The holiday season is ripe for entertaining, and these two Maple Grove spots offer unique items that put a new spin on the holiday meal while leaving a lasting impression on your guests. Local pros share their recommendations for an easy breakfast, a fun lunch and a tasty supper to share with houseguests.
Morning
Jennifer Finger of Whole Foods Market suggests these recipes for a holiday brunch:
Savory Sausage and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole
This recipe is perfect for using up stale bread, since its firm texture stands up to overnight soaking. A casserole stretches expensive ingredients by using them to flavor low-cost ingredients, so this meal is a good value when feeding a crowd.
5 c. bread cubes (1-inch), sourdough or white bread
1/2 lb. loose breakfast sausage, cooked
1 c. spinach leaves
8 eggs
2 c. milk
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. dried sage
1 c. grated cheddar cheese
Directions:
Layer bread, sausage and spinach in an 8-inch baking dish. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, garlic, salt, pepper and sage. Pour over contents in baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese, cover, and chill for 2 hours or overnight. After chilling, preheat oven to 350 F. Uncover dish and bake until cooked through and golden brown, about 50 to 60 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes, and then serve.
Rosemary-Pear Bellini
This beverage can be easily adjusted to be made suitable for those not partaking in spirits. Simply substitute plain or flavored sparling water.
3/4 c. pear nectar or juice
6 small sprigs fresh rosemary
1 (750-ml) bottle Don Simón sparkling wine, chilled
Directions:
Pour 2 tbsp. pear nectar into each of 6 champagne flutes or small wine glasses. Place a rosemary sprig in each glass, and top with sparkling wine. Serve immediately.
Noon
When lunchtime rolls around, you can enjoy healthy foods already prepared by Whole Foods Market, delivered to your door. Here are a couple of ideas for a flawless Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s noon-time gathering. Make it a classic ham, or surprise them with a vegan take on the holiday celebrations:
Classic Ham Dinner
Spiral-cut Welshire baked ham with pineapple maple (8-10 lbs.)
Roasted root vegetables (2.5 lbs.)
Corn pudding (2.5 lbs.)
Green beans with shallots (2 lbs.)
$109.99, serves 6
Vegan Dinner
Wild rice quinoa cranberry roast with hazelnut crust (1 lb.)
Vegan mashed potatoes (12 oz.)
Traditional herb stuffing (12 oz.)
Green beans with shallots (12 oz.)
Cranberry relish (7 oz.)
Vegan mushroom gravy (16 oz.)
$29.99, serves 2–3
Round out either of these meals with vegan pumpkin pie or a chocolate raspberry Yule log. For more information, options and complete pricing, visit wholefoodsmarket.com.
Evening
As the busy day ends, treat your guests to a special night out at the Highlander Restaurant at Rush Creek Golf Club, on Highway 101. The Highlander’s menu is seasonally influenced, but you can always count on homemade food—including meats that have been hickory smoked onsite. You’ll find this meal (and similar fare) on the Highlander’s menu:
Smoked Salmon Platter
A big dish meant to be shared. Wild Alaskan sockeye salmon, served with capers, lemons, lemon dill aioli, red onions and assorted crackers. $19.
Guinness Steak Chili or Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Choose from one of these two hearty fall selections. $8.
Flat Iron Steak
A true classic, served with sautéed mushrooms and asparagus, homemade steak sauce and a baked potato. $19.
Creek Cake
This scrumptious, homemade carrot cake—a perennial favorite—is topped with crushed pineapple and cream cheese frosting. $6.
Would you rather stay home for the evening meal? Order in a Southern Style Feast from The Lookout Bar and Grill, delivered hot to your front door. Enjoy roasted chicken, a full rack of St. Louis-style dry ribs, a link of Andouille sausage, coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, cornbread and a mound of waffle fries, enough to feed 5–6 people. $70.
@
Restaurants to feed the crowd at their place or yours:
Whole Foods Market
12201 Elm Creek Blvd N
763.416.7300
Highlander Restaurant
7801 County Road 101
763.494.0400
Lookout Bar and Grill
8672 Pineview Lane N.
763.424.4365
