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I TANGVWft™^j^ stress by planning a menu that avoids too much preparation at the last minute. something very simple. A lot of picky eaters say “I don’t like anything spicy” or “I’ll only eat this or that,” and then the whole group ends up eating only this or that If people don’t like, say, spicy foods. I’ll make the same protein food but leave the sauce off so I’m not cooking two whole separate meals. ■ Should you stick to the basics on the holidays? It’s hard. Most of us are cooking for three or four different kinds of palates those of your kids, your spouse, a friend. All of these people have differ ent needs and tastes. But people are really traditional when it comes to the holidays, especially Thanksgiving. They really want the turkey whatever way the family has it every year. One option is to add some different side dishes to change the routine. ■ You've got the menu planned and the guest list set. What can you do to minimize the stress? Manage your time. Finish most of your cooking an hour before people get there, and go have a shower, put on a clean dress, wash your hair so it doesn’t smell like fried food. Then you can finish off two or three dishes. Obviously, you don’t want to dress the salad until the last second, but you don’t want to be a frazzled, panicked, soup-stained mess when your family arrives. You want to be calm, have fun, have a glass of cham pagne with them. That’s why I encour age hosts to think about the menu and give yourself a break, ca USA WEEKEND- Nov. 16-18,2007 Ht *9-# cVSf-‘ vA'k m. , ttj,-.,! r ||L . saps ■ ' ' •% Hyr • i ■ jttm k* ' j hK4. *jp®> Ann r -- 4 I ’ BHk. ** ■fafe. ■ Lunch hour being nibbled away? (Deli Creations bake in 60 seconds.) Deli Creations sandwiches from Oscar Mayer. Everything you need, packed fresh, so you can create a delicious, hot and melty fresh baked sandwich in a microwave minute. The hot and melty moment you deserve. For the love of lunch. 17