From Mr. Food Head Writer Helayne

I love entertaining for all sorts of occasions. Whether it’s the holidays or for any family event, I really enjoy going all out and coming up with great dishes to serve, and presenting them in interesting ways.

I’ve learned a lot of great presentation tips since working here at Mr. Food, and I’ve come up with lots of my own ideas, too. But time passes, and when I started here many years ago, my daughter was in high school. Now she is married and, between her desire to entertain and many in my son-in-law’s large family also wanting to take a turn at the fun, it’s time for me to pass the entertaining torch.

I will miss hosting the big crowd this year, but everyone deserves a turn at being the host or hostess! And I have to admit that it’s also nice to be a guest and not have all the shopping, cooking and cleanup that comes with hosting holiday feasts. I am always happy to bring something along, and some of my favorite bring-alongs are desserts. I really enjoy making and decorating cupcakes and other baked goods, like that Cookies ‘n’ Cream Cheesecake I told you about a while back. I’m also always called upon to try to replicate my Mom’s famous brisket, and if a main dish is asked for, I have a “from-scratch” Italian-style lasagna recipe that takes a lot of time to make but, believe me, it’s worth it.

All these dishes are pretty portable, so no matter how far we have to drive, they can pretty well get there in one piece. I always use a cooler when necessary, and make sure everything is safely wrapped and packed so I don’t arrive with a mess. This way, no matter the occasion, I still feel like I contributed some of my cooking skills to the festivities…and that makes me happy.

Here at MrFood.com you’ll find lots of super bring-along ideas like Buffalo Wings and a big main-dish casserole like Better Baked Ziti, or a festive quick bread like Chocolate Chip Cranberry Bread so that you, too, can be part of making any holiday gathering personal and from the heart.

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