Ah, the holidays! Could we please just have them but without the pressure (artificial or not)?

Don’t get me wrong, I love me a holiday…especially Christmas!  It’s reminiscent of my childhood when all I could think about were the delicious European cookies and chocolates that were only around during the holiday, the hustle and bustle of my sisters and I helping mom prep for Christmas dinner, and the anticipation of how much money my dad would give me so I could shop for my favorite things.

Fast forward to today and I would love the holidays even more if I could wave a magic wand to get all the stuff needed to get it done right beforehand.  You’re probably thinking, isn’t that half the fun? Well,  it would be if juggling day to day life while doing it wasn’t so hectic.

There’s one thing you won’t hear me griping about, though – the opportunity to treat my holiday guests and myself (yes we must hook ourselves up too) to some homemade decadent desserts and of course, the drinks to go along with it.

If you’ve been with us for awhile, you know that a gapmuse holiday is not complete without our three favorite things: cooking, changing things up by adding something new to our menu, and sharing.

This year is no different.

Here are 6 dessert and drink recipes that are sure to delight your guests this holiday:

1. Dark Chocolate Peppermint Patty Cake

2. Gingerbread and Lemon Curd Trifle with Blackberry Sauce

3. Gingerbread Cupcakes with Caramelized Mango Buttercream 

4. Chocolate-Coconut Macaroons

5. Maple Butter Kiss

6. Pomergranate Sangria

Want to try more holiday treat recipes? Check out our holiday dessert and drinks Pinterest Board here:

Happy Holidays gapmusers!

Wishing you the best holidays and a most successful New Year.

Be inspired.