The holidays are all about flavour, comfort, and gathering around the table — and sometimes the simplest ingredients make the biggest difference. One of the easiest ways to elevate your holiday dishes is by using cold-pressed oils. Because they’re minimally processed and made without high heat, they keep more of their natural aroma and taste, adding depth to everything from roasted veggies to cookies.

At Purepress Oils, all of our oils are handcrafted in small batches on Vancouver Island using high-quality seeds and nuts. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or keeping it small this year, here are some easy holiday recipes using our pumpkin seed, almond, coconut, sunflower, and sesame oils.

Let’s make your holiday menu shine.

---

Why Cook with Cold-Pressed Oils During the Holidays?

Cold-pressed oils are great for holiday cooking because:

• They add real, natural flavour without artificial additives

• They’re versatile — perfect for roasting, baking, salads, and finishing dishes

• They give everyday recipes a gourmet twist

• They make clean, great-tasting food that fits into any holiday theme

Whether you’re making sweet treats, cozy winter dishes, or festive appetizers, there’s a cold-pressed oil that fits perfectly.

---

5 Easy Holiday Recipes Using Purepress Cold-Pressed Oils

1. Maple–Pumpkin Oil Roasted Carrots

Serves: 4
Ready in: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 lbs carrots, peeled and cut lengthwise

• 2 tbsp Purepress Pumpkin Seed Oil

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• ½ tsp sea salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• Optional: chopped parsley or toasted pumpkin seeds

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).

2. Toss carrots with pumpkin seed oil, maple syrup, vinegar, salt, and pepper.

3. Spread on a baking sheet.

4. Roast 20–25 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.

5. Sprinkle with fresh herbs or pumpkin seeds.

Why it works

Pumpkin seed oil adds a nutty roasted aroma that pairs beautifully with maple. This is a simple side dish that tastes restaurant-quality.

---

2. Coconut-Oil Holiday Granola

Perfect for: edible gifts, breakfast, stocking stuffers
Makes: 5 cups

Ingredients

• 3 cups rolled oats

• 1 cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts)

• ½ cup dried cranberries

• ⅓ cup Purepress Coconut Oil, melted

• ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).

2. Mix oats, nuts, and salt in a bowl.

3. Melt coconut oil and whisk with maple syrup and cinnamon.

4. Pour over oat mixture and stir.

5. Bake 20 minutes, stirring halfway.

6. Stir in dried cranberries once cooled.

Why it works

Coconut oil adds gentle sweetness and aroma that feels naturally festive. Package it in jars with a craft tag for an easy handmade gift.

---

3. Almond-Oil Holiday Sugar Cookies

Makes: 20–24 cookies

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups flour

• ¾ cup sugar

• ½ cup softened butter

• ¼ cup Purepress Almond Oil

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp vanilla

• ½ tsp baking powder

• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cream butter, almond oil, and sugar.

3. Add egg and vanilla.

4. Mix in dry ingredients.

5. Roll out dough and cut into festive shapes.

6. Bake 8–10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.

Why it works

Almond oil gives cookies a soft texture and a delicate nutty flavour that tastes extra special during the holidays.

---

4. Sesame-Oil Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs Brussels sprouts, halved

• 2 tbsp Purepress Sesame Oil

• 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari

• 1 tbsp honey

• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).

2. Toss Brussels sprouts with sesame oil, soy, and honey.

3. Roast 20–25 minutes until browned.

4. Add chili flakes if you like a bit of heat.

Why it works

Sesame oil gives Brussels sprouts a warm, toasty, cozy flavour — they become a holiday favourite instantly.

---

5. Winter Salad with Sunflower Oil Vinaigrette

Serves: 4

Ingredients

For the salad:

• 4 cups mixed greens or kale

• 1 apple, thinly sliced

• ½ cup pomegranate seeds

• ¼ cup nuts or seeds

For the vinaigrette:

• 3 tbsp Purepress Sunflower Oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp maple syrup

• Pinch of salt & pepper

Instructions

1. Whisk vinaigrette ingredients in a small bowl.

2. Toss greens, apples, and pomegranate with dressing.

3. Top with nuts or seeds.

Why it works

Sunflower oil has a light, neutral, buttery flavour, making it the perfect base for holiday salads that balance heavier dishes.

 

---

Final Thoughts

Holiday cooking doesn’t have to be complicated — sometimes all you need is a splash of flavourful cold-pressed oil to turn simple ingredients into something festive and memorable. Whether you're hosting a big dinner, bringing a dish to a potluck, or planning edible gifts, these recipes are easy, crowd-pleasing, and full of natural flavour.

If you make any of these at home, tag us — we love seeing your creations!