Christmas Side Dish Tips
Preparing the entire meal may seem a little overwhelming. Consider handling the main items, such as roast beef or turkey, mashed potatoes and green beans. Then ask your guests to bring a side dish to round out the meal. You can even suggest a few recipes, such as: Apple, Cranberry & Pecan Stuffing, Cheesy Stuffed Butternut Squash, Carrot & Parsnip Gratin, Mushroom, Almond and Cranberry Rice Pilaf or Cider-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Almonds.
Separate your sides into “make-ahead” and “day-of” recipes. For example, Classic Green Bean Casserole and Tracy’s Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes can be prepared as directed and refrigerated for a couple days before baking. Check individual recipes for exact instructions on how to finish them up on the day of the party.
KIS – Keep it simple! When having guests, keep a few traditional menu items and partner them with one or two new recipes to add variety.
Root vegetables make a welcome addition to the holiday table, since they complement almost any type of meat. Think beets, turnips, carrots and parsnips, just to name a few. Roasted Winter Vegetable Trio features a mixture of vegetables tossed with dressing and oven roasted to perfection. In Carrot & Parsnip Gratin, carrots and parsnips are nestled in a creamy sauce and baked into a gratin. Either way, these humble vegetables are sure to be a hit.
