I like meal ideas that are quick, but don’t cut corners. These full meal pairings help to get the dinner on the table fast without sacrificing quality and flavor. Plus, they’re not the same old same old.

Try ‘em in the new year!

1. 3 Cheese Arancini (can be an appetizer or a side), Chicken Spiedini and Lemon Coconut Cake.
2. Crabcakes, Filet Mignon and Red Velvet Cake.
3. Lobster Flatbread, Veal Cutlets and Hand-Dipped Chocolate Macaroons.

Want more full meal ideas? Create your own customized meals here!

Happy (tasty) New Year!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

We spend so much time during the holidays focusing on the meals – turkeys, hams, green beans – but let’s not forget the all-important dessert!

I love to have a variety of desserts to offer, not only because I will eat EVERY ONE of them, but because they are beautiful and everyone likes something different.

Some of my favorites are little holiday cheesecake bites (eat one or five – I won’t tell!), beautiful Buche de Noel (a timeless classic), and decadent chocolate macaroons.

What a gorgeous array these make! Seriously, just looking at these delicious desserts is almost as fun as eating them.

Almost.

What are YOUR favorite holiday desserts?

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

Whether you’re serving a Chateaubriand, a prime rib roast or a good ol’ fashioned turkey this Thanksgiving, there is so much Thanksgiving prep you can do ahead of time to make the day run smoothly.

1. Make a list of all the ingredients you’ll need and shop way ahead of time to avoid the last-minute rush at the supermarket.
2. Prepare side dishes beforehand, refrigerate them and just pop them in the oven the day of the big feast.
3. Wash special china now so you’re not scrambling to set the table while you’re worrying about the meal.
4. Prepare desserts, too, and keep them cold until Thanksgiving Day. Then, when you’re ready for them, just bake!
5. Or you can even order desserts and let someone else do the baking!

Think through all of the details that can add up to lots of time on Thanksgiving Day itself. Anything you can do ahead of time – do it!

I like to break out my spiral ham a couple of days before as kind of a teaser. No reason we can’t enjoy it even before the big day.

Have fun planning this holiday meal. The prep and anticipation is half the fun!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.