Melissa McCarthy and I Serve the Same Food at Holiday Parties—It's So Easy
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She serves it while watching “weird Christmas movies.”
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Holiday traditions are personal, but many unrelated families have similar ones. I just discovered that one of my holiday traditions is similar to one that actress Melissa McCarthy shares with her family.
McCarthy is known for her work on countless movies and TV shows, including "Gilmore Girls" and "The Little Mermaid." Husband Ben Falcone and she have two daughters, Vivian and Georgette. On Christmas Eve, the four have others over to watch the extended versions of the "Lord of the Rings" movies and have a "weird meatball party," McCarthy revealed on "Today."
At this Christmas Eve bash, their main dish is meatball sandwiches. I don’t find that weird at all. In fact, I serve meatball sandwiches as the main dish at my family holiday Christmas tree trimming party. Everyone snacks on these while decorating the tree and watching "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and "Elf." (Maybe this year I’ll get some Krispy Kreme Elf doughnuts for the dessert tray.)
Why Meatball Sandwiches Are Perfect for a Holiday Gathering
Meatballs sandwiches are so smart for family gatherings, particularly during the busy holiday season. Simply heat homemade or store-bought meatballs in sauce and let guests make their own sandwiches.
If I have the time, I make homemade meatballs for the party. Other times, I’ll buy them pre-made. After heating them in the slow cooker with tomato sauce, I set it on Warm and put out a local bakery's rolls and slices of provolone and American cheese. That way, people can customize their sandwiches anytime during the evening.
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Everyone loves the sandwich option. My family has no vegetarians, but a second slow cooker of vegetarian meatballs would be easy to add if needed. Everything else on the table is prepared ahead of time—raw veggies, spinach dip in a bread bowl, chips, and a dessert tray (that always includes Little Debbie’s Christmas Tree Cakes).
Meatball sandwiches are perfect for my holiday gathering because they’re part of an entire make-ahead menu that frees me to enjoy family and friends.
Other Slow Cooker Sandwiches Perfect for a Holiday Gathering
Melissa and I may be partial to meatball sandwiches. Still, other hot fillings can also be kept warm in a slow cooker that would make great sandwiches for a holiday gathering. Here are a few you can give a try.
Add other make-ahead foods to the menu, and you’ll be free to spend time with the people you love rather than spending all your time in the kitchen.
Read the original article on All Recipes.
