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Holiday Season story and recipe by Doug Smith
The most wonderful time of the year! Christmas music, sparkling lights, decorations, Christmas parties and let’s not forget Santa will be making his appearance. Christmas can be very hectic. Some would even say overwhelming for many reasons. I for one LOVE this time of year, not just for the list above but many other traditions as well. How can we enjoy the season and keep our stress levels low? Let’s talk about keeping it simple. Be thankful for the invitations to celebrate over the next few weeks. Hopefully, you will receive lots. You can’t do everything, so don’t overload an already busy calendar. Learn to say, “Thank you, but I can’t make it this time.” Believe it or not, most people will understand. You may also decide to host a party of your own. Pick the day and time that works best for you and your family. I always say, “Pick the time, put it on the calendar, and then send out the invitations.” I recommend breaking the process down into small bite-size steps. Once you have the date and the guest list taken care of, plan the menu. How many will be coming? Are there any special diets? Gluten-free, vegetarian, etc? We always try to plan the menu so everyone will have a great time and enjoy themselves. I like to select a few items made “from scratch” like my Tomato Bisque. Wassail made from fresh apple cider and a spice pack is also always a hit. Purchasing ready to serve items can help to round out the menu. Start a list of all the different dishes you plan to serve with the estimated preparation and cook time so you can plan which items should be tackled first. The goal would be for everything to be ready at least a half-hour before guests are scheduled to arrive. We label each dish and organize the table to observe the best display pattern. I like to do this the night before the party. As the food preparation is completed, delegate someone to help put the food in the serving dishes. It’s time to get this party started. Remember to have fun and enjoy the fellowship with your friends and family. Let me be the first to wish you a Merry Christmas. With these tidings, may we all be reminded of the reason for the season. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” Luke 2: 11-14
Get more from Doug Smith by following him on Facebook and Instagram at "Doug the Food Guy".
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VIPMagSC.com
December 2019