Recipes for Decorating Christmas Trees

For most of the people, Christmas actually begins with the ritual of tree decoration. It is supposed to be a casual event where everyone can enjoy a delicious meal while participating in the tedious job of decorating the Christmas tree.

You can have a perfect low-key party to put you in the holiday spirit. The ideal time would be a day or two in advance, so that your tree looks fresh on the big day while the Christmas lights glow. If you intend to use garlands, wreaths and swags to decorate the living room or hall where the tree is set up; have some of these decorations in place, so that the guests feel the tinge of Christmas mood.

Plan to organize a few snacks while you and your friends decorate the tree. If you have an eating place near the tree, it would make the guests happy to admire their handiwork as they tuck into a delicious meal prepared by you.

Since you would also be busy decorating the tree; it is your house and tree after all, plan to serve something that can be cooked earlier and is ready to eat. Moreover, do not feel the pressure of setting up a formal table. Plan to have a buffet with some colorful china and mats or tablecloths that give a feel to the occasion. If possible, plan to have everything in white and red and bright colors to give the festive mood.

For this occasion, I could lend you a helping hand by suggesting few easy party food recipes to fill your tummy while you decorate the Christmas tree.

Spicy Tofu-

1 box of firm Tofu- cut into squares to grill

One-fourth tsp. coriander seeds, coarsely crushed (you can opt for coriander powder)

One-fourth tsp. cumin powder or crushed cumin seeds

One tsp. curry paste

One garlic clove crushed

320 gm plain yogurt

Salt to taste

Procedure-

Add all ingredients except tofu to the yogurt and mix them well with a hand blender or a ladle. Add some salt to taste.

Keep the tofu in a big flat plate and gently pour the yogurt mixture on it. Let it marinate for 20 to 30 minutes. Again, gently put the tofu onto the skewers, at least two on each. Grill for 6 to 10 minutes until the tofu is cooked and turns to a light brown. Keep turning the skewers over once a while so that all sides are evenly done.

To make the dish a bit spicier, you can add finely chopped green chilies or green bell peppers to the yogurt mixture. In addition to the tofu, you can also add cauliflower flowerets, half boiled potato cut into cubes and sweet potato. This would make a complete grilled vegetable platter to serve.

Once the tofu (and vegetables, if added) is grilled, remove from the skewers and place toothpicks so that you and your guests can continue to eat and decorate the tree at the same time.

Topped Crostini-

2 thin baguettes

Olive oil or vegetable oil

Each topping covers 20 slices

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit; slice each baguette into 10 slices. Lay the slices out on a baking sheet and brush the tops lightly with oil (or butter if you like). Bake the crostini until crisp and a pale gold color. This takes about 6-8 minutes.

For the toppings-

Tomato olive mozzarella topping-

Cut 125 gm mozzarella into 20 pieces. Cut 10 olives into halves. Spread the crostini on the plate. Top with chopped tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes, olives and mozzarella. Sprinkle some salt and black or white pepper to season. You can also add a herbs seasoning if you wish.

Have few forks or toothpicks in place so that your hands are busy with the tree decoration.

Veggie Rice Delight-

3 tbsp olive oil or cooking oil you use everyday

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1 tsp chopped ginger

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 large carrot, diced

1 small tomato, chopped

1 potato, peeled and diced (raw)

One cup chopped French beans

Half cup chopped white onions

Salt to taste

1 tsp red chilli powder

2 cups of long grain rice (uncooked)

Take a large pan and heat some oil. Add garlic and ginger, cook for 30 seconds. Add onion and potatoes and cook for 2 minutes with the lid covered on medium flame. Add the other vegetables, salt, spices and cook for 3 minutes. Add the raw rice and mix well.

Take an electric cooker and transfer all the ingredients from the pan to the cooker. Add 5 and a half cups of water and set the timer to quick rice mode. If you wish to continue cooking on the stove, add water and cover the lid. Keep stirring once a while. In both cases, check if the water is enough for the rice and vegetables to be cooked well.

Usually the directions to cook rice are mentioned on the rice bag. So check before you pour the water for the dish. You can always add water while the dish is being cooked on the stove or in an electric cooker.

You can make this dish an hour before and leave it in 'keep warm' position and serve with the grilled vegetables and topped crostini dishes.

If you wish, you can blend two bananas, some orange juice, some pineapple and some milk in a juicer and serve fruit smoothies at the end.

These dishes should make your tree decoration party a huge success. Keep these recipes in your bookmarks. Your guests are sure to ask them to be mailed to them. Hope you have a happy Christmas tree decorating party.