Don’t let small holiday hiccups hold you back. We’ve got the solutions to common mishaps that any host can master!
Common entertaining problems, solved!
Problem: Help! I have unexpected guests.
Our advice: When surprise guests stop in, it can be hard to remember the old adage the more, the merrier. But if you’ve stocked up on tasty items that you can serve sans much effort, you’ll be less stressed about your ad hoc company. Have on hand a selection of easy-prep apps for situations like this: Compliments Frozen Appetizers (like the Asian Appetizer Party Pack) and our range of Charcuterie Trios will do the trick, going from fridge (or freezer) to table in no time!
Problem: My go-to dishes are feeling uninspired. How can I impress dinner guests?
Our advice: This one is easier than you think—and better yet, it doesn’t require overhauling what you’re already comfortable cooking but simply adding to it with one ingredient: nuts! Simply crush up your favourites (the larger the pieces, the more crunch served) and spoon them over any dish, from sweet (think vanilla ice cream, pumpkin pie, or bread pudding) to savoury (like beans, Brussels sprouts, or stuffing).
Problem: Uh-oh, I completely ruined a dish. What do I serve now?
Our advice: Kitchen catastrophes happen to the best of us, but one burnt dish won’t spoil your dinner party. Even the best hosts keep backups on hand, just in case. From our frozen entrées to easy baking mixes, we’ve got simple classics that could pass for homemade. Your guests will be none the wiser.
Problem: I have some vegetarians coming to dinner and don’t know what to serve them!
Our advice: These days, there is a buffet of vegetarian options available to wow even your meat-loving guests. Explore our range of plant-based mains and sides, from tender, savoury “meat” balls (make them as an app or add them to your main) to “chicken” fingers (perfect for the kids). We even have a range of vegan dressings and dips, including ranch and blue cheese, so spoil your vegetarian guests with something good!
Problem: I never get baking right! Help me find a no-fail dessert.
Our advice: Dump Cake will change your dessert game forever. Follow these instructions and you can’t go wrong. In buttered 13 x 9-in. glass baking dish, layer ingredients in the following order: 540 mL can Compliments Apple Pie Filling, 2 cups chopped peeled Granny Smith apples, ¼ tsp Compliments Ground Cinnamon, 400 g pkg Compliments Gluten-Free Yellow Cake Mix, ½ cup melted butter and ⅓ cup Compliments Peanut Butter Baking Chips. Bake at 350°C until edges are bubbly and golden, about 30 min.; let cool. Serve with Compliments Whipped Topping, Compliments Vanilla Ice Cream and Compliments Pecan Halves. You—and your guests—will love this.
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