A Few Holiday Meal Ideas

​Written by Shae Rufe

As the Holiday season prepares to come to a close, there is much joy in the air. If you’re one that loves this season, or not, I have some quick and easy meal ideas to make any party, gathering, or event, much more fun to go to. Christmas dinner is coming up, so that means many of us will have left overs, right? Now, maybe we all have our own ideas of what should be done with left overs, but I’ve also got a few ideas that make things just that much better.

First, take your left over Christmas turkey, cut it or shred it into some bite-sized chunks, put them in an oven safe bowl, add whatever left over veggies you have, or frozen ones, add in some chicken broth, or cream of chicken soup (mixed with some milk), cover with any type of pastry trust, and bake! Many variations of this recipe exist on the Internet, and maybe in a few homes, but I have to say, it’s one of my favorite ways to eat a tasty left-over meal! Well, that and a turkey sandwich. There are many debates on how this goes. If you’ve got left over croissants, I say cut one in half, fill with turkey, mayo, and pepper jack cheese, and enjoy. But don't add lettuce. Don’t do it. But, if you want to make your sandwich a little more nerdy, take a piece of celery, leafy top and all, and a toothpick. Your sandwich now has a nice garnish. And might possibly be related to the 5th doctor.

However you eat your left overs is the right way. But you can’t always share those with others. Sometimes you get invited to a holiday party for work, or friends, and you’re asked to bring something. Like me! And really…I never have any idea what to bring. So! Quick trick! Those cookies they have, pre-made, pre-cut, and ready to go? I’m not going to lie, this is cheating, but if you’ve no time to bake, hey! Grab them! I like to cut the little cookie dough bits in half…it doubles what you have, and they turn out great. Nobody will know the difference…To make them look more homemade, just take the chocolate ones and sprinkle some powdered sugar on top. Also, there are sugar cookies out there that might just make some of us giggle. Frozen cookies can be bought, while they may have Olaf on the package, they have a heart in the middle of the cookie. Frozen heart cookies? Why not!

If you have some time and you’ve been asked to bring some savory side dishes, then get a bunch of red potatoes, some paprika, and some parsley. Cut the potatoes into wedges, place them in a pan, liberally cover with paprika, sprinkle with parsley, then add a stick of cut up butter, evenly, to the top. Cook at 425 for an hour, flipping the potatoes every 15 minutes, and you’ve got an easy side dish that will impress. This is even really good with any dinner. The reddish color gives them a slightly other-worldly feel, this is why I also call them my Vampire potatoes. Which, they are vampire safe, since there is no garlic.

Of course, if you’re looking for something that requires no baking, I’ve got an idea too. Take a half a tub of Cool Whip, add one container of strawberry yogurt, mix, and you have a fruit dip that will make everyone go nuts. Or how about some fun homemade chocolates!? If you’re like me, you hopefully have at least one nerdy ice cube tray around. Mine happens to be Batman themed. I like to take any chocolate, melt it, pour it halfway into the mold, and let it cool. Instant personal, fun shaped, chocolate, that is a fun treat to hand out during the holiday season.

There's some of my holiday ideas, and I'd love to hear some of yours because sharing is caring so if you gave these a try, comment or tweet us and let us know and share you own, because we'd love to try yours too!  Have a wonderful holiday everyone! 

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