For me Holiday meals are all about side dishes! Side dishes add variety to your menu and allow you to offer something special for everyone. My Dad loves my grandmother’s traditional stuffing and ambrosia salad, so this is a staple of our menu for nostalgic reasons. If you have not heard of Ambrosia salad, it is a creamy fruit salad loaded with pineapple, mandarin oranges, coconut and miniature marshmallows. It may sound like an odd mixture but is really is quite delightful. I love to put a spin on the traditional menu and offer some lighter options like a Vegetable Sauté and Bacon-Wrapped Roasted Asparagus. These simple side dish recipes add flavor and color to your table. McCormick’s new spice blends make them super simple to prepare. Just before serving the main meal; sauté your veggies adding McCormick® Salt Free Vegetable Seasoning while they are in the pan. It only takes a few minutes and they can be plated and served immediately.
The Bacon-Wrapped Roasted Asparagus is simple, just toss the asparagus with McCormick® Himalayan Pink Salt, Black Pepper and Garlic All Purpose, then wrap bundles of asparagus in pre-cooked bacon, roast for 7-10 minutes and you have a savory side dish everyone will love. Bacon really does make everything better!
For a fun spin on traditional mashed potatoes, try adding Stuffed Mashed Potato Tots to your holiday menu. Kids will love them, young and old! Keep the prep simple, add McCormick® Garlic, Onion, Black Pepper and Sea Salt All Purpose Seasoning for punch of flavor. The tot mixture can be made ahead, then when you are ready, form your tots and roll them in butter and panko just before baking. Or use your left-over mashed potatoes for a great leftover side dish.
There are so many possibilities when it comes to side dishes. I usually survey the crowd a few weeks out asking for their favorite dishes, then add some new options to make sure everyone has something they will love and something new to try. Keep it colorful and don’t over think it or go overboard with too many dishes. For many years, I used to get so stressed about preparing the perfect meal with way too many options but what I realized in the end is that everyone was always happy and grateful for whatever I prepared.
Planning is key! Chop your veggies, and pre-cook as much as possible so you can enjoy the day as much as everyone else. Delegate simple tasks and take the time to teach simple kitchen skills to your little helpers. I have discovered that the kids do really love to be a part of the prep and gain confidence by learning new skills. Next year, you can put them in charge of that dish or task. The holidays are all about spending time with family, so be mindful of the privilege of being able to gather together and share these special moments. Bring the joy! Happy Holidays and warmest wishes to you and your family.