Go Homemade for the Holidays

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Overview

Why buy from the store when making it yourself can be cheaper, tastier and a lot more fun? Build on current holiday traditions or invent new ones by getting the whole family involved in making dinner from scratch this holiday season. From stuffing cubes and cranberry sauce to pie crust and whipped cream, eHow Food shares expert tips on how to make a perfectly homemade holiday meal.

Image Credit: Gus Phillippas

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Stuffing Cubes

Pass up the bags of crumbs and make your own bread cubes using any bread -- white and sourdough are common, or experiment with whole wheat or rye. Just dice it up, throw it in the oven sprinkled with some EVOO, and you have a personalized bowl of bread cubes for homemade stuffing. - in association with Rachael Ray

Image Credit: Gus Phillippas

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Cranberry Relish

It literally takes seconds to make your own cranberry relish if you follow one of Louisa Shafia's family traditions. Throw a bag of cranberries, some oranges and OJ into the blender and you'll never buy canned cranberry sauce again. - in association with Rachael Ray

Image Credit: Gus Phillippas

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Pumpkin Puree

Sure, the can is convenient, but homemade pumpkin puree has more nutrients and a noticeably more vibrant flavor and color. All it takes is a small pumpkin, some olive oil, an hour in the oven, a whirl in the food processor, and you're well on your way to a pumpkin pie made from scratch. - in association with Rachael Ray

Image Credit: Demand Media

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Pie Crust

Forget the horror stories -- making your own pie crust is simple, rewarding you with a buttery flavor and well-deserved sense of accomplishment. Heather Bertinetti walks you through her super easy recipe (Hint: it's called "3-2-1 dough" for a reason). - in association with Rachael Ray

Image Credit: Gus Phillippas

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Whipped Cream

Why stop now? Top your homemade pies with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A few minutes with a mixer and a bit of vanilla and sugar brings pillowy peaks of whipped cream to share with your guests. Now the only question is, who gets to lick the beaters? - in association with Rachael Ray

Image Credit: Demand Media

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Truffles

Put an end to holiday fights for the best chocolates in the box by making your own. Heather shows that all you need is chocolate and any flavors you want to include. She uses peppermint candy, but your creative options are endless. - in association with Rachael Ray

Image Credit: Gus Phillippas

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Egg Nog

Toast your culinary accomplishments with a glass of homemade egg nog. It's richer and creamier than the stuff out of the carton, plus you can add your own spice blends (and favorite bourbon) for a recipe that's entirely your own. - in association with Rachael Ray

Image Credit: Gus Phillippas

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