The winter holidays are a time of good cheer and that includes time spent at the dinner table during Christmas, Hanukkah and other winter gatherings. The holiday season is a great time to get creative with the meals you serve and the foods you eat. Everyone is looking for delicious, interesting and festive recipes to impress family and friends. Here are some creative and tasty food and nutrition ideas for your winter holiday celebrations.

First, you’ll want to consider traditional dishes and ingredients that you haven’t had in a while like roasted chestnuts, duck confit and mulled wine. It’s a great time to focus on seasonal foods like cranberries, apples, oranges, pomegranates and squash – all of which can be served as side dishes or used as ingredients in recipes. Additionally, winter ingredients like sage, rosemary and thyme make for both delicious dishes and a pleasant aroma.

Second, winter is the perfect time to showcase family recipes. If there’s a dish from your family’s past that your grandmother always made, or perhaps a recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation – now’s the time to pull them out and share them with your loved ones. This is also a great opportunity to create new family recipes that will last for years to come.

Third, incorporate flavors and seasonings that are common for winter like honey, cinnamon and nutmeg. These flavors are associated with the holiday season, making dishes warm and comforting. A great way to liven up a dish is by adding drizzles of balsamic glaze, or topping vegetables with flavorful herbs like parsley and chives.

Fourth, don’t forget the superfoods. Many of the nutritious powerhouses that are eaten year round, like kale, spinach and blueberries, are even tastier in winter. Try drizzling olive oil, adding a sprinkle of sea salt, and baking in the oven for a healthy and satisfying side dish. Other winter essentials, like sweet potatoes and beets, can also be spiced up with seasonings or a little zesty zing.

Finally, add in protein and fiber. To help guests stay full and nourished throughout the night, consider adding in higher-protein dishes like turkey or vegetarian chili. Additionally, dishes that contain high levels of fiber, like legumes, will help to fill guests’ tummies and leave them feeling satiated for hours.

Whether your holiday meal is a formal affair or an intimate gathering, these food and nutrition ideas are sure to bring flavor, freshness and health to your holiday season. From traditional family recipes to innovative dishes and superfoods, creating delicious winter-themed dishes should bring joy and warmth to those around the table. Enjoy!