Anybody who knows me knows I LOVE the holiday season. Between the excuse to eat sweets almost daily, the gorgeous outdoor decorations and twinkling lights, and the general feeling of good cheer, it truly is the most wonderful time of the year. And despite some traditions taking a bit of a turn this season, our favorite classic movies are actually more accessible than ever. But the best part of watching those movies is curling up on the couch with a warm drink and some snacks with the lights turned low.
So in the spirit of sugar and "ice" and everything nice, here are the best sweets, treats and eats to munch on while watching your favorite holiday movies.
1. The Grinch - Roast beef
We kind of have to assume that the "roast beast" they refer to in the book/movie is actually roast beef, right? Either way, I'm going with it. Besides, some nights, you just want to sit back with a nice deli sandwich piled in meat and relax while watching a movie with some good 'ol Grinch-like antics.
2. Miracle on 34th Street - Hot dogs
An iconic NYC-based movie that centers around an NYC icon—Macy's, deserves an iconic NYC favorite like hot dogs. Found on almost every street corner, these babies always seem to hit the spot. And if you want it to feel authentic, make sure to broil them and serve in some parchment paper with your chosen toppings to match the street-style service—and add a bag of Lay's while you're at it!
3. It's a Wonderful Life - family dinner with the works (meats, potatoes, sides...)
If there is one thing this film teaches you, its to cherish your loved ones and appreciate the good in your life. I suggest watching it first and soaking in the message, then stepping away from the TV and enjoying a home-cooked meal with your loved ones, relishing each other's company and making some 'wonderful' memories of your own.
4. A Christmas Story - Turkey or Peking Duck
Remember the scene in the movie when the neighbor's dogs run off with the Christmas turkey, so the family goes out for a dinner of what is deemed "Chinese turkey” (aka Peking duck)? Yeah, pretty self explanatory connection here, and if you go with Peking duck, not too hard to recreate either!
5. Home Alone - a lovely cheese pizza, just for you!
Pizza plays a heavy hand in Home Alone. While it is first found in the opening scene when everyone attacks it before Kevin can get his slice, it comes full circle when Kevin orders his own large pizza just for himself once he's all alone. In times like these when ordering out also means supporting small business, why not "treat yo'self" to a nice, large pizza. I'm told holiday calories don't really count anyway. I recommend Pizza Suprema for my fellow NY-ers.
6. The Santa Claus - chocolate chip cookies and hot cocoa
Both big players in the movies, Scott tries Judy's 1200 year old hot cocoa when he visits the North Pole, and says it is among the best he's ever had. While it may be hard to find a 1200 year old recipe, the internet is full of great hot cocoa recipes. And if you're watching on date night, I suggest spiking it with some red wine for a splash of extra flavor that will really surprise you. And since we're indulging, what better sweet to pair with that than chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven? Dining with Skylar has a great Levain copycat recipe, and if you're looking for something more traditional, Sugar Spun Run's Worst Chocolate Chip cookies are anything but. Make sure to follow Scott's instructions, no nuts!
7. Elf - Spaghetti (and maple syrup?)
Buddy the Elf certainly has some... questionable taste, not the least of which being his concoction of spaghetti with a full bottle of maple syrup, M&M's, sprinkles, chocolate syrup and Pop Tarts to top it off. If you want to go the traditional route, ditch the maple syrup for a cream-based or tomato sauce and use veggies that mimic the colors of his toppings—like different colored peppers—for a look-alike version. But if you want the full Buddy the Elf experience, go nuts on the dessert pasta, and don't forget to copy him by eating with your hands.
8. Rugrats Channukah Special - Pickles!!
Pickles are an iconic Jewish food—just ask Gail Simmons. What better snack to help spend your evening with the Pickles than the food they're named after? Personally, I snack on these on the regular anyway, but if you're not usually storing these in the house, you can easily grab a jar before you settle in for your TV time.
9. Eight Crazy Nights - Sufganiyot with crazy fillings and toppings
Sufganiyot, for those who aren't familiar, are fried doughnuts with jelly filling. The oil we use to fry the doughnuts is a callback to the miracle of one night of oil lasting for eight. The great thing about this movie is how ridiculous it is. Likewise, the great thing about these doughnuts is how ridiculous you can make them. I love Molly Yeh's recipes in particular because she mixes it up and surprises us with some savory options. But whatever toppings and fillings you try, they're sure to be tasty.
10. Full Court Miracle - Latkas
While I was tempted to suggest gefilte fish, as an homage to the Shabbat dinner scene, I know many people are divided on the dish, so I'll make an alternate Channukah suggestion instead, latkas! This fried potato pancake is a delight and offers the option to customize with different dips or toppings. Like fries at a baseball or football game, these are totally snackable and drool-worthy. Trust me, you'll love 'em.
11. A Charlie Brown Christmas - Gingerbread House
Remember how Snoopy's dog house was decorated in the movie? If you don't, you can easily find some renderings online. Make a day of it by re-creating Snoopy's house out of gingerbread then snacking on it while you watch the movie. Fun for family or friends!
12. The Nightmare Before Christmas - snowball cookies
Food in this movie is few and far between, but Jack Skellington does eat a snowball when he first arrives in Christmas Town. And while snow cones may mimic this best, cold weather calls for cookies. Snowball cookies are covered in powdered sugar and literally look like mini snowballs, while providing the flavor comfort of sugar and nutty goodness. But be careful, they're small and easily eaten in one sitting!
You sn-owe it to yourself to enjoy a cozy night in. So grab some ingredients or support a local business and order out, then turn up the volume and snuggle up for a cozy night in with some delicious eats to match!
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