The holiday season is the perfect time to showcase unique, flavorful ingredients in your cooking and entertaining. Haskap berries, often referred to as a “super berry,” are packed with antioxidants and health benefits, making them a festive and nutritious addition to your holiday table. Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner, preparing edible gifts, or creating cozy treats, Haskap Farms' organic jams, jellies, syrups, and chutneys offer endless possibilities. Here are five delicious ways to use haskap products this holiday season.
1. Elevate Your Cheese Board with Haskap Chutney
Cheese boards are a staple at holiday gatherings, and adding a unique spread like haskap chutney will wow your guests. The rich, tangy flavor of the chutney pairs beautifully with a variety of cheeses, from creamy Brie to sharp Cheddar.
How to Serve:
- Layer the flavors: Spread haskap chutney over a wedge of goat cheese or cream cheese for an easy centerpiece.
- Pair with crackers: Serve alongside crusty bread, crackers, or even gluten-free options for a versatile appetizer.
- Add fresh touches: Garnish the board with nuts, dried fruits, and fresh haskap berries (if available).
Pro Tip: Drizzle a touch of honey or haskap syrup over the chutney to balance the tanginess and create a gourmet flavor profile.
2. Create Festive Cocktails with Haskap Syrup
Nothing says holiday cheer like a festive cocktail, and haskap syrup is an exceptional ingredient for adding vibrant color and a burst of flavor to drinks. Its sweet-tart taste makes it an ideal mixer for cocktails and mocktails alike.
Recipe Idea: Haskap Holiday Sparkler
- 1 oz haskap syrup
- 4 oz sparkling water or prosecco
- Fresh rosemary sprig for garnish
- Ice
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add haskap syrup and top with sparkling water or prosecco.
- Stir gently and garnish with a sprig of rosemary or frozen haskap berries for a festive touch.
Mocktail Tip: Replace the alcohol with cranberry juice or lemon soda for a kid-friendly version.
3. Bake Haskap Muffins for Holiday Brunch
Holiday mornings call for something special, and haskap muffins are the perfect treat for your festive brunch table. They’re packed with antioxidants and make a delightful alternative to traditional blueberry muffins.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup haskap jam
- 1/2 cup milk or a plant-based alternative
- 1/3 cup melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients, including the haskap jam.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Do not overmix.
- Spoon the batter into the muffin cups and bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Serving Suggestion: Spread additional haskap jam on warm muffins for a sweet finish!
4. Glaze Your Holiday Ham or Roast with Haskap Syrup
A well-glazed ham or roast is a show-stopping centerpiece for holiday dinners. Haskap syrup’s tangy sweetness complements savory dishes, creating a balance of flavors that will leave your guests raving.
Glaze Recipe:
- 1/2 cup haskap syrup
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 clove minced garlic
Instructions:
- Mix all glaze ingredients in a small bowl.
- Brush the glaze over your ham or roast during the final 30 minutes of cooking. Reapply every 10 minutes to build a caramelized coating.
Pro Tip: Use the leftover glaze as a dipping sauce for roasted vegetables or bread.
5. Make Edible Gifts with Haskap Jam or Jelly
Edible gifts are a heartfelt and sustainable way to spread holiday cheer, and jars of organic haskap jam or jelly make for unique, thoughtful presents. Enhance the gifting experience by turning the products into something special.
Gift Ideas:
- DIY Haskap Gift Sets: Bundle a jar of haskap jam with a loaf of homemade bread or a scone mix for a ready-to-enjoy treat.
- Holiday Haskap Jam Cookies: Use the jam as a filling for thumbprint cookies or linzer cookies. Package them in decorative tins for an extra touch.
- Customized Labels: Add personalized holiday messages to the jars with festive ribbons and tags.
Recipe Idea: Haskap Thumbprint Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup haskap jam
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar together in a bowl until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
- Roll dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Press your thumb into the center of each ball to create an indentation. Fill with haskap jam.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Pro Tip: Include the recipe on a handwritten card for a personal touch.
Why Choose Haskap Products for the Holidays?
Haskap berries are more than just delicious—they’re a health-conscious choice for the holidays. Packed with antioxidants and natural sweetness, they’re an excellent alternative to traditional sugar-laden options. Plus, by using organic haskap products, you’re supporting sustainable farming and local businesses.
From appetizers to desserts, haskap products bring a vibrant twist to holiday meals and gatherings. This year, make your holidays memorable by incorporating these creative ideas into your celebrations.
Explore Our Organic Haskap Products
Looking to stock up on haskap products for the holidays? Visit Haskap Farms to shop our jams, jellies, syrups, and chutneys. Happy holidays from all of us at Haskap Farms!