P.H.Ecs Are Here to Help This Holiday Season

The Ontario Home Economics Association (OHEA) is here to help during the  holiday season with entertaining tips, recipes and healthy holiday eating advice. These media releases were submitted in previous years and have valuable advice as you prepare for the holiday season! 

"Small Batch Preserves to Make Now for Holiday Giving" by Ellie Topp, P.H.Ec.

Get a head start on holiday preparations by making delicious and colourful jars of a cranberry relish or chutney. Cranberries celebrate the season with their rich colour and bright taste and are easily turned into a welcome hostess gift or a treat for a special friend. 

Recipes: 
Quick Apple Cranberry Chutney
​Cranberry Rum Relish

"Entertaining with Your Slow Cooker" by Donna-Marie Pye, P.H.Ec.

Holiday celebrations mean lots of friends, family, fun and food. Of course, the turkey and stuffing are a given, but oven space is always at a premium. Take advantage of your slow cooker to prepare a few appetizers or condiments a day or two ahead, make the stuffing in the morning and have it warming during the day or keep a hot drink simmering. 

Recipes: 
Ginger Pork Wraps
​Braised Cabbage and Raspberries

"Holiday Family Favourites" by Mary Carver, P.H.Ec.

A familiar tune reminds us that "chestnuts are roasting on an open fire," yet most don't experience such an event as we scramble to write cards, wrap gifts, host parties, prepare food and create our own memories. Despite all the preparations we make for the "perfect" holiday season, many times the best part really does begin in the kitchen. Foods served at this festive time can become family favourites, creating wonderful traditions and warm memories to pass along to other generations. 

Professional Home Economists were asked to share some of their favourite family recipes. Here are a few that we think you will enjoy, year after year. Much of the fun is sharing "family time" in the kitchen, so grab a partner and cook up some culinary memories this holiday season. 

Recipes: 

• Spinach Salad
• Macaroon Bars
• Winter Trail Mix
• Brandied Cranberry Conserve
• Christmas Shortbread 

"Healthy Holiday Eating" by Deb Campbell, P.H.Ec.

​Is this really possible or is it just another oxymoron? Healthy eating during the upcoming holiday season is absolutely possible and, like anything else, in order to succeed you need to do some planning.

Do you have a tip, recipe or healthy holiday eating advice? Share in the comments below!