Culture and Lifestyle Hey Y'all Episode 5: Getting Ahead For The Holidays Join Ivy as she makes chocolate chip cookies, lasagna, and spicy cheddar cheese straws for the ultimate make-ahead Christmas party. By Jorie Nicole McDonald Jorie Nicole McDonald Jorie Nicole McDonald leads editorial video efforts for Southern Living. Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she creates engaging visual content for the website and various social media platforms. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Published on November 23, 2018 Share Tweet Pin Email Join Ivy Odom, Southern Living Test Kitchen Proffesional, as she explains new and fun ways to get ahead of the holiday season. When Christmas rolls around in the South, things can get hectic and it's always a good idea to have a few recipes prepared and ready to serve. Ivy makes a hearty lasagna, chewy chocolate chip cookies, and spicy cheese straws to keep on hand, all season long. And, it's easier than it sounds! Ivy's family makes lasagna every year during Christmas time, but they add a few special ingredients to their signature recipe. Southern Living Of course, no festive celebration would be complete without chocolate chip cookies for Santa (We won't tell if you eat them all yourself!) Ivy has the perfect combination of oats and chocolate chips for the ultimate holiday cookie. Spicy cheddar cheese straws make a delightful gift for hostesses or drop-in guests. Package them in a simple, festive wrapper and it will be a gesture that your friends won't soon forget! Ivy's Make Ahead Recipes: Homemade Baked Lasagna Chocolate Chip Cookies Spicy Cheddar Cheese Straws Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit