How To Celebrate The Holidays In A Fun And Safe Way

It’s just about time to ring in the New Year, YAHOOOO! 2020 has been a VERY interesting year to say the least, but I can’t wait to see what 2021 brings! Since the majority of us will be celebrating Christmas with A LOT less friends and family this year, I think it’s important to still keep some family traditions alive.

Hosting this year has been no small feat—and the biggest party season of all is almost here. As much as we’d like for things to be “business as usual” this holiday, planning for the holidays in 2020 requires a little more work to keep you and your loved ones happy and healthy.

Food and the company you’re with are two very important parts of celebrating the holidays. Since we can’t be around others this year, we have to find unique and fun ways to make the best of this holiday season!

1. Cook The Foods You Typically Would Over The Holidays

Every year my family typically creates a few different gourmet appetizers. We always love including Boursin!

My Two Favourite Flavours of Boursin Cheese

Cranberry & Pepper

My favourite Boursin Cheese flavour! Boursin Cranberry & Pepper is a surprising and irresistible blend that won’t fail to impress! The tanginess and sweetness of cranberries and the heat of cracked black pepper contrast with the mildness of our cheese, producing a delicious sweet-savoury blend you’re sure to love. Discover this exquisite combination simply on bread or crackers or paired with other flavours in gourmet hors d’oeuvres.

Garlic and Fine Herbs

My second favourite flavour! This cheese has an exceptional texture, and is enhanced with a hint of garlic and the great taste of aromatic parsley and chives – this is the original flavour created by François Boursin. Fifty years later, this incomparable recipe inspired by Norman tradition remains the favourite on every cheese platter. Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs – an irresistible classic!

Enjoy Boursin cheese on a fresh crusty baguette or crackers, or serve it with fruits, nuts or deli meats for truly creative platters!

There are also a few quick gourmet appetizer ideas using Boursin at the bottom of this page! Trust me, these go-to appetizers will surely be a hit at your next gathering when we can be around all our friends and family again (see recipes at bottom)!

2. Celebrate With Your Friends And Family Virtually

While Christmas is all about tradition, with a little creativity (and a strong wifi connection), you can pull off your favourite Christmas celebration ideas during COVID, virtually! If you’re unable to get together in person this year, so many holiday ideas can be done over Zoom.

Whether you are cooking together (hello gourmet appetizers), having wreath making parties, or simply just having a glass of your favourite wine, it can all be done virtually! This holiday will definitely be very different, but it can still be fun!

3. Set The Table Extra Special This Year

While disposable tableware is best when celebrating with groups outside your household, real dinnerware is fine to use with a small group or household only. Make your table and home extra special this year with lots of festive decorations. String lights, get some garland, make festive wreaths, light candles, the list goes on!

4. Pop A Bottle Of Champagne And Pray That 2021 Goes A Little Smoother

If all else fails, at least we have alcohol! Pop a bottle of your favourite wine or champagne, and ENJOY it with those delicious gourmet appetizers you whipped up!

 

Procrastination happens to the best of us — but these easy gourmet appetizers got your back.

 

Whipped Boursin Crostini with Apple & Thyme

1 package of Cranberry & Pepper Boursin

1 tbsp heavy cream

Baguette

1 apple

Thyme

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Cut the baguette into slices, and put in oven for 10 minutes to toast.
3. In a medium size bowl or stand mixer, whip the Cranberry & Pepper Boursin and the cream together till light and fluffy.
4. Add the Boursin mixture on top of the baguette, and top with apple slices and thyme!

Sweet Potato Rounds with Cranberry & Pepper Boursin

1 large sweet potato

1 block Cranberry & Pepper Boursin

Dried or fresh cranberries

Walnuts

Honey

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a large baking sheet (or two) with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl toss sliced sweet potato rounds with olive oil until each side is coated lightly with oil. Sprinkle with salt and ground cinnamon. Arrange the sweet potato rounds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet(s) and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, flip the rounds and continue to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until completely cooked through and crispy around the edges.
2. Prepare the sweet potato rounds: on top of each round place a large dollop of Cranberry & Pepper Boursin, followed by a few dried or fresh cranberries, chopped walnuts, and honey. Best served immediately.

Cucumber Garlic & Fine Herbs Boursin Roll Ups With Bacon

5 slices of bacon

1 cucumber

1 block Garlic & Fine Herbs Boursin

1. Cook your bacon slices to a crisp over the stove. Crunchy bacon is good for this recipe! Set the cooked bacon aside to cool until Step 3.
2. Use a vegetable peeler or mandolin to peel away approximately 12 slices from a whole cucumber. Make sure the slices are wide with sturdy edges.
3. Chop up the bacon into small bacon bit pieces. Mix together the Garlic & Fine Herbs Boursin cheese with the bacon.
4. Place the Boursin mixture over the cucumber slices, and roll the cucumber into a tight roll. Stick with a toothpick to keep it all together and enjoy!

This post is sponsored by Boursin. Thank you for continuing to support the brands who help make Basics With Bails possible!