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One Size Dinner Does Not Fit All
Delicious Holiday Recipes for Families Big and Small
By Donna Smith
Around the holidays, cooking for a crowd is relatively easy thanks to a turkey or ham, but what if you're cooking for a small family?
While turkey is the traditional meat of choice for holiday fare, know that there are other options that are easier to prepare and won't leave you with tons of leftovers. Cornish game hens, quail and squab are great, elegant alternatives. Cornish game hens are readily available at most grocery stores. Quail and squab can be found in some stores, but if you have a hard time finding them, simply ask your butcher.
If your smaller family still wants a turkey or ham, cook one! Use the leftovers in other recipes after the holidays, or pack it up and share with a less fortunate neighbor or family. Your butcher can cut a turkey or ham in half for you. You may be able to purchase only half the turkey, or simply freeze it for another time.
And remember, cooking the holiday dinner should be a joyous occasion. Don't worry if things don't go perfectly – they seldom do. Relax, enjoy yourself and enjoy your family. It doesn't matter if there are a few lumps in the gravy or if the turkey – or squab! – is a little dry. What matters is your family, regardless of the size, being together to share and make memories.
Honey Mustard Cornish Game Hens1/2 cup margarine, melted
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon minced, fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Place the hens in a baking dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Combine the melted margarine, honey, Dijon mustard and parsley in a small bowl. Pour over the hens, making sure to cover all areas. Bake at 350 degrees F about one hour or until meat juices run clear. Baste every 15 minutes with sauce. Let the hens rest for 15 minutes before serving.
