Remember how we’re going to cut down on the stress this holiday season?

Well, that extends to the appetizers, too.

Appetizers serve a few purposes:

1. They give growling bellies something to do while the main entrée is finishing cooking.
2. They create anticipation for the gorgeous meal ahead.
3. They sometimes substitute for a main entrée for picky eaters.

So they’ve got to be good, right?

But GOOD doesn’t have to mean HARD.

Why not try some made-ahead appetizers that you just heat up or simply serve? Some of my favorites are baby brie bites, crabcakes, bacon and cheddar sliders and jumbo shrimp.

With a great variety like that, everybody is sure to be covered. And NO ONE will go hungry.

Here’s to a stress-free holiday!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

People are coming! People are coming!

Do those words strike fear in your soul?

Don’t fret. Plan!

Holiday time, while joyous, brings an enormous amount of stress. Especially if YOU are the host.

That’s why planning ahead is so important.

1. Plan a menu now, taking into account who is coming, their dietary needs and preferences, and the time you’ll have to commit to cooking.
2. Appetizers are important. I like to offer little bacon and cheddar sliders or lobster flatbread to satisfy appetites while I’m finishing up the main course. Nothing worse than grumpy, waiting guests. Plus, if for some reason a guest doesn’t dig the turkey you’re cooking there are other options to fill them up if needed.
3. Grill or broil a few steaks to have on hand. Why? See #2. There may be guests who are too shy to share their taste preferences with you. You won’t know until you see them fake-nibbling off a virtually empty plate at dinnertime. If no one partakes of the gorgeous steaks, they WILL be eaten. Think of the bazillion mealtimes ahead with overnight guests.

What are YOUR favorite plan-ahead strategies to reduce stress during the holidays?

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

Is it tough to come up with dynamic gifts for the ones you love?

Trying to figure out what to get that special lady this year?

As a female myself I KNOW I would love these gifts for her:

1. Filet Mignon (with bacon, please)

2. Beef Wellington (I’m in charge of cooking for my family and I can just pop these in the oven and they’re done!)

3. Anything that’s Heat & Serve (ham? yes! sides like twice-baked potatoes? double yes!)

The way to a woman’s heart is definitely through her stomach. And in my case, steaks are a direct route.

Surprise her with something that says “I know you!” this year and she’ll always be grateful.