Holly Jolly Holiday Side Dishes

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

09 Dec 2008 08:12 AM

Turkey, ham, prime rib, they're the staples of many holiday meals. But, think of the looks you would get from your guests if that were all you served them.

The following recipes for simple yet delicious side dishes can all be made in less than 45 minutes from start to finish, including cook time. Each complements the traditional holiday fare. What's more, the Rice Pilaf and Shrimp Dip will be welcome sights to your vegetarian guests.

WILD RICE AND PINE NUT PILAF

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter

1/2 cup diced celery

1/2 cup diced onion

1 box long-grain white and wild rice blend (not instant)

1/2 cup dried cranberries

3 tablespoons sliced green onion

1/4 cup pine nuts or slivered almonds, toasted

2 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsley

Directions:

In a medium sized saucepan, saute onion and celery on low heat in butter until just starting to get soft.

Prepare rice according to package (but use 2 to 3 tablespoons less water then directions call for). Add cranberries when rice is about half way done. Cover and continue cooking.

When rice is done, fluff with fork and stir in green onions and nuts.

Garnish with parsley.

BACON WRAPPED GREEN BEANS

Ingredients:

2 pounds of fresh green beans or 2 cans whole green beans, drained

1 pound thick sliced bacon

1/2 cups brown sugar

3/4 of a bottle Catalina salad dressing

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Bundle about 6-10 green beans together and wrap with a half slice of bacon. Secure them with a toothpick.

Make several bunches and place in a 9 by 13-inch baking dish.

Mix brown sugar and dressing and pour sauce over beans and bake for 30 minutes.

SPICY SHRIMP AND ARTICHOKE DIP

Ingredients:

1 (14 ounce) can quartered artichoke hearts, drained

1 pound fresh shrimp, boiled and chopped

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1 cup mayonnaise

1 cup sour cream

1 jalapeno pepper, finely diced

3/4 cup salsa

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

1/4 cup finely diced red pepper

1/4 cup scallions, sliced thin

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, salsa, jalapeno, lemon juice and one-cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Fold in shrimp and artichoke hearts.

Spoon into 9-inch glass pie plate or shallow baking dish.

Bake about 20 to 30 minutes or until heated through.

Garnish with remaining Parmesan cheese, red pepper and green onions.

Serve hot out of the oven with chips and assorted raw vegetables.

Related Articles:

Super Simple Sides

Two Side Dishes That Make the Dinner

EASY Side Dishes

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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