After four grocery stores, I think I’m finally done shopping for our Christmas meal! Once again, the hubby and I are going to prepare our family’s holiday dinner. As enjoyable as this time of year is, entertaining can be stressful. Who better than Food Network star Giada DeLaurentiis to offer some tips on easing the stress of holiday entertaining? She recommends planning ahead (check!) by preparing as many dishes beforehand as possible. Try to only leave one item for last minute preparation and avoid cooking everything at once. I know that when I attempt to cook multiple dishes, I tend to mess up one of them, so I definitely agree with her tip. Her second tip is to keep the menu simple. Even if you are a self-proclaimed foodie (like my husband and I), you can still offer four or five amazing appetizers that look festive with vibrant colors, taste incredible, and are easy for guests to eat.
I could serve this baked chicken straight from the dish
Giada DeLaurentiis recently teamed up with Target to introduce a line of speciality food items, quality cookware, bakeware, and kitchen tools to make it easy to cook and entertain in style. My husband and I have enjoyed watching Giada DeLaurentiis on the Food Network for years after getting hooked on her show Everyday Italian. Her expansive new line, Giada De Laurentiis for Target, is stylish, functional, and affordable. We received a generous assortment of products to help get ready for the holiday season, including six of her tapenades, spreads, and marinated vegetables that are going to make an awesome addition to our appetizer spread. I’m going to serve the tapenades and spreads with some pita chips!
As is typical of this time of year, I’ve been doing a ton of baking, experimenting with some allergy-friendly recipes for my son. Last week, we baked some delicious cupcakes. My son and I prepared them together using the bowls, measuring cups, and “spoonula” we received! I love the fact that the products are durable enough for my son to use.
Check out my recipe:
Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Cupcakes (this recipe is dairy, egg, and soy-free)
The collection consists primarily of items used to prepare and cook foods, however, Target also offers a small collection of gourmet foods including pasta, sauces, soups, stocks, dipping oils, and delicious ground coffee! Check out this amazing coffee recipe I’m anxious to re-create (courtesy of Giada DeLaurentiis):
Spiced Coffee with Cinnamon Whipped Cream
Yields: 4 servings
Ingredients:
1 cup granulated sugar
¼ tsp ground allspice
¼ tsp of ground cinnamon, plus more for dusting
¼ tsp ground ginger
1 cup boiling water
1 cup brewed Giada De Laurentiis for Target Giada Blend Coffee
1 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp confectioners’ sugar
In a small sauce pan combine the granulated sugar and ½ cup of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat and reduce heat to low.
Add allspice, cinnamon and ginger. Simmer for 5 minutes or until sugar is dissolved.
Take the pan off the heat and set aside.
In a heat proof pitcher or measuring cup add the boiling water to the coffee /espresso. Divide it among four 6 to 8 oz cups.
Add 2 tablespoons of the spiced syrup to each cup and stir to combine.
Using an electric mixer with a whisk attachment beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add confectioners’ sugar and continue to beat until stiff.
Top each with a dollop of whipped cream – dust with cinnamon and add cinnamon stick.
We’re sufficiently ready for this weekend’s Christmas dinner and celebration. For more information about Giada De Laurentiis for Target, just visit the website or your local store.
I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Giada De Laurentiis for Target and received product samples to facilitate my review.
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This looks delicious! I am going to Target today as usual and buying Giada’s Coffee so I may prepare some for my family this weekend. 🙂