Suggestion for a Different Christmas Dinner

Thanks to Julia Smith for subitting this Tip.
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Everyone is having parties and serving GREAT Christmas fare. So much so, that sometimes something “different” is really good. For years, I offered expected guests a choice of the full turkey experience – or baked ziti casserole. I have quit making the offer because everyone took the ziti.

I love this meal because it is delicious and beautiful on the table.

So – I shop early, watching for sauce in a jar, which I use as the base for my “famous” spaghetti sauce. I add ground beef and sometimes sausage (cook both thoroughly and rinse in hot water to remove grease); and my own seasonings (pepper, celery seed or salt, garlic, and sometimes Italian seasonings). Make the sauce in the morning or day before so it can sit a while and get that homemade taste. I layer cooked ziti, shredded mild cheddar cheese and sauce in a large very decorative casserole dish, bake until hot through. Then top with cheese (do not skimp) and return to the oven to keep warm until guests arrive.

I get fresh French bread from a local bakery and make my own garlic – butter sauce with fresh garlic. I slice on the diagonal, top with lots of garlic butter and serve in another large decorative bowl.

I add a large salad with many different greens, bleu cheese, nuts and anything else that makes it special for you. If you have a question about toppings, put them in small bowls around the table.

For dessert, I usually make (because I know it is a favorite) Boston Cream Pie made with yellow cake mix, instant pudding and dark chocolate canned icing.

Everyone thinks it is a feast but the prep time is very limited and most can be done way ahead.

And Most Importantly – as this is a money saving list, This is a very reasonable way to feed a crowd. Very festive – and very unusual for the season.

I also serve this at other times of the year, but it really works great for the holidays.