The holiday season brings opportunities to gather with loved ones and enjoy memorable meals together. However, selecting appropriate recipes for various occasions can be challenging. Special Collections and Archives offers an extensive collection of recipes suitable for any event.

The University of Idaho has an long history with food and recipe development from the College of Agriculture’s Home Economics and Extension programs. University of Idaho Extension continues to provide research-based education and information on numerous topics, including food preparation and nutrition. Agricultural Experiment & UI Extension Publications

When planning a holiday dinner, choosing which beverages to serve is an excellent starting point. Beyond traditional options such as sparkling beverages, water, or juice, consider Purple Cow - a delicious blend of milk and family-friendly flavors.

For more milk drink recipes, check out this publication Have Fun with Foods!

For those preferring savory flavors, Hot Spiced Tomato Juice, prepared with catsup and Tabasco sauce, offers a warming alternative.

With beverages selected, let’s turn our attention to side dishes that complement the main course. The University of Idaho Special Collections and Archives, along with Extension publications, contain numerous distinctive and unique recipes that extend beyond conventional options.

The Cheese and Bean Loaf with Tomato Sauce provides a well-rounded side dish incorporating vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy.

Read 4-H food facts and home cookery, Part I for more recipes that include multiple food groups and satisfy your taste buds.

For those interested in regional cuisine, vintage midwestern favorites such as Smile Salad - contributed by library employee Elsie Hanson in 1971 - bring nostalgic fruit and dessert flavors to the meal before dessert is even served.

No holiday feast is complete without fresh bread. Parker House Rolls remain a reliable, safe, and delicious choice. Served with salted butter and jam, these rolls are a great addition to any meal.

If Parker House Rolls aren’t your cup of tea, read 4-H food facts and home cookery for more bread options.

A typical and well-balanced meal includes a protein-based main course. If you are a fan of beef and potatoes, this Beef & Vegetable Pie with Potato Crust is an excellent and hearty option for a holiday meal.

Alternatively, a Ham Loaf - a mid-century staple similar to meatloaf - provides an accessible alternative to traditional holiday ham or turkey. This recipe, contributed by Library employee Hazel Berg for the Recipes on Reserves cookbook, is an easy option for families looking to spend more quality time with one another.

For many, dessert is arguably the best part of any meal. Cake and ice cream is a great dessert combination. Fruit ice creams, such as this recipe for Prune Ice Cream, easily complement cakes of all kinds. The DeLuxe Angel Cake, with a fluffy and light crumb, is an excellent choice to pair with prune ice cream.

Read Dairy products for health and economy and 4-H foods project for more delicious dessert options.

Recipes in the archive aren’t limited to Extension publications or at-home cooking. The University of Idaho has had an impactful influence on recipe development at the national level. Since the late 1800s, Senate Bean Soup has been a staple in the Capitol Hill cafeteria for US senators.

This soup was added as a permanent item on the menu thanks to Idaho Senator Fred Dubois. However, in 1950, one journalist noted his distaste for the soup and caused a nation-wide and state-wide uproar. This recipe was tested and perfected by UI Professor Adah Lewis and students in her cooking class before it replaced the old Dubois recipe. Read Senate Bean Soup to find the recipe and to learn more about the University of Idaho’s lasting influence on Capitol Hill!

Whether the holidays are for rest and review, or for quality time with family, food is a central part of self-care during this time. If you are in the mood to broaden your taste buds, or to experiment with new recipes, we hope that these recipes provide some inspiration for your holiday meals.

If you are interested in finding more recipes similar to these, or different, reach out to Special Collections and Archives or explore the UI Extension Publications Digital Collection with keyword “recipe”. From Special Collections and Archives, we wish you a restful and delicious holiday break.