Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d'Arabian Season 3 Episode 16 Ten Dollar Holiday
- TVG
- December 5, 2010
In Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d'Arabian season 3 episode 16, titled "Ten Dollar Holiday," host Melissa d'Arabian provides viewers with budget-friendly tips and recipes for the upcoming holiday season. With Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner, Melissa offers suggestions for how to put together a festive feast without breaking the bank.
The episode opens with Melissa explaining that the key to holiday entertaining on a budget is to plan ahead and be creative. She suggests starting with a simple menu featuring a few staple dishes and then adding in some fun and festive touches to make the meal special.
Melissa begins by sharing her recipe for Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast, which she says is a great alternative to cooking a whole turkey for a smaller gathering. She seasons the turkey with herbs and serves it alongside a homemade gravy made with turkey drippings and chicken broth.
Next up, Melissa demonstrates how to make a delicious and budget-friendly side dish of Roasted Root Vegetables. She explains that this dish can be made with any combination of vegetables you have on hand and can be seasoned with herbs, spices, and a little olive oil.
For dessert, Melissa whips up a decadent Chocolate Pecan Tart that she says is sure to impress your guests. She shows viewers how to make a simple chocolate crust and then fills it with a mixture of pecans, chocolate chips, and a sweet syrup made with brown sugar and corn syrup.
Throughout the episode, Melissa shares her tips for saving money on ingredients, including buying in bulk, shopping for seasonal produce, and using leftovers in creative ways. She also offers suggestions for how to dress up your table without spending a lot of money, such as using inexpensive candles, adding a few festive decorations, and using cloth napkins instead of paper.
In addition to sharing budget-friendly recipes and entertaining tips, Melissa also takes time to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday season and encourages viewers to focus on the joy of spending time with family and friends.
Overall, "Ten Dollar Holiday" is a fun and informative episode that provides viewers with a wealth of ideas and inspiration for hosting a memorable and affordable holiday gathering. Whether you're cooking for a large crowd or hosting an intimate dinner party, Melissa's tips and recipes are sure to help you create a festive and budget-friendly celebration.