Once again the holiday season has snuck upon us like a thief in the night. Thanksgivukkah (Thanksgiving and the first day of Hanukkah coincide this year, which apparently won’t happen for another 70,000 years) is pretty much hours away at this point. Christmas will be here in less than a month. Then before you know it we’ll all be singing Auld Lang Syne as we ring in 2014. (Twenty fourteen?! Were has all the time gone?!) I digress… Here is a list of ten of my favorite recipes for appetizers, side dishes, mains, and desserts to get you through Friendsgiving, Boxing Day, or any other meal this holiday season.
APPETIZERS
Bacon-Wrapped Figs with Goat Cheese are super simple to make, but will also sound and taste extremely impressive to your guests.
A box of crackers and some cubes of cheese are always welcomed by guests to whet their appetite before the big meal. This Herbed Goat Cheese Shortbread Cracker recipe will allow you to channel your inner Martha Stewart instead of buying a box of Ritz.
VEGETABLES AND SIDE DISHES
Roasting is by far my favorite way to prepare vegetables, especially in the warmer months. It should be illegal how simple and tasty it is. Spicy Roasted Cauliflower is just one rendition to add to your table this season. (Roasted broccoli works well too.)
Bacon makes everything better. Yes, even Brussels sprouts. My Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon recipe takes advantage of the bounty of the vegetable that is available this time of year.
Every holiday meal needs potatoes. I think it’s law, and if not then it should be. The standard for most households is likely to be the mashed variety. Should you decide to switch things up slightly this year I think Potato Gratin would be right up your alley. Who would be disappointed with potatoes, milk/cream, and cheese?
MAINS
Not everyone wants to tackle a whole bird. And personally, turkey isn’t even my favorite fowl to begin with. If you’re in the market for a protein that’s much more manageable, then chicken breasts are the way to go. Thyme Marinated Chicken with Red Wine Glazed Onions is the perfect recipe for the novice cook looking to make something slightly fancy for their friends and family.
I’m of the opinion that every holiday dinner deserves a large piece of meat as the star of the meal. Why not let a Roasted Pork Loin with Fig-Port Sauce take home the trophy this year. It’s practically a balanced meal all on its own by hitting three major food groups: meat, fruit, and booze.
DESSERTS
Sweet Potato Pie has been a staple at all of my family gatherings for as long as I can remember. The potatoes for this Thanksgiving’s pies are cooking as I type. And yes, sweet potato is much better than pumpkin. No contest.
If you’re going to have an array of desserts for your guests to choose from, then at least one of them should be chocolate. Of course cake would be an option to please the masses, but I’m sure the masses would be just fine with a Salted Chocolate Tart with Almonds.
Last, but certainly not least, is Apple Pie. I’ll just leave it at that.
Oh, and don’t forget about the beverages! A collection of juices, soft drinks, and bottles of wine should suffice. But if you want to go the extra step, then a nice cocktail or punch will give you some extra host/ess points. Happy Holidays!
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