How to Impress Dinner Guests — When You Can’t Cook
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!
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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Save-A-Lot. The opinions and text are all mine.
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The 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?
I wouldn’t mind that cheesecake! 🙂
Cheesecake! I love cheesecake!
I’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!
I would love to try the New York style cheesecake for dessert.
I’d love to add the New York Style Cheesecake to our holiday menu! Maybe add pumpkin spice flavored whipped cream on top?
I have always wanted to try to make a NY style cheese cake so I would probably go with that!
I would love any kind of cheesecake!!
I would try the bacon mac & cheese as a side dish.
I would use the Peanut Butter Brownie Dessert for parties because we’ve tried it and absolutely love it!