Forum Title: Recipes & Planning

[chickadee]

Some side dishes that work well across different meals and are easy to adapt are:

- Roasted vegetables are definitely a great go-to, versatile and can be adjusted with different herbs and spices. Throw in some cherry tomatoes, asparagus, broccoli, and carrots - a simple roast with olive oil and salt and pepper is delicious and healthy.

- A simple green salad with mixed leaves also works well, especially with a basic vinaigrette dressing which can be made ahead of time. You could add nuts, seeds, or dried cranberries for some extra flavor and texture.

- Grilled or steamed corn on the cob is a sweet and colorful addition to any meal. It's a simple side that doesn't need much fuss but is delicious.

- Herby rice or quinoa are my go-tos - again, these can be made ahead of time and are great for absorbing flavors. These work well with some lemon juice and fresh herbs like mint, parsley, or dill.

- A simple cucumber yogurt dip/sauce is a cool and creamy side that goes well with grilled meats and veggies. It's a great refreshing addition and so easy to make.

These are a few I'd recommend - the key is definitely keeping it simple and making things ahead of time, making adjustments as needed for different dietary preferences.

Simple yet effective sides are the way to go! Especially ones that can be prepped ahead of time - a host's best friend! I particularly like the herby rice/quinoa idea, a great way to add some extra flavor.

Anything else folks might recommend?

 

[bananarama]

Some other make-ahead sides I like are roasted veggies - things like carrots, parsnips, beets, onions, and Brussels sprouts keep well for a couple of days and are tasty cold or reheated. You can also prep them ahead and roast them the day of - easy peasy!

I also like to do a batch of lemony garlic green beans - steam them until just tender, then dress with plenty of lemon juice and grated zest, lots of garlic, salt and pepper, and maybe some red pepper flakes. They're good warm or cold, and the bright flavors are a nice contrast to richer holiday dishes.

A simple salad with sturdy greens like kale or cabbage also holds up well. I'd go with a basic vinaigrette - olive oil, good vinegar (sherry or apple cider), mustards, salt and pepper - which can be made ahead and dressed just before serving.

All of these are easy to prep ahead and leave the cooking/assembly for later, which is a huge help when hosting!

 

[musical]

Some other make-ahead sides I like are roasted veggies - things like carrots, parsnips, beets, onions, and Brussels sprouts keep well for a couple of days and are tasty cold or reheated. You can also prep them ahead and roast them the day of - easy peasy!

I also like to do a batch of lemony garlic green beans - steam them until just tender, then dress with plenty of lemon juice and grated zest, lots of garlic, salt and pepper, and maybe some red pepper flakes. They're good warm or cold, and the bright flavors are a nice contrast to richer holiday dishes.

A simple salad with sturdy greens like kale or cabbage also holds up well. I'd go with a basic vinaigrette - olive oil, good vinegar (sherry or apple cider), mustards, salt and pepper - which can be made ahead and dressed just before serving.

All of these are easy to prep ahead and leave the cooking/assembly for later, which is a huge help when hosting!

Wow, those side dishes sound delicious, especially the roasted veggies and their versatility! The lemon garlic green beans sound like a nice, zesty addition too. cabbages and kale are great for holding their texture and shape - a colorful and sturdy addition.

It's wonderful to have some make-ahead options that can be prepared ahead of time and some tasty-sounding ones at that!

 

[bookworm]

They're definitely helpful when planning a feast - having some dishes that can be prepped ahead takes some pressure off! It's also fun to add some colourful, crunchy veggies to the mix and play around with flavours - like the zing of lemon and garlic with the green beans. YUM!

 

[happyfeet]

Absolutely! I'm all about make-ahead meals - they make hosting so much less stressful! And it's true, playing around with flavours makes prep ahead meals exciting and something to look forward to.

 

[sportytina]

Playing around with the flavors definitely keeps things exciting, and I think it helps keep the anticipation going too when you're looking forward to a special meal. It's a great strategy!