We’re all gearing up to ring in 2014 in style. So why not serve a meal that screams, “Special occasion!!!!!”

That would be prime rib. Oh, beautiful, delicious, prime rib.

We make statements with our food. We may not realize it but we do. Cheeseburgers say, “Hey, I’m being casual. Shoes are optional.” But prime rib? That says, “This is important to me and we must celebrate!”

Chef Michael Symon has some excellent advice for making YOUR prime rib the best it can be. See his prime rib tips here.

This one takes time, folks. So if you’re in a hurry the cheeseburgers might be a better option. But if you have the time to do it properly, salt overnight, let it sit after it’s done in the oven – THIS will be a masterpiece.

What better way to usher in the new year???

Photo courtesy of Chef Michael Symon via TastingTable.com.

It’s almost time for holiday meals! Are you ready?

Here’s a wonderful holiday checklist to make sure you’ve got everything covered.

Appetizers? Check. Entrees? Check. Side dishes? Check. Desserts? Well, you get the picture.

Check it out and make sure you don’t forget a thing!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

The guests are coming! The guests are coming!

Overnight guests = lotsa cooking.

And it’s not just the holiday meal we have to prepare for, it’s multiple breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, appetizers, desserts – it’s non-stop eating!

I KNOW it’s not just my family.

So I like to try to be kind to myself and get a game plan ahead of time.

My go-to dinners? Burgers (always easy and always a hit) and Bake & Serve meals like the Roast Chicken with Apple and Tart Cherry you see above.

So tasty – and you just pop them in the oven! Voila! Gourmet!

Check out other tasty Bake & Serve ideas here like Beef Wellington and Chicken Cordon Bleu.

And have a merrier holiday without all the stress!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.