Mini Crustless Spinach Quiches

1 box (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained, and water squeezed out
3 strips bacon, diced
1 cup finely diced onion
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded Italian blend cheese
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3 eggs, beaten

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare mini muffin tins by spraying with cooking oil.  Be sure to spray the tops of the pans, too.
In a large skillet, fry bacon until crispy, then remove with slotted spoon to a paper towel covered surface.
Leave bacon drippings in skillet over medium heat, add the onion and cook until softened.
Add to the skillet, the spinach, black pepper, and nutmeg and cook, stirring, until moisture cooks away.
Remove from heat and add bacon to skillet, stirring to combine; set aside and allow to cool.
In a large bowl, put the ricotta, Italian cheese, Parmesan, and the eggs, and stir until combined well.
Make sure the spinach is cooled, then spoon the mixture into the bowl with the cheese and stir together.
Fill the muffin cups with this mixture about 2/3 to 3/4 full.  You'll have about 3 dozen mini quiches depending on how full you fill the cups.
Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until solid and slightly browned and pulling away from the edges.
Remove and let sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes, then tip out onto a cooling rack. If they don't come right out, just take a thin knife and slide it around the cup to release the quiche.
Serve warm or room temperature.
Makes about 3 dozen mini quiches.

Cooking Has Never Been This Easy Before!

Anyone can be a good cook if they have the right recipe and the ability to follow directions. Even professional chefs have the ability to learn new techniques for making delicious meals. There are many things you can do to immediately improve your cooking ability, and this article provides several of them. The tips in this article are sure to have you cooking better than ever.

The process of boiling vegetables will remove a portion of their nutrients. If you are not serving the vegetables in their raw state, consider steaming, sautéing or even roasting your vegetables to protect their vitamin and nutrient content.

Creativity in the kitchen can be exciting. Sometimes its okay to deviate from following a recipe step-by-step. Adapt recipes to your tastes by adding or removing an ingredient, or even creating something from scratch. That is really a creative cook!

Spices don't last forever; replace them every 6 months. If the spices are too old, they are going to lose a good bit of their flavor. When you have to buy certain spices for specific dishes, be sure to give some of the spice away to a family or friend, if you do not plan on using all of it, before it will go bad.

Pungent foods such as garlic, onions, and fish can leave an offensive odor on your hands. You can effectively remove this scent by rubbing your hands on a stainless steel object before you wash them. Whether you use the side of your sink, a spoon, or a ready-made stainless-steel "soap bar," this action removes the offending odor and keeps your hands fresh.

When you are using your cutting board to chop herbs, sprinkle a little salt on the board. It will not only add flavor to the herbs but it will also keep them in place while they are being chopped. Make sure to avoid over-salting by not adding additional salt directly to what you are preparing. The salt will stick to the herbs, adding some extra flavor to your dish.

Learning new things is always exciting, and that goes for cooking, too! It can be just as exciting as when you are eating the food that you make! With all this great information about cooking, you are now ready to start working on perfecting your cooking skills to create awe inspiring meals for your friends and family members. You can enjoy learning about cooking and producing delicious food throughout your lifetime.

Make Homemade Kahlua In Your Kitchen

1 bottle (750 ml) vodka
1 1/4 cups rum
1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 lb whole coffee beans
1 vanilla bean

Put all ingredients in a large glass bottle (save one of those double size wine bottles with the twist off cap.)
Put a piece of food wrap plastic over the lip of the bottle, screw on the cap over the plastic until sealed tightly.  Shake gently to combine ingredients.  Don't over shake!
Put a label on the bottle and date it. 
Put the bottle in a dark, cool place and leave for at least 3 weeks.
Give the bottle a gentle shake a few times each week.
After the 3 weeks, open the bottle, discard the plastic wrap, and pour through a fine metal sieve lined with cheesecloth into a glass bowl to strain out stuff.
Pour finished product into clean glass bottles, seal well, and store in dark, cool place.
If you don't have a big glass wine bottle, choose any good glass containers with an airtight lid, even a couple canning jars.
Keep in a dark, cool place.
You'll end up with a little over a quart of Kahlua.

Cooking Could Not Be An Easier When Using These Tips

There are lots of different cooking styles that will give people a wonderful eating experience. Some are complex and some are simple. This article will provide you with key tips that will enhance your cooking ability now matter your skill level.

Be sure to care for your wooden cutting board properly. Wood is prone to warp or split when used as a cutting board. Food juices, plus the washing and drying process, will cause this damage. Never immerse the board in water, rather, sponge it off with warm, soapy water. Try oiling your damaged board regularly in order to restore it. Before using it again, make sure the oil is completely dry.

Do you need to juice your fruit? Stick in in the microwave for best results. Use the microwave to heat up oranges, lemons and other citrus fruits. Select a short time period like ten seconds. Remove the fruit from the microwave and roll it on a hard surface with your palm before cutting it for juicing.

A lot of herbs and vegetables give off an odor that tends to stay in your cutting board, no matter how much you scrub it. Mark your chopping board using indelible ink in order to keep track of which side you used.

To give your pasta sauce some additional flavor, use some of the water that the pasta was cooked in. Remove approximately a quarter of a cup and set it aside. When you are ready to mix your sauce and pasta together, incorporate some of this water. The water contains starch from the pasta, and will make your sauce nice and creamy.

Seasoning should be applied in small amounts throughout the cooking process rather than all at once. This method will ensure that the flavoring is spread out and even, and that the ingredients are enhanced to the best they can be.

Before you cook any ground meat, blot up any excess moisture. Eliminating the moisture off the meat is always good. Unless you remove the moisture, it may not be released until the meat is cooked. It will cause the meat to sizzle. This will cause the meat to steam, instead of sear like you want it to.

Countless meals have been tainted by making recipes harder than they need to be. You can make healthy, tasty meals without a lot of hassle, by sticking to what you understand clearly. This is why applying these simple tips will significantly improve your cooking.

Holiday Snickerdoodles Cookies

2 Tbsp red sugar sprinkles
1 Tbsp ground cinnamon, divided
2 Tbsp green sugar sprinkles
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 eggs
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt

Heat oven to 400 degrees.
Prepare the sprinkles:  Get out 2 shallow bowls. In one put the red sugar sprinkles and 1 1/2 teaspoons of the cinnamon, in the other put the green sugar sprinkles and remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Mix the sprinkles and cinnamon together; set aside.
Prepare the dough:  In large bowl, put the sugar, shortening, butter, and eggs and beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
With electric mixer running on low, slowly add the flour mixture until incorporated and a dough forms.
Using a melon baller or teaspoon, shape balls out of the dough, about 3/4 to 1 inch in diameter.
Roll the balls of dough through the sugar sprinkle mixtures, some in each, combinations of colors, or as you like.
Place the dough balls on an ungreased cookie sheet, keeping about 2 inches between each one.
Bake in preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes.
Remove and let cool on cookie sheet for 1 minute, then remove to a cooling rack.
Let cool completely before putting away.
Cool completely, about 30 minutes.

Bring Out Your Inner Chef With These Simple Tips

Are you baffled by the meals that your loved ones are able to make? Anybody can make use of this article's advice to refine and cultivate their cooking skills.

Make sure you have everything you need before beginning to cook a dish. By doing this, you won't be in the middle of a recipe and realize you're missing a vital ingredient. Laying out all the necessary tools and ingredients ahead of time takes little effort and can potentially save you from some big headaches.

Store spices and herbs in cool and dark areas so their freshness and flavors are preserved. If you keep herbs and spices in an area that is close to the stove, they will lose their flavor very quickly and just be a waste of money.

There are several different methods you can use to heat tortillas. First, turn you oven on, to around 350 degrees, until it preheats. Place the tortilla on the rack directly until it's warm and as crispy as you want it. Another way is to use your gas stove top, placing the tortilla directly on the grill above the flame. Trying any of these methods will create an amazing tortilla.

To reheat foods that have oil in them, without making a mess, skip the microwave and reheat them in the oven. Due to the way a microwave works to cook food it heats the oil first, which separates it from the rest of the food and causes it to splatter. Baking, however, heats a dish slowly and consistently, preventing the ingredients from separating.

To add more flavor to your dishes, try adding some stock that you have prepared. If you cook large quantities, you could store the leftovers in resealable bags inside your freezer. Then when you make a soup or other dish that calls for stock, you always have some right at your fingertips. Doing it on your own, prevents any unnecessary preservatives from being added to the stock.

Prepare all of your ingredient before you begin cooking. Doing this will allow you to focus on putting the dish together. You won't waste electricity by letting something cook just a little longer, so you can prep the ingredients for the next step, or be distracted when cooking with hot oil.

You should bake crusts for a longer period of time than you think. They should be a light golden brown instead of pale in color. The golden color indicates that the sugar in the pie crust has caramelized and this will give a sweet and crisp flavor.

Be sure to follow the advice in this article. Everyone you know will be bothering you for cooking tips!

Happy Holiday Harvest Apple Berry Salad

2 medium size Granny Smith or other tart apples
1 tsp lime juice
pinch Kosher salt
2 Tbsp dried currants
2 Tbsp dried cranberries
1 Tbsp honey
3 Tbsp plain yogurt
2 Tbsp chopped walnuts

Wash and core apples. Do not peel. Dice apples into bite size pieces and put in large salad bowl, add lime juice and pinch of salt and toss well.
Add currants, cranberries, honey, and yogurt to the bowl and toss to coat well.
Put walnuts in a small, dry (no oil) skillet over medium heat and toast lightly, just until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the toasted nuts to the salad and serve immediately.

Become A Cooking Pro With These Tips

Have you ever wondered how food is prepared when you are dining at a restaurant? Did you at any time attempt to copy the recipe at home? The advice you are about to read can help you make the food you've always wanted to make, including new and exciting dishes. Use this article to discover how enjoyable cooking can be, and what a wonderful hobby it is.

When you do this, the mushroom will become absorbent and soak up the water. Try using a clean, wet cloth and wiping them off instead.

When storing baking ingredients, such as flour and sugar, be sure to store them in air-tight food containers. By storing foods in airtight containers, you can ensure its freshness and prevent any contamination. You buy them pretty much anywhere and they are a beneficial asset.

It important to neither overcook or undercook a cake. The cooking times suggested in recipes are good guidelines for an inexperienced baker, but these suggestions can be misleading; other factors, like elevation, can have an effect on how long it actually takes a cake to cook. Sticking a toothpick in the center of the cake is a time proven test for doneness. If you stick a toothpick in your cake, and when you pull it out, it does not have any batter on it, the cake is ready to be taken out of the oven.

If you need to cook a dish with garlic, you should get the freshest garlic that is available. A good rule of thumb is that fresh garlic will have a sweet taste to it. You can recognize fresh garlic from its firm skin and lack of bruises.

Be sure to read labels when purchasing ingredients for recipes. Though they seem innocent enough, many of the components of everyday cooking items can be loaded with secret things that hinder your overall health. Look out for excessive levels of sodium or sugar, since over-consumption of either leads to health problems.

Quickly cooking vegetables allows them to retain much of their nutritional value. Vegetables that have been slow-cooked are not as nutritional or tasty as vegetables that are cooked in other ways. These cooking techniques will yield vegetables that are healthier and taste great as well. You should only cook them just as long as it takes for them to be done.

You have now begun the journey to becoming a better chef at home. When you begin to realize how different ingredients affect the taste of your food, start experimenting with new recipes. There are so many interesting cultural foods to try out, so get out there and experience the variety!

Hearty Granny Smith Apple Stuffing Casserole

1 loaf hearty bread (multi grain), toasted lightly then cut into 1 inch cubes
4 Tbsp butter
2 onions, diced
4 stalks celery, diced small
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 Granny Smith apples, cored and diced small
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup fresh chopped parsley
1/4 cup fresh chopped sage
2 large eggs, whisked well

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Get out a large casserole dish and coat the insides all over with butter or oil.
In a large pot over medium heat, add the butter, stir until melted, then add the onion, celery, salt, and pepper, cooking and stirring until both are softened; about 7 or 8 minutes.
Add the apples, stir and cook for 2 more minutes.
Add the broth, stir and bring to a gently rolling boil, then remove from heat.
Put the bread cubes in a large bowl, add the apple-broth mixture from pot into the bread cubes, add the parsley and the sage, and toss well to combine, making sure all the bread is moistened.
Drizzle the beaten egg over the bread mixture and toss well to distribute egg throughout mixture.
Spoon into casserole, put on cover, and bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake for an addition 5 to 10 minutes or until stuffing browns slightly and pulls away from the sides of the casserole.
Remove from oven and let sit for 3 to 5 minutes.
Serve warm.
Serves 6.

Wonderful Ways To Cook Great Food Tonight

How many times have you dreaded going into the kitchen to make breakfast, lunch, or dinner? You might need a new perspective. Cooking can be enjoyable and relaxing if you try to see it in another way. Here are a few cooking tips that are sure to get your taste buds tingling and entice your inner chef to come out.

There are a wide variety of potatoes, and they are not always adequate substitutes for each other when cooking. Waxy potatoes are good for potato salad or boiled potatoes but aren't good for making french fries, baked potatoes or mashed potatoes. When preparing these dishes, opt for russet potatoes, which have a fluffier texture.

Do you have a difficult time figuring out how long you should grill your meats? Make sure you use quality meat thermometers to ascertain the internal temperature. If you're working with a particularly thick slice of meat, you can cut back on grilling time by closing the lid of the grill.

Your spices should be stored in any area that is dark and cool. If they are stored in an area that they are exposed to light, heat and humidity, their shelf life is shortened. Always keep your spices in a dark and cool location to extend their longevity. Make sure that your spices are fresh to add taste and flavor to any meal.

When certain recipes call for milk or water, try adding some other liquids that you would see fit to experiment with flavors. As a substitute for water, try broth. Juice can work as well. Some people use the water left over from boiling vegetables. If your favorite recipes call for milk, try substituting with buttermilk, yogurt or sour cream. Using liquid substitutions in your cooking can increase nutrition and give a standby dish a new flavor.

Use these tips when you are cooking your meals. After your first taste, you will realize that cooking is not such a bad thing after all! The better your food gets, the more you'll want to cook. Use the tips above to get started on cooking.

Holiday Time Grape And Wild Rice Casserole

1 can (14 oz) chicken or vegetable broth
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup brown rice
1/2 cup wild rice
1 Tbsp butter
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup finely diced celery
1/2 cup diced tart apple
1 tsp finely chopped fresh sage
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 cups seedless red grapes, cut in half
salt to taste

In a large pot with a tight fitting cover, put the broth, water, brown rice,and wild rice, stir and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover pot, and simmer slowly for 45 to 50 minutes or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid.
Just before the rice is done, preheat the oven to 350 degrees and get out a 2 quart casserole and butter or oil the insides.
Get out a large skillet, add butter, put skillet over medium heat, and add onion, celery, and apple, stir and cook until everything just starts to soften.
Add the sage, black pepper, grapes, stir and heat through.
Remove skillet from heat.
Add the rice to the skillet, stir, taste and add salt if needed.
Turn the mixture out into casserole, cover, and bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Serves 4 to 6.

Wonderful Cooking Tips To Simplify Your Life

Many things may be said about good food. Read on to accomplish these things and more with food you prepare yourself.

They will act like a sponge and just soak up a lot of that water. Wipe the mushrooms off by hand with a cloth that is damp.

It important to neither overcook or undercook a cake. The times on the recipe are great as a guide for cooking, but factors like elevation and various oven temperatures can effect the actual cooking time of cakes. You need to push a toothpick into the center of the cake. If your toothpick is wet or sticky, give your cake a little longer to cook. If it's clean and dry, your cake is ready to cool and frost.

Winter greens can be wonderful to cook with. Following the first winter frost, greens like collards, broccoli rabe and kale become much sweeter in taste. Choose vegetables that are crisp and have a deep bright green color, avoiding those that are yellow in color. These greens are dirt magnets, so take care when washing them. To rinse the greens, rest them in cool water and then rinse.

Frozen corn can be a staple of a healthy family meal plan, but if your family is starting to get tired of it, you can spice it up for them. Put coconut flakes into veggies for a Thai-inspired dish.

Put your fresh herbs together in a bunch and use kitchen shears to cut them all at once. They will be light and fluffy, and won't have the wetness that chopping would give them.

If it can be hectic getting dinner ready in time, try preparing ingredients the night before. Most anything that needs to be chopped, like vegetables, can be done the night before and marinating your meats overnight actually makes them even more delicious. You will save a lot of time, and feel much less stressed when you have to cook.

Food is essential to life and has amazing power over people. Make sure to implement the things you have learned and start impressing people all around you.

Thanksgiving Day Ginger Sage Pumpkin Risotto

2 Tbsp olive oil
1 cup chopped leek
3 cups diced cooking pumpkin
1 Tbsp minced fresh ginger
1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh sage
1 1/2 cup Arborio rice.
1/2 dry dry white wine
5 cups vegetable stock, heated and kept warm
2 Tbsp butter
1/2 cup Parmesan
sea salt and black pepper to taste
freshly chopped parsley and toasted pumpkin seeds for garnish

In large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add leek, pumpkin, and ginger, and cook, stirring for 5 minutes.
Add the sage and Arborio rice, stir and cook until the rice starts to become translucent.
Add the wine and stir, cooking until the wine is fully absorbed.
Now, start adding the warmed vegetable stock a ladle at a time, stirring and cooking each ladle full until absorbed, then adding another ladle and cooking until absorbed, adding another and continuing in this fashion until the rice gets creamy but still al dente; this will take about 20 minutes, more or less. Don't rush this process.  You want the rice to absorb the stock slowly.
Add the butter to the rice, stir, and heat through for 1 minute.
Add the Parmesan cheese, stir, then remove from heat and let rest a couple minutes before serving.
Salt and pepper to taste, stir, and garnish with parsley and pumpkin seeds.
Serve warm or room temperature.
Will serve 2 to 4 people.

Cooking Tips That Will Save You Time And Money

Quality food is to come in many different forms. Follow the tips below to develop your cooking skills.

There are a few ways to heat up tortillas. One of the ways you can do this is placing the tortilla on the oven rack after preheating it to 350 degrees. Another good way to heat up a tortilla is right on your gas stove on a grill. These methods will give you a fresher tasting tortilla.

When you need to season your food, add your seasoning a little bit at a time instead of all at once. Depending on the type of food, this can be an excellent way to improve the flavor and extend the seasoning.

Depending on the recipe, pick the correct potatoes. Potatoes are grouped into three different textures: mealy, waxy or all-purpose. Mealy potatoes have a dry, crumbly texture and are perfect for mashing. Russet potatoes are a familiar mealy potato. When looking for a good potato that works in almost any dish, the Yukon Gold variety is a good choice. Potatoes that are waxy hold their shape nicely, and are good for boiling and steaming. Red and white potatoes are just a few examples of waxy potatoes.

Do not purchase boneless meat and fish. Place raw or cooked bones in a strong Ziploc bag and freeze them for later use.

Prepare for your outdoor cooking by starting your barbeque grill so that it's at optimum temperature when you are ready to cook. The grill should be prepared 30 minutes before it is used for cooking. You should keep the coals at a medium heat and covered with ashes. This is the right temperature to begin grilling your food.

Food is what drives our very being, and it can do wondrous things. Applying the information from this article will help you to prepare more delicious, unique meals for yourself and your loved ones.

Egg Nog And Cranberry Punch

1 gallon egg nog
1 can (15 oz) whole cranberry sauce
1 bottle (750 ml) sparkling apple cider
3/4 cup spiced rum

Prepare the ice cubes:  Pour 2 cups egg nog and whole can of cranberry sauce into blender and puree until creamy and smooth.
Pour into ice cube trays and freeze at least 8 hours or overnight.
Prepare the punch just before serving:  In bowl you're using to serve, pour the remaining egg nog, pour in the sparkling apple cider, stir in the rum, dump in all the ice cubes you made, stir, and serve immediately, making sure you have an ice cube or two in each glass.
Makes about 18 small servings of punch.

When All Else Fails, Cook Something Delicious!

Think of cooking as a relaxing hobby, instead of a boring chore that must be done every day. Everyone can cook, if they're learning with the right advice and information. The advice in the following article should help you learn everything that you need to know to make great meals.

Let your meal sit for a while. Many home cooks do not realize how important it is to let the meal rest. Many people are tempted to rush food to the table when serving a meal. But many foods need to "rest" for a few minutes before being served in order to taste their best. To maximize taste and satisfaction, wait a little while before you serve your meal to friends or family.

Dark leafy greens can be considered a pain to prepare, but they are very healthy. Removing thick, tough leaf stems can be time-consuming. Simplify the task by folding the leaf lengthwise. Then remove the stem from the middle. Also, with the leaf folded lengthwise, you can use a sharp knife to slice the stem away from the leafy portion. The unfolded leaf will be intact but stem-free.

Bake greasy foods that you want to reheat instead of using the microwave. The high heats in a microwave will force the oils to separate. Baking slowly and consistently can reheat your whole dish and keep all its parts cohesive.

Do not forget to replace your spices twice a year. Quite often, spices pass their sell-by-date before you use them up, losing their flavor. When you have to buy certain spices for specific dishes, be sure to give some of the spice away to a family or friend, if you do not plan on using all of it, before it will go bad.

Good cooking goes beyond the basic practice of plopping meals on a waiting table. With the right skills and mindset, it can also be an enjoyable and appetizing hobby. Even if you have had failures once in a while, you can improve your success rate by following the tips in this article. Apply these techniques in the kitchen to enjoy culinary greatness.

Quick And Easy Three Step Broccoli Cranberry Slaw

2 (12 oz each) bags broccoli coleslaw mix
1/2 to 1 cup (more or less) prepared dressing, your choice
1 (8 oz) package dried sweetened cranberries
2 cups pistachio nuts, chopped slightly
salt and pepper

Put both bags of broccoli slaw in a large salad bowl, add some of the dressing, and stir to coat well.  Taste and add more dressing if desired and stir again.
Add the dried sweetened cranberries and pistachio nuts, toss to combine, taste and salt and pepper as needed.
Cover bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so flavors blend.
Serve cold.
Will serve 4 to 6 people.

Tricks To Help You Become A Better Cook

Cooking skills are a valuable asset to possess. If you make your meals at home, you will be creating nutritious food that is less expensive than eating out.

When preparing a salsa that won't be used immediately, rinse any raw onions you are using in cold water and dry them well. If you use fresh onions, they are going to release a sulfurous gas. It can affect the taste of your home made salsa. Once the onions are rinsed and dried, the gas is gone.

When sauteing, don't put too much into the pan. You may end up steaming your meal because of the water content of your vegetables. Make sure you saute foods on a low temperature.

If you are preparing a recipe with an unfamiliar fruit or vegetable, enhance your skills as a chef by taking a moment to educate yourself about it. By reading up on it, you might be surprised at how versatile a new type of food can be. You can have much more fun when cooking if you do some prep work and research ahead of time.

For an easy way to spice up a simple food such as dinner rolls or corn, add in some flavored butter. Make sure that your butter is room temperature by either leaving it on the counter for a while or softening it in the microwave. Next, blend your butter with garlic, fresh herbs or sauces. You can always add a little honey, lemon juice, or hot spice.

By following the techniques listed above, you can learn how to cook. When you practice you will know that home cooking is yummy and healthy, and cost effective. Your whole family will be healthier and happier with excellent home cooking. Now that you have read this article, use these tips and make a delicious meal tonight.

Holiday Cheddar Nut Rolls

1 pound loaf frozen bread dough, thawed
1 cup finely shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
2/3 cup chopped nuts, divided

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 inch round cake pan with non-stick cooking oil.
On a floured work surface, put the bread dough and pat out until you have about an 8x12 inch rectangle.
Sprinkle half the cheese and half the nuts evenly on top of the dough, then roll into a log (rolling the long side so you have a 12 inch log.)
Cut the log into 12 slices.
Put the slices (cinnamon roll style) into the cake pan, then evenly sprinkle the remaining cheese and nuts evenly over the top.
Leave out at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the dough to rise.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Bake in preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove and let cool slightly, then tip out onto a cooling rack before serving.
Serve by pulling apart into individual rolls.
Makes 12 rolls.

Tips On How To Cook To Impress

Unfortunately, producing meals which are edible requires certain skills. It doesn't matter why you want to improve your culinary skills, the important fact is that you want to start now! The following article has the tips you need to take you on the path to cooking glory.

If you are on a diet, try cutting down the amount of oil you use in your food. Oil and butter is mostly fat. Try cooking with a cooking spray so that you will use less oil but the same effect.

To give your food vitality, prepare meals using fresh ingredients instead of frozen or dried ingredients whenever possible. The more fresh ingredients you use in your cooking, the better your dishes will be. Fresh ingredients have more flavor, and are less costly than frozen and canned ingredients.

Many tasty fruits, such as bananas, apples, pears, peaches, and avocados have an unfortunate tendency to turn brown rapidly after being sliced. Lemon and salt water will stop the process, but the best flavor to use to stop the browning is by dipping the fruit in pineapple juice. The fruit does not need to be soaked; a quick dunk is all it needs.

When serving a salad for guests that accompanies a meal, avoid pouring dressing on it. Leave the dressing on the side instead. This will allow your guests to control how much dressing they want to put on their salad. Offer a variety of dressings, so there will be something to everyone's taste.

It's now time to try out what you have learned! Incorporating the pointers previously mentioned can help you to prepare tasty dishes. Whatever your motivation for learning, you will undoubtedly enjoy becoming a proficient cook. Yes, cooking does take skill and patience. That being said, a fantastic dish will make all your time and effort worthwhile!

Holiday Cheddar Cheese Ball

2 pkgs (8 oz each) cream cheese, room temperature
8 oz. finely shredded Cheddar cheese
1 tsp lemon juice
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbsp finely grated sweet onion
1/2 cup crushed pecans or other nuts

In a large bowl, put all the ingredients (except nuts) and smash with a fork or a pastry cutter until well blended.
Roll the mixture into a ball (or into two smaller balls) then roll in the nuts and pat down to make sure they stick.
Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for an hour so flavors blend.
Remove about 15 to 20 minutes before serving so it softens just enough to make it easier to spread. You don't want it to get warm, just a bit softer.
Serve on a platter with crackers or fresh vegetables, and put a cheese knife alongside.

Tips And Techniques To Help You Turn Meals Into Art!

Making meals every day can become humdrum. Make things more interesting by acquiring new skills. Cooking is not only there to provide a meal, but it could also be a very enjoyable activity with new things to uncover all the time. The article contains wonderful cooking tips to get you started.

When cooking an easy recipe, you should always use fresh seasonings and herbs. Complex dishes with multiple tastes are fine places to use dried herbs, such as oregano or basil. However, using fresh herbs adds a fresher, stronger taste that improves the overall quality of the dish's flavor. If you want to have fresh herbs whenever you need them, consider growing a little herb garden.

Use nylon, rubber or silicone utensils if you have nonstick cookware. If you use harder utensils, you might scratch the cookware, and damage it as well as ruin your food. If the protective coat of your dishes are flaking, it might end up poisoning your food.

One of the best cooking tips you can find is to use your imagination. You do not have to follow a recipe word for word. By adjusting the amounts of various ingredients, you can change the taste slightly, and improve upon the original recipe. That is a sign of a true cook!

If you are first embarking on a quest to prepare more of your own food, head to the nearest library or bookstore and find a cookbook with simple, basic recipes that you will enjoy preparing. Experiment with a few, and be patient; remember, you're learning new skills.

Now that you have the knowledge you need, it's time for you to practice what you have learned! You can learn a lot about foods and tastes by practicing your new cooking techniques. You will also find out more about your tastes and preferences. Your meals will gradually start to improve in quality and taste as your skills improve.

Classic Christmas Cookies

1 box white cake mix
2 eggs
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup melted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
red and green sugar sprinkles

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Put a metal sieve over a bowl and pour the cake mix through, sifting into the bowl.
In a separate bowl, put the remaining ingredients and whisk together until combined well.
Add this wet mixture into the cake mix and stir together until blended well and dough forms.
Drop the cookie dough by a tablespoon onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
Put in preheated oven and bake for 8 to 12 minutes until light golden brown.
Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with red and green sugar sprinkles.
Let rest for 5 minutes, then slide onto cooling rack.
Yields about 2 to 3 dozen cookies depending on size.
Choose other sprinkle colors for different holidays.
Choose other flavor cake mixes for a variety of cookies.

The Sure Way To Become A Good Cook

Everyone can prepare basic dishes, but great cooking requires training. The tips we have gathered here will teach you a few things you may not know about cooking your own meals. Do not be afraid to try cooking or new ingredients. It is a good skill to have and can give you years of joy. Now discover a few great tips that will have you feeling confident in the kitchen in time for dinner!

Do not bake a cake too long or to short of a time. Even though recipes have guidelines for recommended baking times, they can vary due to differences in ovens or elevation. A good way to judge whether a cake is finished is by sticking a toothpick into the center of the cake. The cake is ready if the toothpick comes out clean; if not, let the cake bake some more.

Only cook with wine that you would actually drink. Using a wine that you dislike could ruin the taste of the food. You can find wines that are made for use in cooking.

Blot the ground meat that you are using before cooking it. Before preparing ground meat, you should blot away excess moisture. Leaving it can cause the liquid to release when cooking. Instead, it can sizzle away. This will cause the ground beef to steam, instead of searing.

Try using two timers, one on the oven and also one on your cellphone or watch. Using your watch's timer or wearing a stopwatch will ensure you that you will hear the signal regardless of your location.

Don't be intimidated or frightened by the thought of learning how to cook. Making your own food can save money, improve your health and nutrition, and still be fun. Apply the advice you've just learned from the above article to your grocery store trip, kitchen, and then your plate. Have a great time cooking for yourself and bon appetit!

Crunchy Potato Bake

4 large potatoes
1 cup milk
2 cups flour
2 cups finely crushed saltine crackers
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp onion salt
3 Tbsp seasoned salt (any you like)
3 Tbsp melted butter

Set oven at 375 degrees to preheat and oil or butter a baking dish.
Scrub and cut potatoes into thin slices.
Pour milk into another shallow bowl.
Mix the dry ingredients together in a shallow bowl.
Dip potato slices in milk, a few at a time, then dredge in flour/cracker mixture, then lay in prepared baking dish.
Cover baking dish with foil and bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender.
Uncover baking dish and pour 3 tablespoons of melted butter evenly over the potatoes.
Slide baking dish back into oven and cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes more or until edges start to brown and crisp.
Will serve 4 people, but go ahead and double or triple this recipe for a holiday meal.  It is not fussy or hard to make and kids seem to like it a lot, probably because they don't run into any onion pieces.

A Guide For Buying Holiday Gifts

Shop Smart To Find Frugal Holiday Gifts

It can be very easy to run up a big bill when it comes to buying gifts for the holidays.  When you have a tight budget, you can reach your limit fast!  How can you stretch your budget so you can still give your family and friends gifts that they will love?  Let's take a look at a few simple ideas for giving gifts on a budget.

Buy Off Season

One of the most effective ways to stay within your budget when buying holiday gifts is to actually do most of your shopping during the off season periods. If you keep a list of gift ideas on hand, you can shop the real deals, and not the ones that the stores like to entice you with just before the holidays.  As we get closer to the holidays, prices tend to climb, then you'll get a few teaser sales that look good but really aren't.  If you watch the sales throughout the year, you are bound to find deals that are real, and not the inflated prices during the height of the holiday shopping season.

Search Online

If you haven't gotten acquainted yet with online shopping, now is the time.  Companies are in hot competition to get your business so they are offering not only lower prices but free shipping, and even free returns!  There are plenty of coupon sites to check out, too, but many companies are just skipping right by the coupons and giving you the deals directly.  It really pays to shop around, and there are even sites that do that for you, too.  Start early so you have plenty of time to send items back if they don't work out for you.  Remember, it's all about customer service so be picky and find companies with great websites, deals, and shipping options that you like. If you prefer to go to the store to buy, you can still use the website to find the deals.  Many websites will find the nearest store to you and tell you if the item is in stock.  If you don't like something about the website or store, move on to the next one. You are in total control because there are just so many to choose from.

Dig into the Clearance Bin

The clearance bin can be your best friend when you're looking for a bargain. A toy that was a top seller last year could very well end up deeply discounted this year. Clothing, household items, decorative items, etc. all end up in the clearance bin at some time or other.  If you're at the department store, look for the signs and head that way.  You have to be patient and be prepared to spend some time digging through the items if you want the best deal.  If you're shopping online, click that CLEARANCE button and start scrolling. Things move fast on the sale racks, so be ready to shop when you find an item.

Use your Phone

It is amazing how much money that phone in your pocket can save you. They call it a smart phone for a reason. Don't be afraid to use it when shopping for your holiday gifts. If you find something at a store while you're out shopping, why drive around to see if you can find it cheaper elsewhere?  Pull out your phone, download an app and you can have your own personal price checker. Not only will it tell you where to go for the lower price, many of the apps tell you who still has them available and gives you the opportunity to call the store and have them hold the item for you. If you don't have a 'smart phone' don't fret. Your phone is still your best friend. Call the store and ask. If they are not willing to help you, then they don't need your business. Either way, your phone has helped you make a decision and you didn't need to drive around.

Make it Yourself

When you can add the label “Handmade Especially For You” on a gift item, you know it will be well received and greatly appreciated. What are your talents? Can you put them to work to create gifts for the holidays?  Perhaps you can learn a new talent.  There are plenty of DIY books, magazines, and websites that can help you get started creating one of a kind gift items.  Not only are these handmade gifts special, but they ordinarily are much cheaper.  If you're trying to give special gifts on a budget, handmade items are very often the way to go.

If you've ever found yourself standing dazed, in the middle of a store around the holidays, you most likely didn't plan ahead.  Gift giving is not easy, or cheap, when you do it on the fly or at the last minute.  Plan ahead, shop smart, and try these tips to give the perfect gifts this holiday season, even on your tight budget.

Orange Cranberry Nut Bread

2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp orange zest
3/4 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
2 Tbsp melted butter
1 egg, beaten
2 cups fresh cranberries, chopped roughly
1 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease and flour a 9x5x3 loaf pan.
Put a metal mesh sieve over a large bowl and Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda through the sieve and into a large bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange zest, orange juice, melted butter, and beaten egg.
Slowly add the wet ingredients into the large bowl with the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined - do not over stir.
Add the cranberries and the walnuts and fold in until combined.
Pour into prepared loaf pan.
Bake in preheated oven for 55 minutes to 60 minutes.
Remove from oven and let stand in loaf pan for 5 minutes, then turn out onto a cooling rack and let rest for several hours before serving.
Makes 1 loaf.

Tips For Planning The Perfect Holiday Meal On A Budget

Plan An Impressive Main Course Even On A Tight Budget

When you're planning holiday meals, the main course could very likely add up to more than the rest of the whole menu. The star of the meal is important, to be sure, but how can you present a gorgeous main course when you're on a tight budget?  There are some things to consider, so let's explore a few options.

Let the Sales Guide You

When it comes to expensive items like meat, it helps to be mindful of special sales and giveaways that are in your area. For instance, if you're planning on having pumpkin pie for dessert, and a grocery store is offering a free honey ham with the purchase of pumpkin pie ingredients, why not let that determine what you serve for your main course?  You may have been thinking about duck or a rib roast, but when it comes to your budget, a free ham sure sounds delicious!

Smart merchants offer big savings on traditional meats and other main course proteins because they want to get you in the store for the other ingredients.  Watch the sale brochures early so you don't get stuck in a panic and spend full price when time runs short.  And don't forget your local butcher or independent store.  Smaller shops stock up for holiday meals and don't want to get stuck with anything after the holiday is past.  Keep in mind 'supply and demand' – grocers lay in a large supply while the demand is high and can ask any price, but they want to move their stock before the demand ends, so watch closely for this price break to happen fast, and be ready.

Know the Proper Serving Size

The USDA guideline for meat serving size is about a quarter pound of meat per person.  However, holiday meals usually call for a more impressive serving size.  But don't go overboard!  Figure the serving size somewhere between a quarter pound and a half pound per person.  Remember, you will be having all your favorite side dishes, as well.  It's so easy to over-estimate when it comes down to picking out your main course. Keep in mind when you choose your protein that if you are buying a bone-in meat, you need to take that 'waste weight' into account and buy closer to the half pound per person serving size.

Choosing a big turkey, duck, goose, or chicken will take some estimating when it comes to serving size.  You can actually make an assumption to help you calculate the servings per bird.  Deduct about twenty percent from the total weight and that should give you a good weight in actual meat.  Of course, you'll want a good amount of both white meat and dark meat.  If you're serving a large group, sometimes it's better to cook two smaller birds instead of one big bird.  Start by calculating the amount of meat you'll need, then shop for the best price per pound whether you are buying meat, poultry, fish, or other seafood.

Choosing Quality or Quantity

If you just can't bring yourself to put a smaller piece of meat on your holiday table, then by all means buy a larger cut. This means, however, that you will need to shop around for less expensive cuts to make sure your main course still fits your budget.  For example, if your budget is limited but you want to serve a big beef roast dinner, you will need to walk away from the prime rib or tenderloin.  Choose instead several nice chuck roasts and cook them low and slow so they are cut-it-with-a-fork tender. No one will care that your beef isn't expensive just so long as it's juicy and delicious.  You can do that with less expensive cuts of meat if you cook it right.

The same goes for poultry or seafood.  Compare the price per pound of several poultry options.  If you can't afford to buy a goose or duck, choose a turkey or chicken.  A large turkey that has been roasted beautifully will impress your guests as much as, if not more than, a smaller (and much more expensive) goose. But, you can also do both, serve quality AND quantity, if you shop and plan wisely.  If you really want that beautiful duck on your table, go ahead and choose a small one, then roast another bird so you have enough meat to serve.  Think of the expensive protein as a side dish and buy a smaller size.  In other words, you don't have to serve your guests a half pound of expensive protein.  Plan your main course with a less expensive protein and serve your luxury protein in smaller bites.

You want your holiday table to feature a wonderful main course, but meat, poultry, and seafood can be expensive. There are ways to still present a beautiful main dish without breaking the bank. Be sure to watch the sales in your area and introduce yourself to the butcher or fishmonger. Also, be mindful of the portion sizes and the number of people you are serving. Don't over-estimate and spend more than you have to.  And remember, quality isn't always about spending more money.  It really all comes down to serving the tastiest dish you possibly can, and you can do that on any budget.

Party Time Cranberry Chili Meatballs

1 can (14 oz size) whole cranberry sauce
1/2 cup cran-apple juice
1 bottle (12 oz) chili sauce
1 bag (28 oz) frozen unflavored meatballs, thawed
1/2 cup finely chopped flat leaf parsley

Put whole cranberry sauce in food processor and pulse until blended smooth.
Pour the blended cranberry sauce, cran-apple juice, and chili sauce in large saucepan, stir, and cook over medium-low heat, stirring until bubbling hot and smooth.
Add the meatballs to the pot, stir, reduce heat to low, cover pot, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until meatballs are hot and mixture is fragrant.
During this time, stir a few times to keep an eye on it and keep the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Just before serving, add parsley and stir together.
Remove to a shallow bowl and serve with big toothpicks for appetizers.
You can put this in a small crockpot on low to keep warm, but watch them.  This isn't an overly soupy or saucy mix.
If you want it saucier, add a bit more cran-apple juice.
Serving size is 2 per person, so you will have enough for about 24 people, more or less.

Tips For Planning Your Office Party

Keep The Workplace Party Frugal And Fun

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 could get pretty discouraging.  And what if you have more than one party to attend?  You want to be up and positive, but you also want to pay the bills and feed the family.  How can you enjoy the work party and not come off being the company Scrooge?  Here are a few tips.

Sign-up Fast

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.

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.

Holiday Party Deviled Eggs

12 large eggs, hard cooked
1 ripe avocado, peeled and diced
1 lime, zested and juiced
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground cayenne
1 Tbsp capers, finely chopped
1/2 tsp salt
finely chopped flat leaf parsley and paprika for garnish

Peel the eggs, then cut in half lengthwise. Remove the yolks to a bowl and set the whites on a nice platter or plate.
Add diced avocado, lime zest, and lime juice to the yolks and smash together with a fork or a pastry cutter.
When mixture is pretty smooth (you really don't want this to be chunky) add the mayo, mustard, cumin, cayenne, and capers, and mix together until smooth again.
Spoon this mixture into the egg white halves on the platter. Sprinkle the chopped parsley and paprika over each one for garnish and color.
Makes 24 appetizers.

Are Your Guest Staying Too Long ?

How To Politely Send Your Party Guests Home

When the party's over, the party's over... or is it?  If you've had trouble in the past getting your guests to pack it in for the night and go home, you may need a new approach, or two.  There are ways to politely clear your guests, but you need the right timing, as well as a simple strategy in place.  Take a look at the following techniques for easing your guests out the door.

Avoid Open Ended Invitations

Probably the easiest way to send your guests home is to have an end time right on your invitation. Make sure you clearly state that your party will begin and end at a certain time. This way, you should only have to walk around and declare something like; “Will you just look at the time!”  Since all your guests saw the end time on the invitation, this will click fast. The end time puts you in a place to politely move your guests out the door with style.

Enlist the Help of Other Guests

In any group of guests, there are usually some who are very punctual, both coming and going.  When you look at your guest list, keep this in mind. The guests who naturally leave on time are often those who are paying a babysitter or who have to work the next day. When you see these guests getting ready to leave, be sure to make a point of getting their coats and walking them to the door, rather noticeably.  As your guests watch you escort other guests to the door, they will quickly see that the party is winding down. This is a subtle way to start moving all your guests toward the exit; they will naturally start gathering their belongings as you are saying goodbye to your departing guests.

Honesty is the Best Policy

Being honest with people is a simple way to wrap up a party. This doesn't mean being rude and nasty.  Instead, you will just tell your guests how thankful you are that they were able to come and what a great time you had, and... let me get your coat and walk you to the door.  Who can argue with that?  If a guest is still slow to move toward the door, you can fill in with a few comments about having to work in the morning and the kids will be up at the crack of dawn.  No one will miss the point when it's honest and direct, but still polite. Simply stating the facts in terms everyone understands will work for most guests and in most instances.  Party stragglers who miss the subtle hints typically get it when you use the honest approach.

Ask About Plans for Getting Home

Asking your guests about their plans for getting home is a subtle way to move the conversation in another direction; namely out the door.  Some guests may need you to call a cab.  Perhaps a guest is waiting for a ride from someone.  Do they have a driver on the way?  Maybe your guest would appreciate it if you moved their car up closer to the house.  Simple questions like this can begin to get your guests thinking about heading home, which means that you can think about wrapping up the party and enjoying some much needed rest.

Start Cleaning Up

Nothing says 'time to go' like the host disappearing into the kitchen to do dishes.  When you start to clean up, everyone notices that you are ready to wind down. Of course, you don't want to be rude, but if you have a few guests who simply haven't followed the other guests out the front door when they should have, then rattling those pots and pans may be justified.  If they still don't take the hint, then ask them to join you in the kitchen and put them to work.  At this point, your guests will leave or they help with the dishes, which isn't bad either way.

Ruin the Mood

I saved this one for last because it's really a last resort. Blow out the candles, turn up the lights, put away the decorations, and turn off the music.  Don't forget to pick up the snacks and put away the wine!  This is a bit harsh, to be sure, but it is very effective for even the most stubborn straggler.  Sitting under bright lights in a house devoid of all festive spirit is going to drive any guest to the front door. Short of shutting off the lights, locking the door, and going to bed, this strategy seems to work even with the most oblivious guest.

Hosting a holiday party is exhausting. You put a lot of time and effort into planning the party, preparing for everything, and then finally welcoming your guests.  Being the good host that you are, you'll be spending lots of time making sure that everyone is having fun.  Although you are enjoying yourself, too, by the end of the party, you are ready to wrap it up and send your guests merrily along their way.  With these ideas for subtle, and not so subtle, methods for moving your guests toward the door, your party will end just as smoothly as it started.

Asain Holiday Chicken And Sweet Pepper Egg Rolls

2 Tbsp oil
2 large sweet bell peppers, diced
1 medium onion, diced
2 Tbsp soy sauce
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp freshly grated ginger root
1 lb cooked chicken, shredded with a fork
12 egg roll wrappers
oil for frying

Put a large skillet over medium heat, add oil and when hot, add the peppers and onion, stirring until softened slightly.
Add to the skillet the soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, stir and cook for 1minute, then add the chicken, lower the heat, and stir together, cooking until heated through and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes.
Remove skillet from heat and allow mixture to cool.
Lay out an egg roll wrapper on a work surface and spoon out a portion of the mixture into the center of the wrapper, tuck in one point, then another, and start rolling up and tucking in ends as you go. Continue filling all 12 wrappers.
In the large skillet, pour enough cooking oil to come up about 1/2 inch.  Heat oil over medium heat until it sizzles.
Gently set egg rolls in hot oil, frying until golden brown, flipping once.  Remove to paper towels for draining.
If you want to bake these instead of frying them, preheat your oven to 350 degrees, put egg rolls on a baking sheet, and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown, turning over once.
Cool slightly and serve with dipping sauces.
Makes 12 egg rolls.
Serve as a snack or a light main dish.

Avoid These Pitfalls When Planning Your Holiday Party

Holiday Entertaining 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, they can be avoided and your budget can remain intact. But the trick is identifying and then stopping these budget busters before they happen. Let's take a look.

Poor Planning

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.

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, 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 party!

Thanksgiving Day Walnut Stuffed Dates With Bacon

12 large dates
12 walnut halves
4 slices lean bacon, cut into thirds (so you have 12 pieces)

Get out a broiler pan and set the oven rack about 6 inches below broiler element. Turn broiler on.
With a small paring knife, make a little slice into each date (remove the pit) and put a walnut half in, squeezing the date around the walnut.
Wrap a piece of bacon around the date and stick a toothpick through.
Repeat with each date until all are used up.
Arrange the bundles on the broiler pan and place under preheated broiler. Leave oven door slightly ajar, and broil for about 9 or 10 minutes, turning several times, until bacon is crispy.
Remove to a paper towel covered plate and let sit for a few minutes to cool slightly.
Remove toothpicks and serve warm.
Makes 12 appetizers.

Tips For Planning Your Holiday Party

Guest List Size Matters For Your Holiday Budget

No matter what kind of party you're planning, one of the most common ways to blow your budget and spoil a party is to either over-estimate or under-estimate your guest list. Let's take a look at what happens when you don't figure your numbers correctly.

Too Much of a Good Thing

We have all been there, right? We plan for thirty people to show up, and the last thing we want to do is run out of food.  So, we cook for forty just to make sure nobody is wanting.  Then twenty people show up.  There's a big difference between cooking for forty and cooking for twenty.  Now, you have food to spare.  What do you do with it?  Most likely you will send it home with your guests because you never have that much room in your refrigerator to store leftovers.  Even if you do have the room to store the leftovers, you'll never eat it up before it goes bad.

This is the problem when we over-estimate our guest list. Over-estimating your list means that you will inevitably go through more stress and financial burden.  You'll not only be frustrated and worn out preparing for more people than necessary, but eventually you'll see your hard earned money either walking out the door in containers or going out with the trash.

Less is Better Doesn't Work

On the other hand, under-estimating your guest list is almost as bad, if not worse. Under-estimating your guest list means that you don't cook enough. Say you invite thirty, but assume that only fifteen will come, but they all show up.  Now, what do you do?  Assuming that a lot fewer people will show up is a dangerous assumption to make, especially when it comes to food.  Even though you don't have to worry about throwing out or giving away extra food, the reverse is just as bad.  You have guests now eager for something to snack on and your appetizers are woefully meager.  And that lovely turkey you have that will feed fifteen beautifully just looks pitiful.

You can only boil up so many more potatoes to help stretch a meal. So, you do what any good host does; you send someone out to the deli.  The cost and stress of running out for more food can really upset your day.  Instead of cooking for the thirty people you invited, now you're buying pre-made appetizers and dinner items for fifteen more people. It didn't have to be that way if you had just cooked for your invited guest list to begin with.

Verify your Guest List

Since both over-estimating and under-estimating lead to serious consequences to your budget and stress level, it is best to avoid both of these situations. One of the easiest ways to make sure this doesn't happen is to do what all good hosts do - verify your guest list.

The simplest way to verify a guest list is to put an RSVP on your invitation.  Some people may feel silly or uncomfortable about this if you're hosting a more casual holiday gathering.  But, don't give that a thought.  Any party, big or small, fancy or casual, benefits by an RSVP on the invitation.  Your guests will appreciate the thoughtful regard you have given to them. After all, an RSVP just ensures that you, their host, will have plenty of food and drink when everyone arrives, and isn't that what being a good host is all about?

If your guests are slow in responding to the invitation, then take it upon yourself to pick up the phone and give them a call to confirm that they are coming to your event.  You can use this opportunity to double check on the time, diet concerns, or if there is anything else either you or they need to know. 

Whether you're planning a small gathering or a large one, get your guest list in order, verify it, then stick to your numbers. If you have twenty people RSVP with a 'Yes' then cook for twenty people.  You don't want more and you don't want less, because doing either one is a waste of money and can be a real party pooper!

Holiday Broccoli Egg Potato Nests

2 cups frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed and drained well
1 Tbsp flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
2 Tbsp olive oil
4 large eggs
2 Tbsp milk
1 cup frozen broccoli florets, thawed, drained, and finely chopped
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1/2 cup red onion, diced small
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Get out regular muffin tin and spray 4 muffin cups with non-stick cooking oil.
Put the thawed hash browns into a bowl, add the flour, salt, and pepper and toss with a fork to coat well.
Put a large skillet over medium heat, add the oil, and when it sizzles, scoop 1/4 cup of potato mixture into skillet, spread out and flatten to about a 5 inch disc, then repeat with remaining potato mixture until you have 4 discs in the skillet. Cook until lightly browned, flip and cook until other side is lightly browned.
Remove from skillet to a paper towel covered surface, but don't let cool off. While potato discs are still warm, gently press into the prepared muffin cups until you have little potato nests; set aside.
In a bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together, then add the broccoli, black olives, onion, and cheese, and stir until combined well.
Divide the egg-broccoli mixture evenly between the 4 potato nests.
Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until the eggs are totally cooked and lightly browned.
Remove and allow to cool slightly before removing from muffin tin.
Tip out onto rack and serve warm.

Planning Your Holiday Party On A Budget

Fun Frugal Food To Please Every Appetite

If you have ever hosted a holiday party, you know how difficult it can be to please everyone on your list. There are so many different expectations, likes and dislikes, that it can almost seem impossible to plan for all your guests' preferences. But this can be done and your budget doesn't have to suffer. Let's take a look at a few ideas for providing your guests with the foods they love while staying within your budget.

Plenty of Special Little Choices

If you have a lot of people coming over for your holiday meal or party, this is one of the easiest ways to ensure that you please them all.  Providing a wide variety of food in small portions is the perfect way to please them all.  Finger foods, hors d'oeuvres, cheese trays, fruit plates, vegetables with dip, and the like are perfect for a party that is all about nibbling and mingling.  However, a holiday party requires a special touch. If you are familiar with tapas, this might be a good time to search for recipes specifically served for these 'small bites' parties.  You'll get a lot of ideas for delicious dishes to serve, both hot and cold. 

Now is the time to rethink some of your classics. You can dress up your pinwheel recipes with over-the-top ingredients for your holiday party.  Rather than use ham and Swiss cheese, choose smoked salmon, arugula, and Gruyere cheese, for instance.  Wrap diced honeydew melon in pancetta and broil for a surprising bite.  Make tiny meat and vegetable bundles inside thin layers of fillo dough. Spoon spiced shrimp into Romaine lettuce leaves. Those are just a few ways to turn familiar appetizer foods into something special and enticing for your guests.

Be sure to have more than enough little serving plates set all over the room so your guests can sample a few bites, walk away, sample another couple dishes, and keep moving.  Guests are bound to set their plates down often, so just be ready with more.  Keep the food interesting with a lot of variety and no one will feel they didn't get what they wanted to eat. This is also great for conversation because everyone is anxious to talk about the tasty item they discovered over on the other side of the room.

The Potluck Makes a Comeback

A wonderfully old-fashioned way to both host a holiday party and make sure you please your guests is to throw a potluck. This is one way to ensure that the dishes you serve will be what your guests will want to eat.  Because, after all, your guests are bringing their favorite dishes! Here you are, providing your guests with bragging rights to their great-grandmother's plum pudding recipe while, at the same time, pleasing your guests tastes and keeping your budget under control. If that sounds sneaky, it's not. Everybody knows the score! Your guests will love providing their favorite dish just as long as you provide the place and the basics for the meal.

When you issue the invitation, keep it casual. Say something on the order of; “You're Invited to a Holiday Potluck,” then explain that you want them to bring a favorite dish of theirs.  Also, let them know to keep their dish small since everyone will be bringing something so you'll have more than enough for everyone. This keeps them from going overboard making way more food than is needed. Be sure to ask what dish they are bringing so you can orchestrate the meal at least a little. You don't want an endless supply of gelatin salads or pinwheels and no sweet potato casserole or veggie tray, for instance.

This is also a great way to start conversations between people as they find their favorite dishes and talk about the recipe. You can also ask your guests to bring recipe cards if they would like to share.  Perhaps you could gather the cards and put them together in a book for your guests as a little Thank You gift for coming and sharing in your potluck party.

Capture Their Attention With Comfort Foods

When planning a party, you naturally want to please everyone's taste buds.  And what's more pleasing than comfort foods?  Building comfort foods into your menu helps you make sure there is something that everyone likes. Comfort foods are generally inexpensive, can be prepared with ease, and are recognized and loved by most everyone.

Think of your classic comfort foods and you'll usually think of cheesy macaroni, green bean casserole, wild rice mushroom bake, and maybe some creamy mashed potatoes. A fragrant sage stuffing is another food that just makes you go 'ahhhhhh.' 

Whatever your comfort food, if you decide to include one or more with your meal, just have it match the style of the dinner.  For instance, if you are serving a variety of 'small bites' for your meal, go ahead and make the comfort food, but instead of making it in a big casserole, create tiny bites in mini-muffin tin cups. Tiny bites of sage stuffing will match the finger food style of the party but still offer the comfort you and your guests are craving.

When you are trying to please a lot of people, there are three main options you have for making sure everyone is satisfied even when you have a limited budget. Offer a lot of choices in the 'tiny bites' style, host a potluck, and finally include comfort foods that satisfy most everyone.  Your job as host is to make sure your guests are well fed and happy.  With these options, you can tweak your menu and style in ways that will have your guests very pleased indeed.

Holiday Breakfast Hash Browns

4 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed and drained
2 green onions, chopped
1 cup sliced black olives
1/4 cup chopped parsley, divided
2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh sage
1/2 tsp Kosher salt
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
oil for cooking

In a large bowl, toss together the thawed potatoes, onions, olives, 2 tablespoons parsley, sage, salt, and red pepper flakes.
Put a large heavy skillet on stove on medium-high heat, pour in enough oil so you have about 1/4 inch deep in skillet.
When oil sizzles, dump the potato mixture into the skillet and spread out into one layer.
Let potatoes fry for about 5 minutes, without turning them.
Peek underneath to see if the potatoes are browned, and if they are, go ahead and flip them over with a spatula and fry again, undisturbed, for another 5 minutes until they are browned and crispy.
Top with the rest of the parsley and serve.
Serves 4 people as a side with eggs.

How To Decorate Your Holiday Table On A Budget

Create Holiday Decorations Your Way

Once you get the menu planned for your holiday celebration, you most likely will start thinking about decorating.  But when you think of the price of decorations, you panic.  How will you be able to create a festive atmosphere on a tight budget?  It's not difficult if you keep in mind that sometimes simple is best.  Let's take a look at how you can create decorations you love while staying within your budget.

Stay True to Your Style

It's a fact that when decorating for a holiday, the fewer pieces you buy the better.  Not only will your budget thank you, but it's often true that less-is-more.  But, along with keeping your decorations simple and focused, your decorations should also reflect your style.  Not only will this make your guests more comfortable in your home, the decorations will also fit in your home for many years and seasons to come.

Choosing the 'Now' or 'It' styles touted by stylists doesn't typically work for most people, especially people on a budget.  If you can't afford to swap out your decorations every year, then you shouldn't go with the latest fads.  Do you really want to be stuck with mauve color silk floral wreaths, lights, and ribbons all over the house if your style is more on the natural, earthy, rustic side?  It costs a lot of money to replace boxes and boxes of previous years' decorations simply because you just can't stand putting them out again.  Look around your house now.  What style are you?  Now look for inspiration and choose the décor that fits your style and will make you happy for years to come.

Be Inspired

Now you need inspiration, but don't go to the mall yet!  This is a common mistake. Don't get stuck in the décor aisle in the big department store without knowing what you're looking for. You are bound to start grabbing things that are pretty, and then paying a pretty price for way too much stuff.  Instead, know what you're looking for before you shop, or create.  Take the time to look through the glossy design magazines and pull a few ideas that you like.  Your public library will have these magazines to borrow, so you don't even need to spend any money, except a few cents to run the photocopier perhaps.  Tune into the home and garden television shows, too.  Again, find one or two themes that fit your style and make notes so you can build your holiday décor around them. 

A newer place to find inspiration to get your creativity flowing is the online site called Pinterest. Pinterest is an online bulletin board that allows people to share pictures with anyone who chooses to log on.  There are virtually millions of images to scroll through and be inspired by.  It's easy to start finding inspiration on Pinterest. Just set up a free account and begin your search with something easy like 'holiday decorations.'  Once you start finding your way around, you'll have enough inspiration to start designing your own festive holiday decorations as easily and as frugally as you want. And, as opposed to getting caught up in impulse buying at the store, this inspiration doesn't cost you a dime.

Create it Yourself

Now that you know your style and have your inspiration, it's time to decorate.  When it comes to getting your decorations together, it may be more cost efficient to design your own. If you pulled inspiration from Pinterest, be sure to click through to the websites that feature the design you like.  There are often DIY instructions to create similar decorations. Most magazines also offer a website to find more detailed information about their décor choices.

Keep an open mind.  If you can't invest in the fancy tablecloth you spotted online, see if you can create something around the same look.  If, for instance, you love the embroidered fall leaf design, recreate it with fabric paint and stencils or stamps on a plain white tablecloth.  If you love the glitter and glow of a fireplace mantle lined with dozens of designer candles and glass beads, buy a big box of candles at the dollar store and boxes of clear tree ornaments and create your own sparkling decoration on your mantle. These decorations are inspired by designer elements, but you add your own touches making them true to your style, and budget!

Holiday decorating doesn't have to be expensive if you find the inspiration you need to create your own festive atmosphere.  Choose the style that fits you and create it yourself for less money, as well as the added benefit of making it uniquely yours.  Your guests will be comfortable in your home because it's warm and inviting and fits your style.  And that's what decorating is all about!

Holiday Bliss Bleu Cheese Walnut Spread

2 cups Greek yogurt
4 oz bleu cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped, then toasted
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

In a glass bowl, put the Greek yogurt and bleu cheese, and stir together with a fork, smashing until combined well and smooth in texture.  Some bleu cheese chunks can remain, but they should be small.
Toast the walnuts by putting them in a dry skillet on low heat, shake skillet, until fragrant.
Remove skillet from heat, shake to cool down, then add walnuts to the yogurt-cheese mix and stir until combined well.
Cover the glass bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Remove 10 minutes before serving and let sit at room temperature.
Serve in pretty bowl with a cheese knife, and surround with tart apple slices and ripe but firm pear slices.  The bleu cheese and walnut flavors are perfect for these two fruits. You can include crackers and vegetables.
This recipe is easily doubled or tripled, but should then be put in several small bowls for serving so one large bowl doesn't sit out at room temperature on a buffet too long.
Makes around 2 1/2 cups.

How To Celebrate The Holidays On A Tight Budget

Change The Rules And Say Goodbye To Costly Traditions

Holiday traditions become traditions for a reason – we love them.  But sometimes our budget doesn't love them quite so much.  When you get trapped into doing certain things and having certain foods during holiday gatherings, spending beyond your budget is a distinct possibility. How can you get away from paying more than you want to for these traditional foods and holiday entertainment year after year?  It may be a bit uncomfortable at first, but when you see the savings, you'll be glad you learned to break away.

Traditions May Have To Fall

It is very often difficult to break with tradition, especially during the holidays.  However, if you're hosting a holiday gathering and you have a budget to consider, you may have to step on some toes. I won't say it's going to be easy. The struggle may be internal, in your own mind.  Or, the struggle may be external, family members telling you that you “simply can't” skip Grandma's special six-hour-twelve-layer-dessert that cost as much to make as Junior's orthodontist bill.

Personal feelings can play a big part in these traditions. If you break the news to the family that you can't see your way clear to make something or do something, and you're met with shrieks and tears, then suggest that someone go ahead and take on that particular tradition.  You don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, but be honest.  Then, if someone wants to take up the mantle, by all means, let them. Everyone wins, tradition is intact if someone feels it should be, and you are off the hook for the expense. And remember, not everyone in the family is in love with the tradition that you've been trying to figure out how to eliminate from your plans.  Do a fact-check in your family and find out before you spend the money and time on something nobody really wants.

Brainstorming New Traditions

If you and your family agree that a tradition must be lovingly set adrift, it is time to begin anew. This is where everything starts getting interesting, and fun. It's time to get everyone on board and start brainstorming. So the question is put to the family; If we're going to let go of the huge meal and all the other expense surrounding a holiday, what do we replace it with?

A fun idea to break away from tradition is to set a theme for your holiday dinner.  Have everyone bring one dish that they feel is consistent with that theme. For instance, make your dinner about the immigration of people from all over the world.  Feature dishes and decor from any region you think would be interesting. Choose areas of the world that are unknown to you, or celebrate your own heritage, or share a dish you enjoyed from your travels. Have fun with the variety that a themed event can provide. But, don't stop there.  How would you like to host a beach party for Christmas?  Or a picnic for Thanksgiving?  Or a traveling meal, going between a few houses instead of one person responsible for the entire meal? The brainstorming session is all about throwing ideas on the table for everyone to consider.  Let your thoughts run wild and have fun with this new experience.

You Don't Have To Do It Again

Now that you are excited about brainstorming new ideas, it's time to remind everyone that even THIS new tradition doesn't have to be a tradition.  Next year you may forget the theme and just have hot sandwiches and movies.  The following year maybe you will host a Christmas breakfast instead of dinner.  Nothing is written in stone – even traditions.  

The idea is that if you have the privilege of hosting a holiday gathering for your family and friends, then you have the say about exactly what sort of event it will be.  Are you going to tote out Grandma's celery seed biscuits again, and throw them all out again, or are you going to get creative?

You don't have to stick to traditions when they don't workout for your budget.  And when you try new traditions, you don't have to do it again. Don't let traditions dictate your budget.  Find a way to break free and enjoy what's really important – spending time with people you love and having some fun!

Apple And Citrus Spirited Wassail

1 gallon good apple cider
6 cinnamon sticks
1 lemon, washed and cut into wedges
1 orange, washed and cut into wedges
1 Tbsp whole cloves
1 Tbsp allspice
1 gallon white wine, room temperature
2 cups rum, room temperature

For garnish:
1 lemon, washed and sliced into thin circles, seeds removed
1 orange, washed and sliced into thin circles, seeds removed
cinnamon sticks

Put apple cider, cinnamon sticks, lemon wedges, orange wedges, whole cloves, and allspice into a large (non reactive) pot.
Put over low heat, stir, and simmer slowly for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Pour the liquid through a fine mesh sieve to strain, then pour back into pot.
Add the wine, rum, and the slices of lemon and orange, stir and serve.
If the wassail cooled down too much when you added the spirits and fruit, you can warm it up on low just until heated again.
Serve warm or hot in large mugs, making sure to get a slice or two of citrus in each serving. Add a cinnamon stick to each mug if desired for a 'swizzle stick.'
Makes about 2 gallons of wassail or about twenty 12-oz servings.

3 Questions To Ask Before Planning Your Next Holiday Meal

Knowing The Answers Is Key To Your Success

 

The difference between taking the time to really plan your holiday meal, and flying by the seat of your pants, is that the first way will typically result in an amazing dinner and a great time with family and friends.  The second way, not so much.  You're bound to feel the stress, frustration and quite possibly end up serving a less than splendid meal. Failing to plan wisely will inevitably lead you to spending way beyond your budget, in both money and time.  In order to avoid this undesirable outcome, there are three points you must focus on; your time, your guests, and your skills.

How Much Time Do I Have?

It's quite likely that the first time the phrase 'time is money' was uttered was during preparations for a holiday gathering. Being aware of how much time you have to prepare your holiday meal is of the utmost importance. If you don't get a good idea of how much time you can spend on the feast, you could end up having to skip parts of the menu.  Or you could end up spending extra money to change your menu to speed things up to fit the time you have.  So, be completely honest with yourself when you figure out how much time you have. No, you do not possess super powers.  It's better to get that straight right now so you aren't trying to magically bend and stretch time later.

Yes, you have to realistically figure out how much time you have. But, there's more. You also have to know how much time the food takes to go from store to table.  If you have ten hours you can spend to prepare your holiday feast, and the menu takes twenty hours to shop, cook, and serve, something's got to give. If you think you can squeeze twenty hours worth of food preparation into ten hours, then you are a magician and don't need any help from me!  However, if you're not a magician and you're still going to try this trick at home, it's quite likely you will find yourself rushing around spending valuable time trying to gather ingredients to substitute for menu items you wanted to have but ran out of time to prepare. This could put a huge burden on your time, your money, and your sanity. Don't make the mistake of under-estimating how much time it takes to prepare for your feast and celebration.

What Do My Guests Want And Need?

You would think this is a no-brainer, but you would be surprised how something so simple can make such a big difference in the way your holiday feast turns out.  For instance, do your guests like to snack, mingle, chat, and then snack some more?  If so, why not focus on that approach rather than a huge sit-down meal?  After all that nibbling and mingling, if you lead your guests to a big seven course dinner, you may be putting a halt to the fun and putting your huge meal away untouched. However, if your guests are the kind who like to come in, sit down, and dig into a big meal, then by all means skip all the appetizers and get your meal on the table.  This keeps you from wasting money preparing a bunch of snacks when it's the meal everyone is looking forward to anyway.

Knowing your guests also means knowing their likes and dislikes. This doesn't mean you have to cater all your dishes to individual tastes, but try to reach a general consensus so you don't feel like you're running a restaurant, or spending money like a restaurant. Skip the rosemary potatoes if your guests are lukewarm with their responses when asked.  And, yes, I did say ask.  It's quite appropriate when you issue an invitation to a dinner to ask your guests if they have any preferences, dietary needs, or even allergies.  Go ahead and be specific and tell them what you plan to have on the menu and if anything could cause a problem.  It's all part of being a good host.

Where Do My Skills Fit In?

There is nothing more frustrating than trying to cook an over-the-top meal and dumping it into the trash just because you reached way beyond your skills. Avoid creating culinary disasters by knowing your abilities. You don't want to spend a lot of money, or time, on a holiday meal that is a vision of loveliness in the foodie magazine but has no basis in reality in your kitchen. The holiday meal is no time to experiment.  Find trusted recipes and use them.  If you want to try something new, stay within your range of skills and try them out beforehand if possible.  If you're the least bit nervous, stick with what you know. Your guests will always appreciate your tried-and-true dishes.

By being aware of your time, knowing your guests, and being true to your skill set, not only will you have a great holiday meal, you will also keep your budget intact. And that all leads to a fun, relaxing holiday celebration for everyone, including you!

The Best Cooking Guide For All Ages

The art of cooking is a very handy skill to have. It's safe to say that everyone loves to eat, especially when the dish was prepared by you or a family member! However, not everyone has the skills necessary in order to cook good meals. The following article will give you useful tips for improving your skills.

Experiment with new ways of preparing oysters. Just because oysters are eaten raw usually most of the time, doesn't mean that's the only great way to fix them up. For example, put some shelled open oysters in a pan and coat them with a small amount of cream. Sprinkle pepper and freshly grated Parmesan over them. Broil them until they begin to bubble.

You can also saute the oysters. Season some plain white flour, coat your oysters in the mixture, and then lightly fry them in butter or vegetable oil for a few minutes. Consider baking oysters while they are still in their shells. Put the oysters in a dish, add some butter and crumbs of bread to each oyster, then cook at it 425 degrees. After five minutes, remove it from the oven. When you see the juices and butter bubbling, serve immediately with toasted baguettes.

To make the cooking process easier and faster, many preparatory steps can be completed ahead of time. Look through any recipes you make before you begin and prep accordingly, this can save you time before you cook letting you concentrate on your task when the time comes. It is often possible to prepare your ingredients as much as 24 hours ahead of time. More complex recipes become quicker and more fun this way.

As you can see, cooking can be easy. With the right techniques, creating delicious dishes for family and friends can suddenly become a breeze! Now that you have been introduced to these great tips and tricks, you just need to make the time to go and give them a try!

Stop Throwing Your Money Away On Fast Food - Simple Cooking Tips Anyone Can Use!

Cooking is a vast art. Every cook has different preferences and techniques. While some are very simple, others require a more technical touch. Regardless of you current cooking aptitude, you may find the following tips helpful for improving your cooking skills.

The prep work is a very important part of assembling a home-cooked meal for family or friends. Always have all ingredients before starting to cook. Prepare everything you need for cooking ahead of time; don't forget the utensils! With a good plan and everything in place, you will feel far less anxious.

To add additional flavoring to items such as mashed potatoes or soup, use chicken or even beef stock in place of the water. You can also use the required amount of water and add bouillon cubes. This gives the food you are cooking the necessary amount of moisture while also adding another level to the taste profile.

Cut up some cinnamon rolls. Prior to baking, it can prove impossible to slice them into the desired pieces. It is easy to cut cinnamon dough if you place a piece of strong thread underneath the roll at the place where you would like to cut it. Then thread then comes up the sides, is crossed on top, and then pulled to the opposite direction. This makes a perfect slice every time.

To reduce the calories and fat of mashed potatoes, and to avoid sacrificing taste or texture, replace some potatoes with the same amount of cauliflower. Cauliflower's neutral taste means that it blends easily with the flavor of the potatoes, butter and milk. Cauliflower has the same texture and color as mashed potatoes, so the dish will be transformed into one that has more vegetables and fewer calories.

People often ruin their dishes by making them overly complicated. By sticking to a simple recipe, you can come up with something that is quick and healthy but still manages to taste wonderful. Implementing these tips will allow you to understand how to become a better cook.