It’s that time of year. The air is crisp, the trees are bare, and Facebook notifications are overflowing with invitations to holiday parties.

Story by Alex Alberty

Illustration by Vanessa Astronoto

The feeling is familiar to all, as schedules are piled high with essays, exams, and quickly-approaching deadlines with not enough time. Ease some of that stress and check out the recipes below for some of the easiest and tastiest dishes to impress friends this holiday season!

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Serves 8-12

Time to prepare: 10-15 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 cups (about 2 packs) frozen cranberries

• 2 cups sugar

• 2 cups water

• 4 tbsp. orange zest (about 1 large orange)

Instructions

1. Bring a medium-sized pan to high heat.

2. Combine all ingredients and bring to a boil.

3. Reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes or until cranberries have softened.

4. Remove from heat, let cool completely, and refrigerate for 1 hour.

5. Serve!

Easy Pumpkin Cornbread

Serves 20

Time to prepare: about 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 cups cornbread mix

• 1 tbsp. baking soda

• 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

• 1 can pumpkin puree

• 1.5 cups water

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375℉.

2. Spray a 9 inch, round baking pan with cooking spray.

3. Stir all ingredients in a mixing bowl until it reaches a batter-like consistency.

4. Pour batter into baking pan.

5. Bake for about 20 minutes.

6. Serve and enjoy!

Cranberry Apple Cider Punch

Serves 20

Time to prepare: 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 cups apple cider

• 4 cups cranberry juice

• 1 cup orange juice

• 1 cup whiskey of your choice

• ¼ cup apple brandy

• 3 cups ginger ale

• Ice

Instructions

1. Stir together all ingredients in a large bowl or pitcher.

2. Refrigerate until serving time.

3. Serve and garnish with cranberries, orange peels, and apple slices.