homemade rolls are a holiday treat

The holidays are upon us, hopefully the gifts are purchased and wrapped and all the last minute errands are done.  The closer we get to the actual holiday the more we focus on food and if you’re the cook for the festivities this year it can start to get a little crazy.

So I wanted to write about find balance in your holiday meal.  Some ideas …

Balance healthy with not-as-healthy. You can leave the big dollop of butter off the steamed green beans to keep them healthy.  But don’t deprive your guests of their favorites like mashed potatoes or warm baked rolls.  Help your guests to celebrate the holiday their way.

Sneak in local, sustainable, organic without telling your guests. Whatever you believe in, prepare foods around those beliefs.  I frequently make little challenges for myself like an all organic meal without telling anyone that’s what I’m doing.  They don’t have to know I paid $5 more a pound for the roast, they just need to know it tastes good.

Let your guests share in the bounty. If a guest has a special dietary need and wants to bring a dish welcome it!  If another guest just wants to pitch in and help, warmly thank them and assign them a dish.  One of the best ways to show love for one another is to feed them and if your guests want to share in the duties it’s just like receiving a hug.  Be happy for the help as you let go of a little control.

Allow freedom of choice. I always set up our Christmas dinner buffet style so people can pick and choose what they want to eat.  I try to do three sides so there’s enough variety for everyone.  I don’t sweat it, if someone doesn’t like sauteed mushrooms like my Mom, sister and I do.  That’s just more for us.

Plan to prep a few dishes ahead of time. If you can do this it’ll just make the day so much easier for you.  Cook dessert the day before.  Do your chopping and dicing ahead of time too.  Take as much off of your plate (pardon the pun) the day of your holiday so you can spend as much time as possible with your guests.

I hope you all enjoy a fabulous holiday (whichever one it is!).  If you’ve got a great recipe you want to share (especially for sides!) please let me know, I’m always looking for new ideas.

Cheers,

Lisa

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