Five Ready-To-Serve Foods To Help Make Your Holiday Meal Complete

Pulling together a big holiday meal takes an army. While those hosting usually have helping hands with family and friends willing to bring a dish to the meal, there is always the occasion where you might need just a little bit of extra help. If you are entertaining, there are several opportunities to add to your menu without adding to your workload. Consider these options to add a bit of extra flavor to your party and take the pressure off, if even just a little.

Mixed nuts: It sounds so simple, but these easy to eat and healthy munchies are a perfect picky food to have throughout the house as guests mix and mingle. It can be used as a staple snack for guests not interested diving in to the heavy appetizers. has an assortment of gourmet options as well as an Asian snack mix that includes rice crackers, sesame crisps and wasabi peas and may be nothing short of addictive.

Vegetable Platter: Many people love munching on veggies to stave off hunger in anticipation of the big meal, but many peole also hate cutting and chopping. Consider the pre-packed vegetable platter at It can the perfect size and at an affordable price. The trick is to re-plate these nutritious bites onto a beautiful platter. Yes, it is a sneaky shortcut but the time and energy saved will help to make your time with your guests as plentiful and enjoyable as possible.

Stuffed Pork Roast (okay this is not 100 percent ready to serve but it is close): If turkey or ham is not on your list for entrée options this year consider pre-packaged, stuffed pork roast found in the same case at the marinated chicken and steak tips. This savory solution is as easy as 1-2-3. Open the packaging, roast in oven and enjoy. It is filled with delicious prosciutto, provolone and spinach and will absolutely impress your guests with its presentation and flavor.

Ricotta Pie: Baking has never been my strong point and while the fresh fruit pies that are perfectly wonderful and abundant are a nice choice for the holidays, my weakness is ricotta pie. It is rich, creamy and not overly sweet. Top it off with some fresh berries and you will most definitely be glad you saved room for dessert.

Fresh Fruit: Another easy way to end your holiday celebration is with a selection of palate cleansing fruits. Stop in to any of our local markets and pick up a combination of red and green grapes, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, pineapple and kiwi. Wash, slice and arrange everything in a decorative bowl. It is an easy, guilt free and pretty way to wrap up your meal.

One final holiday tip - Don’t overdo your appetizers. Let every part of your meal stand out by ensuring that your guests aren’t already stuffed before the stuffing.

Happy Holidays.