(Family Features) With everything that goes into creating a full holiday menu for guests of different ages and palates, taking on that task can be a challenge for any host. However, simple recipes that please the masses can help make life easier for home chefs.

From the main dish all the way to dessert, plus the drinks in-between, put these recipes to the test to help make your holiday gathering a breeze. Put your adult guests at ease with a cranberry-flavored cocktail, followed by a main course made sweet thanks to this turkey brine. As things come to a close, finish off any leftover appetites with a quick cookie recipe.

To help make your holiday hosting easier, find more tips and recipes at Culinary.net.

Dessert in a Snap

After spending hours preparing appetizers, drinks and the main course for holiday get-togethers, many hosts are ready to call it quits in the kitchen. However, that won’t stop guests from getting those late cravings for a tasty treat. If you’re looking for a reprieve from being the lead chef, go for a quick dessert like these Gingersnap cookies, which take just 10 minutes to bake and can leave hosts with more time to mingle. For more quick, nutritious recipes for every meal, visit AICR.org.

Gingersnaps

Reprinted with permission from the American Institute for Cancer Research
Yield: 24 cookies

• 3/4       cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/2       cup whole-wheat pastry flour
• 1/2       teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/4    teaspoons ground ginger
• 1/2       teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8       teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• 1/3       cup dairy-free butter shortening sticks
• 1/2       cup sugar, plus 2 tablespoons, divided
• 2          tablespoons unsulphured molasses
• 1          large egg white
• Glaze (optional):
• 1/3       cup confectioners’ sugar
• 2          teaspoons fresh lemon juice

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. In mixing bowl, whisk flours, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, pepper and salt.
3. In separate bowl, use electric mixer on medium-high speed to beat shortening sticks with 1/2 cup sugar 2 minutes. Add molasses and egg white; beat 3 minutes. Set mixer on low speed and mix in dry ingredients to combine. Don’t over-mix. Batter will form soft ball.
4. Place remaining sugar in wide, shallow bowl. Pinch about 1 tablespoon batter and roll it between palms, forming 1-inch ball. Place ball in bowl with sugar and roll to coat then place on light-colored, ungreased baking sheet. Repeat, spacing balls 2 inches apart. Discard leftover sugar. Using bottom of a glass, press to flatten each ball into 1-by-3-inch disks.
5. Bake cookies 10 minutes.
6. To make glaze, if desired: While cookies bake, in small bowl, combine confectioners’ sugar with lemon juice, mixing until sugar is completely dissolved.
7. When cookies are done, immediately use spatula to transfer to wire cooling racks. Using tip of knife, spread 1/4 teaspoon glaze on top of each warm cookie. Cool completely.

Note: Can be stored in cookie tin up to 1 week.

Cranberry Cocktail Cravings

If holiday cocktails are on your menu, give guests a twist on a classic with this Cranberry Kiev Mule made with Nemiroff Original Vodka. This premium vodka is bold with a smooth, full-bodied finish that hints of citrus and fruit. Combined with cranberry juice and ginger beer, it’s an ideal holiday cocktail. Find more holiday cocktail options at nemiroff.vodka.

Cranberry Kiev Mule

• 1          part Nemiroff Original Vodka
• 1          part cranberry juice cocktail
• 2          parts ginger beer
• 1          tablespoon lime juice
• ice
• orange wedges, for garnish (optional)
• fresh cranberries, for garnish (optional)
• rosemary sprigs, for garnish (optional)

1. Pour vodka, cranberry juice cocktail, ginger beer and lime juice into copper mug filled with ice. Gently stir to combine.
2. Garnish with orange wedges, fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs, if desired.

A Sweeter Centerpiece

A holiday meal is only complete with the centerpiece of the table: a tender turkey that side dishes and desserts can complement for guests of all palates. For a new twist on a holiday classic, add some sweetness to your main course with a Sweet Tea Turkey Brine, featuring Milo’s Famous Sweet Tea. It’s freshly brewed from real tea leaves using simple, quality ingredients free from preservatives, colors or added acids. The family- and certified women-owned business offers a multitude of beverages, all with the same dedication to quality and excellence. Find more information and recipes at drinkmilos.com.

Milo’s Sweet Tea Turkey Brine

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes per pound

• 1          gallon Milo’s Sweet Tea
• 1          cup kosher salt
• 3          large sweet onions, quartered
• 4          lemons, sliced
• 8          garlic cloves, peeled
• 5          sprigs rosemary
• 10        cups ice
• 1          turkey

1. In large stock pot over medium heat, combine tea and kosher salt. Stir frequently until salt is dissolved. Add onion, lemon, garlic and rosemary. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
2. When brine has cooled, pour into food-grade, 5-gallon plastic container. Stir in ice.
3. Wash and dry turkey. Remove innards. Place turkey, cavity-side up, into brine, making sure cavity gets filled. Cover and place bucket in refrigerator overnight.
4. Heat oven to 350° F.
5. Remove turkey from brine, draining excess, and pat dry. Discard excess brine.
6. Cook turkey 15-20 minutes per pound, or until internal temperature reaches 165° F on instant-read thermometer, reserving drippings for gravy.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (Gingersnaps and Turkey Brine)

Source: Culinary.net

(Family Features) What can family members do special this year for Mom? Most Moms dream of a fine meal they don’t have to shop for, cook or clean up afterwards. Often going out for breakfast on Mother’s Day can mean dealing with long lines and slow service. But Dad and the kids can rise to the occasion and prepare a meal themselves at home that can be a real treat.

Even the dad who only makes breakfast on weekends can cater a fine restaurant meal at home, with kids as willing sous chefs. It’s easy when your family shops where the pros shop, such as Sam’s Club for frozen appe­tizers, readymade pastry, organic produce, fine wines, quality meats, great breads and fabulous cheesecake ready to thaw and serve. For a crowning touch, add an unexpected and affordable luxury gift and Mom just might decide to sign on for another year.

Check out www.samsclub.com — or the Sam’s Club nearest you — for more great Mother’s Day ideas.

Mother’s Day Game Plan

Here’s the game plan for catering a Mother’s Day meal at home.

• Chill the champagne or make a deli­cious punch a few hours before the meal.
• Read the instructions on the box, then pop those frozen appetizers in the oven.
• Prepare and cook the salmon.
• Slice up some fresh fruit or bread.
• Finish with a deliciously moist cheese­cake - a Mom favorite. (Remember to thaw it beforehand.)
• Serve Mom in bed - let her relax and enjoy the meal and her day.
• Have the kids clean up the kitchen.
• Watch Mom smile.

Mom’s Secret Wish List

Mom usually puts the needs of her family first. But if she were really honest, she would say she’d love to have something from this list. And, Dads, when you shop smart, these become affordable luxuries.

1. Diamonds. They’re always a girl’s best friend. Diamond solitaire earrings go with everything — jeans on the soccer field, a suit at the office or workout clothes at the gym.
2. Designer Fragrances. Perfume and cologne in her special scent makes Mom feel pampered and special.
3. Furniture. Surprise her with something she’s been wanting, whether it’s the armoire for the great room, a new desk for the home office or even a new leather sofa.
4. Chocolate. Always a treat, especially now that health experts have declared that dark chocolate is actually good for us. Now, will it be Godiva or Ghirardelli?
5. Culinary Ware. If Mom has been trying to make culinary masterpieces from a mismatched set of cookware from her early married days, it’s time for an upgrade. Or, maybe she’d love a stand mixer or a great platter.

Salmon Wellington

Puff pastry encloses flavorful salmon, spinach and herbs in a main dish fit for a special occasion. Wellington prepara­tions are thought to take a great deal of time and skill to make. However, with the time saver of purchased puff pastry, it’s a breeze. The bundles can be pre­pared up to a week in advance and then frozen. Just pop them in the oven when needed.

Note: Puff pastry must be cold (but not frozen) when placed into a hot oven in order for the pastry to become light and flaky.

Makes: 4 servings

• 1 tablespoon sweet butter
• 1-1/2 tablespoons shallots or onion, minced
• 1/2 cup frozen spinach, defrosted and well drained
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon thyme or dill
• minced Kosher salt and cracked black pepper
• 1-1/2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
• 4 thick, skinless fillets of salmon (about 6 ounces each)
• 2 packages puff pastry (defrosted in refrigerator)
• 1 lightly beaten egg
• 1 teaspoon milk

1. Heat sauté pan with butter over medium heat. Add shallots and sauté 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Reduce heat to medium-low and add spinach, nutmeg, lemon zest, thyme, salt and pepper. Sauté 2 to 3 minutes; remove from heat and stir in feta. Taste for seasoning and let cool.
2. Lightly salt and pepper each piece of salmon and top with 2 tablespoons of spinach mixture.
3. Roll out pastry sheets on lightly floured board. Cut 1 piece of pastry for bottom of each fillet — about 1 inch larger than the salmon. Cut a second piece large enough to drape over fillet and touch counter, plus 1 inch to spare all the way around.
4. Brush edge of smaller sheet with lightly beaten egg mixed with milk. Place 1 piece of salmon in center of pastry. Drape larger piece over salmon and seal the two pieces of dough together by folding and pleat­ing like a pie crust. Repeat for each “package.” Chill at least 30 minutes or freeze up to 1 week before baking.
5. Preheat oven to 425°F. Brush top of each package with a small amount of egg/milk mixture. Put on sheet pan lined with parchment paper and a dusting of corn meal. Bake in pre­heated oven for 18 to 23 minutes, until golden. Let rest 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Cranberry Splash Punch

Makes: 8 servings

• 4 cups cranberry juice
• 3 cups pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup cherry juice
• 2 cups puréed strawberries or raspberries (fresh or frozen)
• 6 cups ice cubes
• 2 lemons, sliced
• 2 limes, sliced
• 3 cups orange soda or ginger ale

1. Mix all juices and puréed berries and chill thoroughly.
2. To serve, put punch in handsome container and add ice and fruit. Slowly stir in orange soda.

Source: Sam's Club