It’s my favorite (and most delicious) time of the year! During the summer I love to take my kiddos to local gardens or grow our own yummy veggies, but in the Colorado winter it’s tough to make sure they are getting enough veggies.
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Recently I partnered with Del Monte (the makers of premium canned vegetables and so much more) to share with you some fun stats on what Americans love to eat during the holidays. They just published their Del Monte Comfort Food Index, which ranked the Top 10 Holiday Comfort Foods.
1. Potatoes (mashed or scalloped): 84% (percent who feel “comfort” by eating the food)
2. Pie: 82%
3. Baked goods (cookies & muffins): 81%
4. Macaroni & cheese: 75%
5. Cake: 71%
6. Casserole: 69%
7. Stews and hearty soups: 68%
8. Meatballs (with or without pasta: 65%
9. Sweet potatoes (mashed or cut): 61%
10. Cornbread: 60%
Throughout the holiday season, we have pretty much all of these dishes on the menu. We love potatoes in our household, but casseroles are always a huge hit too. Who doesn’t love casseroles?
Going through the Del Monte America’s Recipe site, I discovered some recipes I’d like to try out for this year’s feast.
Cheddar Corn Casserole may be the ultimate holiday comfort food. You can also add ham or turkey to it to make it a complete meal.
Another guaranteed holiday hit is Green Bean Casserole. In fact, it’s not surprising to hear that 57% of Americans find it comforting and nostalgic to eat green bean casserole. (I’m certainly one of these folks.)
And… Pie. I could probably eat a fruit pie everyday. Del Monte’s Peach Slab Pie recipe is so easy to make, I’m excited to try it! The crust is mixed into the pan, it doesn’t get simpler than that.
So, just how important is comfort food during the holidays? Very important. The survey also found:
>> 46% of Americans agree that their family “shows love and comfort through food.”
>> 44% of Americans look forward to the food more than presents during the holidays. (Totally true in my family!)
>> 62% of Americans say that they are “traditional and like to make or eat classic comfort recipes in the same way every year.”
>> 38% of Americans say they “like to change things up and prefer modern twists on favorite comfort foods.”
Looking for more quick and delicious versions of comfort food? Check out some of my new faves which match the top 10 comfort foods:
1. Potatoes (mashed or scalloped): 84% (percent who feel “comfort” by eating the food)
2. Pie: 82%
3. Baked goods (cookies & muffins): 81%
4. Macaroni & cheese: 75%
5. Cake: 71%
6. Casserole: 69%
>> Cheddar Corn Casserole
>> Green Bean Casserole
7. Stews and hearty soups: 68%
8. Meatballs (with or without pasta: 65%
9. Sweet potatoes (mashed or cut): 61%
10. Cornbread: 60%
Find more of Del Monte’s top-rated, family-approved holiday recipes here: Del Monte America’s Recipe site.
Along with these delicious holiday recipes, I found a quick and easy dinner idea in the 30-Minute Chicken Dinners section of the Del Monte site. We are all busy right before the holidays, so I love this section. I tried the Skillet Chicken Parmesan and it was a big hit with my family. We loved the crouton-breadcrumb like topping. Getting the kids involved in the kitchen is always important in our house and guess what? Even with quick meals like this you can find something for them to do. They were very happy to help crush the croutons. (Just make sure you double bag them, seal it well and let them have fun with their toy hammers.)
I’d love to hear which of these recipes you want to add to your holiday dinners! Let me know in the comments below an you will be entered to win this brand new electric can opener! (Opened only for pictures.) **The contest is now closed.** Thanks to random.org we have chosen a winner and congrats Carol Ann! Thank you all for entering!
Paw-some DIY Holiday Ideas For Your Furry Friends
The carrot oat muffins sound amazing!
We made these this weekend and they were incredible! Thanks for stopping by!
Anything potatoes! I think I could live on mashed potatoes alone! The skinny scalloped potatoes sound pretty good to me!
I completely understand, Mary! French fries are my weakness!
The skillet chicken Parmesan sounds divine!
It really was delicious and better yet, my kids loved it!
The skinny scalloped potatoes sound superb!