HispanicBusiness

Red Tart Cherry Glazed Ham

MISSION, KS -- (Marketwire) -- 11/15/12 -- (Family Features) You want to bring out the best for your next holiday gathering, ensuring a memorable meal for family and friends. With a few simple tips and easier-than-you-think recipes, you can do just that.

Entertaining Tips

•Prep the Night Before - Save time by chopping vegetables or prepping glazes the day before. For example, prepare the spread for Goat Cheese Bruschetta with Berry-Thyme Spread the night before. The day of the party, toast baguette slices 10 minutes before guests arrive, and the delicious appetizer will come together in minutes.

•Allow for Creativity - Allow guests to put their own finishing touches on their dishes by setting out a variety of toppings. Raspberry Almond Waffles provide a base for your friends and family to get creative.

•Make It a Group Effort - Ask guests to bring their favorite holiday side dishes or desserts to complement the main course to encourage a wide variety. If you're making Red Tart Cherry Glazed Ham as the centerpiece of the meal, let guests know so they can plan accordingly.

Each of these suggestions incorporates a delicious recipe using Smucker's® Orchard's Finest® Preserves, a gourmet line of preserves made with the best fruit from the best places. The preserves contain only four ingredients, and add rich flavor to both sweet and savory holiday dishes. From classic Pacific Mountain Strawberry Preserves to the new Lakeside Raspberry Cranberry Preserves, there's a flavor that's sure to be a hit with each guest. These holiday recipes are wonderful options to share with family and friends at your next gathering because, during the holidays, only the finest will do.

For more recipes to round out your holiday menu, visit www.smuckers.com.

Dress It Up
Here are four delicious ways to dress up your holiday salads. Just start with this basic vinaigrette recipe, and mix in your favorite Smucker's® Orchard's Finest® Preserves flavor and one other simple ingredient.

Basic Vinaigrette - Mix 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon water, 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Whisk in 1/4 cup Crisco® Pure Canola Oil.

•Strawberry Basil Vinaigrette - Add 1/2 cup Smucker's Orchard's Finest Pacific Mountain Strawberry Preserves and 2 teaspoons finely minced basil.

•Raspberry Cranberry and Rosemary Vinaigrette - Add 1/2 cup Smucker's Orchard's Finest Lakeside Raspberry Cranberry Preserves and 1 teaspoon finely minced fresh rosemary.

•Citrus Ginger Vinaigrette - Add 1/2 cup Smucker's Orchard's Finest Pacific Grove Orange Marmalade Medley and 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger root.

•Apricot Ginger Vinaigrette - Add 1/2 cup Smucker's Orchard's Finest Coastal Valley Peach Apricot Preserves and 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger root.