The holidays are just around the corner. It is the time of the year that is usually filled with parties, gatherings, and dinners – all of which usually include food. If you happen to be the host of one of the many holiday get-togethers, you want to impress your guests but not be stressed. Today, I am going to share with you some ways to make your holidays stress-free, including a simple recipe and some new products for your kitchen.
First off is a simple appetizer. I wanted to get one that had Thanksgiving flair, but this really could work for anytime during the holidays. I wanted something that would be quick and easy to make but also wanted it to be special. This would be a great way to start off your Thanksgiving meal.
Fruit and Caramel Brie
- 1 round (13.25 oz) Brie cheese
- 1/3 cup caramel ice cream topping
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped dried apples
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- Sliced baguette bread or crackers
- Remove the rind from the Brie and place the cheese round in a microwave-safe serving bowl.
- In another bowl, combine the caramel topping, cranberries, apples and walnuts.
- Spread the caramel mixture over the Brie.
- Microwave, uncovered, on high for 45-60 seconds or until cheese is heated through and slightly melted. Serve with toasted baguette slices or crackers.
Now that you have a simple appetizer for the holidays, I want to share with you some new products from GE Café™ that can also help make your holiday cooking easier. First is the new GE Café™ Double Oven Range. Who couldn’t use two ovens when preparing for a meal like Thanksgiving?
The cook-top has:
- Tri-ring burner – goes as high as 20K BTUs (most powerful GE Café™ has ever made)
- Allows for GE’s most powerful boiling technology but can also be brought down to a simmer
- Can adjust to pan size
- Distinct Simmer burner – 5K BTUs
- Integrated non-stick griddle (8K BTUs)
The oven has:
- 6.7 ft³ capacity – largest oven capacity in the US industry
- Two fully functional ovens that can be set at different temperatures
- Top cavity – 7”H; Lower cavity 13”H
- Both self-cleaning
- Lower oven gas convection
- Fan circulates air evenly allowing for even cooking that seals in flavor/juices
- Extension slide-out rack
Next is the GE Café™ Advantium Oven. It is Four Ovens in One!
- Speedcook
- Traditional Convection Bake
- Warming/Proofing Oven (great when making those Thanksgiving rolls!)
- Sensor Microwave (perfect for warming up your Thanksgiving leftovers!)
It also has 175 preprogrammed recipes, a programmable nightlight, and a stainless steel interior.
I know either of those appliances would help make my holiday cooking easier! GE Café™ and BlogHer have also been nice enough to provide a $100 Visa gift card to give away to one lucky reader. To enter, just leave a comment telling me a tip you use to help make holiday cooking less stressful.
In addition, you can win your own GE Café™ Advantium 120V by sharing a recipe or tip between 11/10/11 – 11/30/11. Visit the GE Café™ Promotions and Prizes page for more details and a chance to win. Good luck!
You can also click on the image below to get more recipes for the GE Café ™ Thanksgiving progressive meal and for more chances to win!
Rules for $100 Visa gift card sweepstakes:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry
methods between 11/10/11 and 11/30/11:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment
on this post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on
this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about
an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.
You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be
selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
I make all my baked goods weeks in advance and freeze them. Pumpkin pie freezes especially well!
I try to stagger our guests and plan ahead.
we love sinful potatoes
http://twitter.com/#!/aj_sahm/status/141905335790206977
http://twitter.com/#!/DesMoinesDealin/status/141753206526050306
delegate to anyone who is capable!!
2ND ENTRY TWEET https://twitter.com/#!/kytah00/status/141734413045202946
I GENERALLY COOK AHEAD OF TIME & STORE WHAT I CAN IN THE FRIDGE. IT TAKES THE EDGE OFF FOR ME ANYWAY =)
I try and make up as much ahead of time as possible – mashed potatoes can be warmed in a crockpot and even the turkey can be made ahead of time and warmed up with some chicken/turkey stock to keep it moist!
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/#!/FotoMacro/status/141509503060418560
The best way to make it less stressful is to not do it! LOL I do not typically do any holiday meals for family. We don’t travel, so its just the hubby and I and we are a great team in the kitchen. When we go home, I always bring dessert and for me that means Pillsbury refrigerated cookiee dough! LOL Yeah…I would not win the Betty Crocker award!
tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/zbabita5/status/141396222341689344
babitababita@hotmail.com
I make deserts ahead of time
babitababita@hotmail.com
tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/mommysdizzy/status/141015893797908481
I get my family to help with the cooking this way it isn’t all on me! sweepmorey at gmail dot com
A tip for making the thanksgiving day easier is I get all the stuff ready about 24 hours before the big day, I cook the bird, and make the spuds, regular and sweet spuds, freeze the turkey, put the spuds in the fridge, make the dressing the day of Thanksgiving and keep it in the fridge to put in the one oven I own with the bird all sliced up, make gravy then, cranberry sauce is easy a fresh one..The pies are all baked up before the feast and we are good to go…easy peasey as I say..
We cooked for many who had no food and no place to get it, we came home and took showers up early for the cooking, baking, roasting..Went out for chinese food and to a movie after, we are tired..but okay..We don’t do christmas, hanukkah yes, but small celebrations in between work and volunteering at this food pantry place unemployment in this country runs 16 to 20 percent, children are the hungriest so we help out..happy holidays, could use the win for more food to help the hungry here..ciao mary jane s. from momanddad00@clear.net
This was the first Thanksgiving in several years that I had one oven and I terribly missed my double oven. I planned ahead and ended up with only three things in the oven at the same thing. Only problem . . one of them was the turkey!
https://twitter.com/#!/purplelover04/status/140327494107664384
prep the night before it making the cooking so much faster and smoothly
tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/fairydancer35/status/140202113782386689
Shop and prep as much as you can ahead of time to keep the stress low.
A tip I use to make the holidays less stressful is to cook ahead of time and use my freezer. At this moment, I have a large vat of mashed potatoes all ready for Thursday!
Delegate – Ask others to bring a dish, too.
I try to start preparing as much as I can a few days ahead so I don’t have as much to do on the actual holiday.
Can’t wait to try these recipes! Thanks!
Can’t wait to try these recipes!
Relax and enjoy spending time with family and friends!
https://twitter.com/#!/susan1215/status/138091340885012481
Our meal is potluck where family members bring something so I don’t do a lot of cooking.
tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/robinlscott/status/138003982365884417
I try to keep it fairly simple with fairly simple recipes; my family is not much for fancy recipes I also try to get others to bring things so it isn’t so overwhelming
Instead of having one big Thanksgiving dinner that takes all day to make and 15 minutes to eat, we make our favorite holiday recipes throughout the week and keep it stress free!
freezing cookie dough in balls and then baking directly from the freezer saves a lot of time and allows for warm cookies
Just tweeted about this giveaway:
https://twitter.com/#!/uTry_it/status/137030636346159104
amy [at] utry [dot] it
The tip I use to help make holiday cooking less stressful is plan ahead. I usually prepare recipes that I can prepare a day or 2 in advance. That way, I don’t have to cook everything all in 1 day.
amy [at] utry [dot] it
I chop and freeze my celery and onions days before in ziplock freezer bags to save time on the time consuming stuff.
I will thaw the turkey starting on Sunday in the fridge & ask for family to bring a dish to contribute! BTW this appetizer sounds perfect-gonna give it a try!
I like to bring an appetizer or sidedish to share for potluck holiday meals. It’s easier on everybody and the healthy dish is heavy on veggies or fruit so we can all watch our waist not expand.
I blogged here:
http://ifyoucouldseewhatisee.blogspot.com/2011/11/oh-hungry.html
I want to make that brie appetizer, but I am feeling like I don’t want to share it.
We share the load by having everyone bring a dish or two.
I put the frozen turkey in the fridge the Saturday or Sunday (depending on the weight of the bird) before Thanksgiving so it will be thawed and ready to go in the oven Thursday morning. No last minute stress or delay trying to quick-thaw a partially frozen bird.
Make as many of the dished ahead of time so there isnt so much to do on the big day.
Tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/sharonjo2/status/136646461373939713
To make holiday cooking less stressful, I choose tried-and-true recipes and do as much ahead of time as possible. And ask for help from my guests!
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/Allhoneyhere/status/136564798384119809
I really enjoy the holidays and cramming a thousand tasks into a 100 task day. The only thing I know I do to get myself in the ultimate cooking or preparing mode is to play all those old wonderful Christmas tunes. I know I am a sap but there is something about those old songs that bring back wonderful memories and get me in the best mood possible.
Keep it simple and do as much ahead of time as possible!
https://twitter.com/#!/cjwallace43/status/136453599684329472
I make as much ahead of time as possible and freeze it.
Normally I do the turkey and let family do the sides. Pretty stress-free. This year I made reservations. Totally stress-free!!!
Get the family to help wherever you can.
Do as much as you can ahead of time and keep it simple.
Keep it simple and do as much ahead of time as possible.
https://twitter.com/#!/justjayme/status/136265861479677952
I keep it simple! Stay home and only invite a couple of people. I shop ahead and try to make a couple of things ahead. I order the pies instead of making them myself.
One of the biggest Debbie Downers of holidays are the crowds. If I plan right and go shopping during the early mornings (NOT A WEEKEND) I find that gathering all my special ingredients isn’t nearly as stressful!
I do my baking in shifts over two weeks. The hardest part is not eating all the yummy creations. Thank goodness we have a freezer in the garage. Sometimes out of site is out of mind. (And sometimes not…)
I do shopping way ahead of time to beat the rush.
Like lots of others have said, I start a few days early! Anything that can be started , then kept in the fridge till the “big day”, such as homemade dinner rolls (which were made with the help of my bread machine!), stuffing, etc. I also have Crock Pots in various sizes to cook in and to keep things like gravy warm so my stove and oven are not jammed packed! I also make use of post it notes to keep track of what needs to be started and when, etc, so everything is ready all at the same time!
The past several years we’ve made a simplified menu and everyone (9-53 yo) chipped in with the shopping, cooking, and clean up. Then we carted all the food out to the beach to celebrate for the day/evening.
I do as much as I can 1-2 days before. For everything that has to be done day of, it’s all laid out and ready to go.
I cook and my boyfriend will do the dishes so I don’t have to do all of the work.
I decide before hand which things the kids can help with and which ones they can only ‘watch’ on. That way they aren’t underfoot when I’m opening and closing the oven or using sharp knives. But they get to share in the excitement and fun of preparing the meals.
My tip is to share the responsiblity. Assign guests something to bring so the host doesn’t have to do it all.
tweeted! http://twitter.com/#!/DeeGee13/status/135642074765721600
My tip is to prepare the side dishes ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a day or two. Also enlist as much help as possible
My tip is to have three other guests helping you in the kitchen!
I always make the mashed spuds ahead of time, freeze them and I also get the stuffing ready until I have to put in the simmered veggies..saves a lot of time…Plus I put the table on the night before no stress there at the time we eat and eat we do all day long, people coming and going and eating and visiting..luv your blog..sincerely Mary Jane S. from momanddad00@clear.net
My tip – spend some time with your neighbors!
Responsibility for the meal is shared in our families. The host generally does the turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes, and others bring desserts and side dishes. I think the important thing is to remember that while the meal is important, being with loved ones is more important.
I let my wife do all the cooking (although I help with the prep work and cleanup).
I drink lots of good wine!
I like to plan and re-plan…and make sure there is room in the fridge before the days before Thanksgiving
I’d say planning things out so you aren’t leaving everything to the last minute. Plan make-ahead meals. Also, ask others to pitch in and bring something!
Pre-plan all your dishes, when to make them, and have lots of room available in the fridge.
http://twitter.com/#!/HappyTina0115/status/135377054987321344
I asked my family to help or use slow cooker!
tweet.http://twitter.com/#!/tcarolinep/status/135251232221696000
Plan ahead, cook main ingredients ahead. Also, have your guests bring side dishes help A LOT!
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
What a great blog! I am so glad to have come across it…thank you GE!
I think the most helpful thing for me is to plan ahead. If I know the plan and how I’m going to do things it makes it a whole lot less stressful.
Everyone coming to our family dinner gets about 3 dishes to make and bring. We plan ahead of time who gets what so that we have plenty of time to prepare. This year I’m doing the Turkey and gravy, the sweet potatoes and the rolls.
https://twitter.com/#!/mermont84/status/135160925127843840
i make dough ahead of time and freeze it! helps make things easier
This brie looks so good-I could make a meal of it with just some salad.
http://twitter.com/#!/aes529/status/135056889615622144
I ask everyone if they can bring a dessert or side dish to help out. I also use stovetop stuffing!
We have everyone pitch in and bring a dish to big meals. It’s so much less stressful that way. I also get my son to cook with me to make it more fun.
Just found your blog and everything looks so delicious! Love all of your pictures too. New Follower!!
When you have a chance, please check out my blog and follow if you like! http://www.the-not-so-desperate-chef-wife.com/
Krista
Awesome giveaway too
I use the same dough to make my cinnamon rolls and my dinner rolls..
I love to use my crock pot for side dishes, as well as a turkey roaster to cook the turkey. I can start things and walk away and not have to stand over them. Not to mention it frees up so much over and stove space.
your brie looks so yummy!
I tweeted at http://twitter.com/#!/anashct/status/134954920863481856
email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com
i cook simply and basic! thks for a great giveaway!
Plan ahead and do as much advance prep as possible!
I love the idea of holiday pot luck. It really enhances the idea of sharing in the holiday season, and makes it easier on everyone involved, so no one person is responsible for cooking everything.
A truly mouthwatering one.
Cook with the kids!! Make it a fun tradition instead of a stressful burden.
I make and freeze many goodies before hand (cookies, rolls, appitizers, etc) so I have fewer trimming to worry about. And get everyone involved in making something! Thanks for the great give away.
tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/1amypugmire/status/134860678367428609
If I can prepare any part of the meal ahead of time I will and freeze it. pie crust etc. also i have 3 sisters who love to help and anything i can shop for earlier than the weekend before I will.
I make anything I can early–casseroles, pies, etc, so I can have less stress the day of.
I start shopping now for the basics. I am a huge list person, makes things go much smoother!!
I get my daughter to help out. She loves helping chop up veggies. It is fun to have her help out in this way ahead of time.
We cook a lot of things ahead of time.
we divide everything up.. so no 1 person has to make everything
I have involved my kids since they were teeny tiny. The little ones can slice cranberry and help with the table. we make up a big list of everything that needs doing and everyone chooses what they enjoy. We all have fun helping and sharing. Even clean-up chores go quickly.
Although my family grows pumpkins, we always use canned pumpkin when making bread, pancakes, cookies, and pie. It’s so much more convenient!
tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/mngirlinssp/status/134836036118396928
Having all the ingredients on hand always keeps it stress free and hubby or kids pitching in and helping is a breather for you
tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/MeandBells/status/134822538030235648
tell guests to bring sides. that way you’re only making the main dish
This year will be easier than most, since I will be on a road trip, I wont have to do any cooking
All I make is green bean casserole. Simple enough.
We share the cooking responsibility so no one has to make for than one or two things.
Share the cooking load with guests. Ask them to bring their best dish. Most people are happy to pitch in and receive compliments for their contribution. Thank you!
To make things less stressful we go to my mom’s for the “big” dinners!
Start cooking the day before, and make assignments so you don’t have to do everything yourself.
I cook an freeze then thaw everything ahead of time so on the big day all i do is the turkey the gravey an mashe taters!!
I start cooking days in advance
littlegray88 at yahoo dot com
I try to keep organized by making a menu and doing as much ahead as possible.
I just make sure I’m not the only one doing all the cooking! And planning ahead knowing what order things need to be cooked in, what can sit out vs. what needs to be fresh from the oven, etc. Then I just try to enjoy being around friends and family rather than focusing only on the food!
I also try to cook as much ahead of time and plan to relax and enjoy my loved ones.
I host Thanksgiving at my house & one thing I do to make it a little less stressful is make a list of everything I’m cooking & how long it takes to cook as well as having my mom here to help too! GREAT giveaway!
We make a lot of things ahead of time and freeze them. Great giveaway.
We always do a potluck dinner for Thanksgiving. If I host I prepare the turkey and ham and a dessert and side dish and ask for guests to help chip in by bringing beverages, side dishes, and desserts. Usually everyone is more than happy to help! Also a big tip is to start planning early!
The best tip someone gave me once for a stress free holiday is to make as many things as possible before Thanksgiving or Christmas that way you won’t have much to do the day of the holiday and you won’t be stressed.
I make holiday cooking less stressful through careful planning–I plan on what days and at approximately what time I will make each item.
If I’m making a pie I’ve never tried before, I test it out before hand so I don’t have to stress about it not turning out.
I try to make holiday cooking easier by using different methods to cook. I’ll use the oven to bake in, the stovetop, and even my crockpot to cook things. Having a double oven would be really nice to have though!
What a great giveaway–thank you for the opportunity!
I try to make the holidays less stressful by making up a list of things I have to do so I don’t forget anything! I also try to only do the things that are absolutely neccessary! If I plan too much and I’m stressing about about getting so much stuff done, my family gets put on the back burner…and then we miss out on all the magical memories of the holidays.
I start right after Thanksgiving, when everyone has left, to bake and freeze Christmas cookies and fudges. Just pull them out the week of Christmas for stress free platters.
Drink wine. Lots of wine.
I make over 250 dozen cookies at Christmas time. One day I make 5-6 different cookie doughs and place in the refrigerator. The next day I bake off the cookies. I repeat this until all the 20 or so different kinds are finished.
Is wine a tip? Because it sure makes everything a lot less stressful!
I am super duper organized with holiday cooking – I have everything you can possibly imagine in a spreadsheet so that nothing gets forgotten.
I like to do as much as possible the day before. It also helps to have my husband do something with the kids so that I don’t have any distractions.
I like to spread out the cooking to make things easier during the holidays.
Great recipe & great giveaway!
Be very organized, plan ahead, and let the family help.
I make Christmas baking easier by starting to plan in September/October. I pick what cookies I want to bake, go shopping for supplies. Then mix doughs and freeze until I am ready to bake in December.
The main thing I do is remind myself and those around me what the holidays are supposed to be about. It makes things easier because then everybody wants to help as a family unit. Littles are in charge of veggie tray and dip(dressing and sour cream) while larger ones help with dressing and cranberry sauce. Finally hubby is in charge of degutting the innards of turkey and salting and oiling. This leaves me with supervision, dessert and details.
Christine
dazed1821 at aol dot com
I try to make as many things as possible the day before!
Spread the work and give out assignments!
I make holiday cooking less stressful by starting early and dividing up responsibilities among family members.
http://twitter.com/#!/MixinBowl
Prepare as much as you can ahead of time!!!!! Also, plan plan plan. At least a month before write out your menu and list of items you need to purchase. Create a plan for when you will prepare and cook thing, those you can get done a head of time, etc.This will save you loads of time, and minimize the stress. You’ll be able to actually enjoy all the hard work you put in with your friends and family.
I write a list and make a timeline for when everything gets cooked so it’s all warm and ready!
Two ovens would be amazing around holiday time. We (my family) usually try to seperate the list and each make a thing or two but then we always take them to 1 house and stuff the oven with everything to keep it warm or get it warm. It’s fun but can get interesting with just the one oven.
What a fantastic giveaway. Thanks so much for the chance to win.
I like to stagger the dishes so that the oven doesn’t have everything at one time. Sometimes it is just best to plan things out weeks before.
get friends and family in the kitchen to help!!!
tweet-http://twitter.com/#!/ElenaIstomina/status/134683867650076672
My husband and chidren help me make cookies
Making holiday cooking easier begins, for me, with not biting off more than I can chew. I think about the most important dishes that we simply MUST have and arrange the rest of the menu around it. Simplicity is key. Quality over quantity. But it’s SO hard when you really want to try a dozen new recipes!
tweet–http://twitter.com/#!/mami2jcn/status/134680823470366720
I make holiday cooking less stressful by enlisting my husband’s help and dividing the tasks.
I tweeted about this giveaway here:
http://twitter.com/#!/chippybreath/status/134680926998372364
Thanks!
I love making holiday cooking easier by doing it with family. It just feels more homey that way! The kids run around and play, we get to chat, and the work feels easier for doing it with someone else there to help.