If you’ve ever wished you could eat your way into a better year, you’re in luck—literally. From lentils that promise prosperity to noodles that stretch your lifespan, cultures everywhere have stirred a little hope into their holiday menus.
This collection brings together recipes inspired by the world’s most beloved New Year’s traditions (see p.16), reimagined for modern kitchens. Whether you’re slurping soba, baking bread with a hidden coin, or serving greens that practically whisper cha-ching, these dishes invite you to begin the year the delicious way: full of flavor, fortune, and the optimism that maybe—just maybe—this time, it’ll stick.
Cranberry-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 pork tenderloins (about 1 lb each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary (or ½ tsp dried)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or homemade)
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat pork tenderloins dry and rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and garlic. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high. Add pork and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
For the glaze:
In a small saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon. Simmer 5 minutes until glossy.
Brush half the glaze over pork and transfer skillet to oven. Roast for 20–25 minutes or until internal temp reaches 145°F.
During the last 10 minutes, brush on more glaze.
Let pork rest 5–10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with remaining glaze.
Pair with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, green beans almondine, and a holiday salad with pomegranate seeds and candied pecans.
Holiday Greens with Bacon, Garlic & Cranberries
Ingredients (*optional)
- 1 ½ lbs mixed greens (collard, mustard, kale — or blend)
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil*
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken or veggie broth
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp brown sugar*
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes*
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup dried cranberries (for color and sweetness)
- Optional garnish: chopped pecans or toasted almonds
Instructions
Wash greens thoroughly, remove tough stems, and chop leaves. In large skillet or Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving 1 tbsp fat in the pan.
Add onion to pan, cook 3-4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute. Add the greens in batches, stir until they start to wilt.
Pour in broth, vinegar, and brown sugar. Add red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer low for 15–20 minutes, until greens are tender but not mushy.
Stir in cooked bacon and dried cranberries just before serving. Garnish with toasted nuts if desired.
Snow-Kissed Holiday Bread Wreath (Sweet Round Loaf)
Ingredients
- ¾ cup warm milk (~ 110°F)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs (room temp)
- ½ tsp salt
- 3–3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- Zest of 1 orange (optional but festive)
- Topping & Decoration:
- 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- 2 tbsp dried cranberries or raisins (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
In large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add melted butter, eggs, salt, and orange zest. Mix until combined.
Gradually add flour 1 cup at a time until soft dough forms. Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with clean towel, and let rise in warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Divide dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each into a smooth ball. Arrange balls in a circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet so they touch slightly in the center — forming a wreath shape. Cover loosely and let rise another 30–45 minutes, until puffy. Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush the top with melted butter. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and baked through.
Cool slightly and dust generously with powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Sprinkle dried cranberries or raisins on top for color. Serve warm with honey butter, spiced jam, or orange marmalade. Perfect for Christmas brunch or alongside coffee on Christmas morning.