Recipe: Perfect Holiday Brussels Sprouts

Merry Christmas! Here is a last-minute recipe for those Brussels sprouts you were trying to figure out what to do with for dinner tonight....

Brussels sprouts are one of those perfect veggies for a holiday dinner. They add some healthy green to the table, are very simple to prepare, and can be done in many delicious ways. This is a variation on my favorite way to serve Brussels sprouts.

Roasting them in the oven adds a lovely caramelization, without letting them get mushy - which ruins them in my opinion. Balsamic vinegar and cranberries bring out their natural sweetness, and pecans add a nice crunch. Even those who don't like Brussels sprouts may find themselves coming back for more of these! Enjoy!

Perfect Holiday Brussels Sprouts
(Serves 4.)

(Image courtesy of Mister GC at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.)

Ingredients:

1 lb fresh Brussels sprouts, washed and halved
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp good balsamic vinegar
2 Tbsp chopped pecans
1/2 cup dried cranberries

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees and lightly coat a large baking sheet with cooking oil.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then add the prepared Brussels sprouts to the bowl and toss to coat well.
• Dump the Brussels sprouts out onto the baking sheet, cover loosely with a sheet of tin foil, then bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes.
• Remove tin foil, stir Brussels sprouts around, and return to oven for another 10 minutes or until the Brussels sprouts are lightly browned, turning sprouts over at least once during this baking time.
• Dump hot Brussels sprouts out into a large bowl, add the pecans and cranberries and toss to combine. Serve immediately.

Holiday Party Budget Busters

Everyone knows there are some things that just blow your holiday budget out of the water. If you know what these things are and plan for them ahead of time, they can be avoided and your budget can remain intact - leaving more money for those important holiday gifts. But the trick is identifying and then stopping these budget busters before they happen. Let's take a look.

Poor Planning

(Image courtesy of Apolonia at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.)

When you don't spend enough time planning for your event, you may end up running around at the last minute trying to fill in for things you've forgotten.  If this means more food, it usually means prepared food from a deli or caterer, which means a lot more money spent than originally planned. On the other hand, spending too much time planning can also result in over spending. If you go over and over the menu, you are bound to keep adding more food. If you review the guest list over and over, you'll start second guessing yourself, which usually means adding more people, not removing any. A lack of planning as well as too much planning are both bad for the budget.

Unexpected Guests

When people show up unexpectedly at your party, it's a strain on the budget you set.  Pulling up another chair to the table and filling another plate definitely produces a burden. The best way to keep your guest list accurate is to include an RSVP on the invitation. Of course, there are bound to be a couple guests who forget or ignore the RSVP, so be sure to word your invitation properly so the RSVP is taken seriously.  If you have guests who haven't responded, simply give them a call.  Another issue may be a misunderstanding with the invited guest. Be clear if you intend your guest to bring a guest of his or her own. Your invitation should state EXACTLY who you wish to attend the party.  If there could be any confusion about who is invited, state the obvious.  For instance, if you're throwing a party for grownups only, make sure the invitation states that kids are not invited. Don't leave room for confusion on the invitation.

(Image courtesy of Ron Bird from FreeDigitalPhotos.net.)

Big Dreams

Paging through glossy magazines featuring designer parties is a fun pastime, but not a good basis for your holiday party.  If you start dreaming about throwing a designer-style party, your budget will never catch up. Keep your dreams in check and reasonable when you are planning your party and your budget and bottom line will appreciate your diligence. However, when you're dreaming big, you can  grab a couple ideas from those designers.  Choose some unique decorations or recipes and include them in your budget version of the fancy party.  You can add a lot of flare with just a few touches from that big dream.

Shopping Fail

Once your party is planned, you'll need to shop for food, decorations, gifts, and whatever you may need.  Heading to the store without doing some research first will result in spending way more money than you need to, or intend to.  Paying full price for any or all of the items you need will put a serious dent in your budget, and is so unnecessary.  With all the coupons and sales this time of year, there's no reason to over pay.  Go online and check the deals for your local area.  Shop early so you have enough time to shop around.  Waiting for the last minute will surely result in making hasty choices and spending way beyond your budget.

Hosting a holiday party can be fun and festive without breaking the budget, but only if you avoid these pitfalls.  Simple errors like these can create a stressful situation instead of a delightful holiday celebration. Now that you know what to avoid, go ahead and plan that perfect holiday party!

And be sure to check back later this week, as we'll  be sharing some budget-friendly but delicious holiday recipes over the next couple of weeks.

Holiday Leftovers Recipe: Ham Potato Soup Cups

Still got some of that Christmas ham hanging around? Try this delicious recipe to give your leftovers a creative face lift! It is also a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, peas, dinner rolls, and some of that chicken broth that you didn't use last week while cooking Christmas dinner.

Ham Potato Soup Cups
(Serves 4.)

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter
1 cup diced smoked ham
4 sliced green onions
1 garlic clove, minced
2 cups mashed potatoes
1 (14 oz) can chicken broth (or 1 1/2 cups)
1 cup milk
1/3 cup sweet green peas
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
salt and pepper
2 cups torn up dinner rolls
1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions:

• Melt butter in a large saucepan; add diced ham, green onions, and minced garlic; cooking over low heat until garlic is fragrant.
• Add the mashed potatoes, broth, milk, peas, and thyme, stirring to combine.
• Turn heat up to medium and bring to a boil, immediately reducing heat to low, then simmer slowly for 10 minutes or until soup thickens, season with salt and pepper.
• Spoon into 4 broiler-safe bowls. Scatter the torn dinner rolls and sprinkle with the shredded Cheddar cheese. 
• Place bowls on a broiler pan 6 inches under broiler turned on high, and broil 1 to 3 minutes or until top bubbles and gets golden brown.
• Remove and let cool slightly before serving.

Hanukkah Recipe: Olive Oil Baked Potato Latkes

Happy Hanukkah! Of course, what is Hanukkah without latkes? This traditional holiday dish can easily be baked instead of fried to make it healthier and in keeping with the teachings of the Torah. This tasty recipe reminds me of how my mother used to make them when I was a kid!

Olive Oil Baked Potato Latkes

Ingredients:

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

2 lbs Russet (baking) potatoes
4 tsp olive oil, divided
1 small onion, diced fine
1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

• Peel potatoes, then grate them, or run them through a food processor to grate.
• Place grated potatoes in a bowl and cover with cold water and let sit for 15 minutes, then drain and put in a cheesecloth covered colander and let stand for another 15 minutes.
• Dump potatoes out into a clean towel and squeeze all the water out, then put potatoes into a large bowl.
• Now add 2 tsp of the olive oil to the potatoes along with the remaining ingredients and stir until blended well.
• Preheat your oven to 425 degrees, and with remaining olive oil, grease a baking sheet.
• Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the greased baking sheet, very slightly flatten with spoon, allowing space in between each one.
• Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until browned, then flip and bake another 10 minutes or until crispy and brown.
• Remove and let cool on a rack slightly before serving with an applesauce topping and/or a creamy topping.

Recipe: Grilled Turkey Burgers With Mango Chutney

These simple burgers will be a hit with those who like a grilled meal on the lighter side. Perfect for a fancier meal, date night, or a holiday barbecue!

Grilled Turkey Burgers With Mango Chutney
(Serves 4.)

Ingredients:

1 long baguette (about 16 inches)
1 medium sweet onion
1 pound ground turkey - organic and free-range if possible
4 Tbsp mango chutney, divided
2 cups shredded organic lettuce or baby salad mix

Directions:

• Prepare the grill to medium-high heat.
• Cut baguette in 4 equal pieces and slice each piece open lengthwise; then with your fingers, remove about 1/2 the soft bread from the insides. then split each piece horizontally and pull out half the soft bread from each side, forming a boat.
• Cut onion in half, around the equator, and dice half finely and slice 4 thin circles out of the other half.
• In a large bowl, put the diced onion in with 1 tablespoon chutney and all the ground turkey; then mix together with your hands and form 4 burgers.
• When grill is ready, put round onion slices on and cook 2 or 3 minutes on each side just until charred; remove.
• Put burgers on at the same time and grill, flipping once, until meat is cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes each side; remove.
• Put bread pieces of grill if desired just to char the edges, about 1 or 2 minutes; remove.
• To assemble - spread the remaining mango chutney on the open sides of baguette pieces, add the turkey burgers on 4 bottoms, put the grilled onion slices on top, then add lettuce and top with top bread piece.

Cinco De Mayo Recipe: Mexican Beef Pie

This easy casserole makes it simple to prepare a great Cinco De Mayo meal without a lot of work. Tasty Mexican ingredients such as corn, tomatoes, cornmeal, and chili powder go great together with the ground beef, and the ease of preparation will make this one a hit for your Cinco De Mayo party! Feel free to add other ingredients if you like, and if you like it spicy, add crushed red pepper, or substitute a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies for the plain tomatoes. Sprinkle with cheese if desired before serving.

Happy Cinco De Mayo!

Mexican Beef Pie

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef
1/2 cup onion, chopped
2 Tbsp butter
12 oz corn
15 oz diced tomatoes (do not drain juice)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp chili powder
3 cups water
1 cup cornmeal 
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup ripe olives, chopped

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Get out a skillet and sauté ground beef and onion in butter until beef is browned. Add the corn, tomatoes, pepper, salt, and chili powder; set aside.
2. Boil the 3 cups water in a medium saucepan. Once it begins to boil, slowly stir in the cornmeal and 1 teaspoon of salt. Turn it down to low heat and stir constantly, cooking, until very thick. Remove from heat and add the beaten egg and olives. 
3. In a 2 quart casserole dish, spread half the cornmeal mixture and top with beef mixture. Use the remaining cornmeal mixture and drop by spoonful on top of the beef mixture layer. 
4. Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until nicely browned.

Cooking for Cinco De Mayo

Those who live in the American southwest have experienced the fanfare and celebrations of Cinco de Mayo a little longer than perhaps many other states across the U. S. though the exposure is most definitely growing. As a result more and more people of various ethnicities are joining in the celebration and adding Cinco de Mayo to their list of favorite holidays. Whether it's the music, the dancing, the drinks, or the food that is most enjoyable about this holiday no one is really sure. However, when you combine them all you have a holiday that is difficult to match in gusto and fun! But for some of us, the food is most definitely the draw.

Cinco de Mayo menu ideas (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Mexican food is becoming an almost Americanized version of itself in many restaurants across the United States. One reason is because it's just that popular. Even small towns are beginning to have as many Mexican restaurants as they do Chinese or Italian. This is good news on one hand as it indicates a growing desire on behalf of Americans to try the cuisine of our neighbors. It has also managed to get us accustomed to the wonderful flavors of Mexican cuisines and we are beginning more and more often to bring these cuisines into our own homes.

If you are looking for some great foods to cook for your family on Cinco de Mayo then you've definitely come to the right place for ideas and inspiration.  This week we will be featuring tasty recipes along a Cinco de Mayo theme, so you can prepare for the festivities next Monday!

If you are looking for something fun and festive, try creating a taco or fajita bar that lets everyone add their favorite ingredients to their tacos and/or fajitas and keeps the favorite sides such as black beans, refried beans, and Mexican rice close by to complement the meal. This is an excellent idea if you are situated in a manner that allows for buffet style serving of family, friends, and honored guests. It's a lot of fun and you can generally get people to help out or pitch in on the preparations and bringing their favorite toppings along. Be sure to have plenty of everything and refills that need to be chilled on ice and those that need to be kept warm in containers that allow for proper food safety.

If you need something that is a little more portable, especially if you have little ones that tend to wander around with their food, then quesadillas may be the perfect solution. They are delicious, they are easy to walk around with if you have them cut properly, they are fun to make and they do not require a good deal of difficulty in the preparation - especially if you make the $20 investment in a good quesadillas maker. You can put one in at a time and let them cook until they are ready. Clean up is a snap and you have a lot of happy campers with full bellies.

Keep the music upbeat and Mexican-inspired to further the tone of the party and the food will even digest  better if you get up and dance around a bit! Enjoy the spirit of the celebration. In other words, have fun!  Don't spend the entire day in the kitchen fretting over whether you've made enough or if you need to make more. Have a few options available for one and all and leave it at that. If they are still hungry they can always "make a run for the border," although I'm quite certain that all will agree that your food was far superior to any fast food offerings in town. :-)

Be sure to check back for some tasty Mexican-themed recipes later this week!

Holiday Recipe: Easy Maple-Glazed Ham

If you want a great recipe for a Christmas ham, try this simple one. Just a few unique ingredients provide a great flavor that your whole family will remember! (Try to find a naturally cured ham if you can, and make sure to use real maple syrup - none of that flavored corn syrup junk.) This makes for a great main dish for your Christmas dinner.

Easy Maple-Glazed Ham

(Photo credit: Another Pint Please...)

Ingredients:

10 pound natural hickory-smoked ham, fully cooked
3/4 c. real maple syrup
1 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp white vinegar
3 Tbsp bourbon
1 Tbsp whole cloves

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. Put ham cut side down in a shallow baking dish and form a tent with aluminum foil, loosely sealing.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour.
4. In a glass bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, dry mustard, white vinegar, and bourbon, and set aside.
5. When ham is done, remove from oven, take off foil, and turn ham over in the baking pan so you are looking at the fatty side.
6. With a sharp paring knife, cut shallow criss-cross pattern (like tic-tac-toe) into the fatty side, in about 1/2 to 1 inch square shapes.
7. Stick a single whole clove in the center of each square you made.
8. Whisk the glaze again, then pour evenly over the top of the fatty side of the ham, over the cloves, and put back in the oven (uncovered) for about 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown on top.  You can ladle the glaze in the pan back over the ham once during the cooking time.
9. Remove and let stand for 10 minutes, slice and serve warm, with pan drippings poured over each slice if desired.

Tasty Saint Patrick's Day Recipe Ideas

If you're still short on ideas for St. Patrick's Day meals, here are some to check out. From Irish soda bread, to beer waffles, to corned beef hash, we've got you covered! These recipes are sure to impress the company. And don't forget the green beer! Or get creative with a Shamrock Shake, or Easy Irish Coffee. Either way, have a great, fun, and tasty holiday, and if you do drink, please do so responsibly.


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Cooked corned beef, eaten on St. Patrick's Day. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Recipe: Meaty Stewed Cabbage

This is a variation on the theme of corned beef & cabbage - if you don't like corned beef, you can substitute this dish for your Irish festivities this weekend. Cabbage is a traditional winter staple, as it keeps well in cold storage for months, which is partly why it's part of this holiday tradition. The addition of sausage provides more flavor than just beef, and you can make this one a bit spicy if you like. This is a very easy dish so it's great for a busy holiday weekend. Enjoy, and have a fun, safe holiday!

Meaty Stewed Cabbage
(Serves 8-12.)

Ingredients:

1 lb. bulk pork sausage
1 lb. ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
10 to 12 cups shredded cabbage (depending on how much cabbage you want)

Directions:

1. In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, put the sausage and beef, cook (breaking up the meat) until browned slightly.
2. Add the remaining ingredients to pot and allow to come up to a boil, then immediately reduce  heat and simmer, covered with lid vented slightly, for 10 to 15 minutes or until cabbage is tender. 
3. Will serve 8 hungry people or 10 to 12 light eaters.

Cooking Irish Favorites for St. Patrick's Day

There is something about St. Patrick's Day that brings out the Irish cook in all of us. If you are not of Irish decent it may not have quite this profound effect upon you. If you are, then I'm quite certain you will understand what I mean by this. There's something about revisiting traditions that may have been lost in the fog of coming to a new world and adopting a new way of life that is lifted on this one day of the year. As a result old favorite recipes handed down from mother to daughter over the centuries come out and grand meals are prepared.

If your mother wasn't of Irish decent and you do not have a stockpile of wonderful Irish recipes in your inventory there are a few great websites on the Internet that offer excellent recipes that have already been converted to standard American measurements that will have Irish eyes - and any eyes that think they might wish to be Irish - smiling once again.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Corned beef and cabbage is a classic Irish favorite. You can also include more veggies in the meal by adding great things like potatoes and carrots to the recipe. This is a great meal because it can be put in the crock pot before the work of the day begins, and with very little effort you'll have a tasty dinner waiting for you at the end of the day. Very little work is necessary in creating an outstanding feast that many will think you've had to miss a parade or two in order to prepare!

Lamb stew is another great dish to put on your St. Patrick's Day table. There are also slow cooker or crock pot recipes available for this family favorite if you take the time to search them out. This is a stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal that is very popular in cooler climates for the St. Patrick's Day festivities. This makes a great lunch or dinner and goes quite well with Irish Soda Bread.

Shepherd's Pie is another hale and hearty meal that is a wonderful addition to the St. Patrick's Day festivities. This dish is a favorite among those who have tried it and might just become a staple recipe in your kitchen once you give it a try!

And no Irish meal is really complete without potatoes of some kind on the table. Keep this in mind no matter which meal you cook. There must be potatoes in order to complete the meal or it simply cannot be authentically Irish! This may be a slight exaggeration but you really can't go wrong with potatoes for this holiday meal.

Picture of a beam in the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin.  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Of course Irish coffee and green beer are quite often the drink choices for St. Patty's day celebrations and they are never a bad choice, provided someone not drinking those drinks is doing the driving. If alcohol isn't your beverage of choice it is definitely not a requirement. However, if you are feeling particularly in line with the green theme of St. Patrick's Day you could make a green milk shake, a green smoothie, green powdered drink mix, or any other green drink that comes to mind. The drinks and even the colors aren't really all that important in the end. It is all in good fun at this point even if it isn't Irish in nature. There are some days when it just pays to be green despite the fact that Kermit still claims, "it ain't easy being green."  :-)

Traditional Christmas Cooking Tips & Ideas

Christmas is a time of year when families all around the world will get together and observe unique traditions specific to their own families. In America however, there are some foods that many people consider traditional holiday cooking, although many of these traditions are regional rather than nationally accepted.

Traditional Christmas Eve supper in Poland. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

For example: turkey or ham? For some families the answer is both while others answer quite quickly that it is neither. One of the best all-American Christmas cooking ideas for my family is lasagna. It's just special enough for the holiday, and honors my Italian roots! There are no right or wrong traditions - only those traditions that work well for you and your family.

Other great traditional favorites for many Americans as far as Christmas cooking goes are things such as sweet potato casseroles, deviled eggs, dressing or stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie, apple pie, mince meat pie, and pecan pie. Of course there are regional favorites that are often highly dependent upon where you live such as key lime pie, lemon icebox pie, oyster dressing, deep fried turkey. If one of these is a Christmas tradition for you, no matter where you are in the world you will think of home or Christmas whenever you come across them. And if you are separated from loved ones this year, a shared Christmas food tradition can help you feel closer even across the miles.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

That, of course, is the great thing about Christmas traditions. We pass them along to our children who one day will find that they are a little less alone because someone in an airport is eating a slice of key lime pie or having a dish or macaroni and cheese. If you don't have Christmas traditions it is time to develop a few just so that you can share something special and almost sacred with your friends and family. Be sure to check back later this week for some delicious holiday recipes that just may become a tradition in your household!

Keeping the Office Holiday Party Fun & Frugal

'Tis the season...for the office holiday party - a time of fun and food with your co-workers, as well as gift-exchanges, and potluck lunches. Anyone who has a limited budget knows how difficult work parties can be on the wallet. Work parties can include many expenditures; a dish to pass, a gift, a collection for the boss, and maybe a charity.  Now, these things each by itself is not going to destroy your budget, but when they start piling on, it can get steep.  And what if you have more than one party to attend?  You want to be positive and share in the holiday spirit, but you also want to pay the bills and feed the family.  How can you enjoy your holiday office parties and not come off being the company Scrooge?  Here are a few tips.

Sign-up Fast

Pot luck lunch (Photo credit: Bruce A Stockwell)

This is definitely a time when you want to be first in line. Signing up fast for the potluck meal is an advantage when you're on a budget.  Why?  Because you can choose your food item to bring from a wider range of goodies.  You can shop early for the ingredients and maybe snag a few sale prices.  If you wait until the last minute to sign up, you are bound to find yourself in the deli the day of the party paying premium prices for a prepared dish that you could have easily made at home for half the price.

If that happens, your dish not only cost way more than you budgeted, but the presentation looks cheap. It looks like you don't care enough about your fellow workers to give your dish any thought at all. There sits your plastic deli containers right next to those beautifully decorated homemade sugar cookies.  And, the fact is, those sugar cookies cost a fraction of what you brought, but look and taste so much better.  So, get your name on that sign-up sheet the moment it comes out to save yourself the embarrassment and the expense.

Stick with Traditional Food

Holiday potluck parties at work are not the time to try out a new recipe.  Nor is it time to bring your most complicated dish. Stick with traditions that are tried-and-true.  If your coworkers see a 'mystery dish' on the table, something they're not familiar with, they will pass it by.  No one's going to embarrass themselves or others by asking; “What's that?”  If you're serving something with a bunch of complicated sauces, it just gets clumsy figuring out what to put with what. Keep your dish simple, easy to serve, and delicious and everyone will appreciate the effort you made. (Check this blog later this week for some great recipes for holiday potlucks.)

Office holiday party white elephant gift exchange. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Keep the Gift Exchange Simple

As far as a gift exchange goes, keep it simple and inexpensive.  Having complicated gift exchanges where everything is topsy turvy and no one understands the rules is a recipe for disappointment.  Do simple 'take away' games for small gifts that are suitable for everyone.  Put small wrapped gifts together and draw names for each gift.  Don't make the exchange too unusual.  Play games that are familiar to everyone so the party keeps moving smoothly and no one feels left out.  Plan your gift exchange early so you can agree on a dollar limit and everyone will have time to shop.  And remember, it's about the fun, not the gift.  So, keep the dollar limit very low so everyone can enjoy the festivities without worrying about the expense.

Out On the Town

Some work parties are planned out of the office.  These parties can be more entertaining than a simple potluck office party, but they can also be very expensive.  If you are on a limited budget, you may find it difficult to justify splurging on such a party.  This is where being a part of the planning committee will come in handy. 

You will need a strong voice in your workplace, an advocate for you and your fellow coworkers who want to keep the expense down.  If the decision is made to have the party at a restaurant, then be sure to do your research.  These establishments are going to want your party, so they will be willing to deal with you.  Review menu and drink choices, then begin the negotiating.  When it comes to a party outside the office, it's all about getting the right prices.  Stay away from ordering off the menu and having an open bar.  Choose two or three dinner options, negotiate a price with the restaurant, then have a cash bar.  Each person can then enjoy the party within their own budget.

The workplace is no place to throw caution to the wind when it comes to your holiday budget.  You need to watch your wallet just like you do while planning your family holiday celebrations.  When the holidays roll around, jump right in and be a part of the planning so you can ensure your frugal voice is heard.

Video - Tips for a Tasty Holiday Beef Roast

If you're preparing a roast for the holiday festivities this year, this video will give you some quick tips for making a tasty, juicy, and tender roast. It will also show you some different options for choosing a cut of meat, a simple herb rub, and how to carve the roast when done. We always recommend organic beef - don't serve antibiotics and hormones to your family this holiday season! Look for the organic symbol, and purchase locally if you can - support your local farmers and the environment at the same time.

Beef roast for holiday cooking
How to prepare a wonderful beef roast for the holidays

Related Articles on Cooking Roast Beef:

• imabonehead: Closet Cooking: The Perfect Roast Beef (closetcooking.com)
• Crocktoberfest; Mom's Easy Roast Beef (wdok.radio.com)
• Beef Shoulder Roast (orangesandavocados.com)
• Beef Roast with Root Vegetables and Zinfandel Gravy (jensfreshandfabulous.com)

Holiday Cooking Tips for Better Outcomes

The holidays are an extremely hectic and chaotic time for many of us. We run from one place to another with more "to do" lists than we think we will ever manage to complete. One thing is certain and that is that throughout all the running around and festivities that are going on it is quite likely that you are going to either drive yourself crazy being obsessively over-organized, or you are going to forget one dinner, event, or gift during the season that is going to prove to be important enough for a mad dash out into the cold. Depressing though the thought may be, the following tips can help you avoid potential breakdown as a result of the constant insanity of the holidays.

Image via WikipediaFirst of all, you absolutely must adopt the KISS policy: Keep it simple silly. The meals you plan for your contributions to holiday cooking in your own home and for various events and pot lucks that take place this time of year should be simple to prepare, take little time, and cost as little money as possible.

Here are 3 simple tips to help you accomplish this:

1. Do things in bulk. Rather than trying to squeeze in a few minutes here and there, mark out large chunks of your calendar and dedicate those times to tasks such as cooking, cleaning, shopping, and wrapping and stick to that one thing during its allotted time slot rather than trying to cook, wrap, clean, and shop at the same time. This saves confusion and lessens the opportunity of something getting boiled, burned, splattered, ruined, or forgotten.

2. Plan ahead and shop ahead. This saves valuable time and money because you aren't impulse buying at the last minute. Whether you are shopping for food items for meal preparation and cooking, or the perfect gifts for friends or family, putting things off often tends to result in spending more money than intended and getting less value for that money.

Make sure you have enough room inside your fridge for the foods you need for preparation and storing the foods that need to be chilled once they've been prepared. Space is a must and if you do not have enough space in your refrigerator you need to be making other plans for food that needs to be kept cold in the interim.

Plan a quick and easy back up in case something goes wrong with one of the more complicated dishes or casseroles. A last minute substitution that is quick and easy is a much better option than not having enough to go around. You never know what's going to go wrong when dealing with holiday cooking, and it is best to be prepared when something does.

Make sure the turkey or ham is properly thawed and that you've allotted the necessary time for cooking. In fact an extra hour is often the best way to go as you never know what kind of differences there will ultimately be in cooking time for your main course.

3. Clean as you go. This little tip will save so much time, trouble, and pulled hair that you will never really know how wonderfully valuable this nugget of advice really is. Dishes are simpler to clean when still warm and before food has time to dry and set in, and you will feel so much peace when you finish your meal and realize you only have a few dishes to clean up afterwards (and that's what the kids are for)!

These tips do not guarantee a perfect holiday cooking experience but they are an excellent way to guarantee less stress in the mix.

Cooking Light for Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a special holiday for Americans. We celebrate this day to honor those before who have served their country and those who serve today. Brave men and women have dedicated their lives to the service of our great nation, some of them at the cost of those lives. For this reason it is important that we dedicate one day each year to remember and honor their sacrifices. One way we celebrate as Image via WikipediaAmericans is by gathering together with friends and family and having picnics, barbecues, and bonfires to commemorate those who now serve, those who have served in the past, and countless others that we will never know.

The downside to our Memorial Day celebrations is a menu that lingers with us in the form of calories well beyond the festivities of the day. If you're looking for a great way to enjoy the day without feeling deprived and still avoid some of the heavy hitting calories that we consume far too many of on a normal Memorial Day there is help to be had. Keep reading to discover some excellent methods for cutting calories from your Memorial Day feasts.

1. Grill your chicken instead of frying it. Fried chicken has for a very long time been a favorite among those celebrating almost any occasion - particularly in the south. However, this packs on unwanted calories that would be better spent on dessert rather than the main course. Another thing you can do is to skip the sauce. By this, I mean barbecue sauce. There are plenty of great rubs that Image via Wikipediacan be used on your beef, pork, and chicken that pack a powerful punch when it comes to taste and leave off those pesky calories that sugar filled barbecue sauces add to your favorite dishes.

2. Have salad as a side. In addition to salad as a healthy side option, include fresh cut up vegetables and low fat dressing as a dip for sides as well as appetizers. By having these available for your guests you may be surprised to discover that others appreciate the healthy options just as much as you do. Even cooked vegetables that aren't dripping in cheese sauce, butter, or other types of fats provide a better option than high carb, high fat sides such as macaroni and cheese, potato salad, and mashed potatoes.

3. Have fruit on hand to help diminish the craving for sweets. While I would not dream of completely depriving you of dessert, I recommend two steps to help make the fight against fat a more survivable contest of wills. First, have at least one sugar-free dessert option available for those that are dieting, and offer fruits. By combining the healthier sweet treat of fruit with a delicious sugar free dessert in a smaller portion you are doubling the health benefits. One popular item Image via WikipediaI have seen lately in grocery stores is red & blue berry bowls - strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are seasonal treats that go right along with the holiday colors!

Finally, homemade ice cream has for a long time been a favorite family tradition for Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. You do not have to say no to all the good things in life even if you are trying to watch what you eat. By eliminating the empty calories many of us consume in sugary drinks, and following the steps above you just might find that ice cream is a delicious option for you after all without completely blowing the good work you've done. (For a special red, white, & blue treat, try some berries - from the tip above - over your ice cream!) Just remember that moderation is the key.

If you allow yourself a taste of the really good stuff along the way you will be much less likely to fail in your healthier living efforts. In addition to watching the calories you put into your body on Memorial Day be sure to take stock of the calories you burn. Go for a walk, take a hike, pick up a game of flag football with the family, or dance with the little ones in the afternoon. Consistent efforts to burn more calories while consuming less will net the greatest results whether it is a holiday or not.

And most of all, remember what we are celebrating for, and enjoy the company of your loved ones!

Thanksgiving Menu Planning Ideas

Thanksgiving is many things to many different people. In America it is a day we set aside to give thanks for all the things that are important to us and pay homage to an excellent dinner with an afternoon of football watching and yelling at the television screen (at least that is what you do if you live in Ohio). In other areas of the nation people may do things together such as playing board games, touch football, or any number of other games that can be enjoyed by young and old alike. Other traditions are to gather the ladies together to plan the shopping strategy for the next day's shopping on Black Friday!

Image via WikipedBut, the traditions that go along with Thanksgiving and giving thanks do not solve the dilemma that many face each and every time Thanksgiving is celebrated in their homes. That dilemma would be what to prepare for the big meal. There are plenty of options and as hostess and chef extraordinaire it is entirely up to you what the menu will be. The best piece of advice that can be given however, is the less food left to prepare on Thanksgiving day is the less food that has the opportunity for something to go wrong in the preparation process.

Here are a few great menu ideas, tips, and tricks that should help make your Thanksgiving Dinner preparations go a little more smoothly.

First of all, plan ahead and make sure you have all the ingredients you need and any special menu items that may be required well ahead of time but in a manner that allows for maximum freshness. If you must wait until the day before to get some of your shopping done, then do so as early in the day as possible. Otherwise make a point of getting all the non-perishable ingredients that are necessary a week or so ahead of time. Also if you are going to order a smoked turkey or something along those lines do so far enough in advance that you have no doubt at all that your order will be filled on time.

Image via WikipediaSecond, if you can afford to have something ordered and prepared offsite and it doesn't hurt your sense of pride, do so. You do not have to have everything catered but having a few items catered (or having a family member prepare and bring certain items) will leave your day much less stressful, making the risk of something going wrong a little lower than if you were cramming everything into one morning and doing it all yourself. Bread from the bakery, smoked ham or turkey, and certain favorite side dishes that are complicated and time consuming as well as some pies can be great things to make ahead (or have someone else prepare the day before and bring) and save a lot of time that would be better spent enjoying the day.

Third, recruit help. There is absolutely nothing wrong with grabbing a passing child or adult and asking for a little help with the chopping, washing, or mixing that must take place in order for the dinner to go off without a hitch. The thing is that while people often don't mind helping, they are afraid to offer for fear of seeming to imply that you aren't doing well enough on your own. There is no harm in recruiting help especially among friends and family!

Finally, keep the animals outside or locked away from the festivities and, more importantly, the food. Animals are great friends to have but most of your guests do not appreciate them in the kitchen or at the table. You do not want Fluffy or Fido to run off the food you've worked hard to prepare, so remove them from a situation that it might prove tempting.

The most important thing about your Thanksgiving dinner is that you are not so stressed from the preparation that you do not have the time or peace of mind to enjoy it. The advice above should help with that.