Cabin Cooking: Holiday Recipes to Try in Your December Rental

There’s something truly magical about spending the holiday season in a cabin in the Smoky Mountains. The crackling fire, the stunning winter views, and the warm, inviting atmosphere make it the perfect setting for a memorable holiday getaway. And what better way to make your cabin stay even more special than by cooking up some delicious holiday recipes? Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or that special someone, these holiday recipes are perfect for creating a festive feast in your December rental cabin.

1. Warm and Hearty: Cabin Chili

Nothing beats a warm bowl of chili on a cold winter’s day, and this hearty recipe is perfect for a cozy meal in your cabin. It’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and fills the cabin with a mouthwatering aroma.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef or turkey
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
• 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions for toppings

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beans, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Serve hot, topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions.

Why It’s Perfect: This chili is hearty, flavorful, and comforting—a perfect dish to enjoy after a day of exploring the Smoky Mountains. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings and can be made ahead of time.

2. Festive Breakfast: Gingerbread Pancakes

Start your holiday mornings in the cabin with a stack of warm, fluffy gingerbread pancakes. These pancakes are packed with festive spices and are sure to put everyone in a holiday mood.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Maple syrup and powdered sugar for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, molasses, brown sugar, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
5. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.
6. Serve warm with maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Why It’s Perfect: Gingerbread pancakes bring the flavors of the holiday season to your breakfast table. They’re easy to make, kid-friendly, and a great way to start a festive day in the cabin.

3. Holiday Classic: Roast Chicken with Cranberry Glaze

For a simple yet elegant holiday dinner, try this roast chicken with a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze. It’s a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table and pairs perfectly with classic sides.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp rosemary, chopped
• 1 tsp thyme, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels. Rub the chicken with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and set aside.
3. In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, honey, orange juice, balsamic vinegar, garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
4. Brush the cranberry glaze over the chicken, reserving some for basting.
5. Roast the chicken in the oven for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, basting with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with your favorite holiday sides.

Why It’s Perfect: This roast chicken is festive, flavorful, and easier to prepare than a full turkey, making it ideal for smaller holiday gatherings in your cabin. The cranberry glaze adds a seasonal touch that’s sure to impress.

4. Sweet Treat: Holiday Sugar Cookies

No holiday celebration is complete without a batch of sugar cookies. These classic cookies are fun to bake and decorate, making them a perfect activity for a cozy afternoon in the cabin.

Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
• 3 tbsp milk
• Colored sugar, sprinkles, and icing for decorating

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined. Add the milk and stir until the dough comes together.
4. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before decorating with icing and sprinkles.

Why It’s Perfect: Baking and decorating sugar cookies is a beloved holiday tradition that’s fun for the whole family. It’s a great way to spend time together in the cabin, and the finished cookies make a delicious and festive treat.

5. Cozy Drink: Hot Mulled Cider

Warm up by the fire with a mug of hot mulled cider, a comforting and aromatic holiday drink that’s perfect for sipping in your cabin.

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon apple cider
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 6 whole cloves
• 4 whole allspice berries
• 2 star anise
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup rum or bourbon (optional)
• Cinnamon sticks and orange slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine the apple cider, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, star anise, and brown sugar.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. If using, stir in the rum or bourbon just before serving.
4. Ladle the hot cider into mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick and an orange slice.

Why It’s Perfect: Hot mulled cider is a quintessential holiday drink that fills your cabin with the scent of spices and apples. It’s easy to make and perfect for sharing with loved ones as you relax and enjoy the holiday atmosphere.

Cooking in your cabin during a December getaway is a wonderful way to create holiday magic and make lasting memories. These recipes are simple, delicious, and perfectly suited for the cozy, intimate setting of a Smoky Mountain cabin. Whether you’re enjoying a festive breakfast, a hearty dinner, or a sweet treat, these dishes are sure to bring warmth and joy to your holiday celebrations. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to create some unforgettable meals in your home away from home!