Holiday recipes abound all over the internet, but today Michele and I wanted to share with you our go-to, number one, easy holiday party recipes that we each serve in our homes.

First of all, you have to know that one of the reasons I so love Michele and asked her to come on board and write here at Preschoolers and Peace is because she is the real deal. I mean it. This girl has a heart for hospitality that never gives up, but she's not concerned about what her home or food or decor will do to impress you, because it's not about her.

So when I texted her late last night to ask her for a recipe for this post, she texted back, "Pretzels and M-n-M's. Everybody loves pretzels and M-n-M's."

Don't you love her even more now, too??? And she's totally right. Everybody does love pretzels and M-n-M's, even those of us with gluten-free households because one of the better gluten-free foods out there is pretzels!

On my end of things, there are two recipes that everyone likes, maybe universally: Rice Krispie Squares and what is affectionately known here as "Stupid Jello". I adore baking and have taken some pretty fabulous baking courses over the years, but I'm telling you, I could spend a day creating some glorious baked goods but the stack of Rice Krispie Squares goes like it's the last meal on earth. If you don't know what else to serve, serve a plate of Rice Krispie Squares.

Stupid Jello is actually Rainbow Jello, but after hearing my friends and family ask me, "Did you make that Jello?" anytime there was a potluck, I said aloud to my husband one day, "It doesn't matter what I bring, as long as I make that stupid Jello, everyone is happy."

I won't stop making the more foodie items. I love fig jam and chocolate eclairs and salmon cooked on wood planks and arugula and crème brûlée and sushi and a lot of other things. But for easy holiday party food that makes pretty nearly everyone happy, stick with pretzels, M-n-M's, Rice Krispies, and Jello. Not even kidding.