Dedication To my mom and dad, FOR A LIFETIME OF HOLIDAY MEMORIES. To my husband and children, FOR THE NEW ONES WE’RE MAKING TOGETHER. C ONTENTS DEDICATION INTRODUCTION NEW YEAR’S DAY New Year’s Day Brunch New Year’s Day Dinner THE BIG GAME Food and football VALENTINE’S DAY Valentine’s Breakfast Treats for Your Sweetie Romantic Dinner for Two EASTER Eastertime Treats Easter Brunch VIDEO: Eggs in Hash Brown Nests Easter Leftovers CINCO DE MAYO Fiesta! VIDEO: Homemade Tortillas MOTHER’S DAY Breakfast in Bed for Mom FATHER’S DAY Dinner for Dear Ol’ Dad VIDEO: Toasted Ravioli FOURTH OF JULY Summertime Cookout HALLOWEEN Terrifying Treats VIDEO: Caramel Apples THANKSGIVING Thanksgiving Feast Turkey Day Leftovers CHRISTMAS Christmas Delights and Deliveries VIDEO: Brandy Snaps Christmas Eve Dinner VIDEO: Prime Rib Christmas Morning Brunch NEW YEAR’S EVE Ring in the New Year Cocktail Party ACKNOWLEDGMENTS RECIPES BY CATEGORY INDEX Also by Ree Drummond Copyright About the Publisher INTRODUCTION There’s nothing more delicious than a holiday. Oh, is it ever true. Whenever a holiday approaches, memories rush to the surface, plans take shape, anticipation builds. And I don’t care if it’s a Hallmark holiday or one steeped in the traditions of the church—if a holiday is on the horizon, it makes me want to sing, dance, jump for joy . . . and hug everyone I see. And one more thing: It makes me want to cook! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Holidays really are just one enormous excuse to eat. Oh, don’t get me wrong: I cherish the true meaning behind each holiday and carry its significance in my heart. But c’mon: What would Valentine’s Day be without chocolate? What would Easter Sunday be without ham? What if Thanksgiving passed by without a big, succulent turkey? And what would become of humankind if we couldn’t celebrate Halloween by wolfing down a big ol’ popcorn ball? I shudder to think. If you’re like me and attach so many of your holiday memories to food, I think you’ll love this cookbook of mine. I share mouthwatering menus for all my favorite holidays throughout the year, from New Year’s Day to New Year’s Eve . . . and so many favorites in between. Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas play a significant role, but I also include scrumptious spreads for more casual, food-centric occasions such as Fourth of July, Valentine’s Day, and (because Mexican food gives me reason to live) Cinco de Mayo. Fourth of July at our house is all about the four F’s: friends, fellowship, food . . . and fireworks!