The Daily Memphian’s new Holidays in Memphis newsletter series will be your helping hand this season with recipes, holiday events, gift ideas and more. Sign up here to receive seasonal tips in your inbox through New Year’s Eve.

The stockings are hung by the chimney with care, and your tummy is grumbling when you look at the dining table because the holiday feast soon will be there. But first, someone has to cook it. If that someone is you, let us help you plan your menu with recipes from our archives. 

THE MAIN COURSE

Tamales are a classic Mexican holiday food. (Credit: carlosrojas20/Getty Images)

The traditional Christmas ham is so similar to the Thanksgiving turkey — just a big chunk of meat at the center of the table. So, maybe try something new this year, like our own Natalie Van Gundy’s Spaghetti Squash Casserole. This bake combines rotisserie chicken with nutty spaghetti squash, mushrooms, artichokes, and a creamy Alfredo sauce.

You could also turn to the time-honored Mexican food tradition of making tamales for Christmas. This recipe for Delta-style tamales has garnered praise from the Delta Hot Tamale Festival. And the tamale-making process is fun for the whole family. 

Hanukkah kicks off on Christmas Day this year, which is ideal timing for families who celebrate both holidays. Try this recipe for reader Sharon Fox O’Guin’s latkes, which are perfect with sour cream or applesauce. 

ON THE SIDE

Jennifer Chandler’s macaroni and cheese with a twist was inspired by the version chef Jackson Kramer served at Interim Restaurant. (Jennifer Chandler/The Daily Memphian file)

You can’t go wrong with mac and cheese, no matter the time of year. But during these cold, winter days, something about a warm, creamy sauce just hits different. Food writer Jennifer Chandler shared her twist on the late Chef Jackson Kramer’s mac & cheese from Interim. It’s flecked with country ham, so you could even serve this as a main dish if you wanted. 

Move over pumpkin szn; it’s winter squash season. The late Jennifer Biggs shared her recipe for baked Butternut Squash with Dukkah, an Egyptian seasoning made from nuts, seeds and spices. And don’t worry; we’ve got the dukkah recipe here, so you won’t need to source any hard-to-find ingredients. 

SOMETHING SWEET

Biggs made the same New Orlean-style pralines at Christmas for more than 20 years, and she shared that recipe with our readers. Yes, candy-making can be intimidating, so Biggs recommends only making a single batch until you get the hang of it.

Unlike a standard bourbon-pecan pie, this recipe calls for Kahlua or other coffee-flavored liqueur. (Boblin/Getty Images)

The holiday table isn’t complete without pie, and Biggs shared this recipe for Kahlua Pecan Pie a few years back. It’s based off an old newspaper clipping that her mother-in-law saved and made changes to, so you know it’s got to be good. 

CHEERS, Y’ALL!

Milk Punch is a perfect cocktail for the holidays. (The Daily Memphian file)

Lastly, you’ll need something to toast with, and we’ve got two Milk Punch recipes here. One comes from Biggs and has dark rum and Kahlua (you’ll have some leftover from the pecan pie anyway). That one makes a punchbowl-full for sharing, but if you’re having yourself a merry little Christmas, we’ve got Chef Kelly English’s single-drink recipe for that.

HOLIDAY FOOD EVENTS

Julbord: Swedish Holiday Celebration at Ikea on Friday, Dec. 13:

Julbord is a Scandinavian feast during the Christmas season, and Ikea is bringing that tradition to Memphis. Enjoy a seasonal buffet, holiday music and crafts for kids. 4-6 p.m. Tickets are $19.99 adults or $9.99 kids 12 and under. 7900 IKEA Way. More info here.

‘A Very Cajun Beer and Carols!’ at Evergreen Presbyterian Church on Friday, Dec. 13:

Sing holiday classics and enjoy chicken & sausage gumbo, white beans and sweet holiday treats. There will also be a reading of “The Cajun Night Before Christmas.” 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. 1567 Overton Park Ave. More info here.

Breakfast with Santa at the Fire Department Museum of Memphis on Saturday, Dec. 14: 

The SunBelt Fire and Memphis Firefighters Association IAFF 1784 will host a catered breakfast of pancakes, bacon/sausage and fruit. Plus, guests will get photos with Santa by professional photographer Roger Cotton. 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $24. 118 Adams Ave. More info here.

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