Whether you are living on the road full time, relocating seasonally for contract work or simply taking a road trip to visit relatives for the holidays, pulling off elegant and affordable treats can be a challenge when you are away from your own kitchen. The lack of a food processor, limited freezer space and unpredictable access to large baking sheets are just a few of the obstacles creative cooks are required to navigate while preparing goodies in unfamiliar locations. Following are a few options for elegant entertaining that road warriors can use throughout the season.
Beverages: Holiday coffee creamers with your morning java can jazz up a brunch gathering and make it easy to contribute to an event at someone's home even if you are just passing through on business. Buy a few quarts of different flavors, along with a great quality coffee and arrive early to help with the brewing. With flavors such as eggnog, pumpkin and mint chocolate chip available, your efforts are sure to assist with the memory-making merriment. If you prefer alcohol-based beverage offerings, consider mixing up your mimosa repertoire with a cranberry selection, or purchasing a gourmet hot chocolate mix to pair with shots of butterscotch schnapps.
Bulk: If you find yourself short on time or prep space in general, heading to the warehouse store to purchase budget-friendly bulk goodies can be a great solution. For those staying in a hotel without oven access, items that can be served chilled or at room temperature will likely be your best bet. A container of miniature cupcakes, gourmet chocolates, a multi pack of good wine or even a case of seasonal beer containing a mix of different flavors can make a stylish statement if you are invited to a holiday celebration in someone's home. Metallic serving platters are easily scored at the dollar store for a bit of additional wow factor with your presentation.
Got an oven at your holiday rental? Chances are that same membership warehouse has toastable treats in bulk as well. Bite-sized quiches, bacon-wrapped seafood, pot stickers, meatballs and even egg rolls can satisfy guests in style and leave you with plenty of time to socialize.
Bark: With only two ingredients and minimal kitchen facilities, creative cooks can craft fabulous and frugal holiday candy barks that are sure to inspire. One only needs to melt a couple of smashed chocolate bars or large bag of morsels for 30-second intervals in the microwave and spread the liquid version over a parchment-covered baking sheet or pan. Sprinkle crushed candy, minced dried fruit or chopped nuts over the moist chocolate and lightly press it in before popping in the fridge to chill and solidify.
Afterwards, you can break apart the sheet of candy bark into random shapes for a rustic yet elegant goody for guests. Choose whatever ingredient combination bakes your biscuit, and plate with pride. Ideas include dark chocolate with crushed candy canes, white chocolate with minced dried cranberries, and milk chocolate with almonds.
