By Staff
There are only five menu planning days until Christmas.
Sorry, but I felt the need to tell you that. No so much to put you in a panic about your holiday meal, but to let you know you've got to get a move on if you want it to come off good.
I've already purchased my ham. It's in the freezer and just needs to be taken out and thawed for the big day.
My family has questioned me many times on what I plan to serve for Christmas dinner. I have a plan in mind, but it's now time to put things into action and make final preparations and purchases for the ingredients I'll need.
My Christmas dinner menu includes a ham, sweet potato casserole, broccoli salad, pink-eye peas from the freezer, creamed corn from the freezer, crescent rolls, a little cornbread and, if time permits, maybe a little pot of dumplings for my son.
I know that may not sound like a fancy meal, but it is one that has the favorites of my family. There are so many other dishes I'd like to prepare, but time is of the essence during the holidays.
And, who wants to be tied up in the kitchen on Christmas morning preparing a big meal.
At any rate, if you are looking for some good recipes I'm passing on a few for you today. These recipes call for some standard ingredients that most families enjoy; however, there are a few twists that may add a little life to an otherwise dull dish.
Fancy Green Beans
2 tbs. teriyaki sauce
1 tbs. honey
1 tbs. butter, melted
1 tbs. fresh lemon juice
1 and one-half pounds fresh, green beans (frozen can be used)
2 slices bacon
One-half cup red bell pepper, cut into strips
One-half cup thin onion wedges
One-half cup whole cashews
In a small bowl, combine teriyaki sauce, honey and melted butter. Bring a large pot of water to boil with lemon juice. Drop beans into boiling water and cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Drain and plunge beans into large bowl of ice water. Drain again. In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. In bacon drippings in skillet, saut