I like meal ideas that are quick, but don’t cut corners. These full meal pairings help to get the dinner on the table fast without sacrificing quality and flavor. Plus, they’re not the same old same old.

Try ‘em in the new year!

1. 3 Cheese Arancini (can be an appetizer or a side), Chicken Spiedini and Lemon Coconut Cake.
2. Crabcakes, Filet Mignon and Red Velvet Cake.
3. Lobster Flatbread, Veal Cutlets and Hand-Dipped Chocolate Macaroons.

Want more full meal ideas? Create your own customized meals here!

Happy (tasty) New Year!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

Everyone has their own ideas of what makes a great holiday table.

Some cannot veer from the classic turkey, spiral ham and sides combo.

And I understand that. I’m in touch with that.

Sometimes, holiday time is the only time of year you serve those dishes.

But, for some, the holiday table allows you to try something out of the ordinary and special like Chateaubriand or prime rib.

The most important thing is that your holiday table makes YOU happy.

Have you ever served a nice salmon or lobster on your holiday table?

How about lasagna?

Tell me, what are you serving on your holiday table this year?

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

With so much going on when you’re hosting a holiday dinner, it’s helpful to cut down on the last-minute scrambling by serving made-ahead side dishes.

Delicious options like twice-baked potatoes you just pop in the oven and steak butters to enhance the flavor of just about anything – from those steaks you have on hand to mashed potatoes with porcini mushrooms you simply heat in the oven.

Creamed corn that just requires heating up is also a great option that just about everybody loves. Don’t labor over EVERY side dish AND the main entree. Save your energy for the showstoppers!

Delicious AND easy is the way to go to keep stress at a minimum. Don’t let the food get you worked up. Remember, Aunt Susie will be there with her advice about your love life. Again.

THAT will be quite enough stress, thank you.

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.