Hosting for the Holidays!

I am over at the Genuardi's/Safeway website checking out their recipes for the holidays. They were kind enough to send me a giftcard for $25 to try out some of their great holiday deals and so I am doing a little research first.

I have agreed to host a post-Christmas dinner on Sunday and I am trying to decide what to cook. I certainly won't be able to do what we did at Thanksgiving (a massive Southern buffet contributed to by about 30 family members.) No, I am thinking a few traditional things like ham, homemade mac & cheese and green beans (no casserole since we have such picky eaters) and then maybe some fun new appetizers and desserts. Oh, the choices.

Genuardi's Recipe Page has some interesting things I might just try like:

"Absolutely the Best Nacho Dip Ever"

"Cream Cheese Ball" with pineapple

Or maybe instead of nacho, here's a delish sounding "Great Hot Crab Dip"

Oh, look at this Double Layer Pumkpkin Cheesecake. My mouth is watering already. Think I might have to save the calories from the main dish and only eat appetizers and dessert!

This Amaretto Cake looks easy and yummy too.

Oh so many choices! I usually add in a cheese and cracker plate, olives & pickles, 2 dips that could double for chips or veggies. Then we keep the main portion of the meal pretty simple. My husband likes mashed potatoes so I may add in that. With picky eaters, you can't get too fancy. Dessert will include in the least a pumpkin and apple pie and then maybe one of the items listed above.

Should come together easily with a few bowls of mints and nuts around for the pre and post dinner snackers. Oh, maybe I'll make some Chex Mix too and buy some chocolates -just for that sweet tooth in the crowd. And I wonder why I can't lose weight. Eating is just so much fun – such a rich experience.

Oh, check out Genuardi's leftover lounge too for great ideas after the main meal. I see some digital coupons there too. I can't think of a better way to be frugal than to plan ahead!!