple Crisps will be just right to round out your selection of desserts! Offer a bowl of chipped cream if desired, but it is quite lovely on its own. Once the apples and topping go into the slow cooker you are free to get everything else done and ready for when your guests begin stopping by. 

Slow Cooker Apple Crisp, with a secret ingredient. 

And how about something savory?

I like having options for those who do not have a sweet tooth, something easy just like the desserts you will be making. With that being said, I usually offer a cheese plate with three or four different kinds of sliced cheese and a basket of crackers. Fortunately the cheese and crackers do not take much time to arrange, along with a small bowl of mixed nuts. 

The only thing left is to set up the coffee and then you are ready to enjoy your own open house! With this outline, you too can have a great time with family and friends, and enjoy the fun!

#wholefoodingredients

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