Time and money-saving tips

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SIDE ORDERS—Easy-to-heat-and-eat hot sides can make life a lot simpler at holiday time.

NAPS)—During the busy holi- day season, many families find they’re looking for quick and easy meals that are both comforting and festive. For- tunately, following these four hints can help.

NAPS)—During the busy holi- day season, many families find they’re looking for quick and easy meals that are both comforting and festive. For- tunately, following these four hints can help.

1. Cook once—eat twice. Find creative ways to repurpose your left- overs. Make stews, casseroles and frit- tatas. Have leftovers for lunch. When you “brown-bag it” this way instead of going out, you can save an average $1,500 over the year. That can buy a lot of holiday presents—including for yourself—and help you have the time to go shop for them.

2. Focus on your favorites. Out- source the rest. If, say, you love roast turkey, baste that bird all you like but don’t devote a lot of time to the sides. Put the potato peeler down and pick up refrigerated Main St. Bistro Signa- ture Mashed Potatoes at your local gro- cery store. Or for a sweet twist, dig into some Baked Mashed Sweet Potatoes with sweet potatoes, real butter, brown sugar and candied pecans. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, sweet potatoes are higher in beta-caro- tene than many other vegetables and are a source of potassium, fiber, and vita- mins A and C. Whether you like your spuds sweet or savory, both are great when hosting holiday dinners or enjoy- ing family meals.

3. Plan a potluck party. Invite the neighbors for dinner and have each

Easy-to-heat-and-eat hot sides can make life a lot simpler at holiday time.

family bring a different dish. For easy and popular additions, look for the fully baked refrigerated sides from Res- er’s Main St. Bistro. Baked Scalloped Potatoes combine tender sliced pota- toes with a rich cream sauce topped with cheddar cheese. Baked Macaroni & Cheese is a rich, savory dish with real cheddar cheese and a golden-brown crust. To add a little heat, try Zesty Au Gratin Potatoes with diced jalapeños, cheddar cheese and crispy bacon. Look for these and other Main St Bistro side dishes in your grocer’s Meat Dept.

4. Put a bow on the party. For more fun, make it a gift wrapping party, too. You simply supply the scissors and tape and everyone brings a different roll of holiday wrapping paper so you can all mix and match, swap and share.

Learn More

For further facts on food, go to http://resers.com/products/main-st- bistro-classic-sides#overview.