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A Holiday Feast for Everyone How can hosts prepare a holiday meal for people with different dietary restrictions? | by Jen Matteis
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Dietary Restrictions Cheat Sheet Baffled by the different types of vegetarian diets? Here’s a quick guide to help you out. • Vegetarian: No meat • Vegan: No meat, eggs, milk, or other animal products • Lactose intolerance: No milk, butter, cheese or other dairy products • Celiac disease (gluten intolerance): No bread, flour, crackers, or other foods containing wheat, barley, or rye (look for gluten-free Preparing a holiday meal was never easy, but throw in the additional factors of an aunt who can’t eat gluten, a nephew who’s allergic to peanuts, and a vegan niece and you have a task of herculean proportions.
rosemary and serve that with crackers,” suggested Emily Stimac, marketing coordinator at First Alternative Natural Foods Co-op in Corvallis. “We also have different types of pate that are vegan.”
At least, that’s how it might seem at first.
Hummus is another well-received option, and according to Stimac, it’s not too hard to make.
However, given the high prevalence of celiac disease, lactose intolerance, and food allergies, you can find food substitutes geared toward almost any condition. With all the alternative foods on the market -- plus a little creativity -- you might start thinking about all the new foods you could include, rather than what you’ll have to leave out.
“Hummus is a really great, easy dip,” she said. “You can make that just using garbanzo beans, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil. You can pair it with crackers or it also goes great with veggies.”
“It adds a coconut milk hint to your mashed potatoes,” said Stimac. For the main course, she recommended Tofurky, a vegan meat replacement filled with a wild rice mix. “Pop in into the oven and serve it alongside your regular turkey. That’s made up in Hood River; it’s an Oregon product that’s pretty popular.” Another alternative is nut loaf, which consists of toasted nuts flavored with seasonal herbs.
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take potatoes and carve them kind of like a drumstick and put them on the side so you have this really adorable little vegetarian turkey.” For dessert, gluten-free cookies, cakes, baking mixes, and even readyto-bake pie crusts are available. “Prepare your pie fillings as you normally would and pop it in a gluten-free crust,” suggested Stimac.
“You can chop different kinds of Overall, making a holiday toasted nuts, dried fruits, rice, and meal for relatives with dietary maybe bread crumbs and form it into restrictions isn’t too tough once If your guest suffers from celiac a loaf and bake it.” you’ve familiarized yourself with the disease, pick up a box of gluten-free Nut loaf also works as a stuffing for options. For starters, try mixing up homemade crackers, such as those made by the squash, which can fill in for turkey as bean dip or tapenade instead of Oregon Cracker Co. based in Corvallis. a centerpiece. “I would say that having a vegan defaulting to cheese and crackers. Dishes that normally include butter Thanksgiving is definitely not going “You can bake it in a butternut can work for vegans -just substitute without anything; it’s just being “Take a variety of different olives squash; it almost has the shape of a a non-dairy spread such as Earth aware of what your alternatives are,” and chop them up and add maybe Balance, or try a coconut-based spread. turkey,” said Stimac. “You can also Stimac said.
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Oh, Behave!
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How to Handle Cell Phone Addicts
How to be a courteous, responsible and interesting guest at this year’s holiday party | by Lisa Iannucci Put down the smartphone, close the laptop and bid adieu to that stream of Facebook updates for a few hours. When heading out to a holiday party, it’s time to focus on being a good guest – face-to-face. First, being a great guest and having a wonderful party experience starts well before the day of the celebration. “No matter how you were invited, whether by regular invitation or by email, RSVP to it even if it isn’t requested,” says Daniel Post Senning, of the Emily Post Institute, great-great-great grandson of Emily Post and co-author of the upcoming 18th edition of “Emily Post’s Etiquette” (William Morrow, 2011). “Even if you were invited to a party or to see a holiday movie with friends through an event invitation on Facebook, make sure they know you plan on attending.” Once a commitment to attend has been made, Post says to make sure to arrive on time. “It’s a small, but important courtesy,” he says. Also, never arrive at an event emptyhanded. “Guests should always arrive with a gift for their host, even something small like a bag of coffee, and then send a thank
greet people and move his way around the room until everyone was in the center with him. He made eye contact and never walked away without saying ’excuse me.’ It Now that you’ve arrived, it’s time to mingle. was brilliant, and everyone should do that.” If you’re a bundle of nerves and don’t know If you’re great at online chat, but how to “work” a party, do not rush in and talking face-to-face leaves you tonguehead straight to the food or bar area, says tied, Johnson suggests going straight to Dorothea Johnson, founder of The Protocol someone you know. “But don’t spend all School of Washington and the author of evening with them,” she says. “Tea & Etiquette: Taking Tea for Business & “You should expand yourself and your Pleasure” (Benjamin Press, 2009). knowledge by talking to people you don’t
you note after the fact,” says Leah Ingram, author of “The Everything Etiquette Book” (Adams, 2005). “You can send a thank-you gift if you’d like, too.”
Instead, Johnson says that a good guest greets the host first but doesn’t take up much of their time. “You have to be considerate that the host has other guests,” she says. “Then it’s your duty to mingle with the other guests and make your presence known.”
know.” While you’re enjoying the party, Ingram reminds you that you’re still a guest no matter how comfortable you are. “Understand that you are a guest in their house and don’t make demands of the host as if you were staying in a hotel – make my bed, turn down your music, et cetera,” she says.
Once you’ve greeted your host, it’s time to turn your attention to the other guests. Johnson says she learned a lot from watching former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger at parties. “Kissinger would come in, move to the right and look into the crowd,” says Johnson. “I always thought he was looking for someone, but he was making sure everyone saw him. He would
If you’re the one hosting the party, Ingram suggests finding out ahead of time what food your guests like so you don’t find yourself in uncomfortable situations where the guests aren’t eating or complaining about the food (a no-no) because there isn’t anything they like. Together, a great host and great guests are guaranteed to create a great party.
No sooner do they walk in the door than your guests whip their cell phones out to check messages, text with their friends or call friends and family. It’s distracting to other guests and takes away from the mingling you were hoping for, so how do you handle the cell phone addict? Daniel Post Senning, of the Emily Post Institute, offers these tips: 1. The best line of defense is to model the behavior you want to see. Don’t have your cell phone in your hand when you answer the door or engage your company. 2. Ask guests to take calls in an area where there aren’t guests. In a restaurant, if someone is going to use their phone at the dinner table, it’s appropriate for a maitred’ to say something to them. 3. If at all possible, your guests should leave their cell phones behind. If they don’t see a pressing need or use for their phone and they are entering a social situation, lock it in the glove compartment. 4. Whether you are the guest or the host, take control of the cell phone device and don’t let it control you. “I know a doctor who told the hostess that he was on call. When he got a call, the phone was on vibrate. He looked under the table to see who was calling, excused himself and left the room to answer,” says Dorothea Johnson, founder of The Protocol School of Washington. “That’s the way to do it.”
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Holiday Travel Know before you go | by Jennifer Rouse
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It’s almost time for the holidays, and you’ve got your bags packed, your toiletries in clear quart-sized bags, and your slip-on shoes on your feet. You’re ready to hit the airport.
Or are you? Struggling airlines are cutting back on the number of flights they carry. At the same time, according to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation, the number of passengers in airplane seats reached an all-time high this year. Throw in always unpredictable winter weather, and it could be a hectic holiday season at the airport. Never fear--there are things you can do to make even the craziest of trips go a little bit smoother. Here’s a checklist:
Pack smart Check your airline’s rules for bags before you even start packing. Make sure you know exactly how many bags you’re allowed, what size and weight they are, and what you’re
allowed to carry on. You can’t carry on more than 3 ounces of any liquid, and those little bottles of stuff have to be in a clear, quart-sized plastic bag. Remind yourself that everything you can do to make those long security lines move a little bit more quickly is worth it.
Sidestep snafus Having an airline lose your luggage is a headache no traveler wants to deal with – but it does happen. Plan ahead to make sure that if this worst-case-scenario happens to you, oes come through, it’s a headache but not a catastrophe. Don’t put anything irreplacabable --the hat you knitted for your nephew or your grandmother’s handwritten cookie recipes--in a checked bag. “I always tell people, if you check it, make sure it’s something you can live with losing,” said Marie Dodds, spokesperson for AAA Oregon/ Idaho. If you’re heading out of town to attend a fancy event, don’t pack
your good clothes in your checked bag either, or you could wind up driving around an unfamiliar city trying to find something to wear. It’s best to pack at least a day’s worth of clothes in your carry-on, as well as any medications you need, and things like contact solution and a toothbrush. In fact, if you are going to visit friends or family, consider forgoing airline’s checked bag fees altogether and ship your luggage to your destination in advance. “It can cost up to $50 or $75 to check a bag now,” Dodds said. “Check out UPS or Fed-Ex. You might be able to ship it to your relatives’ house for that.”
Stay informed Check the weather at your airport and at your destination before you leave. If airlines know about delays, weather-related or otherwise, they’ll post them online. In fact, many airlines offer text and email alerts that can be sent out if your flight is
delayed. It’s a lot better to find out about a flight change or cancellation before you’ve left home than when you’re already standing in the airport.
Expect the unexpected Make sure you have enough time to get to your flight. Airlines recommend arriving at the airport three hours before an international flight, two hours before a domestic flight. If you are flying a red-eye and you’re pretty sure crowds will be minimal, you might be able to fudge those times a little bit. But during the holiday season, you might not want to take your chances. “Ask yourself when you’re leaving, ‘Am I willing to risk missing my flight over this?’” Dodds said. If that does happen, go immediately to your airline and get started finding a new flight.
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Continued from Page 5 said. “You’re not going to be the first person ever to miss a flight. They “If you’ve purchased will work with you to get you to your a ticket, the airline wants to get you on destination.” a flight,” Dodds
is December, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation: the average is 4,267 for December, followed by November, with an average of 3,987 crashes.
and carry some extra food, water, blankets, and a cell phone in case of emergency.
You can visit www.tripcheck. com for current road conditions What to do to keep yourself from statewide, as well as live video being part of a holiday travel pile-up? of some locations so you can see for yourself what the roads The No. 1 thing: slow down. Ten are like. You can also get travel percent of all those crashes had “We always tell people that information by dialing 511, or “driving too fast for conditions” as when you’re traveling, it’s 800-977-ODOT. Also, newspaper the major factor, and speed was a an adventure. Expect that not websites like gazettetimes.com and contributing factor in others. everything is going to go smoothly,” democratherald.com can be good Also, be prepared for road Dodds said. “It helps a lot if you sources for updated weather and conditions. If you’re going over the go into it with kind of attitude.” road information. mountains, use traction tires or carry tire chains. Practice putting your chains on before you leave home With cold weather and so you’ll know what to do when the stressed-out travelers, the occasion arises. holidays can be a hard time to H l Make sure your car is running well, ap be on the road. In fact, Oregon’s worst ve py ra H T o don’t let your gas tank get too low, y a l i d month of the year for traffic crashes
Bottom line: be prepared for anything
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RELAX Leave the planning to us.
Join us for a Holiday Travel Festival November 18, 2011 10:00am - 2:00pm s Drawings for fantastic prizes s Information about cruises and other great vacation packages s Last minute holiday vacation planning s Large selection of useful travel merchandise s Donation opportunities to provide toys for children over the holidays Contact a AAA Travel Sales Consultant to plan your trip for the holidays and beyond. 541-757-2535
AAA Corvallis Service Center 1550 NW 9th, Suite 104 Corvallis, Oregon 97330
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Be Creative, Safe In Light Decor | by Maria L. Kirkpatrick
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Mandy Forney decorated seven trees in her store, Emma Downtown. (Mark Ylen/Democrat-Herald)
“Go unique.”
“They are expensive but spectacular,” he said. “They use less power, are low maintenance and That’s the advice from Russ Milstein about decorating the outside have a longer life.” of your home for the holidays. When decorating his own yard, Milstein is president and owner of Crystal Valley Decorating, Inc. in Albany. Crystal Valley designs and builds commercial lighting displays for all holidays.
Milstein likes to go with what he has and use lights in unique ways. “Since we have rhododendrons, I like to take a strand and cluster it on the bush,” he said. “It looks like the bush is in bloom.”
Recently, the company switched to using mostly light-emitting diode He also uses rope lighting to (LED) lights in its products. outline an old wooden wheelbarrow,
into which he places pots illuminated Joel Shonnard, head of the with their own clumps of light. The lighting and installation division end result is potted poinsettias. at Shonnard’s Nursery Florist and Landscape in Corvallis, is seeing Milstein said snowflakes are a big holly leaves with berries, hard seller right now, both commercially candies, traditional ornaments and privately. and starbursts in the catalogues. “It’s important to be nonShonnard’s offers a lighting design offensive,” Milstein said. and storage service to customers in “Snowflakes give off more of a which Shonnard’s crew decorates wintery feel. Everyone enjoys customers’ homes. them.” The same can be said of Shonnard said when putting on a lighted icicles and several of the new designs for this year. Continued on Page 8
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light display, safety always comes first. Ladder, weather and high peaks come into play when “I’ve been known to put baby shoes on trees decorating a home. Also important is power and to remind me of when I had babies hanging the proper wattage. around,” Udolf said. “Be safe and be creative,” he said. Udolf decorates her boutique for the holidays Upgrading to new light strands and and she helps decorate home parlors for the ornaments allows for safe and proper Albany Downtown Association’s Christmas connections while reducing risk and defects. Parlour Tour. Start with lower areas when doing your own She said manufacturers have been playing it decorating, Shonnard said. It’s easier safe the last few years and she hasn’t seen much than the roofline. Then add luminarias in the way of new lighting designs; just a move and lawn ornaments. toward safer and long lasting products. Many He suggests using Linkables, lights of the candle luminarias, for example, are now already clipped to metal frames. battery-operated for safety, which are great for Icicle designs still hang but they use around greenery, parties and children. won’t blow, tangle and break in the If your house is safe enough, use taper, pillar wind. Linkables easily link together, and votive candles. There are all sorts of new go up quickly and store neatly in shapes and scents that not only light up the their own metal box. LED rope lights room, they tantalize the nose. Float candles in are great for outlining anything and bowls or place them on engraved glassware and may lead guests to your front door. in tin shapes. Surround them with floral accents from nearby trees and bushes, but be sure to keep the greenery safely away from the flames. Inside lighting should be done in Holly leaves and pine cones fill in around the layers, said Peggy Udolf, co-owner candle base. of Emma Downtown in Albany. Any There are no set rules for brightening the place lends itself to the addition indoors, but – again – use common sense and of light and decor, Udolf said; keep safety in mind. Keep flames out of the just spread it around. Look for reach of children and watch for extension cords empty and dark places around across pathways. the room. The final word of advice comes from Milstein: When you light the tree, “Please, stop short of (decorating) your pet.” start from the middle and
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Decorating on a Budget Creativity - and a hot glue gun - help | by Jen Matteis
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considering the ubiquitous traditions of holiday cards hung in a line, paper snowflakes, oranges pincushioned with cloves, and other homemade creations.
white and coated in gold glitter, are another unusual decoration that Malone has used in the past, with one caveat.
Teasel and pine cones join the festivities with a coat of spray paint and a twist of ribbon. Photo by Jen Matteis
According to Betty Malone, who runs Sunrise Tree Farm in Benton County alongside her husband, Pat, many items in your backyard can be turned into decorations with the application of a little paint, glitter, ribbons, or bows. “It helps to have a hot glue gun,” Malone recommended. “Anyone who’s making decorations on their own will find it’s a handy tool.”
Betty Malone of Sunrise Tree Farm winds ribbon around a piece of classic Oregon greenery. Photo by Jen Matteis As the holidays approach each year, my mom heads out into the backyard with a pair of scissors and a brown paper bag. The goal: greenery. Fragrant pine boughs and holly
leaves soon adorn the mantelpiece -- and the holidays have arrived, without spending a cent. Decorating your house on a budget isn’t a difficult task, especially
“They’re really nice-looking -- the downside is they still smell like garlic even if you spray paint and glitter them,” she reported.
Evergreens provide structure for wreaths and kissing balls, made by sticking sharpened sprigs into a Styrofoam ball. According to Malone, evergreens vary in terms of their longevity, color, and fragrance. “Each species has characteristics that work in some decorating circumstances and just don’t in others,” she said, adding that you should check with the landowner before harvesting.
Pine cones such as the miniature, rounded cones of the Scotch pine or In general, the more fragrant types the seedheads of teasel make great of greenery are short-lived. Some, decorations when spray-painted gold such as white or princess pine, are or silver and tied with red ribbon. easy to work with due to soft needles; Dried Queen Anne’s lace, picked in others, like the bristly Scotch pine, August or September, can be pressed may put up a fight. flat, laminated with clear shelf paper, All greenery benefits from daily and cut into circles to make decorations. misting and placement away from Even the spiky fruits of the sweetgum, painted red and hung with gold string, provide fodder for holiday decorations. Dried garlic flowers, spray-painted
sources of heat, the same as with a Christmas tree. “All the things we tell you not to put your Christmas trees next to also apply to greenery,” said Malone.
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A Guide to Greenery To stabilize a centerpiece, use either a vase of water or an Oasis,a foam that retains water once soaked, available at flower shops and craft stores. The Oasis can be cut down to size and placed inside a basket or bowl before filling it with greenery and imitation or live flowers. “None of this is absolutely necessary, it’s just nice to have so you can stabilize your decorations,” Malone noted. One more durable item is the old man’s beard lichen you see hanging from trees, which Malone wraps with ribbon -- it lasts for a couple of years, she reports. Creativity is key when making your own decorations on a budget. Work with what you have, and create decorations that appeal to your own taste. “It’s only limited by your imagination,” said Malone.
Here’s a guide to greenery that can help with your homespun holiday creations: • Leyland cypress - Gorgeous emerald green color; lacy foliage • White pine (Princess Pine) - Blue cast to the needles; long soft needles that are easy to work with • Western red cedar - Drapes nicely; ideal for garlands or roping • Scotch pine - Prickly and tough to work with, but long-lived • Grand fir - Amazingly fragrant, but short-lived • Douglas fir - Inexpensive, good for thickening wreaths; “Save your showy stuff for on top,” suggests Betty Malone of Sunrise Tree Farm. • Nordmann fir - Workhorse for decorating; good for kissing balls • Noble fir - Good material for kissing balls; lasts longer when taken from high altitudes where it has entered its dormant state
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Party On... No Stress, No Fuss Required Karen Bussen, entertaining expert & author of ‘Simply Stunning Parties at Home’ offers tips to be the ‘hostess with the mostest’ under any circumstances | by Matthew M. F. Miller
Karen Bussen fell in love with parties at avery young age. “I have always loved celebrating,” says Bussen, author of “SimpIy Stunning Parties at Home” (Stuart, Tabori and Chang, 2009). “I think I naturally have a very festive personality, and I love to put people in a good mood. I am always looking for a reason to have fun.”
feel she has to ramp up all the details to be holiday-worthy. My solution is to take just a little time before it gets too crazy to get your party pantry together, and then to limit your offerings to just a few great things your guests will love, instead of making yourself crazy with endless options.
As a child, Karen was inspired by her mother’s love of décor, art and painting. After she left her childhood home in Ohio to become a magician’s assistant on a cruise ship, the idea of entertaining and decorating as a career locked into place. “We traveled all over the world, floating between continents, and I was overwhelmed by all the wonderful foods and colors and spices and environments I experienced. I wanted to bring that home with me.”
A: From a practical standpoint, space planning is important – if you’ll have a big group, make sure to clear clutter and place food and drinks in several spots so that as they mingle, guests will find a nibble and sip here and there. Also, I like to offer folks something as soon as they walk in the door. That can be as easy as placing a bottle of Champagne (or a pitcher of your signature cocktail) and some glasses on a foyer table. But more than anything, I think the host how to be a tip-top hostess, even when “At the creates the vibe at any party. If the host holidays, I like to guests show up at the last minute. is frazzled, the guests pick up on that choose a unique Q: Why is the role of host/ energy. If he’s having a great time, so is color palette hostess so daunting for people? everyone else. every year and let How do you take the pain and Q: What is the first thing that weave through fear out of it? a host or hostess should do the whole season, from gift A: I think it’s two things. The first is when they find out company is wrap to my tree decor, to my table expectations. Home hosts don’t want to coming at the last minute? settings,” Bussen says. “On a daily disappoint – they want their gatherings basis, I see inspiration all around A: Don’t panic! Instead of running to be seen as stylish and sumptuous. me, in nature, in a beautiful design, out to the store immediately, take 10 in the fascinating people I meet, and The second is time. Especially around minutes and make a plan. If you’ve I am constantly bowled over by how the holidays, folks are busier than stocked your holiday party pantry, ever, so just pulling together any kind much inspiration there is around us you should have at least some of the of party on top of everything else can everywhere.” core elements you need. Pick three seem overwhelming. Then add to that food items you want to serve (and Here, Bussen shares her advice on fact that a gracious hostess may also don’t be afraid of presenting high-
Today, Bussen makes her home in New York, where she fine-tuned her knowledge of food, wine and high-end hospitality working for Danny Meyer, a notable restaurateur, as well as styling flowers and creating party décor for celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito. In 2000, she opened her events company and has spent the last 11 years looking at life as one big party – especially the holiday season.
Q: What is the key to making your guests feel comfortable?
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basket decorator from Anaheim, Calif. “In some cases, you don’t even need a tree, because you can build a large basket as tall as you want.” Shirley George Frazier, author of “The Gift Basket Design Book” (Globe Pequot, 2008), says that decorative baskets are often used as gifts and have stood the test of time. Their appeal is their simplicity. To create a decorative basket, Frazier suggests starting with a basket of any color and size with a sturdy wood frame. The basket should be smooth on all sides as well as on the bottom and the handle. When placed on the floor, a well-made basket sits flat and doesn’t wobble, she adds. A few coats of spray paint can give it some holiday color. quality prepared foods from a good grocer) and check your quantities of drinks on hand. Make a list of remaining items you need, and stop off for the fresh ingredients like produce and cheese, that aren’t already in your party pantry.
Brown says that the most important tip is to fill the basket so that whatever sits inside is raised high and positioned well. Once a foundation is established, the opportunities are endless. Here are some basic ideas for baskets as holiday décor.
Q: What are the little details that can make a last-minute celebration feel like a wellplanned event?
Use a large, elongated basket to display and collect the wrapped family gifts. Use real or artificial greenery inside and wrap battery-operated lights throughout the design. Depending on the size, the basket can be placed by the fireplace or on top of a coffee table against a wall.
A: It’s in the simple, thoughtful details. A warm, relaxed greeting, appealing presentations of food and drinks, even the little touches that make a dinner table so inviting. That doesn’t mean you have to invest in fine crystal – I like to use things I find around my house. An example: I’ll turn a mushroom upside down, cut a slit in the stem, and use it as a place card at my holiday table. This costs pennies, but all my friends think I’m a genius. Another detail that really makes a party – music. Music creates mood. And with all the online sources for creating great playlists, there’s no reason not to start making your holiday soundtrack right now. Then, when guests are on their way, just pour yourself a glass of Champagne and press “Play.”
Gift Bearer
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unique and inexpensive holiday centerpiece can be as easy as putting all your eggs in a basket, so to speak. Baskets are useful as both organizational and decorative accessories. In December, when embellished with holiday staples such as fresh fruits, gift tags, ribbon,
evergreens, firewood or presents, they also can double as centerpieces for living rooms and dining rooms.
Entrance Greeter
“The beauty of baskets is that once you Fill a large, curved basket with greenery, decorate them, they give you a lovely holiday silver balls of various sizes and floral sprigs. feel,” says Flora Brown, a professional gift Attach the greenery tightly to the basket so that additional ornaments and bells can be wired to it. Place in the foyer or near the front door for guests to admire.
Food Carrier Select a basket with a flared-over handle and decorate the edges with painted cones or artificial greenery. Line the bottom with paper. Fill with either fresh food that can be served immediately, such as fruit and cheese, or with dried items that can linger longer at the table. Holiday favorites for food baskets include fruit cake, nuts, cookies, jams, chocolate and wine.
Mid-Valley Newspapers, November 8, 2011
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Mid-Valley Newspapers, November 8, 2011
Get On A Casserole Whether hosting or attending, the A WSP PERS
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casserole is a holiday mainstay. Turn the traditional up a notch with these innovative ideas | by Lindsey Romain
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asseroles are an omnipresent holiday staple, be it grandma’s chickenstuffed cheese concoction or a friedonion encrusted green bean favorite. But getting comfortable with a casserole recipe can make it a forgettable presence on a holiday dinner table. “The best thing about casseroles is that you can be really creative,” says Stephanie Ashcraft, co-author of “200 Casseroles” (Gibbs Smith, 2011). Here are some ways to concoct an attention-grabbing piece that guests can really sink their teeth into.
Breakfast with a twist Casseroles typically are egg and cheesefilled, but Ashcraft suggests trying other varieties to start a holiday party day right. “I love starting the day with a blueberry French toast casserole and a sausage-hash brown breakfast bake,” she says. Including spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice is a way to sweeten up a breakfast casserole,
according to Jennifer Bardell, who runs the cooking blog The Misadventures of Mrs. B.
A seasonal punch Adding bursts of fresh seasonal ingredients is a sure way to give any casserole a flavor and texture boost. “Try dried cranberries, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, even leftover turkey,” says Maryana Vollstedt, author of “The Big Book of Casseroles: 250 Recipes for Serious Comfort Food” (Chronicle Books, 1999). Ashcraft agrees. “Turkey and cranberries are my favorite holiday ingredients,” she says, also suggesting pecans as a way to add a surprising crunch to every bite. Bardall uses squash, corn and green beans to thicken her recipes, and suggests frozen vegetables if your favorites are out of season. “Stuffing can also be baked into a casserole,” she says, noting it’s safer to prepare stuffing outside of the bird to prevent contamination.
Healthy bakes For family members and other guests focused on health and weight maintenance this year, crafting a casserole that is both satisfying and health conscious can be achieved by keeping a watchful eye on ingredients. “Remember that you can always substitute low-sodium and low-fat products in the recipes,” says Ashcraft, who suggests plain yogurt instead of sour cream.
using the fried pre-packaged strips. If a rich, decadent casserole is on your mind, try prepping two separate versions.
Mindful transportation One thing that might get overlooked with casseroles is the transport. Unless prepared at home, moving a casserole from place to place can be a messy endeavor, which can take away from the flavor and texture. Improper reheats can also ruin the dish.
“I bake my casseroles in a Pampered Vollstedt adds that managing and adjusting Chef stone pan, cover it with aluminum the amount of an ingredient can save room. foil and place it in an insulated rectangular food carrier designed to carry a 9-by-13“Go easy on rich sauces,” she says, adding that sticking to local, fresh produce inch stone pan,” says Ashcraft. “The stone pan retains heat longer than normal pans is another way to reduce additives and while the carrier holds the heat inside the sodium intake. bag, insuring hot food upon arrival.” For a traditional green bean casserole Vollstedt suggests wrapping pans in done healthy, Bardall suggests sautéing towels or newspaper for a less expensive mushrooms instead of using canned means of insulation. soup, and toasting onions instead of
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Mid-Valley Newspapers, November 8, 2011