Stephanie Gallagher's Blog

Posted by Stephanie Gallagher

It's almost Christmas, do you know what your main course will be?

Of course, the traditional ham, turkey, beef tenderloin or roast goose are always options. But why not try something different this year?

My seafood au gratin is a sumptuous dish that is tailor-made for special occasion dining. It is adapted from Barefoot Contessa Ina Garten's fabulous seafood gratin. I've just lightened it up a bit.

The result is still fantastic -- and definitely worthy of your Christmas dinner.

Or give my roast pork tenderloin a try. This succulent recipe is juicy and flavorful, thanks to an onion and apricot jelly sauce.

For more terrific Christmas recipes, try my Cool Whip Jello salad, make ahead mashed potatoes, and Brussels sprouts with pistachios.

Posted by Stephanie Gallagher

Just because you're entertaining for the holidays doesn't mean you have to make it hard on yourself. With these easy recipes, your guests will think you're a culinary genius. Shhh -- don't tell them how easy they are.

• Mini Tomato Tarts -- Easy peesy, lemon squeezey, these mini tomato tarts are made with pre-made mini fillo dough cups (you can buy right in the frozen foods section) and canned diced tomatoes!
• Goat Cheese and Cranberry Tarts -- Another recipe using mini fillo dough cups, these goat cheese tarts are the perfect combination of sweet and savory.
• Roasted Red Pepper and Artichoke Dip -- The list of ingredients seems long, but all you have to do is dump it all in a food processor and pulse.
• Spinach Dip -- It's a party classic -- one of those go-to recipes that takes just minutes to prepare.
• 7 Layer Mexican Dip -- Another classic that's sure to please everyone in the crowd.
• Cocktail Meatballs -- Serve these warm, right out of the Crock Pot.
• Caramel Apple Dip -- A nice sweet dip to balance the savory flavors. Sprinkle the apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning.

Posted by Stephanie Gallagher

Are you one of those people who likes to get a head start on your Christmas baking? Me too.

Give these Christmas cookie recipes a try. They all freeze well. Just store in flat rows in an airtight container with a sheet of waxed paper between each row.

Here are my favorites:

• Sugar Cookies -- A Christmas classic with a bit of extra nutrition.
• Mexican Wedding Cakes -- Buttery and sweet, these cookies are as delectable as they are pretty.
• Peanut Butter Blossoms -- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Pumpkin Cookies with Raisinets -- If you're like me and you keep craving pumpkin long after Halloween and Thanksgiving are over, these are the cookies for you.
• Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies -- Soft and cakey, these chocolate chippers have oatmeal in them, too.
• Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies -- Rich and creamy, you'd expect these cookies to have far more fat.
• Magic Cookie Bars -- The classic bar cookie gets lightened up.

Try one of these recipes today!

Posted by Stephanie Gallagher

Tonight is the second night of Hanukkah. In addition to giving presents and lighting the menorah, I'll also be making some traditional Hanukah recipes.

This year, I've tweaked my mom's favorite brisket recipe. I tried adding Coca-Cola to the brisket this time, and the results were wonderful!

I'll also be making my favorite latkes and chunky applesauce. And for a green vegetable, I'll be serving braised bok choy. No, it isn't traditional, but it is a nice complement to an otherwise heavy meal.

I like to serve spinach phyllo cups or mini tomato tarts for an appetizer. And for dessert, we'll be having chocolate raspberry brownies. Yum!

Posted by Stephanie Gallagher

The turkey has been cooked, the pumpkin pie, eaten, and the guests have left. Now you have an empty house and a refrigerator full of leftovers. What to do?

Try making turkey croquettes with roasted red pepper sauce. Your leftover turkey and mashed potatoes will never be the same.

Or make turkey hash, a delightful way to transform Thanksgiving dinner into something you can eat for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Even if you didn't host Thanksgiving, you can still continue enjoying the flavors of the holiday with my Greek turkey burgers or turkey meatloaf and sweet potato fries.

Whichever recipes you choose, just remember turkey and sweet potatoes are two of the healthiest foods you can eat. And the protein and vitamins will give you the energy you need to put up those Christmas lights!