Inside: How to impress dinner guests…even if you’re not the world’s greatest chef!
People often tell me that I’m lucky I married a man who can cook.
My response?
It wasn’t luck! The first time my husband-to-be prepared me a home-cooked meal, I knew he was the one and I couldn’t let him get away! Otherwise I’d still be living on frozen chicken breasts and broccoli like I did in my college days…
How to Impress Dinner Guests at the Holidays…When you Can’t Cook!
Though I mostly stay out of his way while he works his magic in the kitchen, I have learned a few tricks from watching my husband. Today I’m sharing tips on how to prepare a gourmet meal that will wow your holiday guests…even if you’re culinarily-challenged like me!
Find products to make your job easier
Save-A-Lot stores recently debuted America’s Choice Creations®, a top-quality line of easy-to-make foods from salmon to burgers to brownies. So they’ve got you covered from starters to dessert!
Honey Bourbon Salmon filets are the perfect go-to dish that is sure to impress even the most discerning palate. They’re pre-seasoned so you know that the flavors are on-point.
Seafood can be intimidating for an amateur chef, but my husband developed a foolproof method for cooking perfect salmon — every single time. Seriously, I’ve tried it and it works! (And if I can do it, anyone can).
Start the night with the perfect bites!
Giving your guests something to nibble on as soon as they walk in the door automatically puts you in their good graces! Who doesn’t love appetizers ready and waiting when they arrive?
Toss some Cheddar & Caramel Gourmet Popcorn in your favorite party bowl for an awesome appetizer that’s ready in seconds. It doesn’t get any easier than that!
Break out the fine china!
It’s ok to take a few shortcuts in your dinner prep — like easy-peasy heat and serve Bacon Macaroni and Cheese from America’s Choice Creations. (Find it in the freezer section at Save-A-Lot).
If you present the finished dish in your own gorgeous serving ware, no one will ever be the wiser! Let them think that you’ve been over the stove all day crafting the perfect cheese sauce — this decadent Bacon Mac & Cheese will sure taste like you did!
Grab a garnish!
You’d be surprised how a little dash of green takes any dish from “blah” to brilliant! All you have to do is chop a little parsley, cilantro, green onion, or whatever you have on hand and sprinkle artfully on top or around the plate.
Double up on dessert!
If I’ve learned anything from my husband, it is that you always feed your guests dessert. Two desserts actually! Whenever we have company, my husband almost always makes two sweet treats — talk about wow factor! Not only will your guests not expect such a fabulous finish to the meal, but two options will allow you to please just about everyone.
With America’s Choice Creations, dessert is easy and affordable — you could even serve three! Peanut Butter Fudge Trifle Brownie (the name alone sold me!), Pecan Caramel Brownie Cookies, and the forever classic Chocolate Chip Cookies will have your guests talking long after the night is over!
Enter to win a Save-A-Lot Gift Card for Your Holiday Shopping!
Enter to win a $25 Save-A-Lot gift card with the easy entry giveaway below! Also, be sure to check out our second $25 gift card giveaway on Instagram!
Simply comment with the America’s Choice Creation(s) that you’d most love to try and how you’d use them in your holiday spread…and you’re entered! (There are also bonus entries to earn more chances)!
Giveaway closed – thank you to all who entered!
CLICK HERE to Find the Save-A-Lot Location nearest you and start saving today!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Save-A-Lot. The opinions and text are all mine.
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom
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Last updated on January 22nd, 2018 at 11:03 am
Keri justice says
October 19, 2016 at 3:50 pmI would use the cheesecake with assorted fruit toppings.
Lula Ruger says
October 19, 2016 at 8:16 pmI would like to try tha salmon and i would serve it as an appetizer
Cori L says
October 19, 2016 at 9:03 pmI would have cheesecake with chocolate and bananas.
Cori L says
October 19, 2016 at 9:05 pmI would use chocolate and bananas in a cheesecake.
MaryAnn says
October 19, 2016 at 9:08 pmPeanut butter fudge trifle brownie sounds amazing.
Teresa Kunberger says
October 20, 2016 at 5:59 amTotally the cheesecake! Family loves it!
David says
October 20, 2016 at 12:21 pmI am most interested in trying their bacon and cheese macaroni.
C.Miller says
October 20, 2016 at 1:18 pmWith a hungry toddler at home….I’d DEFINITELY go for the pizza!!!
Donna L says
October 20, 2016 at 1:34 pmI would like to try the New York Style cheesecake and serve it for dessert
Shannon says
October 20, 2016 at 3:22 pmThe Bacon Mac and Cheese looks really good
Amanda Hewitt says
October 20, 2016 at 4:22 pmYou do have an awesome teacher! Great post!
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom says
October 20, 2016 at 4:53 pmThanks Amanda!! 😉
Steve Weber says
October 20, 2016 at 4:46 pmI would get the cheesecake for sure. everyone loves it.
cutesiehaven says
October 20, 2016 at 4:55 pmYum, salmon is a good option. I like making desserts cause it’s so much easier for me, lol. Or trying an easy Crock-Pot meal so I can do all the work well ahead of time and focus during the holiday visits.
Melissa says
October 20, 2016 at 5:12 pmI’d use the cheesecake and have a cheesecake bar at my holiday party guests can dress up their cheesecake with any toppings they please!
Allie says
October 20, 2016 at 5:39 pmI would love to try the salmon and use it as an appetizer!
Holly Mitkowski says
October 20, 2016 at 6:45 pmDefinitely the cheesecake!!!
marilynnawara says
October 20, 2016 at 7:50 pmI would use the cheese cake with various fruit toppings
slehan says
October 20, 2016 at 8:00 pmI’d like to make the Honey Bourbon Salmon as the main dish.
Thanks for the contest.
slehan at juno dot com
slehan says
October 20, 2016 at 8:02 pmsubscribe email: slehan at excite dot com
Pat Hodges says
October 20, 2016 at 8:30 pmI would definitely try the cheesecake, everybody likes cheesecake
Sandy H says
October 20, 2016 at 9:33 pmThe cheesecake with chocolate.
violet taylor says
October 21, 2016 at 9:52 amthe honey bourbon salmon because here in the pnw its sort of a requirement to have a salmon recipee!
Chrissy says
October 21, 2016 at 1:06 pmDefinitely the bacon macaroni and cheese! By far my favoritest meal ever!! 🙂
Aaron says
October 23, 2016 at 1:05 amI would most like to try the New York Style Cheesecake. I would use it for a holiday dessert, and maybe for a late-night snack for the host.
itsmede says
October 23, 2016 at 6:30 amI would try the cheesecake and put different toppings or berries on top!
farmermomwife says
October 23, 2016 at 10:20 amNew York Cheesecake, yum! I would serve it with different toppings.
laura johnston says
October 23, 2016 at 1:18 pmNew York Style Cheesecake – I would dip each slice in chocolate and decorate them as Christmas trees.
Kristie says
October 23, 2016 at 6:53 pmI think I would like to try the Peanut Butter Fudge Trifle Brownie. I would use it for dessert at my family Christmas party. I would serve it with ice cream. Delicious! The New York Cheesecake looks great! I would eat that all myself during November. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.
Courtney S. says
October 23, 2016 at 10:41 pmI’d love to try the crab cakes. I love them in general and they’d make a cool, unconventional additional to my holiday spread!
Crystal Gregg says
October 23, 2016 at 11:01 pmI’m actually vegan so I would use the gc to buy healthy ingredients to make my own meals 🙂 I actually love to cook!
Tracie Cooper says
October 24, 2016 at 10:25 amI would love to try the cheesecake and serve it for Christmas Eve dessert!
Sonya Jackson says
October 24, 2016 at 11:54 amI love your blog, and I will definitely be trying the salmon as a main course. It sounds amazing!
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom says
October 24, 2016 at 12:05 pmAww thanks Sonya! 🙂
April P says
October 24, 2016 at 12:42 pmI would get the Lasagna! It looks like it would be a great family meal when I’m exhausted from guests and decorating, but want something that impresses our family! I could add tomato cheese bread and be proud of the meal!
Nancy Loring says
October 24, 2016 at 7:01 pmI would be getting some granny smith apples to make homemade applesauce which we always have for holiday meals. Plus granny smiths are my favorite kind of apples.
allyson tice says
October 24, 2016 at 9:24 pmi want to use the bacon macaroni and cheese for christmas eve dinner!!
Carla Spencer says
October 24, 2016 at 11:28 pmCheescake for sure!
rebecca day says
October 25, 2016 at 12:29 amPeanut butter fudge trifle brownie sounds good
Heather E says
October 25, 2016 at 12:40 amI would serve the Pecan Caramel Brownie Cookies.
Brandi Gates says
October 25, 2016 at 6:45 amI have been wanting to try the Bacon Mac and cheese.
Heather D says
October 25, 2016 at 10:59 amThe Bacon Macaroni and Cheese looks good. I would serve it to my family.
Kendall W. says
October 25, 2016 at 1:48 pmI would love to try the bacon macaroni and cheese. I would add a bag of peas in to help the kids get some veggies in their system!
Austin Baroudi says
October 25, 2016 at 3:04 pmI’d love to try the Pecan Caramel Brownie Cookies and I’d just lay them out as a snack!
megan tilley says
October 25, 2016 at 3:19 pmI would love to try the peanut butter truffle brownie it just looks so delicious!
Gabrielly says
October 25, 2016 at 3:38 pmI would have cheesecake with bananas and chocolate.
KJ Skib says
October 25, 2016 at 5:07 pmI think it would be the cheesecake. Yum!
LeAnn H says
October 25, 2016 at 7:27 pmI will have the cheesecake and fruit for dessert.
Angela Sims says
October 25, 2016 at 9:40 pmI would get the cheesecake! I love cheesecake!
jennifer horn says
October 26, 2016 at 8:05 amI’d serve the cheesecake with toppings on the side. It would make a great dessert for our holiday meals.
Jayedee Dewitt says
October 26, 2016 at 8:16 amThe new york cheesecake looks wonerful! I’d “dress it up” with fresh berries to serve yo my holiday guests!
jjohnson46 says
October 26, 2016 at 8:20 amI’d love to try the PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE TRUFFLE BROWNIE! I’m always in charge of desserts, so this would be perfect!
Mary Beth Elderton says
October 26, 2016 at 9:35 amThe Cheddar & Caramel Gourmet Popcorn would be great for filling bowls of munchies while dinner is getting ready. I would also love the Mac and Cheese with bacon as an easy side—who doesn’t love mac and cheese?
Katie Bellamy says
October 26, 2016 at 9:38 amI wouldn’t mind that cheesecake! 🙂
Connie Tilman says
October 26, 2016 at 9:46 amCheesecake! I love cheesecake!
amweeks says
October 26, 2016 at 9:57 amI’d love to try the TEN LAYER 3 MEAT LASAGNA! We have guests coming into town for the week of Thanksgiving. This would be nice to serve them the day or two before the holiday!
shelly peterson says
October 26, 2016 at 10:42 amI would love to try the New York style cheesecake for dessert.
Donna Cheatle says
October 26, 2016 at 11:47 amI’d love to add the New York Style Cheesecake to our holiday menu! Maybe add pumpkin spice flavored whipped cream on top?
stephanie barmann says
October 26, 2016 at 12:41 pmI have always wanted to try to make a NY style cheese cake so I would probably go with that!
Brandy Williams says
October 26, 2016 at 12:59 pmI would love any kind of cheesecake!!
Crystal Rose says
October 26, 2016 at 1:21 pmI would try the bacon mac & cheese as a side dish.
Ryan Spencer says
October 26, 2016 at 3:34 pmI would use the Peanut Butter Brownie Dessert for parties because we’ve tried it and absolutely love it!
cyndi br says
October 26, 2016 at 3:42 pmI would use the brownie and sprinkle crushed graham cracker on it
Nancy says
October 26, 2016 at 4:01 pmI’d use their Crab Cakes for holiday appetizers.
Jerry Marquardt says
October 26, 2016 at 4:12 pmI love the Pepperoni Pizza the most. I know my whole family loves it!
Yona Williams says
October 26, 2016 at 4:24 pmI love cookies, and the Pecan Caramel Brownie Cookies sound really good.
June S. says
October 26, 2016 at 4:27 pmThat cheesecake of theirs sounds wonderful and would be perfect for our family gatherings this year.
KENNETH OHL says
October 26, 2016 at 5:15 pmI would love the cheesecake for sure
elizabeth miller says
October 26, 2016 at 6:33 pmI’d love the America’s Choice Crabcakes….actually I am torn between those and the cheesecake.
sherry fowler says
October 26, 2016 at 7:03 pmI would choose cheesecake!!! my family bleeds cheesecake lol!
John Joseph says
October 26, 2016 at 7:08 pmi would use the honey burbon salomon as main dish and pour pineapple juice on it and have fruit as a side along with their brownies for dessert! It all looks so good
Angelica Cassandra Dimeo says
October 26, 2016 at 8:53 pmI would choose the cheecake and make topping for it
Julie says
October 26, 2016 at 9:12 pmI would love to try the cheese and bacon macaroni…
Jessica says
October 26, 2016 at 9:20 pmI would love to try the America’s Choice brownies. I always make a tray of brownies bites and cookies for holiday get togethers.
holly lawson says
October 26, 2016 at 9:58 pmI would use the Chocolate Chip Cookies – I would dip them in milk and layer them with whipped cream. Then I would put it in the fridge and serve it for dessert
Leah Shumack says
October 26, 2016 at 10:00 pmI would get the Lasagna! It’s one of our favorite meals to go to during the winter months!
Meaghan says
October 26, 2016 at 10:11 pmThe salmon looks lovely!
Jennifer L says
October 26, 2016 at 10:46 pmi would bring the bacon mac and cheese to my holiday dinner with Mom and Dad, sounds yummy!
Leela says
October 26, 2016 at 11:08 pmBacon and cheddar beef patties.