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Host a Winter Feast on a Budget
Christmas has come and gone but that doesn’t mean you have to wait until the next holiday to have a nice meal with family and friends. Serving a hearty meal is something that should happen throughout the year, especially since there are plenty of ways you can host a winter feast on a budget.
Cost-Saving Strategy
(Image Source: http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2012/06/5-tips-for-creating-the-perfect-cheese-platter.html)
Even though the holidays are over people are still in the mood to give and help out. Take people up on their offer should they ask if you want them to bring anything to the party. Guests who contribute a bottle or two of wine will certainly lessen the burden of dinner expenditures. Additionally, invitees can lend a hand in the feast itinerary by bringing dishes such as salad or cheese and crackers, both of which are easy to make and also work to diversify the overall spread. And since guests will likely want to impress with their signature addition, they may tend to splurge on higher-end aged cheeses and wines – an added bonus for all to enjoy!
Shop smart by buying in bulk – large crowds to feed during the holidays justify it and it makes the most economical sense. By grabbing wholesale-sized groceries to include snacks, drinks and produce, you get more bang for your buck.
An Inexpensive, Simple and Delicious Feast
A winter feast doesn’t need to be super fancy or expensive. Sometimes simplicity is the key to comfort and a classic route to take when building a menu for a larger party. The following recipes allow you to be resourceful with ingredients and promise an amazing meal.
(Image Source: http://www.finecooking.com/recipes/fresh-ham-rosemary-garlic-lemon.aspx?nterms=53226,50256)
- A winter ham is a must. Marinade a bone-in ham half using a rub that consists of lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper and roast it in the oven. Utilize meat drippings from the pan and whisk with cherry jam, wine, chicken broth and flour to create a complementing sauce to drizzle on top of each carved slice for a true delight.
- Mashed potatoes call for only a handful of items that are uber low cost. Boil up the bulk bag of Yukon Gold potatoes you picked up at Costco and mash up with butter, cream cheese, milk, salt and pepper. This dish basically costs less than $15 to make, but is a comfort food favorite that evokes pure joy at the table.
- Warm peanut butter cookies are a fabulous sweet and salty dessert and snack. All it takes is five ingredients, most of which you probably already have lying around the house. Beat together Planters Creamy Peanut Butter, sugar, vanilla extract, eggs and chopped peanuts. Shape the batter into balls and flatten in a crisscross pattern with a fork. Bake until lightly brown – and, voila! You have the ultimate winter treat that’ll saturate the soul.
- A winter blizzard cocktail is just what your guests need to wrap up their delicious winter feast. Mix together 1 ½ ounces Irish whiskey or rum, ½ ounce hazelnut liqueur and ½ ounce Irish cream liqueur. Add in hot coffee and top with a dollop of whipped cream.
(Image Source: http://www.marthastewart.com/333908/the-blizzard-cocktail#Winter%20Cocktails|/274259/winter-cocktails/@center/276959/cocktail-hour|333908
By following the aforementioned money-saving tips and tricks and creating a menu based on these suggested meal staples, you’ll be the best and smartest host in the books. These winter feast ideas will allow your guests to leave with a full belly and keep your wallet bloated too.
Jennifer Thayer is a technology writer from Southern California who loves finding ways technology can make life easier. She enjoys sharing her tips and tricks with readers. Follow her on Twitter.