Center stage with holiday sides

The holidays are all about spending quality time with family and friends, and creating special memories that will last for years to come. This year, take a step back from the hustle and bustle of the season … grab your family and closest friends and enjoy cooking for the holidays together!

One way to organize this pre-holiday gathering is to assign each individual a side dish to concentrate on. This will allow you time to work on the main course and deliver a fantastic holiday feast – that was a lot of fun to prepare.

Here are a few ideas to get your team of chefs started! For a great kid-friendly side, try Broccoli & Cheese Casserole. With only six ingredients and a 30-minute cook time, little hands will love cooking this one-pot wonder, as much as their little mouths will love devouring it.

No holiday table would be complete without Ultra Creamy Mashed Potatoes, prepared with Swanson chicken broth, is a sophisticated and flavorful side. To dress it up from everyday to holiday, try adding some chopped chives or green onion tops.

This year, don’t wait to celebrate the holidays around the dining room table. Make the most out of time in the kitchen by inviting your family and friends to join in the fun of preparing the eagerly awaited feast!

Green Bean Casserole

Prep: 10 minutes

Bake: 30 minutes

Makes: 12 servings

2 cans (10 3/4 ounces each) of Mushroom Soup (Regular, 98% Fat Free or 25% Less Sodium)

1 cup milk

2 teaspoons soy sauce

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

2 bags (16 to 20 ounces each) cut green beans, cooked and drained

1 can (6 ounces) French fried onions (2 2/3 cups)

1.Stir soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, beans and 1 1/3 cups onions in 3-quart casserole.

2.Bake at 350 degrees F 25 minutes or until hot. Stir.

3.Top with remaining onions. Bake 5 minutes more.

Go Nuts! Toast 1/2 cup sliced almonds. Add with remaining onions.

Bring on the Bacon: Cook 4 slices bacon until crisp and crumble. Add to green bean mixture.