Sugar, Stories, and Second Helpings — The Recipes We Return to Every Year

Ah, December. The month of twinkle lights, aggressive amounts of red plaid, busy schedules full of parties and celebrations, and the sudden urge to bake (or cook!) like you’re auditioning for ‘The Great British Baking Show: Holidays’. While everyone else is busy pretending they love the cold, we’d rather be inside whipping up treats that bring actual warmth—and maybe a little attitude—to the holidays.

To help spread some holiday joy, 2 Fish Co. style, we decided to share our favorite holiday recipes with you. Whether tapping into nostalgia, bringing comfort, or adding some festive cheer, these are the recipes that make December feel like a celebration instead of a countdown to the next electric bill. Grab your spatula, pour something festive (see the recipe below!), and join us in creating cozy, tasty, and nostalgic holiday treats.

Scott’s Salmon Ball (À La Mom)

Directions

• Strain salmon, remove skin and bones, and flake.
• Mix in cream cheese and all ingredients except the nuts.
• Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour to set up.
• Roll into 1 large ball.
• Roll the ball in the nuts to coat them.
• The ball can be halved (into two parts).
• Can be kept refrigerated for up to two weeks (covered).
• Best served with Triscuits and Wheat Thins.

Adam’s Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

Directions

• Sift 1 ¾ cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
• Cream together ½ cup of butter and ⅓ cup of peanut butter.
• Gradually add ½ cup of sugar and ½ cup of packed brown sugar. Then, add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla.
• Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
• Shape into balls, roll in sugar. Place on a greased cookie sheet.
• Bake at 375 degrees for 8 minutes.
• Remove, press a Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie until the edges crack.
• Place back in the oven and bake for an additional 2 minutes.
• Remove, allow to cool, and enjoy!

Shelly’s Tiger Butter Chocolates

Directions

• Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with plastic wrap.
• Melt white chocolate in the top of a double boiler over simmering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sides of the boiler with a rubber spatula to prevent scorching.
• Place melted white chocolate in a large bowl and stir in peanut butter until well combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
• Melt dark chocolate in the top of a double boiler over simmering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sides of the boiler with a rubber spatula to prevent scorching. Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the white chocolate-peanut butter mixture in stripes. Use a butter knife to make a marble pattern.
• Allow the candy to set until it begins to firm up but is not solidified, about 45 minutes. Cut into squares.

Kathy’s Holly Brunch Cocktail for One (Living Lark)

Directions

• Make a simple syrup: Combine sugar and water in a microwave-safe measuring cup and bring to a boil, typically taking about one minute in the microwave.
• Remove from the microwave and add rosemary (no need to de-stem it; simply add it in). Let this mixture set (or steep) for 5 minutes.
• Discard rosemary from the syrup. (If necessary, strain any green bits with a small mesh sieve right over your rocks glass.)
• Combine syrup and juices into a glass, top with club soda, and fill to the top with ice. Garnish with an extra rosemary sprig, if available.
• Add vodka, if desired (which may require a larger glass).

December Isn’t Just Cold—It’s Cozy Season

These recipes aren’t just food—they’re little moments of joy in the middle of the holiday frenzy. They bring people together, calm the chaos, and make your home feel like you’ve got everything handled… even if you don’t.

Here’s to a December full of sugar, warmth, and second helpings.

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