By Alicia M Brown MS, RD, CSSD, LD • Health and Wellness Marketing Manager
You are sitting in traffic. Fingers are tapping on the steering wheel. You keep leaning forward and looking up to make sure the light hasn't turned green and assess what is taking so long. Christmas music is quietly playing in the background of your car, but you can't hear it over the kids bickering in the back seat.
The sound of your phone ringing rattles you from your daydream of having a remote control that changes the lights at your command. It's your spouse, calling from the office, after 5. That's never a good sign. "Hello?" you say with a serious lack of enthusiasm. Your children watch as what little spark you had left for the day exits through the driver's side window. You listen with increasing dread as your spouse proceeds to tell you that you've been invited to a Christmas party tonight and everyone is to bring something to eat. Sigh…
A whole new chain of thoughts forms. "What will I wear?" "What am I going to do with the kids?" And the most dreaded of all... "what are we going to bring?"
Not to fear! United Supermarkets and Market Street dietitians have put together some quick ideas that can save you time and calories. Most of these recipes only require a few household staples. Others foods can be kept on hand in the event you are invited out or guests drop by. Best of all, these recipes are light, meaning no extra running required!
If you've got frozen peas, make pea "guacamole" -- throw frozen peas into a food processor, pulse it a few times and finish it with salt, pepper, diced tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime juice. This recipe is excellent with tortilla or pita chips.
A wedge of cheese with some fruit preserves on the side makes a great appetizer, especially if you can pick up some whole-grain crackers to go with it.
Use our Deli or Carry-out Catering service to find an assortment of cold cuts and cheeses. Then arrange them on a platter with pickles and other vegetables, our Good 'n' Grainy bread (in the Bakery), and a strong mustard.
At the Deli you can also buy small balls of mozzarella, a few different kinds of olives, cherry tomatoes and marinated peperoncini (bell peppers). Arrange them in small bowls and serve.
Pop some unflavored popcorn and toss it with a combination of salt and a unique spice for a flavorful surprise. Try Chinese 5-spice powder, Cajun spices, Spanish smoked paprika or even cinnamon sugar.
To make super easy nachos: Top blue corn tortilla chips with canned black beans (rinse them before using), canned jalapenos, jarred salsa, and a sprinkling of 2% shredded cheese. Then put under the broiler for a few minutes to melt the cheese.
Remember: we cater too! Consider letting United and Market Street set your holiday table with a roasted turkey or spiral glazed ham. Or we can join your table with side dishes like Homestyle Cornbread Dressing, Praline Sweet Potatoes or White Cheddar and Sage Mashed Potatoes for your parties and events (allow 24-48 hours for larger orders). See your store Concierge for all your holiday catering needs.
And even if you aren't able to find something to do with the kids or wear the perfect holiday attire, at least United Supermarkets and Market Street are making the holiday time a little less stressful with these easy options.
Happy Holidays to all from your friends at United Supermarkets and Market Street!