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Making Holiday Food
Preparation a Breeze

By Anne Vassal

Regardless of how far you've managed to remove yourself from the din of downtown holidays, guests are sure to find you. Whether they're relatives (stopping by for a few short (but interminable) weeks on their way cross-country, or work associates gathering for their break-your-favorite-dinnerware party, holidays mean extra food. My strategy is to plan low-key get-togethers at my house if it's absolutely necessary or, better yet, to convince nearby relatives that their house would be perfect for entertaining, and I'll bring a hot dish. If I'm bringing food to their place, they'll no doubt expect me to create a natural, low-fat but deliciously elaborate dish. I instead surprise them with something good and so simple that the guests can actually identify it. We've all been to an office party or open house where we spend half the night trying to guess "what those chunky things were," so I spare those closest to me that particular torment.

I try to steer clear of mysteriously gloppy, high-fat party food. Chances are those Cute little appetizers (that take forever to make) are loaded with butter, and the dips are certain to be heavy on the mayo and sour cream. It's no wonder the average American gains from seven to 10 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year's. Those January-the-first resolutions are easier when you're not looking at a blimp body.

Since we all want to enjoy the festivities and our guests, but with less work, below are a few holiday tips that might help, followed by my favorite high-volume recipes.

Make a list well in advance so you can be on the lookout for sales on items such as holiday paper plates and napkins, nuts, and dried fruits.

Freeze holiday cookies and quick breads ahead for parties or dropin guests. When you're preparing chili, soup, or stew, make an extra container for the freezer, to have on hand for visiting relatives.

Stock up on extra party items, such asbeverages, toasted pita bread, and store- bought hummus, or baked corn chips and salsa. You can make your own five-minute salsa in the food processor just before the guests arrive by using canned tomatoes, cilantro, and hot peppers.

Plan an easy menu. Shop once (with your list) and when ,in doubt, buy a little extra.

Garnish and decorate the food platters. It doesn't have to be fancy, but even a platter of hot dogs looks better with a garnish. You could use parsley, fresh basil, mint, flowers, holiday greenery, pine cones, or red bows. Assign family members to be in charge of different tasks, such as taking coats, serving beverages, coffeemaking, and clean-up.