MISSION, KS -- (Marketwire) -- 11/15/12 -- (Family Features) For many home cooks, the choice of a main dish is simple -- but choosing all the other dishes isn't always easy. Do you serve the same side dishes you always do, or try something different? What appetizers should you make -- and can you find recipes that aren't complicated and time consuming?
If choosing holiday starters and sides is leaving you stressed, relax. These recipes will let you serve up some traditional flavors with a fun twist -- and they won't keep you trapped in the kitchen.
Put a fun -- and delicious -- spin on the holiday favorites of mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes. Bob Evans Mashtinis were created by the chefs at Bob Evans as part of the Mad About Mashed recipe collection to spice up your entertaining options this holiday. They start with Bob Evans Original Mashed Potatoes (found in your grocer's refrigerated section), so a lot of the work has already been done for you. Served up in a martini glass, they'll be the talk of the party.
-- The Sweet Tater Twist Mashtini gives you all your favorite sweet potato casserole flavors and adds a little smoky bacon and sweet maple syrup.
-- The Classy Carbonara Mashtini brings in crisp prosciutto, bright green peas, grape tomatoes and herbed cheese for an elegant mashed potato dish that's a cinch to make.
To get the full Mad About Mashtini recipe collection, visit http://mashed.bobevans.com.
For some easy, more traditional appetizers to feed a crowd, try Stuffed Mushrooms filled with spinach, Bob Evans Sausage, Italian cheese and bread crumbs. And with just two ingredients, Sausage Pinwheels couldn't be easier to make.
You'll enjoy cooking for the holidays when you choose easy starters and sides like these. Find more holiday recipes at www.bobevans.com.
Sweet Tater Twist MashtiniPrep time: 8 minutesYields: 4 Mashtinis1/2 package (12 ounces) Bob Evans Original Mashed Potatoes1/2 package (12 ounces) Bob Evans Mashed Sweet Potatoes1/4 cup mini marshmallows1/4 cup honey roasted pecans1/4 cup cooked bacon, crumbled1/4 cup maple syrup, warm
Prepare sweet potatoes by following the recommended microwave instructions on package.
Place about 1/3 cup mashed potatoes in bottom of each martini glass.
Layer about 1/3 cup (1/8 package) sweet potatoes over mashed potatoes.
Repeat layers, using about 1/3 cup mashed potatoes, then 1/3 cup sweet potatoes.
Top with 1 tablespoon each marshmallows, pecans and crumbled bacon.
Drizzle with 1 tablespoon warmed maple syrup.
Classy Carbonara MashtiniPrep time: 20 minutesYields: 4 Mashtinis1 package (24 ounces) Bob Evans Original Mashed Potatoes2 tablespoons crisped prosciutto, broken into 2-inch pieces4 tablespoons Boursin cheese1/4 cup frozen peas, heated1/2 cup crispy fried shallots8 grape tomatoes (optional)
