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Banish the paper plates

Add the finishing touches to make a carryout meal memorable.

By COLETTE BANCROFT
Published November 19, 2006

A takeout turkey dinner saves loads of time, but how do you give the meal a homemade touch? Here are a few tips beyond the obvious one: Get rid of the deli packaging before your guests arrive.

- Kick off the festivities with an easy cocktail with a taste of fall: pomegranate mimosas. Fill a flute with chilled Champagne and top with a tablespoon of pomegranate juice. For a nonalcoholic version, use sparkling cider instead of wine.

- Since your takeout Thanksgiving meal is totally traditional, try something fresh for appetizers: an olive bar many supermarket delis offer several varieties, bruschetta, sushi.

- Even if you don't spend a moment cooking, serve the holiday meal on your best china. Nothing says "I don't care enough about you people to bother" like mashed potatoes in a plastic foam cup.

- Don't have any best china? Zip into Target or Kmart for a few reasonably priced retro serving pieces. Cheaper yet, cruise a thrift shop for platters and bowls. You can tell guests that brownware turkey plate belonged to Grandma; you don't have to say it was someone else's grandma.

- Nothing ramps up flavor better than fresh herbs. While you're picking up dinner at the supermarket deli, dash over to the produce department for a pack or two. Chop mint to toss with the peas, chives or flat-leaf parsley for the mashed potatoes, thyme for the Brussels sprouts. Add chopped sage leaves to stuffing, and use several whole sprigs, lightly crushed with your fingers to release their aroma, to garnish the turkey.

- Freshly grated spices work magic, too, like a dusting of nutmeg in creamed spinach or over the whipped cream as you serve the pumpkin pie.

- We've saved the most important tip for last: Carefully follow the instructions for reheating provided with your takeout dinner. You want to give your guests warm memories, not food poisoning.

Colette Bancroft can be reached at (727) 893-8435 or bancroft@sptimes.com

[Last modified November 17, 2006, 08:55:19]