HONOLULU (KHON2) -- The holidays are a time for celebrating with family; friends; and, of course, delicious foods and beverage. But what if you could make your meals even more exciting by adding a little sparkle? Imagine a dinner where your dishes shine as brightly as the twinkling lights on a Christmas tree or the shining stars of Hanukkah. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You With edible glitter, you can turn any meal into a festive and fun experience. This magical touch isn’t just for cakes and cupcakes anymore. It can be used on all kinds of foods, from appetizers to main dishes to drinks. Let’s explore how you can use edible glitter to make your holiday meals unforgettable! What is edible glitter? Before diving into glittery recipes, let’s talk about what edible glitter is. Unlike the glitter you use for arts and crafts, edible glitter is made from food-safe ingredients. These ingredients can include sugar, starch or mica powder (a shiny mineral) which are all safe to eat. Edible glitter comes in a variety of colors, including gold, silver, red, green and even rainbow colors; so, it can be used on almost any dish. It gives food a sparkling effect, making it look like it’s covered in tiny, shining flecks. Now, let’s get into the fun part, using edible glitter in your holiday meals! Glittery Christmas dishes Christmas is one of the most exciting times of the year, and food is a big part of the celebration. Why not add some sparkle to your Christmas dinner with edible glitter? Here are some festive ways to incorporate glitter into your Christmas meals. Glittery Christmas cookies Christmas cookies are a beloved tradition in many homes. Whether you're baking sugar cookies, gingerbread men or shortbread, edible glitter can make them extra special. After frosting your cookies with royal icing or fondant, dust them with a sprinkle of edible glitter. Silver, gold or even red glitter will make your cookies shine like little ornaments on a tree. You could also add glitter to the edges of cookie cutters before pressing them into the dough for an added sparkle right from the start. Glittery Christmas tree cupcakes Cupcakes are another fun way to celebrate Christmas. You can frost them with green buttercream to look like little Christmas trees, then add edible glitter to make them sparkle like a winter wonderland. Gold or silver glitter can be used to mimic the twinkling lights of a Christmas tree, and you can even add small candy stars, snowflakes or tiny candy canes as decorations. These glittery treats are perfect for holiday parties or family gatherings. Glittering shrimp cocktail For a more elegant holiday appetizer, try adding glitter to shrimp cocktail. Shrimp cocktail is a classic dish served during the holidays, and you can make it extra fancy by adding edible glitter to the shrimp. After arranging the shrimp around a bowl of cocktail sauce, lightly dust them with edible glitter in silver or gold. The glitter will catch the light and make your appetizer sparkle, impressing your guests and adding a touch of glamour to the meal. Glittery cranberry sauce Glittery cranberry sauce adds a sparkling twist to a holiday classic. Simply prepare your cranberry sauce as usual, then sprinkle it with edible glitter just before serving. Silver, gold or red glitter will make the sauce shimmer like festive jewels. It’s the perfect way to elevate a traditional dish for Christmas or New Year’s dinner, pairing beautifully with turkey or ham. The glitter doesn’t affect the taste, but it adds a magical touch that will impress your guests! Glittery Christmas punch A sparkling drink can be just as festive as glittery food! For a fun twist on Christmas punch, add edible glitter to the drink. Whether you’re serving a fruity cranberry punch or a non-alcoholic spiced cider, a sprinkle of glitter will give the drink a magical, shimmering effect. For extra fun, freeze the glitter into the ice cubes before serving. As the ice melts, the glitter will swirl through the drink, making it look even more enchanting. Glittered sweet potatoes Glittered sweet potatoes add a fun, festive touch to your holiday meal. After roasting or mashing your sweet potatoes, sprinkle edible glitter over the top for a shimmering effect. Gold or silver glitter complements the vibrant orange color, creating a beautiful, sparkling side dish. The sweetness of the potatoes, paired with the glitter’s sparkle, will wow your guests and make your holiday table feel extra special. It’s a simple way to elevate a classic dish for Christmas, Thanksgiving or any celebration! Glittery Hanukkah foods Hanukkah is a celebration filled with delicious foods, and you can easily add some sparkle to these traditional dishes with edible glitter. Here are some creative ways to use glitter in your Hanukkah meals. Glittery latkes Latkes, also known as potato pancakes, are a classic Hanukkah dish. To make them shine like the candles on the menorah, try adding a little edible glitter on top after frying. You can lightly dust gold or silver glitter over the latkes once they are cooked and cooled. The glitter will sparkle when the light hits it, giving your latkes a festive and fun twist. Serve them with applesauce or sour cream, and your guests will be amazed by the twinkling effect. Glittery dreidel cookies Dreidels are one of the most recognizable symbols of Hanukkah, and you can turn them into delicious cookies! Use a dreidel-shaped cookie cutter to make your cookies, then decorate them with royal icing in blue, white or gold. After the icing dries, add a dusting of edible glitter to make the cookies sparkle like the holiday lights. These glittery treats are perfect for kids to enjoy or to share with guests at your Hanukkah party. Glittered noodle kugel Glittery noodle kugel is a fun and festive twist on a classic Jewish dish, perfect for Hanukkah or any holiday celebration. Simply prepare your favorite noodle kugel recipe, then, after baking, sprinkle edible glitter on top for a shimmering effect. Gold or silver glitter works well, adding sparkle that catches the light. The sweet, comforting kugel with its creamy texture and crunchy top is elevated with a touch of glitter, making it both delicious and visually stunning for your holiday table! Glittery challah bread Challah is a traditional Jewish bread that’s often served during Hanukkah. While it’s usually braided and topped with sesame seeds, you can give it a festive twist by adding edible glitter on top. After baking and cooling the challah, brush it lightly with butter or olive oil and then sprinkle glitter over the top. The glitter will make the bread look magical and festive, perfect for your holiday dinner. Glittery Hanukkah gelt Hanukkah gelt (chocolate coins) are often given to children as part of the celebration. Make them extra special by adding edible glitter! Whether you’re buying pre-made gelt or making your own, dusting the coins with gold glitter will make them look even more like shiny treasure. This is a fun and easy way to add sparkle to a beloved tradition. Glittery New Year’s foods New Year’s Eve is another holiday where people love to celebrate with food and drink, and edible glitter can make these celebrations even more exciting! Here are some ways to add sparkle to your New Year’s feast. Glittery champagne or sparkling water No New Year’s celebration is complete without a toast. For a festive and sparkling twist, try adding edible glitter to your champagne or sparkling water. Simply drop a pinch of glitter into each glass just before serving. The glitter will float around, making the drink shimmer like a glass full of stars. This is a fun and simple way to ring in the New Year with some sparkle. Glittery New Year’s Eve cupcakes Just like for Christmas, cupcakes can be a fun way to celebrate New Year’s Eve. You can frost them with rich, dark chocolate or champagne-flavored buttercream and top them with edible glitter in silver or gold. These glittery treats will be a hit at any New Year’s party and make your dessert table look even more festive. Glittery cheese platter Cheese platters are often served at holiday gatherings, and you can give your platter a touch of sparkle by adding edible glitter to some of the cheeses. Try dusting soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese with glitter in gold or silver for a glamorous effect. You could also sprinkle glitter on crackers or grapes to tie everything together. This is an elegant way to add some shine to your New Year’s celebration. Glittery finger foods If you're serving small bites or finger foods, consider adding edible glitter to them for extra flair. Glittery appetizers like mini sliders, bite-sized pizzas or even glittery veggie trays will make your guests feel like they’re eating something truly special. Sprinkle glitter on the food just before serving so it stays sparkling and doesn’t melt into the dish. Glitter cocktail ideas Glitter Margarita: A sparkling twist on the classic margarita. The drink is made with tequila, lime juice, triple sec and a touch of agave syrup, mixed with edible glitter for a shimmering effect. Serve with a salted rim for extra flair. Glitter Champagne Cocktail: For a sophisticated option, mix champagne with a splash of elderflower liqueur or raspberry purée and top it off with a pinch of edible glitter. This sparkling cocktail is perfect for celebrations. Glitter Gin Fizz: A refreshing gin fizz is enhanced by adding a dash of glitter. This cocktail includes gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, egg white and soda water, with glitter stirred in for an eye-catching touch. Glitter Cosmopolitan: A twist on the classic Cosmopolitan, this cocktail combines vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice and triple sec with edible glitter. The shimmering effect gives it an extra level of elegance. Glitter Mojito: A refreshing mojito made with white rum, lime juice, mint, sugar and soda water, with a pinch of edible glitter added. The glitter gives this vibrant cocktail a magical touch. Glitter Blue Lagoon: This tropical drink made with vodka, blue curacao, lemonade and a splash of soda is already visually striking. Adding glitter elevates its look, giving it a sparkling, oceanic glow. Glitter Paloma: This refreshing cocktail is made with tequila, grapefruit soda, lime juice and a pinch of salt. Add edible glitter to the mix for a shimmering, sparkling effect, giving the Paloma a fun, festive vibe. Glitter Mojito Mule: Combining the flavors of a mojito and a Moscow mule, this cocktail features rum, ginger beer, lime juice and fresh mint. A touch of edible glitter will make this already unique drink even more dazzling. Glitter Piña Colada: A tropical favorite with rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice and crushed ice. Add glitter for a fun twist to this creamy, smooth drink, making it a shimmering beachy delight. Glitter Long Island Iced Tea: This popular cocktail made with vodka, rum, gin, tequila, triple sec, lemon juice, simple syrup and a splash of cola gets a glittery upgrade with edible glitter. The drink’s vibrant colors become even more exciting with a bit of sparkle. Glitter Lemon Drop Martini: A citrusy, sweet martini made with vodka, lemon juice and simple syrup, often served with a sugared rim. Add edible glitter to turn this refreshing cocktail into a shimmering, playful treat. Glitter Berry Smash: A fruity and refreshing cocktail made with muddled berries, vodka, lemon juice and a splash of soda water. The addition of edible glitter creates a magical, sparkling effect, enhancing the cocktail's vibrant berry colors. Glitter Raspberry MuleA twist on the classic Moscow Mule, this version features vodka, ginger beer, lime juice and fresh raspberries, with edible glitter stirred in to create a beautiful sparkling effect. Glitter Strawberry Daiquiri: This classic cocktail made with rum, lime juice and strawberries gets a sparkling makeover with a dash of glitter. The shimmer complements the drink’s vibrant red color, making it a showstopper. Glitter Tiki Punch: A fruity, tropical punch made with rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, grenadine and lime juice, all topped with a pinch of edible glitter. This festive drink looks as good as it tastes! Glitter Tequila Sunrise: The stunning gradient of a Tequila Sunrise (made with tequila, orange juice and grenadine) is made even more breathtaking with the addition of edible glitter, creating a twinkling, sunrise-inspired look. Glitter Espresso Martini: For a glamorous coffee kick, mix vodka, coffee liqueur and freshly brewed espresso, then add a pinch of edible glitter for a sparkling finish. This creates a sophisticated cocktail with an added touch of magic. Glitter Coconut Water Cooler: For a refreshing and light cocktail, mix coconut water, vodka, lime juice and a hint of agave syrup. Adding glitter makes this hydrating drink shimmer, making it perfect for a relaxing summer evening. Tips for using edible glitter While edible glitter can make any holiday meal more exciting, here are a few tips to help you use it effectively. Use it sparingly: A little glitter goes a long way. Too much can overpower the food and make it less enjoyable. Just a light dusting is usually enough to give the dish a sparkling effect. Choose the right glitter: Always make sure the glitter is labeled "edible." Regular craft glitter is not safe to eat, so it’s important to use glitter made specifically for food. Add it at the end: Edible glitter should be added as a final touch, right before serving, so it stays looking shiny. If you add it too early, it might dissolve into the food. Be mindful of the flavor: Most edible glitter is tasteless, but it’s still important to consider the texture. It should not distract from the flavor of the dish but rather enhance its appearance.Adding edible glitter to your holiday meals is a fun and creative way to make your celebrations sparkle. Whether you’re preparing Christmas cookies, Hanukkah latkes or a New Year’s toast, a little glitter can make your dishes shine and bring extra magic to the occasion. You can click here and here for a couple of suggestions on edible glitter. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 So, this holiday season, don't just make food – make it shine! With edible glitter, your meals will be as dazzling as the holiday lights themselves.