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A Full, Festive Menu for Holiday Celebrations

From the hors d’oeuvres to the main course and all the way through dessert, creating a full holiday menu doesn’t have to be hard.

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Last Updated on July 15, 2024 by Daily News Staff

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(Family Features) From the hors d’oeuvres to the main course and all the way through dessert, creating a full holiday menu doesn’t have to be hard.

The key to a successful feast is focusing on dishes that can please loved ones of all ages and palates, such as a festive salad before the turkey or ham main dish, which can be accompanied by complementary sides like au gratin potatoes. Finally, top off the celebration with a divine dessert featuring classic cranberry flavor.

To find more holiday recipe inspiration, visit Culinary.net.

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Start Holiday Celebrations with a Salad

With a bed of tender, leafy green spinach and pops of red cranberries, a salad lends itself perfectly to the colors and flavors of the holiday season. Plus, as a lighter bite ahead of the big meal, it makes for a delicious introduction to festive dinner parties, family gatherings and get-togethers.

This Spinach Christmas Tree Salad offers a fresh, festive option that adds a seasonal presentation to the table while inviting guests to take a bite. Harvested at the peak of flavor, tender Fresh Express Baby Spinach has a mild and delicate taste that makes it an ideal addition to recipes throughout the holidays.

Find more ways to freshen up your holiday menu at FreshExpress.com.

Spinach Christmas Tree Salad

Servings: 6

  • 2 packages (5 ounces each) Fresh Express Baby Spinach
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, divided
  • 1/3 cup pistachios, divided
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, divided
  • 1 red pepper, cored, cut into thin strips
  • 1 large apple, thinly sliced, cut into star shapes

Dressing:

  • 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 3 tablespoons cranberry juice
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  1. In large bowl, toss baby spinach with 1/4 cup dried cranberries, 1/6 cup pistachios and 1/4 cup feta cheese. Transfer to Christmas tree cake mold. Neatly arrange spinach leaves to create smooth surface.
  2. Arrange red pepper strips, trimming as needed, to create garland. Arrange remaining dried cranberries, remaining pistachios and remaining feta cheese as “ornaments” on top of spinach. Create tree topper with one apple star; place remaining apple stars around “tree.”
  3. To make dressing: In blender, process cranberry sauce, cranberry juice, balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, brown sugar and salt until smooth.
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A Hearty Holiday Side Dish

From appetizers and snacks to the main course, sides and sweets, almost everyone has a favorite holiday dish. However, it’s the pairings and complementary dishes that make festive get-togethers special.

This Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes with Kale and Gruyere is an ideal example of a savory side that goes well with a variety of holiday meals, making it a perfect option for families seeking a versatile recipe to serve with dinner. Rosy-skinned and white-fleshed, Wisconsin Round Red potatoes have a firm, smooth and moist texture, making them well-suited for roasting in this hearty dish.

Visit eatwisconsinpotatoes.com to discover more recipes fit for serving your loved ones.

Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes with Kale and Gruyere

Recipe courtesy of Wisconsin Potatoes

  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves shallots, diced
  • 4 large kale leaves, finely chopped (discard stems)
  • 2 pounds red potatoes, sliced 1/8 inch
  • 2 ounces gruyere cheese, grated
  • 1 ounce Parmesan cheese, grated
  1. Heat oven to 325 F.
  2. In small saucepan over medium heat, combine cream, salt, black pepper, garlic and thyme; stir constantly, until cream starts to bubble, 4-6 minutes. When bubbling, remove from heat and stir until slightly cooled. Let cream sit.
  3. Heat large (12-inch) oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter. When butter melts, add shallots and kale leaves. Saute until kale is tender and bright green, about 4 minutes. Turn off burner.
  4. Add sliced potatoes to skillet, fanning over top of kale.
  5. Use slotted spoon to remove garlic and thyme from heavy cream. Pour heavy cream over potatoes.
  6. Cover skillet tightly with foil and bake until potatoes are tender, 75-85 minutes.
  7. Remove skillet from oven and turn on broiler. Discard foil.
  8. Sprinkle gruyere and Parmesan cheeses over potatoes, tucking some cheese between potato slices.
  9. Return skillet to oven and broil until top is golden brown, 5-6 minutes.
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Dish Up a Divine Holiday Dessert

Give your holiday gatherings a new twist this year with a creamy cranberry delight that’s a cause for celebration all on its own. Smooth, divine taste at the dessert table can be the memorable moment your family craves year after year.

This rich, festive Cranberry Cheesecake combines classic flavor with a homemade cranberry compote-infused layer above a crust sweetly made using C&H Light Brown Sugar and graham crackers. Top it all off with fresh and sugared cranberries, rosemary springs and whipped cream for a tempting treat that tastes as good as it looks.

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To find more sweet eats to celebrate the holidays, visit chsugar.com.

Cranberry Cheesecake

Prep time: 45 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Cranberry Compote:

  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup C&H Light Brown Sugar
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest

Crust:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons C&H Light Brown Sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cheesecake:

  • 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 2 cups C&H Organic Raw Cane Sugar
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup cranberry compote
  • fresh cranberries
  • sugared cranberries
  • rosemary sprigs
  • whipped cream
  1. To make cranberry compote: In medium saucepan, bring cranberries, brown sugar, orange juice and orange zest to boil. Lower heat and simmer 10-15 minutes, or until most cranberries burst. Remove from heat. Cool completely at room temperature then transfer to bowl; refrigerate.
  2. To make crust: Preheat oven to 350 F. Butter 8-inch springform pan and line bottom with parchment paper. Set aside.
  3. In medium bowl, mix cracker crumbs, butter, brown sugar and salt. Press crumb mixture into bottom of prepared pan. Bake 15 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside. Reduce oven temperature to 325 F.
  4. To make cheesecake: In bowl of electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat cream cheese at medium speed until smooth. Add cane sugar and beat 2-3 minutes. Scrape sides of bowl as needed. Add flour, vanilla and salt. Beat 1 minute until incorporated.
  5. Add one egg at a time, mixing until incorporated. Add sour cream and mix 1 minute. Scrape sides of bowl as needed. In medium bowl, mix half of cheesecake batter with 1/2 cup cranberry compote.
  6. Wrap springform pan with aluminum foil and place in large roasting pan. Pour cream cheese and cranberry mixture into prepared pan. Top with remaining cream cheese batter. Place roasting pan in oven and add hot water to 1-inch of springform pan. Bake 1 hour, 15 minutes, or until cake looks set in center. Remove from oven and rest 1 hour. Refrigerate in pan overnight.
  7. Decorate cake with fresh and sugared cranberries, rosemary springs and whipped cream.

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SOURCE:
Fresh Express

Wisconsin Potatoes

C&H Sugar

 

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.

https://stmdailynews.com/category/food-and-beverage

You can also find food and beverage-related videos on our YouTube channel, where we regularly post new content and share tips, recipes, and demonstrations. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEhXBupt8tVynuUhpQZMxQt4lvPmOiAtQ&si=InDwc7YaB0KIwmxy

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    Rebecca Jo is a mother of four and is a creative soul from Phoenix, Arizona, who also enjoys new adventures. Rebecca Jo has a passion for the outdoors and indulges in activities like camping, fishing, hunting and riding roller coasters. She is married to Rod Washington

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Rebecca Jo is a mother of four and is a creative soul from Phoenix, Arizona, who also enjoys new adventures. Rebecca Jo has a passion for the outdoors and indulges in activities like camping, fishing, hunting and riding roller coasters. She is married to Rod Washington

Food and Beverage

Serve a Warming, Roasted Soup

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Last Updated on March 16, 2026 by Daily News Staff

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Serve a Warming, Roasted Soup

(Family Features) On those unpredictably chilly spring days, you may long for a warming meal. Try this Roasted Tomato Soup for an easy, savory option that pairs well with a grilled cheese sandwich then find more delicious soup recipes at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

17436 VID Roasted Tomato Soup detail Image Embed Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy” Servings: 4-6
  • 3          pounds tomatoes
  • 1/2       onion (optional)
  • 1          garlic bulb (optional)
  • 1          tablespoon garlic powder
  • 2          teaspoons onion powder
  • 1          tablespoon sugar
  • 1          tablespoon mesquite seasoning
  • avocado oil
  • 1 1/2    cups broth of choice
  • 1          cup heavy whipping cream
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • grilled cheese sandwiches, for serving (optional)
  1. Heat oven to 375 F.
  2. Slice tomatoes. Slice onions and garlic, if desired. Place in baking dish.
  3. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, sugar and mesquite seasoning over tomatoes. Drizzle avocado oil over top and mix well.
  4. Bake about 1 hour. Blend until smooth.
  5. Pour into pot and mix in broth and whipping cream. Bring to simmer and add salt and pepper, to taste.
  6. Serve with grilled cheese sandwiches, if desired.
collect?v=1&tid=UA 482330 7&cid=1955551e 1975 5e52 0cdb 8516071094cd&sc=start&t=pageview&dl=http%3A%2F%2Ftrack.familyfeatures SOURCE: Culinary.net

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Where Heritage Meets Health: Connecting Culture and Nutrition to Fight Diabetes

Meals served at home can carry significant meaning, including community and connection centered around flavorful dishes. They can also represent an opportunity to encourage good nutrition, particularly for those at heightened risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes. Classic avocado flavor can enhance some of the most delicious, diabetes-friendly dishes on your menu, such as chef Pati Jinich’s Lime-Rubbed Chicken Avocado Tacos with Corn Guacamole.

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Meals served at home can carry significant meaning, including community and connection centered around flavorful dishes. They can also represent an opportunity to encourage good nutrition, particularly for those at heightened risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes. Classic avocado flavor can enhance some of the most delicious, diabetes-friendly dishes on your menu, such as chef Pati Jinich’s Lime-Rubbed Chicken Avocado Tacos with Corn Guacamole.

(Feature Impact) Meals served at home can carry significant meaning, including community and connection centered around flavorful dishes. They can also represent an opportunity to encourage good nutrition, particularly for those at heightened risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes.

With Hispanic adults 66% more likely to have diagnosed diabetes than non-Hispanic white adults, according to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Avocados From Mexico is committed to providing culturally relevant, empowering resources. In collaboration with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and chef Pati Jinich, the No. 1-selling avocado brand in the U.S. is showcasing the vibrant intersection of nutritious food and rich family traditions with a special collection of recipes.

“I grew up in a Mexican household where food was our love language – but there was also stigma and very little guidance around diabetes,” Jinich said. “When my aunt, and later my mom, were diagnosed, it took time to understand what healthy eating could look like for them. That’s why this partnership means so much to me. Our culture and our food are not the problem – they’re part of the solution. Traditional ingredients like avocados can deliver both flavor and wellness, while giving families the resources mine didn’t have. That’s incredibly meaningful.”

Classic avocado flavor can enhance some of the most delicious, diabetes-friendly dishes on your menu, such as Jinich’s Lime-Rubbed Chicken Avocado Tacos with Corn Guacamole. Created to help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in the Hispanic community, this recipe is powered by the good fats and zero-sugar goodness of Avocados From Mexico.

While honoring heritage and health, you don’t have to sacrifice the flavors your family loves. The heart of Hispanic culture – its food – can also be the key to a healthier future.

To take the 60-second Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test and find more diabetes-friendly recipes, which each meet the nutritional guidelines of the ADA, visit avocadosfrommexico.com/health.

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Lime-Rubbed Chicken Avocado Tacos with Corn Guacamole

Recipe courtesy of Pati Jinich on behalf of Avocados From Mexico

Servings: 8

Chicken:

  • 1          tablespoon fresh-squeezed lime juice
  • 1          tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2       teaspoon salt
  • 1/4       teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
  • 1          tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary, or 1/4 teaspoon dried
  • 1          pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  •             corn or safflower oil

Corn Guacamole:

  • 1          jalapeno chile, roasted and chopped, or to taste
  • 2          garlic cloves, skin on
  • 2          large ripe Avocados From Mexico, halved, pitted and diced
  • 3/4       cup corn kernels shaved from corn, or cooked from thawed
  • 3/4       cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved or chopped
  • 1          tablespoon fresh-squeezed lime juice
  • 3/4       teaspoon kosher or sea salt, or to taste

Tacos:

  • 16        corn tortillas
  1. To make chicken: In bowl, mix lime juice with olive oil, salt, ground pepper and rosemary. Pour on top of chicken in container. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes or up to 12 hours.
  2. Heat medium-sized saute or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add corn or safflower oil; once hot but not smoking, add chicken. Saute until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from pan; place on chopping board to cool. When cool enough to handle, slice into diagonal strips about 1/2-inch wide.
  3. To make corn guacamole: Place jalapeno and garlic cloves in small baking dish under broiler 6-9 minutes, or until completely cooked through, soft and skin is charred. Once cool enough to handle, peel garlic and mince along with chiles.
  4. Place diced avocado in mixing bowl. Add charred and minced garlic and jalapenos, gently tossing together. Incorporate corn and tomatoes. Squeeze lime juice on top and sprinkle with salt. Mix together.
  5. To assemble tacos: In hot skillet or comal set over medium-low heat, heat tortillas about 1 minute per side.
  6. Place tortillas in tortilla warmer or wrap in clean kitchen towel or cloth napkin. Serve with guacamole and chicken.
   

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Avocados From Mexico

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/

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Snack Brighter: Fresh, Flavorful Noshes and Nibbles

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Snack Brighte

(Feature Impact) When it comes to snacking, ease is often at the top of the wish list. Not far behind, however, are fresh flavors and real ingredients.

Snack Brighter: Fresh, Flavorful Noshes and Nibbles

That’s where NatureSweet shines by adding a little color to snack plates with its tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. Fair Trade and B Corp-certified, the produce company is widely recognized for meeting the highest standards of social and environmental performance, supporting agricultural workers and making a positive impact.

That commitment and the belief that “the more you put into something, the more you get out” shows up in flavorful recipes like these Caprese Skewers. Coated in a flavorful, fresh balsamic glaze, these light, colorful snacks make everything from after-school bites to weekend entertaining more fun.

Perfectly paired with fresh basil leaves and mozzarella, the star is Constellation tomatoes – a blended, balanced mix of classic cherry tomatoes, sweet yellow tomatoes, mini-heirloom tomatoes and orange cherry tomatoes. Easy to enjoy as a standalone sweet-and-healthy snack or as a palette-pleasing ingredient in a variety of recipes, it’s truly a tomato for every occasion.

Or if you prefer savory, hearty snacks, these Bruschetta Bagels are packed with flavor. Homemade bagels are topped with juicy Glorys cherry tomatoes – perfect for grilling, sauteing, roasting, baking or simply snacking – creamy goat cheese and a splash of balsamic to create a bite that feels indulgent but is packed with fresh ingredients.

Find more fresh recipe inspiration at NatureSweet.com.

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Caprese Skewers

Recipe courtesy of The Produce Moms

Prep time: 15 minutes

Yield: 12 skewers

  • 2          tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1          teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/3       teaspoon cracked red pepper flakes
  • 1/8       teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8       teaspoon kosher salt
  • 12        mozzarella balls, drained and patted dry
  • 24        ounces NatureSweet Constellation tomatoes
  • 24        small fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4       cup balsamic glaze (optional)
  1. In small bowl, whisk olive oil, Italian seasoning, cracked red pepper flakes, garlic powder and salt.
  2. Add mozzarella balls. Gently toss to coat. For best flavor, marinate in fridge overnight.
  3. To assemble skewers: Thread tomato, folded basil leaf, marinated mozzarella ball, another folded basil leaf and another tomato. Repeat to make 12 skewers.
  4. Place on serving platter. If desired, drizzle balsamic glaze over skewers on serving platter.
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Bruschetta Bagels

Prep time: 1 hour, 20 minutes

Yield: 8 bagels

Bagels:

  • 1          packet dry yeast
  • 1          tablespoon sugar
  • 1 1/4    cups lukewarm water, divided
  • 3 1/2    cups flour
  • 1          teaspoon salt
  • sesame seeds

Bruschetta:

  • 2          cups NatureSweet Glorys cherry tomatoes
  • 1/4       cup olive oil
  • 2          cloves garlic
  • 1/2       cup basil

Topping:

  • 1          cup goat cheese
  • 1/4       cup balsamic vinegar
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  1. To make bagels: In bowl, mix yeast, sugar and 1/2 cup lukewarm water; let rest 5 minutes.
  2. In separate large bowl, place flour and add yeast mixture, remaining lukewarm water and salt. Mix thoroughly with hands until homogenous mixture is obtained. Transfer to greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rise 1 hour.
  3. Once dough rises, place on flat surface and divide into eight equal parts. Form small dough balls and, using finger, make hole in center of each to form bagels. Place on baking sheet, cover with kitchen towel and let rise 15 minutes.
  4. Preheat oven to 390 F.
  5. In pot of hot water over medium heat, cook each bagel 5 seconds, making sure they do not stick to each other. Remove from water and drain thoroughly. Place on parchment paper-lined plate, sprinkle with sesame seeds and bake 25 minutes.
  6. To make bruschetta: On cutting board, use knife to cut tomatoes in half. Transfer to bowl; add olive oil, garlic and basil then mix. Set aside.
  7. To make topping and serve: Cut bagels in half, place on cutting board and use knife to spread goat cheese on each bagel half. Add bruschetta and drops of balsamic vinegar then sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste.
    

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SOURCE:

NatureSweet

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/

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