Holiday Party Tips
(CBS) -- Lifestyle expert Limor Suss is here to share some holiday entertaining tips to look and play the part of being a great hostess.
Touch Up Bundle from Joyus.com
Blush papers, bronzing papers and gloss all tucked into a pocket for a discreet touch-up at any time! You can find on Joyus.com – cool new video shopping site that comes with expert tutorials so you know exactly how the product works.
Covergirl Bombshell Mascara
Though you may be tired from all the prep work – this mascara with brighten the eyes and make them pop.
Decorate with Food:
Instead of spending a ton of money on disposable decorations, buy a monogrammed table linen that you can use every year and decorate with food. You can monogram placemats, table runners, napkins and even wine glasses online at Lands' End.
Food décor ideas: Cheese platter in the shape of a Christmas Tree, broccoli, caprese salad skewers.
The Drinks - What's a holiday party without spirits?
Wine:
Stock up on inexpensive yet well balanced wine with Gallo Family Vineyards.
Bonus - for every bottle of uncorked wine, return the cork to make a $5 donation to Meals on Wheels Association of America and assist in the fight to end senior hunger.
Gallo Family Vineyards / Every Cork Counts Program $5 for a 750 ml bottle at local wine retailers and grocers nationwide. Also available at TheBarrelRoom.co.
Signature Drink:
The Frangelico Truffle – Frangelico is a classic Italian product that's great for holiday cocktails – it has a deliciously sweet hazelnut flavor but is also surprisingly light.
1 part Frangelico
1 part SKYY Vodka
3/4oz Cold Espresso
Shake with ice and serve up in a cocktail or martini glass. Dust with dark chocolate shavings.
Create a Cookie/Gingerbread Decorating Station
Tip - bake Cookies with an all-natural cooking spray so that they come out perfect!
Pompeian Grapeseed Oil Spray, only $3.98 at Walmart – www.pompeian.com.
Healthy Dessert Option:
According to a recent survey by Grape-Nuts, 71% of people expect to gain weight over the holidays. Prepare a healthier alternative to an Apple Crisp made with grape nuts cereal.
Grape-Nuts $3.99 at Local Grocery Stores.
Grape Nut Streusel:
¾ cup finely ground graham cracker crumbs
¾ cup coarsely ground Post Grape-Nuts cereal
1 ½ tsp cinnamon
1 ½ tbsp brown sugar
2 ½ tbsp melted butter
2 ½ tbsp melted apricot preserves
Apple Filling:
4 ½ pounds sweet-tart apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
6 tbsp granulated sugar, or to taste
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray baking sheet with cooking spray.
Stir together dry streusel ingredients. Drizzle in butter and apricot preserves and stir until mixed. Gently spread mixture (do not press down) on baking sheet and bake 12 minutes or until light golden brown. Allow streusel to cool and break up any large chunks so that mixture is in pea-sized pieces.
Center rack in middle of oven and preheat to 350°F. Lightly spray sides and bottom of 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray.
In a large bowl toss together all four apple filling ingredients until combined, making sure to keep apple slices intact. Transfer to prepped baking dish and loosely cover with foil. Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until apples becomes tender and liquid is slightly thickened.
Crumble streusel topping evenly over apple mixture and return to oven, uncovered. Continue baking until topping is golden and apples are tender or about 15 more minutes. Cool slightly and serve warm.
