FESTIVE THINKING
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By Rendi Cloe Johnson
It’s easy to imagine a joyous celebration filling the air on every street corner with tinsel town care. While lost in the moments of the greatest degree of glittery décor of gold n sparkle. A warming effect takes place in both body and mind so charming and delightful.
But, with it comes surprises leaving us no time to spare, for all the things we need to accomplish. Dare not be filled with unwarranted disguises. With a few simple answers you might even find the extra time for baking those cookies in peace.
For some, the planning of festivities comes easy. Others, not so much. Regardless, it is my goal at the very least to help put the word “festive” into your celebrations with a little less stress. One of the most joyful things about the holidays is the idea of tantalizing foods. In thinking of such foods, you may also be asking yourself, “What might I creative that would be interesting enough to serve as a delightfully, surprising dish that will have everyone talking about for years to come?” Something that might even drive one’s taste buds to feel as festive as a jolly elf. Let’s face it, the last thing you need are disapproving looks from your guests after you’ve served them something to eat. You want to create an honorable platter of elegance minus the stress. With all the
trimmings and Christmas music that set the tone, festive foods is a must! It would feel like such a contradiction if it wasn’t part of the equation. It doesn’t take a lot to put together a few desirable dishes outside the norm of traditional dishes.
I say wine, and specialty cheeses, along with an array of good eats to choose from, are perfect for bringing the family and friends together. Just living, loving, and laughing, while eating, and relaxing should be what it’s all about. But, somehow the planning and creating becomes an overwhelming task. Especially, for those who are not accustomed to entertaining or cooking that much. Hopefully, we can alleviate some of the stress by sharing a few ideas.
One side dish that is sure to please the most discerning of taste buds, especially if you are Italian and love a burst of flavors such as many people I know, is a dish that I actually made up one day when feeling the desire for something healthy. I took whole tomatoes (fresh or canned) hollowed the inside leaving enough room to put artichoke hearts, chopped garlic, black olives, fresh basil, and sundried tomatoes. I then drizzled it with balsamic vinegar, while topping it all off with mozzarella and goat cheeses. I then placed it in the oven at 375 for 20 minutes and out comes a wonderfully, delicious appetizer! Years later, my guests that day, still rant and rave over it!
If you are planning on cooking a turkey, and would like to fix it a little different than usual, here is an exciting way to add a very moist, and zesty flavorful, turkey ever known to man! After rinsing it really well, and pulling out all the fun stuff in the middle, pat it dry with a paper towel, or two. Use a butter knife to gently loosen the skin away from the bird, careful not to pull it too far away as to keep it in tack.
03 BAY LIFE LIVING. COM - Christmas 2015 and New Year's 2016 ISSUE
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BAY LIFE LIVING