Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner and it’s time to start planning family gatherings for the holidays! We asked Chef Robert Smith, Executive Chef at Grits Cafe, to share some tips for turning a simple meal into an unforgettable experience!
At Grits Cafe, hospitality is at the heart of what we do. Whether preparing for a busy weekend dinner service, a private dining event, or welcoming people into our own homes, we know that a little planning goes a long way! With that in mind our team at Grits Cafe in downtown Forsyth, Georgia has put their heads together and want to share a few tips we think will make your time hosting others this holiday so much more enjoyable.
Planning Ahead – Mis en Place
One of the best ways to take the stress out of holiday cooking is to plan ahead. This is something we do in the Grits Cafe kitchen every day using the French concept of Mis en Place which means to “put in place”. We think through and plan our steps so that everything we need is exactly where it needs to be. Going beyond planning your menu and shopping list to thinking through all the steps of cooking and serving the meal. Plan your menu around the equipment and space available in your kitchen, decide the serving dishes you plan to use in advance, and figure out where everything is going to be stored and when it is going to be served.
Chef Robert recommends you start by breaking your menu into categories: proteins, starches, vegetables, accompaniments, beverages, and desserts. Then consider which dishes can be prepared in advance and which are truly best to be made the day of.
Most traditional holiday favorites, including dressing, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, sweet potato casserole and even mashed potatoes can be prepared a day or two in advance and gently reheated before serving. This also works well for desserts or any other odds and ends that you like to have to go along with the staples. Deviled eggs, cranberry relish, family favorites, etc. are the little touches that create memories.
When it comes to proteins keep in mind that most roasted meats, especially larger cuts, benefit from a 30-45 minute rest time. Accounting for the rest time and using a loose covering of foil to retain warmth can give ample time to finish other elements of the meal before serving. Another trick is to use outdoor cooking equipment like turkey fryers, grills, and smokers to your advantage to free up valuable kitchen space.
Consider a Different Approach: A Day of Grazing and Sharing
Who says a holiday gathering has to revolve around one big meal?
One of our favorite alternatives is to create a relaxed day of grazing beginning with a hearty brunch and transitioning into appetizers, small bites, and beverages throughout the afternoon. This method is easy to execute in a potluck setting where guests help each other thereby keeping the cooking required of each person to a minimum. However, this is still manageable if you are handling it on your own. There is something special about creating an environment that is relaxed and casual so guests flow in and out of the house throughout the day.
Start with a savory breakfast casserole or a crockpot full of grits with a variety of toppings, allowing guests to choose their own adventure. Add in something sweet such as baked French toast or cinnamon rolls next to an assorted platter of bacon, sausage, and ham for an easy breakfast that suits all tastes.
For an elegant touch, offer a smoked salmon spread with bagels, cream cheese, capers, red onion, and sliced cucumbers.
As the day progresses, transition to dips, fresh vegetable crudites, charcuterie, cheese and any of your favorite party foods. Set up a beverage station for guests to help themselves.
Building your Beverage Station
Non Alcoholic:
Water – bottled, iced, sparkling.
Soda and Tea – keep it basic – something classic, diet, caffeine-free.
Punch – premake a non-alcoholic punch and serve in a bowl or dispenser. It doesn’t have to be fancy, a simple mixture of cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and ginger beer is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
Hot Beverages:
Coffee – classic and easy. Have some sugar and/or some flavored syrups, creamer, and a decaf option.
Hot Water – Tea, hot chocolate, apple cider, etc. can all be made with the addition of hot water.
Alcoholic beverages:
This is something that can seem overwhelming and the typical solution is to encourage guests to BYOB but you don’t have to be a mixologist to provide a great bar experience for your guests.
Liquor
Let’s start with what we already have. Remember that punch we prepared? All you need next to the dispenser is a small bottle of spiced rum. Instant holiday cocktail! A little Irish cream next to the coffeepot takes late night to the next level. You can always look up a batched cocktail recipe online and keep it in a bottle next to the ice bucket with instructions to “pour & enjoy”.
Beer
Don’t overthink it. Start with whatever you like and let that be the anchor.
Wine
Pick a red and a white. A little insider info is that California Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are the best sellers by the glass at Grits so you can’t go wrong there.
It’s most important to remember…
It isn’t what’s on the table that matters most, but rather the people around it. We love what we do, inviting people into our home and sharing a drink or a meal alongside good conversation and celebrating the life we share. With a little preparation, a thoughtful menu, and remembering to keep it simple, we can spend the holiday worrying less about the details and enjoying the people that we love.
From all of us at Grits Cafe we wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season filled with good food, good company, and plenty of reasons to gather.