Over the years I've experimented with different dishes on different occassions, however there are some things that the family has just deemed classic. It's just a particular dish that each person associates with that holiday. A few weeks before an occasion I get the, "Hey Mom, are you gonna make . . . " this or that for whatever is coming up next?
So I thought about what I normally fix for the major events and do what I do best, make a list. Here's what we've come to have at family holidays, and I hope to cover most of these dishes so anybody can do it, too.
Holidays at My House
New Year's Day - (finger foods-made from a lot of Christmas leftovers) sausage balls, chips and dip, carrot and celery sticks, pickles, olives, cheese ball, bacon crab wraps and in the crockpot just for good luck, corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and carrots.
SuperBowl Sunday - (finger foods) sausage balls, chips and dip, carrot and celery sticks, pickles, olives, strombolies, bacon crab wraps, Texas caviar, nacho cheese dip, cheesy bread, hot wings, chili, potato skins, meatballs or BBQ hotdogs. (this has wide and varied possibilities.
Valentine's Day - Romantic Surf and Turf for Two at Home - A couple of good steaks marinated, two huge bacon wrapped baked potatoes, shrimp scampi and salad, with cheesy bread on the side. Chilled shrimp dipped in sauce as appetizer.
Easter Dinner - Orange rum glazed ham, scalloped potatoes, scalloped corn, hash brown casserole, sausage balls, baked beans, carrot and celery sticks, pickles, jello jigglers for the grandkids, deviled eggs, bunny cake.
Memorial Day Cookout - burgers (variety of flavors - Taco, BBQ and regular), beer brats, hot dogs, potato salad, slaw, fruit salad, baked beans, chips and dip, carrot and celery sticks, pickles, olives, deviled eggs, mac and cheese, corn on the cob, chocolate chip cookies, ice cream sundaes.
4th of July Cookout - Baby Back Ribs, beer brats, hot dogs, potato salad, slaw, fruit salad, baked beans, chips and dip, deviled eggs, corn on the cob, brownies.
Labor Day Cookout - Spare Ribs, beer brats, hot dogs, taco salad, slaw, fruit salad, baked beans, chips and dip, carrot and celery sticks, pickles, deviled eggs, corn on the cob, salt potatoes,
Thanksgiving - (2) Turkey, (2) dressing, gravy, scalloped corn, green beans and potatoes, mashed potatoes, hash brown casserole, sausage balls, carrot and celery sticks and dip, pickles, olives, cranberry 7UP salad, cheese ball, jello jigglers for the grandkids, deviled eggs, crackers, cheese and pepperoni, rolls, double layer pumpkin pie, black forrest pie.
Christmas Brunch - Pulled pork BBQ (ribs if price is right), sausage balls, cheese ball, fruit salad, jello jigglers for the grandkids, hash brown casserole, bacon mac and cheese, cranberry 7UP salad, fruit salad, pickles, onion slices, buns, cherry delight.
