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Get Creative In The Kitchen With An Elf Inspired Cooking Contest

Author Gina Birch

There was a movie marathon of “Elf'” over the weekend. While decorating and running errands I probably watched it three times. That night, my neighbors went to see “Elf” the musical at Broadway Palm Dinner Theater in Fort Myers. So when info about this “Elf” based cooking competition showed up in my email today, I thought it was a message from Santa himself. I’m passing it on to my fellow fun loving Southwest Floridians. Here is how to get creative in the kitchen with an “Elf” inspired cooking contest AND win some Christmas cash.

If you watched the movie, you know how Bubby The Elf was known for creating all kinds of strange meals. In addition, he put maple syrup on everything, including spaghetti. He loved all things sweet and sugary and could not get enough. However, he also ate cotton balls like cotton candy.

loose pieces of colorful candy in a big pile

Candy is an important part of an Elf’s diet.

Elf Inspired Cooking Contest

Now you can channel your inner Buddy, your inner Elf,  in the kitchen. Get creative and come up with a dish that you think would be perfect on an elf’s table. The sky is the limit according to organizers. If you have kids or grandkids, get them involved as well. Their imagination could be what takes the dish over the top and helps you win.

Next, after you actually create the dish, you will need to take some good photos. You can’t place the dish in front of a panel of judges to inspect and taste like a television cooking show. This competition relies on photos and other info you provide on the submission form.

The competitor with the most creative dish takes home a $2,500 prize. That would help pay for some nice stocking stuffers or perhaps a New Year’s getaway. Click here for contest details and submission. Even if you don’t participate in this Elf inspired cooking contest, it is still a good conversation starter and fun to day dream about.

4 Great Christmas Dinner Options For The Whole Family

Now that the Thanksgiving meal is behind us and we are all still feeling more than stuffed, it’s time we shift our focus. To more food! Here, we’ll cut into four great dinner options to feed the whole family at Christmas dinner.

Yes, Thanksgiving requires a lot of hours in the kitchen. Prepping a turkey, maybe even frying one, takes some proper attention. Then, to some, the most important part is the sides that go with the main attraction. Again, making these side dishes means cooking up a storm. However, perhaps we underappreciate the art of this meal. For the most part, the menu is designed for us. Furthermore, it is consistent every year. All you have to decide is how much to make based around how many people will be gathered around your table.

Fast forward a month, and it’s time to prepare another epic holiday meal. In addition to running around to grab last-minute gifts, if you are hosting a Christmas get-together you have to do a lot of preparing, again.

The Magic of Christmas Cooking

Here, we are going to break down some options to jump-start your Christmas prep. First, let’s set the table on some criteria, and some bust some myths. You certainly do not need to reinvent the wheel and cook up something extraordinarily unique. In fact, it’s best to keep it simple. Dozens of classic dishes have already been well-established as delicious to satisfy your family, friends, and guests.

The thought process in suggesting these four Christmas dinner options is that they are proven to be delightful. They can also be prepared in large batches that do not require a tremendous amount of hours in the kitchen. These meals are family-friendly and are sharable. Some of them you may even be able to combine together. Again, this list won’t spark an idea that’s never been cooked up. Perhaps it just serves as a simple reminder that these Christmas dinner menu items can be straightforward and delicious enough.

  • Lasagna

    A large tray of a baked pasta based meal that everyone gets to cut into just feels like a natural option. There’s room here to customize your tray of course. Add meat, make it a veggie, or have one of each. Plus, the red sauce nicely compliments your holiday-themed table setting.

    Lasagna with ricotta cheese, ground beef, mushrooms, and tomato sauce in baking dish with cake shovel, landscape view

    Stock Photo / Getty Images

  • Filet Mignon

    We’ll need to clarify here, your best bet here is a log shaped filet that can be evenly cut into quarter inch – to half inch slices. There’s something festive to carving a meal item in your kitchen, that is freshly cooked. You take pride in hosting and then slicing. You place your sliced filet on that serving platter that is used just once a year, walk it into the dining room and then feel joy when everyone digs in.

    Sliced grilled tenderloin Steak roastbeef on wooden cutting board and Red wine on dark background

    Stock Photo / Getty Images

  • Vegetarian Chili Bar

    It’s all about the slow-cooker or crock pot. You can let it warm in the kitchen all day, allowing a sharp aroma to seep into every room the family gathers in. This style is for more of the grab something quick and on-the-go Christmas meal gathering. Perhaps you have people in and out of your house, stopping by for a “cheers” throughout the day. A chili bar never disappoints. Add in your side bowls of shredded cheddar, tortilla crisps, scallions, and sour cream, and you are giving your guests the opportunity to put their own touch on your creation.

    Homemade Organic Vegetarian Chili with Beans and Cheese

    Stock Photo / Getty Images

  • Baked Ham

    This is the meal that gives you the option for a fancier sit-down dinner. The ham centerpiece is typically joined by elegant wine glasses and pre-feast toast. Throw some potato side dishes along with an asparagus or string bean casserole, and your living room is now a fine-dining restaurant. This meal allows you to take your time. The next thing you know, it’s dark outside, and you are putting a bow on your enjoyable Christmas night.

    Traditional glazed holiday ham on the wooden background

    Igor Jovanovic / Getty Images

Gina Birch brings the sunshine to Sunny 106.3 every weekday morning from 6-10. She has worked in radio, television and print in Southwest Florida for nearly 30 years. During that time, she has become an advocate for numerous charities including those that support animals, children, women and wellness. In addition, she has written for numerous local, regional and national publications about food, wine and travel. Those are her longtime passions...along with shoes.

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