Although it is getting frosty outside, it can often be hard to keep your “cool” in the kitchen during the party-packed holiday months.

So make it a little easier on yourself and chill out in the frozen and refrigerated food aisles of the grocery store. That way, you can prepare for holiday events, family gatherings, and even unexpected guests.

Keep the Kids (and Grown-ups) Happy!

Keep the kids happy with finger food favorites, like string cheese, mozzarella sticks, chicken fingers, and pizza bites. And there’s plenty to choose from for the grown-ups too. Try egg rolls, quiche, meatballs and the wide variety of cheeses. Just throw these appetizers on a festive tray, and all you will have to worry about is having enough to last all night.

Cool Idea: Thread wooden bamboo skewers with cheddar cheese, grapes, strawberries and pineapples for a tasty treat (be careful, skewers can be sharp – younger children need supervision).

Side Dishes Can Simplify the Holiday Meal

Frozen and refrigerated foods can also complete your holiday meals, with great taste and no fuss. Instead of slaving over the oven all day, consider the breads, potatoes, dips, vegetables and sauces in the cool aisles of the store.

Cool Idea: Before baking refrigerated crescent rolls, spread with orange marmalade for a tasty twist.

Breakfast in a Flash for Family and Guests

In case you are stuck with those overnight guests, stock up the frig with basic brunch options. Waffles, pancakes, eggs, cheese, pastries, fruits and juices will get the day started off right.

Cool Idea: Top your waffles with syrup, butter and berries and see the smiles!

A Sweet Ending is a Must!

Do not forget about one of the sweetest parts of the holidays: desserts. Make sure to impress company with a big finale. Frozen pies and cakes, ice cream, puddings and cookies are sure to please.

Cool Idea: Make a frozen pumpkin pie “your own” by serving each piece with a dollop of whipped topping.

• Go green and decorate your house this season with engery-saving “LED” holiday lights. LED lights use 90 percent less energy than conventional holiday lights, and can save your family money on your energy bills during the holiday season. LED lights are available at many major retailers.
• Make sure you keep your tree watered. Live Christmas trees account for more than 200 fires annually, typically from shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters or matches. Well-watered trees can prevent serious fires.
• Before crawling up on the roof to string the Christmas lights, you need to know that every year, hospital emergency rooms treat about 12,500 people for injuries related to holiday lights and decorations. Be careful!

A Crowd-Pleasing Dessert

PESTO DIP AND VEGETABLES

1 10oz. package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
2 cups thawed, chopped frozen artichoke hearts
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 tsp. hot pepper sauce
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese

Squeeze excess liquid from thawed spinach and artichokes. Place spinach, mayonnaise, sour cream, hot pepper sauce, Parmesan cheese and 1/3 of Monterey Jack cheese in food processor. Process until just blended but still slightly lumpy. Add artichokes and blend slightly to make a chunky mixture. Place in a greased 1 qt. casserole dish. Top with remaining Monterey Jack cheese. Bake at 350º about 30 minutes, or until bubbly. Serve with a variety of vegetables and dipping toasts or chips. Scrumptious!

SPINACH QUICHE

1 lb. turkey sausage
1 (8 oz.) pkg. refrigerator crescent rolls
1 c. frozen or refrigerated package hash brown potatoes
1 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
(4 oz.)
5 eggs or egg substitute
1/4 c. milk
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
2 tbsp. Parmesan cheese

Cook sausage until browned; drain and crumble. Separate rolls, place on ungreased 12 inch pizza pan. Press over bottom and sides. Layer first the crumbled sausage, then thawed potatoes, then cheddar cheese. Beat eggs, milk, salt, and pepper and pour mixture over all layers. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake at 375º for 25-30 minutes. Bon Appetit!