Go sweet and savory for the holidays
Family Features
You want to bring out the best for your next holiday gathering, ensuring a memorable meal for family and friends. With a few simple tips and easier-than-you-think recipes, you can do just that.
Entertaining Tips
Prep the night before: Save time by chopping vege tables or prepping glazes the day before. For example, prepare the spread for Goat Cheese Bruschetta with Berry-Thyme Spread the night before. The day of the party, toast baguette slices 10 minutes before guests arrive, and the deli cious appetizer will come together in minutes.
Allow for creativity: Allow guests to put their own finish ing touches on their dishes by setting out a variety of top pings. Raspberry Almond Waffles provide a base for your friends and family to get creative.
Make it a group effort: Ask guests to bring their favorite holiday side dishes or desserts to complement the main course to encourage a wide variety. If you’re making Red Tart Cherry Glazed Ham as the centerpiece of the meal, let guests know so they can plan accordingly.
Each of these suggestions incorporates a delicious recipe using Smucker’s Æ Orchard’s Finest Æ Preserves, a gourmet line of pre serves made with the best fruit from the best places.
The preserves contain only four ingredients, and add rich flavor to both sweet and savory holiday dishes. From classic Pacific Mountain Straw berry Preserves to the new Lakeside Raspberry Cranberry Preserves, there’s a flavor that’s sure to be a hit with each guest.
These holiday recipes are wonderful options to share with family and friends at your next gathering because, during the holidays, only the finest will do.
For more recipes to round out your holiday menu, visit www.smuckers.com.
Red Tart Cherry Glazed Ham
Makes: 16 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
1 4 to 5-pound fully cooked boneless ham, sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 12-ounce jar Smucker’s Orchard’s Finest Michigan Red Tart Cherry Preserves
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Dash ground cloves, if desired
2 tablespoons raisins, if desired
Heat oven to 325 degrees. Overlap slices of ham in shallow baking pan; cover with aluminum foil. Bake 50 to 60 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 140 degrees.
Combine preserves, vinegar, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves in a small microwave safe bowl. Micro wave on high for 2 minutes.
Arrange ham slices on serving platter. Spoon 1/4 cup glaze over center of ham. Serve with remain ing warm glaze.
Goat Cheese Bruschetta with Berry-Thyme Spread
Makes: 12 slices
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
1/4 cup Smucker’s Orchard’s Finest Northwest Triple Berry Preserves
1 tablespoon minced shallot
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme, plus additional for garnish
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 8-ounce baguette
1 tablespoon Crisco Æ 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 ounces goat cheese
Fresh thyme leaves (optional), for garnish
Combine preserves, shallots, balsamic vinegar, thyme, salt and pepper in small bowl.
Slice baguette into 1/2-inch slices. Brush both sides of each slice lightly with olive oil. Heat skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Grill baguette slices, 4 at a time, 2 to 3 min utes per side or until lightly browned. Place on serving platter.
Spread about 2 teaspoons goat cheese over each baguette slice. Top each slice with 1 tea spoon preserves mixture. Garnish with addi tional fresh thyme, if desired. Serve immediately.
Tip: Triple Berry-Thyme Spread can be pre pared up to two days ahead. Cover and chill.
Raspberry Almond Waffles
Makes: 10 (6-inch) waffles
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Waffles:
1 14-ounce can Eagle Brand Æ Sweetened Condensed Milk, divided
3 large eggs
2 cups Pillsbury BEST Æ All Purpose Flour
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup Crisco Pure Vegetable Oil
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 cup sliced almonds, chopped
Crisco Original No-Stick Cooking Spray
Topping:
1 cup heavy cream
1/8 teaspoon almond extract
2/3 cup Smucker’s Orchard’s Finest Lakeside Raspberry Cranberry Preserves or 2/3 cup Smucker’s Red Raspberry Preserves
2/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted*
30 fresh red raspberries
For Waffles:
Coat waffle iron with no-stick cooking spray. Heat waffle iron according to manu facturer’s directions. Reserve 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk for topping.
Whisk eggs in large bowl until fluffy. Blend in remaining sweetened condensed milk, flour, water, oil, baking powder, salt and almond extract just until batter is smooth. Stir in chopped almonds.
Pour a scant 2/3 cup of batter onto center of hot waffle iron and close lid. Bake about 3 to 4 minutes or until steaming stops. Use a fork to remove waffle. Repeat with remain ing batter.
For Topping:
Beat cream in medium bowl with electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. Add reserved 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk and almond extract. Beat until smooth.
Spread each waffle with 1 tablespoon preserves. Top with whipped cream, toasted almonds and fresh raspberries.
*To toast almonds: Place almonds in dry non stick skillet. Cook over medium heat, shaking pan until nuts are lightly browned. Remove from pan immediately to avoid over-browning.