Giant Eagle^® Holidays: Extra, On All the Extras

Article archived: December, 2009

Imagine a holiday celebration where the meal is flavorful, the side dishes are sensations, and you have plenty of stress-free time to spend with your loved ones.

We want to help you create that holiday. From the perfect fruity, seasonal beverage to time-saving tips, Giant Eagle^® Cook has the details for holiday extras that exceed your expectations (and your guests')!

Enticing sides
Cranberry drinks
Time-saving secrets

Enticing sides

It takes time to prepare a perfect holiday meal — so you want side dishes that dazzle, not disappoint. A simple trick is freshening up old favorites with new ingredients.

Instead of making traditional mashed potatoes, use small, unpeeled red-skinned potatoes (washed well), and boil them with whole cloves of garlic. The red-skinned potato offers a new twist to our already-delicious Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe — and saves you from tedious peeling!
Make your green bean casserole with fresh green beans and a sauce made of cream, fresh mushrooms, and butter.
Instead of making a candied yam casserole, offer guests healthier fare: baked sweet potatoes. Bake the yams as you would standard baking potatoes, then butter them with a glaze of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
For a surprising and delicious combination of traditions, try mashed sweet potatoes. You can use nutritious extras like cranberries, nuts, or apples to add even more dash to the display.
Try oven-roasting vegetables you might normally pan-fry, like Brussels sprouts or carrots. Guests will appreciate the depth of flavor, and you won't have to stand over the stove as the veggies cook!
Sauté baby carrots with brown sugar, for tasty glazed carrots.

Cranberry drinks

No meal is complete without beverages! Get your guests into the holiday spirit by serving up cranberry flavor beyond the usual sauce. These delicious drinks and cocktails all use cranberry juice as a base.

Try this non-alcoholic twist on a Cosmo — the Razzmopolitan. If you want to make it an adult beverage, just add a nip of vodka before serving.
While the name says Spring Celebration Punch, this drink suits any meal, all year long. Serve this delicious punch at your holiday gathering, and your family will be asking for more.
Everyone will feel like a guest of honor if you serve them Sparkling Raspberry-Cranberry Punch. This blend of cranberry juice, raspberry seltzer, and frozen raspberries tastes divine.
Combining citrus and cranberries creates a tart, sweet flavor that tingles the taste buds. This Cranberry Lemonade will please your palate.

Time-saving secrets

While you want your holiday to be perfect, you also want to have enough time to enjoy it! Try some of these time-saving tips and ease the big-day pressure, while giving yourself time to enjoy the company of family and friends.

Plan like a professional. Make sauces first, then time-consuming side dishes. Easy dishes, such as salads or fruit trays, can be made last.
Complete your prep work first. Peeled, chopped potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator covered in water to keep them from browning. Chopped carrots and green beans stay fresh, pre-cut, in the crisper. And cornbread or bread for stuffing can be cut into pieces and left out to aerate.
Pre-bake, or pre-buy. Rolls, pies and cookies are crucial, but they don't have to be cooked day-of to taste fresh. Pick them up from the bakery the day before, or bake them in advance.
Be flexible with side dishes. Ask your guests to bring their favorites, or purchase a few in advance from the Giant Eagle^® Prepared Foods department. We've got all the traditional favorites, from vegetables and mashed potatoes to mac and cheese and cold pasta salads.
Consider appetizers. Giant Eagle^® offers pre-made cheese boards and olive trays, so you won't feel rushed to satisfy your guests' hunger.

It takes time to prepare a beautiful meal, but Giant Eagle^® Cook is always ready to help. Make the most of your holidays with Giant Eagle^® Cook, and share the joy of delicious food and drinks with your nearest and dearest.