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December Parties

 

 

 

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About Holly Clegg

Holly Clegg is author of the successful Trim & Terrific™ cookbook series which includes The Holly Clegg Trim & Terrific™ Cookbook, More than 500 Fast, Easy, and Healthy Recipes, Holly Clegg Trim & Terrific Home Entertaining The Easy Way, Trim & Terrific Meals On The Move: Rush Hour Recipes and A Trim & Terrific Louisiana Kitchen: Southern Favorites. She also has co-authored the book, Eating Well Through Cancer: Easy Recipes & Recommendations During & After Treatment with oncologist, Gerald Miletello, MD.

Holly has developed a national reputation for her easy, everyday, and healthier approach to cooking and entertaining. Her television appearances include national television shows such as the Later Today, NBC Weekend Today Show (for six years), Home Matters, Phil Donahue Show, and numerous satellite New York based media tours.  She recently completed two QVC appearances.

Holly is a wife and mother of three and resides in Baton Rouge, LA. 

For more information about Holly and how to order her cookbooks go to:

  www.hollyclegg.com/

 

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Holiday Recipe Sampler

Chocolate Mint Brownies

Cranberry & White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Fiesta Salsa

Glazed Apricot
Almond Brie

Marinated Pork Tenderloin With
Honey Mustard Sauce

Marinated Shrimp

Yam Biscuits

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     December is the month for parties so what better time to tell you about my new entertaining book, The Holly Clegg Trim & Terrific Home Entertaining The Easy Way.  Everyone approaches entertaining differently, my sister is intimidated while my sister-in-law eagerly calls me to help plan her menu.  Whether you are looking forward to having company or feel pressured, my new book is a practical source of menu suggestions and decorating ideas.

     There is no need to hire a party planner or have an unlimited budget to have a successful party. What you do need are fast, easy recipes and tips for throwing a fun, affordable gala. Keep it simple, be organized, and keep your options open.  You want to select an enticing yet simply prepared menu, as food lures people to parties. 

     During the holidays, there is no need for a themed party as most homes are decorated in a festive manner.   Let’s start with decorations.  Take advantage of seasonal napkins, leaves, berries, and flowers.  I love to fill a big glass vase with cranberries and water to hold red and yellow roses.   Garland and holly on the table provides table color and coverage without spending a fortune on a florist.  As in the Exciting Extras in my book, try accenting with different sized candles as they can add visual interest to your holiday setting.  Also, use a holiday wreath, artificial or real, as a serving plate holder for extra pizzazz. Use clear plastic plates for easy clean-up and purchase holiday paper napkins for the table

     The menu may include a combination of homemade recipes and store bought items.  I included the Short Cuts in my book to give people the option to take the easy way out by ordering and picking up.  The idea is for stress-free entertaining and time efficient planning.   I think the best menu consists of pick-up hors d’oeuvres, which gives the guests the opportunity to arrive whenever they can, mingle, talk and sample a variety of recipes. Plates are a must, but you probably can get away without providing forks by including only finger-food.

     I love to serve my Pepper Dijon Tenderloin, however, since beef tenderloins tend to be pricy, try the Marinated Pork Tenderloin with Honey Mustard.  Have the meat pre-sliced, a basket of pre-cut small rolls and the Honey Mustard in a small serving dish.  For an impressive dish, fill a glass bowl or trifle bowl with Marinated Shrimp.  This make-ahead recipe will garner rave reviews; serve with frilled toothpicks.  Glazed Apricot Almond Brie makes a statement and can be decorated with apples and assorted grapes. My family favorite, Fiesta Salsa is a dip packed with color, texture and so much flavor,  adding to the variety of dishes served.  For dessert, head to your local bakery for small squares of dessert or make the Cranberry and White Chocolate Chip Cookies. They're the perfect "pop in your mouth" holiday dessert.

     For great recipes, decorating tips, and serving ideas,  you'll have everything you need at your fingertips in the Holly Clegg Trim & Terrific Home Entertaining EASY WAY ~ The perfect tool for hosting an effortless party!

 Happy Holidays!

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MARINATED PORK TENDERLOIN WITH
HONEY MUSTARD SAUCE

Slice the tenderloin,  and serve it on a platter with the Honey Mustard Sauce in a small bowl with a basket of rolls or Yam Biscuits (recipe follows). You can also prepare a tray of pork sandwiches in advance for easy-to-serve finger food. Recipe from Holly Clegg's Trim & Terrific™ Home Entertaining The Easy Way, ©2003 by Holly Clegg.

3 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed of fat
2/3 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 Tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp ground ginger
1/4 cup Honey Mustard Sauce (recipe follows), for serving


     In a mixing bowl, add the soy sauce, hone, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger; stir to mix well. Transfer the pork tenderloin to a zipper-top plastic bag along with the marinade mixture and seal. Marinate in the refrigerator all day or overnight.

     Cook on a medium-hot grill, or bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 45 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Cool, and cut into slices for serving. Serve with the Honey Mustard Sauce. Makes 10 to 12 Servings.

Per Serving: 158 Cal; 5 g Total Fat (2 g Sat Fat); 1 g Carb; 75 mg Cholesterol; 399 mg Sodium; 25 g Protein. Exchanges: 3 Lean Meat. 

HONEY MUSTARD SAUCE
Sweet and spicy does the trick!

3 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1 Tbsphoney
1/2 tsp horseradish sauce

     In a small bowl, mix together the mustard, honey, and horseradish sauce. Serve alongside the Marinated Pork Tenderloin. Makes about 12 Servings.

Per (1 tsp) Serving: 10 Cal; 00 g Total Fat; 2 g Carb; 00 mg Cholesterol; 92 mg Sodium. Exchanges: FREE!

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YAM BISCUITS
These yummy biscuits pair perfectly with the Marinated Pork Tenderloin. Serve them right out of the oven, or let cool and use to create finger sandwiches. These biscuits make a nice addition to any brunch or lunch. Recipe from Holly Clegg's Trim & Terrific™ Home Entertaining The Easy Way,
©2003 by Holly Clegg.

3 cups all-purpose baking mix
1 Tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 (15-ounce) can sweet potatoes (yams), drained and
   mashed
3/4 cup skim milk

     Preheat oven to 450°F.

     In a large bowl, mix together the baking mix, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the drained, mashed sweet potatoes and milk, and mix until well combined.

     Roll out the mixture on a floured surface to 1-inch thick. Cut individual biscuits with a 2-inch cutter or an inverted glass, and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden. Makes 18 Biscuits.

Per Biscuit: 111 Cal; 3 g Total Fat (1 g Sat Fat); 19 g Carb; 00 mg Cholesterol; 270 mg Sodium; 2 g Protein; 1 g Dietary Fiber. Exchanges: 1 Starch; 1/2 Fat.

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GLAZED APRICOT ALMOND BRIE
Every time I throw a party, I always include baked Brie, and every time, the Brie steals the show. This impressive Brie recipe will win over everyone. I've included directions to serve the Brie warm from the oven; however, the apricot preserves may be heated in the microwave and the Brie may be served at room temperature. It's best served with assorted crackers and apple slices.  .  Recipe from Holly Clegg's Trim & Terrific™ Home Entertaining The Easy Way,
©2003 by Holly Clegg.

1 (14-ounce) brie
1/2 cup apricot preserves
1 Tbsp orange liqueur or orange juice
1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

     Preheat oven to 325°F. 

     Remove the top rind of the Brie.  Place the Brie in a shallow baking dish.  Mix together the apricot preserves and orange liqueur,  and spread on top of brie.   Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or just until Brie is soft and heated through.  Remove from oven and sprinkle with the toasted almonds.  Serve immediately with assorted crackers and apple slices. Makes 20 Servings.

Per Serving: 95 Cal; 6 g Total Fat (4 g Sat Fat); 6 g Carb; 20 mg Cholesterol; 128 mg Sodium; 4 g Protein. Exchanges: 1/2 Starch (Other Carb); 1/2 Lean Meat; 1 Fat.

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MARINATED SHRIMP
Serve this marvelous recipe in a glass bowl with frilled toothpicks to highlight the wonderful seafood selection. Recipe from Holly Clegg's Trim & Terrific™ Home Entertaining The Easy Way, ©2003 by Holly Clegg.

1/4 cup ketchup
2 Tbsp prepared horseradish
2 Tbsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp grainy mustard
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/3 cup sliced green onions (scallions)
2 Tbsp capers, drained
2 pounds peeled medium or large shrimp, cooked

     In a medium bowl, mix together the ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, mustard, olive oil, hot sauce,and garlic.  Add the green onions and capers.  Add the shrimp, stirring to coat well with marinade.   Cover and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 to 2 hours, before serving. Makes 10 Servings.

Sodium Alert! This recipe may not be suitable for those on salt-restricted meal plans.

Per Serving: 115 Cal; 2 g Total Fat; 3 g Carb; 177 mg Cholesterol; 411 mg Sodium; 19 g Protein. Exchanges: 3 Very Lean Meat.

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FIESTA SALSA
A blast of colors that created a favorite in my home,  and it tales only minutes to prepare. My family requests this nutritious salsa   often and it's perfect to serve on the holidays. Recipe from The Holly Clegg Trim&Terrific™ Cookbook,
©2002 by Holly Clegg.

2 avocados, peeled, pitted  and chopped
1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered, OR grape tomatoes,
   halved
1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chilies, drained
1 bunch green onions (scallions), sliced
3 tablespoons lime juice
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste

      In a large bowl, carefully toss together the avocados, tomatoes, corn, green chilies, green onions, lime juice, sugar, and salt and pepper. Makes 14 Servings.

Tip: To prevent discoloration and enhance the flavor of leftover avocado, simply mash the remaining flesh and combine it with lemon or lime juice in a ratio of a 1/2 teaspoon per half mashed avocado. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to two days.

Per (1/4-Cup) Serving: 67 Cal; 5 g Total Fat (1 g Sat Fat);
7 g Carb; 00 mg Cholesterol; 19 mg Sodium; 1 g Protein; 2 g Dietary Fiber. Exchanges: 2 Veg; 1 Fat.

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CRANBERRY & WHITE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
The sweet white chocolate combined with the tartness
of cranberries makes this a fantastic cookie and perfect
for the holidays! Recipe from Trim & Terrific™
Meals On The Move, Rush Hour Recipes
,
©February , 2000 by Holly B. Clegg.

1/2 cup margarine, softened
2/3 cup sugar
1 large egg, slightly beaten
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/3 cups old-fashioned oatmeal
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup white chocolate chips

     Preheat oven to 350°F.

     In a large bowl, beat together margarine, sugar, and egg until smooth and creamy.

     In a separate bowl, mix together the cinnamon, flour, oatmeal, and baking soda until well combined. Gradually add the dry mixture to the margarine mixture. Stir in the dried cranberrries and white chocolate chips, stirring to blend.

     Drop dough by rounded teaspoons onto a cookie sheet coated with a nonstick cooking spray; bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Makes 36 Cookies.

Per Cookie: 95 Cal; 4 g Total Fat (1 g Sat Fat); 14 g Carb; 6 mg Cholesterol; 73 mg Sodium; 1 g Protein; 1 g Dietary Fiber. Exchanges: 1 Starch; 1 Fat.

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CHOCOLATE MINT BROWNIES
This easy brownie recipe with the sweet mint filling and bitter chocolate glaze is impressive. With your eyes closed, you will think you are eating a delicious chocolate mint. This is a great holiday recipe and you can even use food coloring. Recipe from The Holly Clegg Trim&Terrific™ Cookbook,
©2002 by Holly Clegg.

1 (22.5-ounce) box reduced-fat or regular brownie mix
3/4 tsp peppermint extract, divided
3 Tbsp reduced-fat cream cheese
3 Tbsp margarine, melted, divided
2 cups confectioners' sugar
Few drops green food coloring
1 Tbsp cocoa
1 Tbsp water

     Preheat oven to 350°F.  Coat a 13- x 9- x 2-inch baking pan  with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

     Prepare the brownie mix according to package directions, adding the 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract.  Pour the batter into the prepared pan.  Bake according to the package directions. Do not overbake!  Remove from the oven and cool completely to room temperature. 

(Quick Tip: If you're in a hurry to cool the brownie layer, place it in the refrigerator to cool it quickly. Make sure that youdon't put the hot pan next to something that will be affected by its heat).

     In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, 1 tablespoon margarine, confectioners= sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract until smooth.  Add a few drops of green food coloring, mixing into cheese mixture.  Spread on the baked brownie layer.

     In a small bowl, mix together the remaining 2 tablespoons melted margarine, cocoa, and water.  Spread carefully over the cream cheese layer, and cool. Cut into squares. Makes 48 Brownies.

Per Brownie: 83 Cal; 2 g Total Fat (1 g Sat Fat); 16 g Carb; 1 mg Cholesterol; 60 mg Sodium; 1 g Protein. Exchanges: 1 Starch (Other Carb); 1/2 Fat.

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