So your family decided to surprise you by arriving a few days earlier. The only problem is that you haven’t prepared a menu yet. Don’t fret because here are three easy recipes that will have your stress levels in check and your family mouth watering.
You have already done so much planning for the big Turkey Dinner and the last thing you want to do is plan anything major prior to this. However, as much as ordering Pizza is appealing your family are all under one roof a few times a year. Make it special with a menu that they’ll never forget.
– Appetizer –
Fruit and Caramel Brie
Warmed Brie is always a crowd pleaser. It will keep everyone busy while you are preparing the main course. It is also something that is quick and easy to make.
Ingredients:
1 round (8 ounces) Brie cheese, rind removed
1/3 cup caramel ice cream topping
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped dried apples
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 loaf French Bread baguette, sliced and toasted
Directions:
1. Place Brie in a microwave-safe bowl. In a small bowl, combine the caramel topping, cranberries, apples and walnuts. Spread over Brie. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 60-90 seconds or until cheese is heated through and slightly melted. Serve with toasted baguette.
– Main Course –
Veal Chops with Mustard-Sage Crust
The best part about this dish is that it sounds fancier then it really is. In fact it only takes about 15 minutes to prep and about 25 minutes to cook. You’ll also be impressed with the small list of ingredients.
Ingredients:
4 veal chops (8 ounces each)
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup soft bread crumbs
3 tablespoons stone-ground mustard
2 tabelspoons minced fresh sage
2 garlic cloves, minced
Directions:
1. Sprinkle veal chops on both sides with pepper and salt. Place bread crumbs in a shallow bowl. Combine mustard, sage and garlic; spread over one side of each chop, then coat with crumbs.
2. Place chops coated side up on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Bake at 450 for 25-30 minutes or until meat thermometer reads 160.
– Dessert –
Chocolate Fondue
You’re probably dreading the idea of coming up with a dessert recipe last minute. Again, there is a really tasty (and easy) solution: fondue! This is also a great opportunity to ask a young one to help (and take some of the weight off of you). It’s also a fun dessert idea that everyone will remember.
Ingredients:
1-1/2 cups sugar
1-1/4 cups water
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 cup baking cocoa
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
5 squares (1 ounce each) semisweet chocolate, chopped
Strawberries, banana chunks, apple slices or angel food cake cubes
Directions:
1. In a small saucepan, bring the sugar, water and corn syrup to a boil. Reduce the heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes, stirring frequently.
2. In a bowl, combine the cocoa, cream and half of the syrup mixture until smooth; return to the pan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Stir in the chopped chocolate until melted.
3. Serve fondue warm with fruit or cake for dipping.
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Although it’s not as easy as ordering delivery it’s a fairly easy menu that your family will love and remember. The Holidays after all are about family and creating memories!
Happy Holidays!
Follow me on Twitter @missbrittanydow or @Blisstree for recipe ideas!
Image Credits: iStockPhoto
Recipe Sources:
Fruit and Caramel Brie by Tracy Schuhmacher
Veal Chops with Mustard-Sage Crust by Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Chocolate Fondue by Jane Shapton
All from The Taste of Home Cookbook
Post from: Blisstree