Aldi’s December Delights: Festive Recipes Featuring This Month’s Best Finds

December at Aldi is a magical time. The aisles transform into a wonderland of festive foods, gourmet ingredients, and unbeatable prices. Navigating the treasure trove can be overwhelming, but fear not! This guide highlights the best Aldi finds this December and provides delicious, easy-to-follow recipes to make the most of them. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these budget-friendly, holiday-inspired meals and treats.

## Navigating the December Aldi Aisle: Key Finds to Look For

Before diving into recipes, let’s identify the star players of Aldi’s December lineup:

* **Specially Selected Indulgent Desserts:** Keep an eye out for their seasonal cheesecakes, mousse cups, and other delectable treats. They’re perfect for quick and easy desserts or adding a touch of elegance to your holiday table.
* **Emporium Selection Cheeses:** Aldi’s cheese selection explodes in December. Look for imported cheeses, flavored cheeses, and cheese logs perfect for holiday cheese boards. Brie, Gouda, and flavored cheddars are almost always a guaranteed score.
* **Park Street Deli Dips and Spreads:** From hummus to spinach artichoke dip, Park Street Deli offers a variety of dips and spreads that are great for appetizers or snacking.
* **Seasonal Produce:** December brings seasonal fruits and vegetables like cranberries, pomegranates, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes. Take advantage of these fresh ingredients to add color and flavor to your meals.
* **Deutsche Küche German Specialties:** Aldi’s German-themed weeks are legendary. Look for authentic German treats like Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Stollen (fruitcake), and savory sausages.
* **Bake Shop Items:** Aldi’s Bake Shop offers a range of holiday-themed cookies, cakes, and pastries. They’re great for last-minute desserts or gifting.
* **Seafood Selections:** Don’t overlook Aldi’s seafood options. Frozen shrimp, salmon fillets, and even lobster tails can be incredibly affordable and perfect for a special occasion.
* **Wine and Spirits:** Aldi’s wine and beer selection is surprisingly good. Look for festive wines like sparkling Moscato or mulled wine kits.
* **Choceur Chocolate:** Indulge in Aldi’s German chocolate. They have advent calendars, chocolate Santas, and tons of great gifting options.

## Recipes Featuring Aldi’s December Finds

Now, let’s get cooking! Here are some delicious recipes using those amazing Aldi finds:

### 1. Cranberry Brie Bites

These elegant appetizers are incredibly easy to make and require minimal ingredients.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 package (14.1 oz) Aldi’s Bake House Crescent Rolls
* 4 oz Emporium Selection Brie cheese, cut into small cubes
* 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
* 1/4 cup sugar
* 2 tablespoons water
* 1 tablespoon butter
* Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Cranberry Sauce:** In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, and butter. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens (about 10-15 minutes).
2. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. **Prepare Crescent Rolls:** Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into triangles.
4. **Assemble the Bites:** Place a cube of Brie cheese on the wide end of each triangle. Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce.
5. **Roll and Bake:** Roll up the crescent rolls from the wide end to the point. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. **Bake:** Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. **Garnish (Optional):** Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts before serving.

**Aldi Find Spotlight:** Emporium Selection Brie, Fresh or Frozen Cranberries, Bake House Crescent Rolls

### 2. Sweet Potato and Brussels Sprouts Hash with Sausage

This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for a cozy winter brunch or a light dinner.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
* 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and quartered
* 1 package (12 oz) Aldi’s Breakfast Best Sausage (Italian or Maple flavored work well)
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
* Optional: Fried Eggs

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Sausage:** Remove sausage from casing. In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
2. **Cook the Vegetables:** Add olive oil to the skillet. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts to the skillet.
3. **Season:** Season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. **Cook Until Tender:** Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the Brussels sprouts are slightly browned, about 15-20 minutes.
5. **Combine:** Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine.
6. **Serve:** Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve as is or topped with a fried egg.

**Aldi Find Spotlight:** Sweet Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts, Breakfast Best Sausage

### 3. Festive Pomegranate and Feta Salad

A bright and refreshing salad that’s perfect for balancing out richer holiday meals.

**Ingredients:**

* 5 oz Mixed Greens (available at Aldi)
* 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
* 4 oz Emporium Selection Feta cheese, crumbled
* 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
* 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Dressing:** In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. **Assemble the Salad:** In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, pomegranate seeds, feta cheese, and walnuts/pecans.
3. **Dress and Serve:** Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.

**Aldi Find Spotlight:** Pomegranate Seeds, Emporium Selection Feta Cheese, Walnuts/Pecans

### 4. Chocolate Peppermint Bark

A classic holiday treat that’s easy to make at home.

**Ingredients:**

* 12 oz Choceur Dark Chocolate, chopped
* 12 oz Choceur White Chocolate, chopped
* 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
* 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

**Instructions:**

1. **Melt Dark Chocolate:** Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
2. **Spread Dark Chocolate:** Spread the melted dark chocolate in an even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. **Chill:** Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes, or until the dark chocolate is firm but not completely hard.
4. **Melt White Chocolate:** Melt the white chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Stir in the peppermint extract.
5. **Spread White Chocolate:** Spread the melted white chocolate over the hardened dark chocolate layer.
6. **Sprinkle with Peppermint:** Immediately sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies over the white chocolate layer.
7. **Chill:** Return the baking sheet to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the bark is completely firm.
8. **Break into Pieces:** Break the bark into irregular pieces and store in an airtight container.

**Aldi Find Spotlight:** Choceur Dark Chocolate, Choceur White Chocolate, Peppermint Candies

### 5. Easy Shrimp Scampi with Linguine

A restaurant-quality dish you can whip up in under 30 minutes.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 lb frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined (Aldi’s Sea Queen brand is great)
* 1 lb linguine pasta
* 1/2 cup butter
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, but adds great flavor)
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. **Cook Pasta:** Cook linguine pasta according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. **Sauté Garlic:** While the pasta is cooking, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
3. **Add Shrimp:** Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp. If using white wine, add it to the skillet and let it simmer for a minute to reduce slightly.
4. **Add Lemon Juice and Parsley:** Stir in lemon juice and parsley.
5. **Combine:** Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
6. **Season and Serve:** Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

**Aldi Find Spotlight:** Sea Queen Frozen Shrimp, Pasta, Butter, Garlic

### 6. Mulled Wine (Glühwein)

Warm up with this traditional German holiday beverage.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 bottle Aldi’s Winking Owl Red Wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works well)
* 1/4 cup brandy (optional)
* 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
* 1 orange, sliced
* 2 cinnamon sticks
* 4 whole cloves
* 2 star anise

**Instructions:**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large saucepan, combine red wine, brandy (if using), honey/maple syrup, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.
2. **Simmer:** Heat over low heat until the wine is warm, but do not boil. Simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
3. **Strain and Serve:** Strain the mulled wine through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the spices and orange slices. Serve warm in mugs.

**Aldi Find Spotlight:** Winking Owl Red Wine, Spices, Oranges

### 7. German-Style Potato Salad (Kartoffelsalat)

A savory and tangy side dish that’s perfect for serving alongside sausages or other German specialties.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
* 1/2 cup vegetable broth (Aldi’s Simply Nature organic broth is great)
* 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
* 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. **Cook Potatoes:** Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
2. **Prepare Dressing:** While the potatoes are cooking, whisk together vegetable broth, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and olive oil in a small bowl.
3. **Combine:** While the potatoes are still warm, place them in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the potatoes and gently toss to combine. Add onion, celery, and parsley. Toss again.
4. **Season and Chill:** Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

**Aldi Find Spotlight:** Yukon Gold Potatoes, Simply Nature Vegetable Broth, Dijon Mustard

### 8. Mini Quiches with Emporium Selection Cheese

Perfect for brunch, appetizers, or a light lunch. Customize the fillings to your liking!

**Ingredients:**

* 1 package (14.1 oz) Aldi’s Bake House Crescent Rolls
* 4 large eggs
* 1/2 cup milk or cream
* 1/4 cup shredded Emporium Selection cheese (Swiss, Gruyere, or Cheddar work well)
* 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled Aldi’s Breakfast Best sausage or bacon (optional)
* 1/4 cup chopped vegetables (such as spinach, mushrooms, or onions) (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Prepare Crescent Rolls:** Unroll the crescent roll dough and press it into a 12-cup muffin tin, pressing the dough up the sides of each cup.
3. **Prepare Egg Mixture:** In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk/cream, salt, and pepper.
4. **Assemble Quiches:** Sprinkle cheese, sausage/bacon (if using), and vegetables (if using) into the bottom of each crescent roll cup. Pour the egg mixture over the fillings.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the quiches are set and the crust is golden brown.
6. **Cool and Serve:** Let the quiches cool slightly before removing them from the muffin tin. Serve warm or at room temperature.

**Aldi Find Spotlight:** Bake House Crescent Rolls, Emporium Selection Cheese, Breakfast Best Sausage/Bacon

### 9. Stollen Bites

An easier take on the traditional German Christmas bread.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 package (approximately 1 lb) Deutsche Küche Stollen (available during German weeks)
* 4 oz cream cheese, softened
* 1/4 cup powdered sugar
* Optional: Sprinkles, Candied Fruit

**Instructions:**

1. **Crumble the Stollen:** Crumble the Stollen into a large bowl, removing any large pieces of marzipan.
2. **Combine:** In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
3. **Mix Together:** Add the cream cheese mixture to the crumbled Stollen and mix well until everything is combined.
4. **Roll into Balls:** Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
5. **Decorate (Optional):** Roll the balls in sprinkles or dust with powdered sugar and top with candied fruit.
6. **Chill:** Chill the Stollen Bites in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow them to firm up.

**Aldi Find Spotlight:** Deutsche Küche Stollen

### 10. Salmon with Roasted Asparagus

A healthy and elegant meal perfect for a weeknight or special occasion.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 (4-6 oz) salmon fillets (Aldi’s Sea Queen brand is a good choice)
* 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 lemon, sliced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: Fresh dill or parsley for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Prepare Asparagus:** Toss asparagus with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. **Roast Asparagus:** Roast the asparagus for 10-12 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
4. **Prepare Salmon:** While the asparagus is roasting, pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. **Add Salmon to Baking Sheet:** Place the salmon fillets on the baking sheet with the asparagus. Top each fillet with a slice of lemon.
6. **Bake Salmon:** Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
7. **Serve:** Garnish with fresh dill or parsley (if using) and serve immediately with the roasted asparagus.

**Aldi Find Spotlight:** Sea Queen Salmon Fillets, Asparagus

## Tips for Shopping at Aldi in December

* **Go Early:** Aldi gets very busy in December, especially on weekends. Try to shop early in the morning or during the week to avoid the crowds.
* **Check the Aldi Finds Aisle:** This is where you’ll find the limited-time seasonal items and German specialties. Check it frequently, as new items are added throughout the month.
* **Look for Red Stickers:** These stickers indicate clearance items, and you can often find great deals on holiday-themed foods.
* **Bring Your Own Bags:** Aldi charges for bags, so bring your own reusable bags to save money.
* **Have a Quarter Ready:** You’ll need a quarter to unlock a shopping cart (you get it back when you return the cart).
* **Be Flexible:** Aldi’s inventory can vary from store to store, so be prepared to substitute ingredients if necessary.
* **Read the Fine Print:** Pay attention to the ingredients and nutritional information, especially if you have dietary restrictions.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Try New Things:** Aldi is a great place to discover new and exciting foods at affordable prices.

## Conclusion

Aldi’s December finds offer an incredible opportunity to create festive and delicious meals without breaking the bank. From elegant appetizers to hearty dinners and decadent desserts, these recipes showcase the best of Aldi’s seasonal offerings. So, grab your shopping list, head to your local Aldi, and get ready to impress your friends and family with these budget-friendly holiday delights! Happy cooking and happy holidays!