I always love going home over break. Hanging out with family and friends, and finally getting to let loose and relax is much needed after a stressful semester. And there’s one thing at home I definitely miss while I’m away at college — besides my family — and that’s the kitchen and the food that’s made in it.

Maybe I’m just a really lazy college kid, but nothing beats the food that gets made whenever everyone flocks back to the house. One of my nicest things about my parents is that they always surprise me by making my favorite dishes. It's just such a nice feeling after eating food that's probably not the best for you for a full semester. The warmth of home not only fills my heart, but also my stomach.

So this year, let’s give back a little and change things up a bit by cooking our families a few meals. I mean, hey, if we can handle the heat in college, maybe we can handle the heat in the kitchen. Not only will you earn brownie points with the parental units, but you can also impress yourself and everyone around you with delicious and easy-to-make dishes in no time!

Crescent Stockings

A little appetizer to put you in the holiday spirit! By either making your own crescent dough or buying a sheet yourself as well as a stocking shaped cookie cut out (which you should be able to find at your grocery store) you can create an appetizer that will be sure to make people smile. You can find further instructions and details on how to make this dish at pillsbury.com.

Mini Garlic Monkey Bread

Taking the sweet cinnamon dessert and making it into the perfect side dish. The fun and easy pull-apart monkey bread has upped it's game and entered the savory world. Before you know it, this basket will be eaten up and gone before you know it! Want to know how to make it? Visit damndelicious.net to see the instructions.

Maple Honey Crock Pot Ham

Crack out those crock pots because things are about to get really delicious! Don't let the idea of working with a whole ham scare you. Cooking with crock pots is like working with magic. All you need is a little patience. With a prep time of 10 minutes and a bake time of two hours, you'll seem like you worked a lot harder when you set this plate down. For full instructions on how to make the crock pot ham go to thefrugalgirls.com.

Eggnog Dip

'Tis the season for delicious dips and eggnog! So why not combine both? This simple recipe will bring dessert to a new level. By serving it with the classic Biscoff cookies or even plain sugar cookies, your stomachs will definitely feel rewarded by ending dinner off with this! To see the details and instructions on how to make this recipe, go to wineandglue.com.

Candy Cane Shooters

If you're 21 or older and realized that drinking with your family can be pretty hilarious, these are definitely something to test out! Who doesn't love the idea of a candy cane tasting alcoholic beverage? And it only takes five minutes to prepare! This would be the perfect drink for a party or for a family drinking game. To find out how to make it, check out anightowlblog.com for details.

Hope you all check out and enjoy these tasty treats and make sure to fill your stomachs this winter break!