Holiday Bring Alongs

This is the time of year when most guests are required to bring some kind of dish to a party or pot luck dinner. The big question is what to bring - hot or cold - sweet or savory?What goes best at a tree trimming party or at a church supper? There are so many choices. It is easy to choose.

Most cooks and bakers  usually go with their strengths. This makes sense because they know exactly how it should be and can make or bake it practically blindfolded. If you're new to the game. then stick with something simple.A salad can make a nice bring along dish. Try something fun like an avocado and celery mix for something different. If you want try a chef salad with different cheeses and meats.Another easy cold dish is an antipasto platter . You can add everything from prosciutto wrapped around bread sticks to artichoke hearts. Bring along small bottles of a simple oregano or rosemary dressing to pour over the different foods.

for hot dishes ,nothing beats a casserole. These can be anything and everything from an elaborate three or tier lasagna, complete with sausage, hard boiled eggs and ham, Baked mac is another good casserole dish that can have layers of bacon added for extra flavor. Chili is another good bring along . It;s easy to make and can go with anything from rice to cornbread.It's also fun to eat. For sides think candied yams or the classic French green bean bake.Both are pretty simple to make and then reheat. If the hostess is serving a roast think about making stuffing as a nice treat.Remember to get an estimate of how many people will be there and adjust your recipes accordingly.You may have to make two or three dishes of the same recipe to fit the needs of the crowd.

Holiday bring alongs can be fun. They're a great way of showing off your talent as a cook, They're also a great way of trying new recipes and enjoying new dishes,