3 minute read
FOOD
Holiday Entertaining... Just in the (Saint) Nick of Time!
The holidays mean parties, get-togethers, and gatherings of all kinds.
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This month, we’re sharing some ideas that will get you fivestar reviews whether you have plenty of time to prepare,or just whipping something up quickly for hungry revelers.
THE NIGHT BEFORE?
CRANBERRY FETA PINWHEELS
Not only are they pretty and look festive with the reds and greens, they’re great because you can prep them up to 24 hours ahead of time, making them the perfect holiday snack or appetizer. (Prep time 10 minutes)
INGREDIENTS
8 oz cream cheese , softened 1 cup crumbled feta cheese 1/3 cup chives , chopped 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries 4 flour tortillas (10 inch) Place cream cheese in a small bowl and beat until fluffy. Add in remaining ingredients (except tortillas) and mix well. Spread the mixture evenly over the 4 tortillas. Roll each tortilla in plastic wrap and refrigerate until time to eat. When ready to serve, cut into slices.
GUESTS COMING LATER TODAY?
BUTTERMILK SAUSAGE BALLS
One of Betty Crocker’s most-requested recipes, quick and easy to prepare, and a hands-down favorite with hungry family members and party guests alike. These can be frozen—before or after cooking—for a snack any time. (Prepped and ready in 40 minutes)
INGREDIENTS
3 cups baking mix (Bisquick™ or similar) 16 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk 1 pound uncooked pork sausage (any flavor) at room temperature Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a baking sheet. Mix baking mix, cheddar cheese, milk, and sausage together in a bowl. Roll mixture into golf ball-sized balls (about 1 inch) ; arrange balls on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven until meatballs are no longer pink in the middle and browned on the outside, 25 to 30 minutes. You can also mix things up with rosemary, parsley, scallions, or any of your favorite spices... top it off with Parmesan, pesto or ranch for dipping.
FAMILY PULLING IN THE DRIVEWAY?
10-MINUTE CHOCOLATE PIE
INGREDIENTS
8 oz chocolate chips 18 large marshmallows (cut up) 1/2 cup milk 9 oz cool whip (thawed) chocolate no-bake pie crust Melt chocolate chips, marshmallows, and milk in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Allow to cool to room temperature. Fold in cool whip. Pour into pie shell and refrigerate until ready to serve. Top with additional whipped topping and chocolate chips.
Party Tips
Write Out the Full Menu Include everything: from the appetizers, including things like olives or chips, to the garnishes. List out everything in the order you will be serving the meal. This way you won’t forget anything — and you won’t look in the fridge the following day to discover you never served the sliced chorizo.
Write Out Your Task List for the Day Of... No job is too small to be included: bringing the chicken to room temperature, mincing parsley, putting ice in the ice bucket, peeling the potatoes. Organize the tasks into time frames: morning, afternoon, two hours before the party and right up to the arrival of guests.
READY ALL THE TIME
DIY SNACK BAR
This one requires a little planning, but will allow you to be ready for guests on a moment’s notice. If you have an old bookcase or shelf, it’s time to put some contact paper on it or freshen it up with some paint. Keep the menu simple and to the point. Creating a snack bar theme lets you focus on traditional basics — popcorn and chips to candy and soda. For a hearty add-on that’s budget-friendly, keep some hot dogs on ice just in case. Some of the most popular concession-style snacks include candy and popcorn; you can find theater-style candy at a dollar store. Keep a large bag or tin of popcorn handy and clear plastic cups for individual servings. Use plastic serving trays to serve them on and to make a more distinct look on your party table. These ideas would be perfect for holiday drop-ins, New Year’s, Superbowl, or family movie night any time!
The candy cane’s shape, while handy for hanging on trees and other holiday décor, was actually a “J” for Jesus. The red stripes symbolize his blood.
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