Comfort and joy: Mealtime tips for stress-free holiday hosting

(BPT) - What do you love most about the holidays? Chances are it's quality time with friends and family, nostalgic comforts like a crackling fireplace on a chilly night and the comforting flavors you enjoy this time of year.

Fortunately, making those special holiday moments happen when your life is busy can be easier and less stressful if you take a little time to plan ahead. You'll feel ready to entertain family and friends with good cheer thanks to these easy tips and recipes.

Stock your pantry

Start by taking inventory of your kitchen and clear out unwanted items, then create a list of staples you'll need for cooking and baking — think spices, nuts and assorted beverages. A well-stocked fridge and pantry will help reduce your stress and make your holiday entertaining seamless.

Sides you can count on

Whether you're hosting or visiting others, Bob Evans^® dinner sides help you enjoy everyone's favorite beloved comfort foods without the hassle. Mix-and-match comfort food favorites like ready-to-heat Mashed Potatoes, Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Sliced Glazed Apples are delicious served as is or incorporated into seasonal recipes that will have everyone asking for seconds. And the best part? They're ready in minutes — with quicker cleanup, too — so you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the festivities.

Here's some recipe inspiration for your holiday meal and party planning.

Homestyle comfort with Mashed Potatoes

A favorite on any dinner table, this popular holiday side is downright delicious on its own, or if you want, dress it up with extra seasonings and herbs to add your own culinary style. Mashed potatoes are so versatile you can even use them as the base for a dip, like this herby and lemony Greek Potato Dip that's oh so fresh and serves as a tasty appetizer.

Greek Potato Dip
Prep time: 20 minutes; cook time: 20 minutes; servings: 8

Ingredients
1 cup slivered almonds
1/4 cup olive oil

5 tablespoons lemon juice
4 cloves garlic
1 24-ounce package Bob Evans Original Mashed Potatoes
1 diced green onion
1 tablespoon minced parsley
1 tablespoon minced dill
18 ounces baked pita chips

Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Process almonds, olive oil, lemon juice and garlic in food processor until a paste forms. Spoon into large bowl.

Add mashed potatoes, green onion, parsley and dill. Stir until blended.
Spoon into 1-quart baking dish. Bake 20-25 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
Serve with pita chips.
Garnish with fresh dill, if desired.

Sweet and Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Speaking of versatile, you can't go wrong serving sweet potatoes as either a savory side or in a dessert recipe. For example, this casserole makes an ideal accompaniment for your Thanksgiving (or other holiday) table or as the perfect welcome for guests at a festive brunch.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Streusel Topping
Prep time: 15 minutes; cook time: 35 minutes; servings: 6

Ingredients
2 22-ounce packages Bob Evans Mashed Sweet Potatoes

2 lightly beaten large eggs
3 tablespoons honey
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Heat potatoes according to package directions and spoon into a large bowl.
Add beaten eggs, honey, half a teaspoon of cinnamon and nutmeg, stirring until blended.
Spoon into a lightly greased 11x7-inch baking dish.
Stir together brown sugar, flour, melted butter and remaining cinnamon until blended.
Stir in pecans and sprinkle over sweet potato mixture.
Bake 30-35 minutes or until streusel is golden brown.

Delightfully Sweet Sliced Glazed Apples

Everyone's favorite fall and winter fruit has taken on a whole bunch more flavor with this delightful side. If you're ready to transform it into a special dessert, check out this sweet and tangy recipe that's bound to become a family favorite. Serve this fruity dumpling dish with a scoop of ice cream or enjoy it as a treat on its own.

Cinnamon-Apple Dumplings
Prep time: 25 minutes; cook time: 35 minutes; servings: 6

Ingredients
1 14-ounce package Bob Evans Sliced Glazed Apples
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup cranberries
1 package frozen puff pastry, thawed

1/4 cup caramel dip
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 quarts vanilla ice cream

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Mix Bob Evans apples, raisins and cranberries in a bowl.

Unfold pastries and roll each into a 12-inch square.
Cut each pastry into six 4 x 6-inch rectangles.
Divide apple mixture among centers of each pastry square.
Top each with about 1 teaspoon caramel dip.
Brush edges of pastry with beaten egg.
Bring edges of pastry up, seal and twist tops to completely enclose filling.
Put filled pastries in lightly greased 2 1/2-quart baking dish.
Stir together melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and vanilla and brush over pastry bundles.
Bake 35-40 minutes or until pastries are deep golden brown.
Remove, cool and serve with ice cream.

Make your season brighter with less prep, less mess — and a lot more flavor. You'll be ready to relax and enjoy any holiday meal or get-together when you're stocked up with a variety of tasty sides this year.

Find these Bob Evans products to stock your holiday kitchen plus more recipe inspo at BobEvansGrocery.com.