Review: Simple and easy ways to add some gourmet flair to your traditional holiday meal
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 17, 2013
In this seasonal cookbook, Stephanie Miller offers some great traditional recipes and some recipes that offer a twist on the traditional that don't take you too off course from the expected, but far enough to make a very positive impression on family and guests. For example, you might be planning on serving green beans ... why not use Miller's recipe and make Cherry Walnut Green Beans?  And if you serve a ham at the holidays, consider making a slight variation with Apricot Ham or Ham with Riesling and Mustard? Both recipes will appeal to the traditionalists, while at the same time offering some gourmet flair for the more adventurous folks at your table.And that 's just scratching the surface of the recipes you will find in this wonderful book. Miller has you covered from appetizers to dessert (many you will use year 'round, as well as during the holidays), including 10 cocktail recipes from a Chocolate Raspberry Martini to a Cranberry Wassail to a traditional Eggnog.One of the recipes that I think will make my meal extra memorable this year is the "Buche de Noel" a cake that is shaped like a Yule log (actually looks pretty easy to pull off). I'm also considering the Short Ribs with Cranberry sauce (but I might hold off on that one until New Year's Eve).One last thing: there is even a link to download printable meal plans and shopping lists ... and ... Miller's shopping list is organized by store sections ... that's really going make time spent in the supermarket faster and less of a hassle.