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Cozy & Crowd-Pleasing: ORLO’s Holiday Recipe Guide for November & December

  • Writer: Daniel Marr
    Daniel Marr
  • Nov 18
  • 2 min read

Hosting in a small kitchen? Totally doable.


No double ovens? No problem. These recipes stack your time: while one thing roasts, another chills, and the slow cooker does its magic. Less fuss, more “wow.”


Sheet-Pan Roasted Carrots (credit: Vancouver with Love)
Sheet-Pan Roasted Carrots (credit: Vancouver with Love)

Sheet-Pan Maple-Herb Carrots (30 minutes)

  • You’ll need: Carrots, olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon, salt/pepper, thyme, lemon

  • Do this: Toss → roast at 425°F for 20–25 min → finish with thyme + lemon.

  • Why it works: Sweet, savory, bright—great warm or room temp.


One-pot creamy mushroom orzo
Mushroom Orzo

One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo

  • You’ll need: Orzo, mushrooms, garlic, broth, splash

    of cream (or alt), parm

  • Do this: Sauté → add orzo + broth → simmer till tender → finish creamy.

  • Hosting tip: Add rotisserie chicken or white beans to make it a main.



Slow-cooker meatballs
Slow cooker meatballs

Slow-Cooker Cranberry-Orange Meatballs (Set-it-and-forget-it)

  • Sauce: Cranberry sauce + orange zest/juice + a spoon of chili jam

  • Cook: 3–4 hrs on low with frozen or homemade meatballs

  • Potluck win: Travels well; keep warm on “low” when you arrive.



Apple Slaw with Brussel Sprouts
Apple Slaw (credit: Greg DuPree)

Festive Brussel Sprout & Apple Slaw

  • Toss: Shredded Brussels + crisp apple + toasted pecans + lemon-maple vinaigrette

  • Make-ahead: Stays crunchy for hours.







No-bake mint chocolate bars
No bake mint chocolate bars (credit: The Recipe Rebel)

5-Ingredient No-Bake Peppermint Bars

  • Base: Crushed chocolate cookies + melted butter

  • Top: Simple ganache + crushed candy canes

  • Chill: Slice just before serving for clean edges.

Budget & storage smarts

  • Plan for “encore meals”: Roasted veg → next-day frittata or grain bowl.

  • Shelf-stable heroes: Canned pumpkin, broth, dried cranberries, nuts, hearty grains.

  • Label & date: 3–4 days in the fridge; 1–2 months frozen (most items).

Apartment etiquette (be the neighbor everyone loves)

  • Reserve shared spaces if required.

  • Mind quiet hours—especially with mixers and clanging pans.

  • Share leftovers with a neighbor you’re getting to know.


Cooking at an ORLO community? Tag your creations—your recipe might get featured. 👉 orlo.com

Disclaimer: Amenity rules (clubrooms, grills), reservation systems, and quiet hours vary by property. Please check your community guidelines.

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