Holiday Gift Guide and Festive Recipe

It’s party time! Depending on where you are in the world, you might be having in person or Zoom holiday parties. Either way, we have you covered. Our Holiday Gift Guide will help you with some fun and thoughtful gift ideas. It’s great for everyone from the Zoom party hostess to friends and family. Everything is easy to order and ship so you can brighten up the holidays from miles away. And for those that are lucky enough to have an in person fete, this Pomegranate Chicken salad is delicious, colorful and sure to have everyone asking you for your recipe!

Holiday Gift Guide

This list was originally conceived as a Hostess gift guide but with the crazy year in mind, we updated the list to include things that are perfect for staying home. And just because lots of us are indoors, doesn’t mean we can’t have a cozy and festive holiday season. So grab a cup of hot cider and enjoy a moment of holiday retail therapy.

Use the arrows below to see each item in the guide. Click on any item for shopping information.

Holiday Gift Guide Item by Item

Pomegranate Chicken Salad with Couscous Recipe

This is a perfect holiday potluck recipe. It looks festive, tastes delicious and rides the line between main dish and side dish perfectly. This yummy recipe is from my friend Lisa Ende, who is one of the best hostesses I know.

5 from 6 votes

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Pomegranate Chicken Salad with Couscous and Spiced Chickpeas

Cuisine Mediterranean

Ingredients

• 1 cup Couscous
• Salt and Pepper
• 1.25 cup Almonds, Blanched and Sliced
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 Can Garbanzo Beans, Drained and Rinsed
• 1 tsp Cumin
• 1 Lemon, Juiced and Zested
• 1 cup Pomegranate Seeds
• Handful Mint, Torn
• Olive Oil, For Drizzling

Pomegranate Chicken

• 12 Chicken Thighs (You Can Use Breasts)

Marinade

• 2.5 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1/3 cup Pomegranate Molasses
• 1 Lemon, Juiced
• 3 Cloves Garlic, Chopped
• 2.5 tbsp Dijon Mustard
• 2.5 tbsp Sherry Vinegar
• 2 Springs Mint
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Instructions

1. Cook couscous according to the packet instructions. Fluff with fork to break up any lumps, season with salt and pepper and set aside.

2. Place the blanched almonds in a skillet and toast on medium-high heat until golden brown. Set aside and cool.

3. In the same skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat and add chickpeas, cumin and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 8-10 minutes, tossing often, until crisp and golden.

4. Add the lemon juice and cook for another minute. Transfer all the contents of the pan to the couscous, along with the toasted almonds.

5. Add the pomegranate seeds, mint, lemon zest and a good drizzle of olive oil and gently toss to combine.

6. Finally top with sliced Pomegranate Chicken.

Pomegranate Chicken

1. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat – working in batches, cook the chicken (about 5-6) minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

Marinade

1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and whisk to combine.

2. Pour into a ziplock bag and add chicken – seal and shake well.

3. Marinate in fridge for at least 6 hours overnight.

Happy Holidays and have fun at your parties!