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Eat, Save and Be Merry - Share some holiday cheer with these tasty, budget-friendly entertaining ideas.
by Leah Ingram
Celebrations of the season, whether in your home or church basement, are filled with laughter, fellowship and—of course—food. This year, though, you may be rethinking your budget for that holiday meal or signature dish. After all, the prices for supermarket staples have spiked—the cost of bread rose nearly 23 percent between February and July 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
But before you say "Bah Humbug!" to the holidays, take heart: Two Thrivent Financial for Lutherans members—Sara Schwartz, co-owner of Duck Crossing, a restaurant and catering company in Wautoma, Wisconsin; and Kathryn Clements, a registered dietitian in Cannon Falls, Minnesota—have ideas to help you save money (and calories) without sacrificing taste, graciousness or style.
Traditional Meal
A holiday feast laden with all the trimmings—and then some—can mean wasted food and wasted calories.
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Budget Meal
New approaches to old favorites can create a delicious, still-festive meal. |
Appetizers |
Last year, maybe you served a cheese-and-sausage platter and finger food like stuffed mushrooms.
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This year, go with a flavorful cheese spread molded into a ball and rolled in dried cranberries.
Health Tip: Serve with whole-grain crackers and fresh veggies for a smart fiber boost. |
Drinks |
Perhaps mixed drinks and various kinds of wine have been holiday standards at your home. |
Instead of a full bar, serve a splashy cocktail punch or sparkling apple cider.
Health Tip: Use diet ginger ale in your punch and spare your guests about 100 calories a glass. |
Main Meal |
For many families, it wouldn’t be a holiday dinner without a choice cut of meat, such as store-bought glazed ham or prime rib. |
Try the honey-glazed ham recipe at AllRecipes.com or, if you’re a prime rib person, opt for a less-expensive round roast.
Health Tip: If you can get it, grass-fed beef is lower in saturated fat and cholesterol. |
Side Dishes |
Last year, asparagus, roasted potatoes and broccoli with a cheese or butter-and-lemon sauce may have accompanied your meal. |
This year, add color with vibrant steamed vegetables drizzled with olive oil and a dash of salt.
Health Tip: The FDA says frozen veggies provide the same nutrients and health benefits as fresh ones. |
Dessert |
It’s easy to go overboard on dessert, serving lots of pie options, from pecan to apple to pumpkin. |
"If you do a lovely plate of fresh fruit and butter cookies," says Schwartz, "that’s a pretty good dessert!"
Health Tip: Add an assortment of antioxidant-rich dark chocolates for a low-guilt treat. |
More How-To Tips
Expert Ideas
"If you want to serve a fruit platter, you have to buy whole fruits and cut everything up yourself. You’ll save time if you order a platter from the supermarket, and in the end, it probably won’t cost much more."
-Sara Schwartz,
restaurant co-owner and caterer,
Wautoma, Wisconsin
"Look at items with a long shelf life and start buying them when they’re on sale or you have coupons to use."
-Kathryn Clements,
registered dietitian,
Cannon Falls, Minnesota
- Keep It Healthy: Practice portion control by pre-cutting slices of food, like desserts, into smaller portions. For example, instead of getting eight pieces out of a cheesecake, make smaller slices so you get 12 pieces.
- Keep It Simple: Try adding a new tradition by asking guests to bring a favorite dish in a certain category (or just make assignments). Doing so will make everyone feel more a part of the festivities, and the event won’t be nearly as exhausting—or expensive—for the host.
- Keep It Fun: Bored with board games? Move your get-together outside after eating for a group nature walk, or divide your guests into small teams for an outdoor scavenger hunt (have extra hats and mittens on hand in northern climates!).
Recipes
To find healthier holiday recipes this year, Clements suggests visiting Web sites like EatingWell.com.com and CookingLight.com (Both specialize in better-for-you eating.) Also, try these healthier recipes for zucchini bread and artichoke-and-spinach dip from Clements and Schwartz.
Lifestyle and entertaining expert Leah Ingram’s articles have appeared in InStyle, USA Today and Newsweek.
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