The holidays are fast approaching, and with them the perennial question: What will be on the dinner table this year? The centerpiece of ham, turkey, or roast beef is easy enough to decide upon — but choosing the proper sides and accouterments can be tricky. Here are a few tantalizing ideas that are sure to brighten any festive table this holiday season. Best of all, the preparation for these dishes can be done in advance, so it’s important to be sure the refrigerator is in good working order.
Cauliflower is the New Potato
While spuds will never go out of fashion — particularly around the holidays — cauliflower is a delicious, low-carb substitute. Separate a head into florets, then store them in the crisper until it’s time to start cooking. Roast the florets with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, then toss them with pine nuts and minced herbs. Another option, particularly for those looking to “disguise” the cauliflower, would be to simply steam it, then mash with butter and cream.
Never Underestimate the Power of Relish
Versatile and eye-catching, relishes are a welcome addition to whatever meat is on the menu. For a turkey dinner, try a cranberry-orange relish in place of the usual canned sauce; for beef, a concoction of slow-cooked hot and sweet peppers works as a perfect complement. Mint, of course, is a natural partner for lamb, while a mustard-apple combination balances out the smokiness of ham. All of these can be made up to a week in advance.
Pies and Puddings
Rich eggnog custard, plum pudding, pumpkin pie — what would the holidays be without these seasonal favorites? This year, try branching out and preparing a pumpkin chiffon pie with amaretto-gingersnap crust, or make a chocolate bread pudding with salted caramel in place of the traditional cinnamon-raisin with whiskey sauce.
At Speedy Refrigerator Service, we understand the importance of keeping these works of art properly stored for optimum freshness. We service all makes and models of refrigerators and freezers in the Long Island area, and are available for same-day service 24 hours a day, seven days a week — including holidays. We also stock 99 percent of our parts on-premise, so we won’t be caught off-guard when it comes to getting your appliance back on track for that all-important celebration. So be sure to call Speedy Refrigerator Service for all your refrigerator repair needs, this holiday season and into the new year.