Ditch the Canned Cranberry Sauce
Cooking a holiday dinner is stressful. Every dish will be judged, and you don't want to have to throw away an entire bowl of gravy because it was lumpy. Before you start planning your next Christmas dinner, here are 10 foods to never serve at a holiday dinner and 10 that are a must.
1. Gelatin Salad With a Filling
Gelatin salads were once all the rage, but the trend has since faded. These odd salads were filled with marshmallows, canned fruit, or vegetables. The mix of flavors and textures will not be welcomed by your guests, so avoid the impulse to serve a retro dish at your holiday dinner.
2. Overcooked Turkey
There's nothing more noticeable at a holiday dinner than an overcooked, dry turkey. You need to put your best effort into presenting and serving a turkey that is moist and tender, and can be carved like a dream. A turkey should be the centerpiece of a celebration, not a chore for your guests to chew.
3. Fish With a Strong Odor
Seafood can be one of the stars of your holiday dinner, but you need to select the right type of fish. You want to avoid any fish that has an overpowering odor, as this will overtake your kitchen and mute the more pleasant scents coming from your other dishes.
4. Canned Cranberry Sauce
A perfectly cooked turkey can be undermined by being paired with canned cranberry sauce. Canned cranberry sauces hold the shape of the can and lack the fresh taste that cranberry sauces should have. You want to serve a cranberry sauce that's tart, bright, and impossible not to eat.
5. Instant Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are best when they are creamy and rich. The instant varieties of mashed potatoes are bland and have a weird texture. They also lack the love that should go into cooking. Remember, guests can always taste the difference.
6. Too Much Spice
Spice has its place at some holiday dinners, but you want to be careful about serving any overly spicy dish. Your dinner should be inclusive and a comfortable experience. This means catering to children and people with sensitive palates. Focus more on flavors than spice, and offer some hot sauce to your guests who might like an extra kick of heat.
7. Salad with Limp Lettuce
Salads are often the least remembered part of a great holiday meal, but you can't neglect them or their ingredients. Don't serve a salad on a bed of limp lettuce. It's uninspiring, and more people will avoid eating it altogether. It will suggest that you just threw it together without any care.
8. Unfamiliar Exotic Dishes
Holiday dinners are steeped in tradition, and your guests will expect familiar dishes. Serving something unusual just for fun may turn off or confuse your guests.
9. Anything Too Messy
Saucy ribs aren't a great addition to the holiday dinner table. You want to avoid your guests having to use dozens of napkins or staining their shirts. Serve dishes that are easy to eat, as these can also let people talk and enjoy each other's company without worrying about the mess on their faces.
10. Out-of-Season Produce
You should only serve fresh and seasonal produce at your holiday dinner. Any fruit or vegetable that's out of season will lack flavor and not look its best.
1. Perfectly Roasted Turkey
This might sound obvious, but there's nothing more important than serving a perfectly roasted and prepared turkey to your guests. You want the moisture to be obvious when you're carving it.
2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Whip up a batch of creamy and buttery mashed potatoes from scratch, and your guests will thank you. Your guests expect this, and anything short will stick out. Plus, creamy mashed potatoes pair perfectly with turkey and gravy.
3. Homemade Gravy
Gravy is what brings a fantastic holiday dinner together. It elevates turkey and mashed potatoes, and a good homemade gravy might even get added to vegetables. Go with a rich gravy made from pan drippings. You won't regret it.
4. Stuffing
Stuffing is really only enjoyed during the holidays, so don't deprive your guests of a fresh batch made with herbs and the best bread. It's moist, savory, and hearty.
5. Fresh Cranberry Sauce
Fresh cranberry sauce will add some tang and freshness to your holiday dinner. You don't want to cut corners by opting for the canned version. Fresh cranberry sauce will add vibrancy to your turkey.
6. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted parsnips, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes are the ideal companion to turkey and mashed potatoes. Make sure you get the caramelized edges and roast them properly to bring out their earthy flavors.
7. Freshly Baked Rolls
Not everyone has time to bake rolls, but if you do, it's a game-changer. A roll is a great vehicle for leftover gravy on your plate. Most guests love tearing into a fluffy roll.
8. Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casseroles elbowed their way into being a holiday staple. It has a creamy base and is topped with crunchy fried onions. It's simple, hearty, and indulgent. It's also something of a retro dish, which makes it fun to serve.
9. Pumpkin Pie
No holiday meal is complete without pumpkin pie. Its spiced and creamy filling matches the flaky crust perfectly. This pie also celebrates the tradition of some holidays. Top with whipped cream to amplify its sweetness.
10. Mulled Cider
A festive beverage can make your holiday dinner even more memorable. Try offering your guests a mulled cider. They'll love the fragrant spices, and your home will fill with comforting aromas.
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