Festive Holiday Foods

The holidays are all about family and food! Whether you are cooking for a small group of close friends and family or hosting an extravagant holiday party, your goal is to provide delicious holiday foods! Unsure about what to make? Here are a few tips and some possible recipes that will make cooking for your event a sure hit!

Tips For Planning a Menu:

When it comes to planning a menu, there are so many choices to make. Here are a few tips that will ease your 3-course confusion!

• TIP: Keep it simple: In terms of recipes, keeping it simple is key. Do not try something that is out of your comfort zone. Never attempt a brand new recipe on the night of your event. Stick with a meal that you have made before and are familiar with. If you want to introduce something new, try it first a few nights or weeks in advance. This way you will know the possible snags and will be better prepared to handle them if they occur. Don't be too worried about trying to please everyone or repeating a meal from the year before. This is how family traditions are made!


• TIP: Opt for items that can be prepared beforehand: Another thing to think about before adding an item to your menu is preparation time. Items that can be made in advance and then simply put in the oven to cook or to be re-heated are a life saver on the day of your party amidst all the stress! This also keeps your kitchen looking neat for those guests who might arrive earlier than expected. In this category would fall casseroles, pies, baked pastas, cookies, etc.


• TIP: Don't be afraid to ask for help: Depending on the scale of party you're throwing, it may be impossible to pull it all off on your own. Asking others attending the party to bring or make something for the party is completely appropriate! Most guests would be more than happy to bring a dish, especially if they have a famous recipe. Others might jump at the chance to come early and help with last-minute details. People are often honored to have a hand in the party, so dont be afraid to ask!

Holiday Recipes :

Below are a few holiday foods that adhere to the tips above and taste great! Each item is sure to be a guest pleaser, so click through to see the recipe for each one and choose the one(s) you might want to incorporate into your holiday menu this year. Looking for even more ideas and inspiration? Check out the Glens Falls Gourmet blog for amazing new recipes and fun twists on classic recipes you can try!

	Cranberry- Orange Nut Bread This is a great side dish and keep it out for dessert too!
	Stuffed Mushrooms This gourmet appetizer is so simple it's surprising!
	Traditional Green Bean casserole Easy to make and will be a hit with your family.
	Classic Sugar Cookies Be creative! Use a cutter, color the dough, and use sprinkles & frosting!

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