The holidays can be a hectic time of year, especially if you’re entertaining friends and family. When it comes to cooking for the holidays I like to focus on quality over the quantity of dishes, such as sides and desserts. Thanksgiving, for instance, is a meal where I’ll gladly become a control freak over the things I really care about – a well-seasoned turkey with simple jus, fresh cranberry sauce and a dressing made with big hunks of buttered bread. If it’s your year to host I suggest you do the same. Focus on what’s most important to you and let those offering to bring a dish take care of the rest of the meal! Assign duties to guests so you have the time to make what’s most important to you.
Holiday Basics
Bacon
Baguette
Butter, Unsalted
Cream, Heavy
Nutmeg
Eggs
Maple Syrup
Oats
Olive Oil, Extra Virgin
Pecan Halves
Peppercorns
Salt, Kosher
Turkey, Whole
Wine, Sparkling
Holiday Seasonal
Apples
Brussels Sprouts
Celery
Cider, Apple
Cranberries
Garlic
Ginger
Onions, Yellow
Oranges
Potatoes, Sweet
Rosemary
Thyme
Over the next two months I’ll share Crate Cooking: Hosting the Holidays menus and recipes. I’ve developed a show-stopping Thanksgiving guide, including a turkey which cooks in one hour and an assortment of sides that fit in a single oven all at 375 F. For December, enjoy my festive Christmas breakfast menu along with recipes of sides, desserts and edible favors for the season.