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Handy Hacks to Take the Stress Out of Holiday Hosting

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Holiday Hosting

(Family Features) Hosting is a big responsibility, especially during the holidays when the pressure is on to create a magical and memorable experience. Planning a menu and decorating for the occasion is just the start.

Hosting also means ensuring all dishes are cooked to perfection and kept warm until serving time, guests’ dietary needs are considered and table conversation topics are ready. Then, of course, there’s the post-dinner cleanup.

This holiday season, consider these tips to help tackle your hosting duties with grace and create an event you can enjoy, too.

Request RSVPs
Planning a party is even more complicated when you don’t know how many guests you’ll be entertaining. If you create a guest list and ask invitees to let you know their plans, you’ll have a better idea whether you should double your favorite dishes. You’ll also know who has special dietary needs and be able to plan a seating chart that puts everyone at ease. Be sure to include a date that gives guests a specific RSVP deadline and plenty of time for you to adjust your plans before the big day.

Meal Prep as Much as Possible
Get as much of the food preparation out of the way ahead of time as you can. Some dishes can be prepared and even cooked ahead of time so you’re just reheating, but you can also save a lot of time by organizing ingredients for the dishes that must be prepared the day of the event. A good rule of thumb: If it doesn’t have to wait until the day of the party, do it before. That frees up your time so you can handle any unexpected hiccups that arise without piling on more stress.

Simplify the Cleanup Situation
Rely on tried-and-true products that do the heavy lifting for you when it’s time to clean up after the meal. An option like Finish Ultimate Dishwashing Detergent cleans dishes in tough conditions, even without pre-rinsing, so you can focus on what matters during this time of year: spending more time with your loved ones. It removes tough stains like grease and cheese, as well as common holiday dishes like apple pie and mac and cheese. An added bonus: Since you don’t need to pre-rinse, you’ll save up to 20 gallons of water per dishwasher load.

Create Designated Spaces
Guests are likely to arrive with items in hand that need a place to go, like coats, shoes, handbags and gifts. Avoid clutter by determining ahead of time where you want to put these items. If you have a coat closet with space, that’s a good solution, but a nearby bedroom may also be an option. Especially if you’re hosting a potluck meal, be sure to plan ahead for where each course should go, with appetizer bars, dessert tables and a countertop with protective pads for warm foods.

Send Guests Off with a Parting Gift
A memorable event can be made even more so when guests have a token to take with them. Send everyone home on a happy note with a simple gift like a prewrapped holiday treat. Be sure to tuck these away someplace near the door so they’re a pleasant surprise you can access easily when guests begin to make their exits.

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Find more ways to tackle holiday messes and make hosting duties a breeze by visiting finishdishwashing.com.

Post-Party Cleaning Tips

  1. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, especially from your partner or children.
  2. Prep your table the night before. Get sparkling dishes and glassware by using a product such as Finish Jet-Dry Rinse Aid, which assists in drying and helping your dishes shine when used in the rinse cycle.
  3. Start by collecting trash and clutter. Throw trash away and create piles of items that need returned to their proper places. Remember that taking a few extra minutes to organize things like seasonal decor as you go can help make next year’s event easier.
  4. Complete each job before moving to the next. Some prefer to tackle a room at a time while others prefer to finish a specific chore, like sweeping the floors throughout the house, before moving on.

Be realistic about what must be done before you sleep. Some tasks really do need immediate attention, like collecting and emptying glasses that could be spilled and safely storing leftover food. The rest can likely wait until after you get some rest.

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Jalapeno Cornbread Mac and Cheese

Jalapeno Cornbread:

  • 1/2 cup butter, melted, plus additional for greasing pan
  • 1 cup medium grind cornmeal
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1/2 cup chopped jalapeno (about 2 large jalapenos)

Mac and Cheese:

  • 1/2 pound dry macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons butter, plus additional for greasing pan
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 12 ounces shredded cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • pepper, to taste
  1. To make jalapeno cornbread: Preheat oven to 400 F. Butter 8-by-8-inch baking pan.
  2. In mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, 1/2 cup melted butter, corn and jalapeno.
  4. Add half the liquid ingredients to dry mixture, stirring just until blended. Add rest of liquid and stir until just blended. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 30-35 minutes, or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Set aside to cool.
  5. To make mac and cheese: Bring large pot of water to boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package directions. Drain under cold water and set aside.
  6. Preheat oven to 350 F. Butter 9-by-9-inch square baking dish.
  7. In heavy saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add flour and whisk over low heat 3-5 minutes, making sure not to brown.
  8. Whisk in milk and cook over medium heat, whisking often until mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
  9. Stir in mustard and cheese. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Add macaroni and stir until noodles are coated with cheese mixture. Pour mixture into prepared pan. Use back of spoon or spatula to even out mixture in pan.
  10. Bake 25 minutes until mixture is bubbly.
  11. Remove from oven, turn oven to broil and place rack on second from top. Break up about 1/3-1/2 of the cornbread into small pieces; place even layer of broken-up cornbread over top of mac and cheese. Put mac and cheese under broiler until lightly browned. Serve immediately with remaining cornbread or make ahead and warm before serving.

Tip: For spicier cornbread, keep some jalapeno seeds intact

Photos courtesy of Shutterstock (woman serving meal and family dining together)

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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.

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recipes

Keep Your Kitchen Clear with an Ooey-Gooey Appetizer for Guests

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appetizer

(Culinary.net) Prepping for Thanksgiving gatherings is plenty of work on its own, and when family and guests can’t stay out of your way in the kitchen, you’ll need the perfect appetizer as a distraction. This Loaded Spinach Dip offers a little something for everyone with ooey-gooey goodness and just the right touch of bacon.

Find more shareable holiday appetizers by visiting Culinary.net.

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Loaded Spinach Dip

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 8-10

  • 16 ounces softened cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup mayo
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 10 ounces thawed spinach
  • 14 ounces drained canned artichoke hearts, roughly chopped
  • 1 package (2 1/2 ounces) real bacon pieces
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • pretzel bites, toasted baguette slices, crackers or veggies, for serving
  1. Heat oven to 375 F.
  2. In large bowl, mix cream cheese, mayo and sour cream. Add spinach, artichoke hearts, bacon, Parmesan and mozzarella. Mix in garlic powder and onion powder. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
  3. Spoon into oven-safe skillet or baking dish and bake 20-25 minutes. Serve with pretzel bites, toasted baguette slices, crackers or veggies.

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

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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recipes

A Savory Way to Start Holiday Celebrations

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Holiday

(Culinary.net) It’s the holiday season and your family can feel the cheer as loved ones fill their appetizer plates and excitement fills the air as gifts are being placed beneath the tree.

Someone asks, munching away near the table, “Wow, how did you make this?” In your mind, you think, “It was too easy.”

These Savory Cheese Balls are not only simple to make but perfect for any holiday get-together or celebration. They’re fun to create and even more enjoyable to dive in to once finished. Texture and color are the name of the game with this recipe. The result is a beautiful array of red, gold and green, all on one plate.

Start by rolling cream cheese into balls and mixing up three bowls with powerful flavors to create the three different colors. The “green” bowl gets parsley, thyme, rosemary and, of course, some garlic, just for an extra kick of seasoning. The “gold” ball calls for caraway seeds, poppy seeds and garlic. Finally, the “red” ball includes cranberries and pecans.

Simply roll each cream cheese ball around gently until it’s coated. It doesn’t get any simpler than that. Display the array of cheese balls on a festive plate for something equally cheery and heavenly. Serve the plate with crackers, fruit or vegetables for complementary dipping options.

Find more recipes and holiday fun this season at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

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Savory Cheese Balls

Servings: 6-12

  • 2          packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese
  • 2          tablespoons caraway seeds
  • 1          teaspoon poppy seeds
  • 2          cloves garlic, minced, divided
  • 1/4       cup parsley, chopped
  • 2          teaspoons thyme leaves, chopped
  • 1          teaspoon rosemary, chopped
  • 1/4       cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 2          tablespoons pecans, chopped
  • crackers (optional)
  • fruit (optional)
  • vegetables (optional)
  1. Cut each cream cheese block into three squares. Roll each square into ball.
  2. In small bowl, combine caraway seeds, poppy seeds and half the garlic.
  3. In second small bowl, combine parsley, thyme, rosemary and remaining garlic.
  4. In third small bowl, combine cranberries and pecans.
  5. Roll two cheese balls in seed mixture, two in herb mixture and two in cranberry mixture.
  6. Cut each ball in half and serve with crackers, fruit or vegetables, 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

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.

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Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

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Food and Beverage

Harvest Sides for Your Holiday Feast

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Hearty, filling, festive recipes to complement your main course

(Family Features) Don’t let turkey and ham have all the fun this holiday season. After all, you know your guests are likely to have plates piled high with all their favorite festive side dishes.

These hearty solutions are inspired by harvest season, offering comforting taste and mouthwatering flavors to make your holiday meal truly memorable. There’s nothing wrong with the classics – mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and the like – but these recipes from “Cookin’ Savvy” can give your gathering a special seasonal spin.

Discover more holiday recipes by visiting Culinary.net.

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Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallow Sauce

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy
Servings: 6-8

  • 1/4 cup avocado oil
  • 1/2 stick butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • 3 pounds sweet potatoes, sliced in circles

Marshmallow Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows, plus additional for garnish, divided
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  1. Heat oven to 400 F.
  2. In bowl, mix oil, melted butter, garlic powder and onion powder. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Add sweet potatoes and coat well. In baking dish, line sweet potatoes around pan in circle. Drizzle with leftover oil mixture. Bake 40 minutes.
  3. To make marshmallow sauce: In skillet, melt butter and 2 cups mini marshmallows. Remove from heat and whisk in cream. Place in bowl and add additional mini marshmallows for garnish.
  4. Place sweet potatoes on serving platter in same lined up fashion as they were in baking dish. Serve with marshmallow sauce.

Note: Recipe can be doubled for large crowds.

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Sprouts and Squash Roast

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy
Servings: 6-8

  • 1/4 cup avocado oil
  • 1/2 stick butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon thyme
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • 1 package (12 ounces) frozen Brussels sprouts
  • 1 package (10 ounces) frozen butternut squash
  • 1 package (2 1/2 ounces) real bacon pieces
  • 1 cup pecans
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
  • 1/2 cup cranberries
  1. Heat oven to 400 F.
  2. In bowl, mix oil, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder and thyme. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
  3. Cut Brussels sprouts in half, if desired. Add brussels sprouts and butternut squash to oil mixture and coat well. Place on lined cookie sheet and bake 20 minutes.
  4. In large bowl, mix bacon pieces, pecans, pumpkin seeds, cranberries and roasted sprouts and squash. Mix well and place in serving bowl.

Note: Recipe can be doubled for large crowds.

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Herbed Wild Rice and Apples

Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy
Servings: 6-8

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon minced onion
  • 1 apple, chopped
  • 2 packages (8 ounces each) long-grain wild rice
  • 2/3 cup apple juice
  • 1 package (2 1/2 ounces) real bacon pieces
  • 1 tablespoon rosemary
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • 2/3 cup pecans
  • 2/3 cup cranberries
  • garlic and herb cheese spread, for garnish (optional)
  1. In skillet over medium heat, saute butter, onion and apple pieces. When apples soften, add rice, apple juice, bacon pieces and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook about 10 minutes.
  2. In large bowl, mix pecans, cranberries and rice mixture. Place in serving dish and crumble herbed cheese on top, if desired.

Note: Recipe can be doubled for large crowds.

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SOURCE:
Culinary.net

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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