The holidays are upon us and it's time for my favorite part of any get-together - the feast! In the dizziness of preparing, cooking, and hosting, things tend to "fall off" the grocery cart and slip even the perfect host's mind. In these moments, just remember: everything will be fine. Take slow, deep breaths around irritating family and friends. Sneak off to the kitchen and enjoy a few sips of a stiff cocktail now and then, to keep your cheeks rosey and your smile smiling. Atta girl. When it all really hits the fan, buy a roast for this weekend and begin tenderizing. Beat the crap out of it whenever someone decides to lay a snide comment on your "festive" weight gain or the age-old lack of luster on your ring finger. Ahh, the holidays... precious memories we spend the rest of the year trying to drink away. Fortunately, my family is quite the fun bunch. We take eating and drinking as a personal challenge and your very presence is a glove-slapping invitation to a wine drinking duel. I've pulled together a few recipes to get you through Thanksgiving as painlessly (and deliciously!) as possible. 1) Emergency stuffing: it is a perfect side dish - quick, easy, filling and affordable. Make it on the spot if your feasting table is looking a little drab. 2) Emergency Spiced Hot Toddy: perfect for stashing a mug in the microwave and escaping to "check the turkey". Then there's Secret Santa. It's a great idea for families and friends to save money but there's always "that guy" who's impossible to shop for. In the end, you waste your money in some Sky Mall catalog purchase that no one will ever use. Or worse, try to go the comedic route and buy your creepy uncle in-law a Shake Weight - which, by the way, sends only the wrong messages. Which brings us to 3) Secret Santa Wishlist Printable: Everyone will be more at ease when they receive something they actually need, and you won't end up with everyone buying one person presents because they were the name master. I know your tricks, you evil Santas.
EMERGENCY STUFFING:
Start by dicing an onion and a few garlic cloves. Thinly slice 2 carrots and 1 rib of celery.
Break up a day-old baguette or loaf of bread and toast both sides of each slice.
I'm adding pomegranate seeds (TIP: de-seed the pomegranate in a large bowl of water, then dry on a paper towel to avoid a mess), toasted almond shavings, and fresh thyme.
In a pan, caramelize the carrots over high heat until brown on one side. Reduce the heat to low and add a tablespoon of brown sugar. Simmer until the carrots become sticky with the melted sugar.
In a pot over low heat sweat the onions, garlic and celery in 2 tbs. butter until translucent. Turn the heat high and add 2 more tablespoons of butter. Stir in the bread and coat the pieces in melted butter. Toss in the carrots, pomegranate and almonds. Slowly pour in a 1/4 cup of stock and stir until combined. Add stock in tablespoon increments until the bread is softened and just bunching together. Be careful not to overdo the stock - no one wants soggy stuffing. Add in herbs of your choice - I'm using parsley and thyme.Dumpster (because it's made with leftover ingredients) stuffing is super easy! Chop up any little on-hand bits and throw them in. The other day I made a delicious stuffing with chopped chorizo and mushrooms with a crispy shallot topping.
EMERGENCY SEDATIVE:
First, stock up on booze. Then, pick your poison. I'm using Fireball (cinnamon whisky - very popular these days because it's dangerously poundable). Whiskey, Bourbon, Spiced Rums and Scotch would work as well.
Fill a mug about 3/4 high with water and microwave for 2 minutes. Remove mug from the zapper and steep a tea packet (black or earl grey) for about 2 minutes, stirring in a teaspoon of honey. Add a shot of your favored booze and let the party begin.
Try this recipe with hot apple cider instead of water for a hard cider. Fancy these hot alchies up with twist of lemon or a cinnamon stick stirrer.
SECRET SANTA SAVER:
I made this free secret Santa printable to make gift exchanges a little easier this year.
FREE PRINTABLE SECRET SANTA WISHLIST
Print and cut out each box and pass one out for per person (6 wishlists per page). Write your name on the card inside the hand and a few Christmas gift ideas for yourself on the lines that are within the set price range. Fold it a few times over and mix your wishlist in a communal hat or mixing bowl. Once everyone's wishlists are in, take turns picking who you'll be playing Santa for this year.
