12 Affordable Christmas Recipes That Still Taste Gourmet

You can make a holiday meal that looks and tastes like it cost more than it did. Follow simple steps to roast a herb turkey breast, glaze ham steaks, mash potatoes with garlic and Parmesan, and roast carrots and parsnips for bright sides. Add easy stuffed mushrooms, a warm winter salad, cheddar drop biscuits, and two desserts—one chocolate, one fruit. Start with the turkey and plan oven timings, and you’ll stay on track.

Roasted Herb Turkey Breast With Citrus Pan Sauce

Roasted Herb Turkey Breast With Citrus Pan Sauce — juicy, flavorful turkey with a bright, tangy sauce that’s easy enough for a weeknight and special enough for the holidays.

Ingredients:

• 3–4 lb boneless turkey breast, skin-on
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Zest of 1 orange
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
• 1/3 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 orange)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 2 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
• Optional: sliced oranges or lemon rounds for roasting and garnish

How to Make:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and orange zest.
4. Rub the herb mixture all over the turkey breast, getting some under the skin if you can.
5. Place smashed garlic cloves and optional citrus slices in a roasting pan and set the turkey breast on top.
6. Roast for about 1 to 1 1/4 hours, or until an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part reads 160°F (71°C).
7. Remove turkey from oven and transfer to a cutting board; tent loosely with foil and rest 15 minutes (it will rise to about 165°F as it rests).
8. Meanwhile, pour pan drippings into a skillet, add broth, orange juice, lemon juice, and honey, and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
9. Scrape any browned bits from the pan with a wooden spoon, then simmer until reduced by about one-third (3–5 minutes).
10. Whisk in cold butter, one cube at a time, until the sauce is glossy and slightly thickened; taste and add salt or pepper if needed.
11. Slice the turkey breast and spoon the citrus pan sauce over the slices. Garnish with extra thyme or citrus rounds if you like.

Serve and enjoy — tender herb-roasted turkey with a bright citrus kiss that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Brown Sugar and Dijon Glazed Ham Steaks

Sweet, sticky, and savory — these ham steaks are quick to make and taste like a holiday feast.

Ingredients:

• 4 ham steaks (about 6–8 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra shine)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Pinch of ground cloves or cinnamon (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make:

1. Pat ham steaks dry with paper towels and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), vinegar or orange juice, pepper, and optional spice until smooth.
3. Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4. Add ham steaks to the skillet and sear 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low and pour the glaze over the ham steaks, spooning it over them to coat.
6. Cook another 2–3 minutes, turning once, until glaze is bubbling and sticky and ham is heated through.
7. Taste the glaze and spoon any pan juices over the steaks; cook an extra minute if you want a thicker, caramelized coating.
8. Transfer ham steaks to a serving plate, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and spoon remaining glaze over top.

Serve warm with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies — a quick, festive main that’s all about that sweet-and-savory glaze!

Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes With Crispy Shallots

Creamy garlic-Parmesan mashed potatoes topped with crunchy fried shallots — a cozy, budget-friendly winner.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%), warmed
• 1/4 cup sour cream or plain yogurt (optional for extra creaminess)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for shallots)
• 2 large shallots, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

How to Make:

1. Put the potato chunks and whole garlic cloves in a large pot and cover with cold water; add a pinch of salt.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook until potatoes are fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
3. While potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat.
4. Add the thinly sliced shallots and fry, stirring often, until golden brown and crisp, about 6–8 minutes; transfer to a paper towel to drain and season lightly with salt.
5. Drain the potatoes and garlic well and return them to the hot pot for a minute to evaporate excess moisture.
6. Add butter, warmed milk, and sour cream (if using) to the potatoes; mash until smooth or to your preferred texture.
7. Stir in the grated Parmesan, taste, and season with salt and pepper.
8. Transfer mashed potatoes to a serving bowl, sprinkle the crispy shallots on top, and add chopped parsley if desired.
9. Serve hot and enjoy the savory, crunchy contrast!

A little crisp on top makes these mashed potatoes impossible to resist — dig in and enjoy!

Maple-Roasted Carrots and Parsnips With Thyme

A cozy, caramelized side that brings sweet maple and earthy thyme to roasted carrots and parsnips.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into 2–3 inch pieces
• 1 lb parsnips, peeled and cut into similar-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: 1 tsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for brightness
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley

How to Make:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the carrots and parsnips with olive oil, maple syrup, thyme, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until evenly coated.
3. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment for easy cleanup.
4. Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until tender and caramelized at the edges.
5. If using, drizzle lemon juice or vinegar over the roasted vegetables and toss gently.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning, then sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.
7. Serve warm and enjoy the sweet, herby goodness—perfect for holiday plates or any cozy meal.

Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with spinach and artichoke flavor — the perfect savory bite for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 16 large cremini or white button mushrooms, stems removed and saved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
• 4 oz (about 1 cup) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry (or 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped and wilted)
• 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped (about 1 cup)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (panko or regular) for topping
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

How to Make:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment.
2. Clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel and remove stems; set caps aside on the baking sheet.
3. Finely chop the reserved mushroom stems.
4. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped mushroom stems, onion, and garlic; sauté until soft, about 4–5 minutes.
5. Add the chopped artichoke hearts and spinach to the skillet; cook 2–3 minutes to combine and heat through.
6. Remove the pan from heat and stir in cream cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan, 1/4 cup mozzarella, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix until creamy and well combined.
7. Spoon the filling into each mushroom cap, packing gently and mounding slightly.
8. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the stuffed mushrooms, then top each with a little breadcrumb for crunch.
9. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over the tops or brush lightly.
10. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden and bubbly.
11. Remove from the oven and let cool for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Enjoy — these cheesy stuffed mushrooms disappear fast, so have napkins ready!

One-Pan Lemon Butter Salmon With Green Beans

Bright, zesty salmon and crisp-tender green beans all roasted together for an easy, elegant one-pan dinner.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin on or off
• 12 oz fresh green beans, trimmed
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 lemons (zest and juice of 1, plus 8 thin slices from the other)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes for a little heat
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or dill

How to Make:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.
2. Pat salmon dry and season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice (from 1 lemon), minced garlic, Dijon, honey, thyme, oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using.
4. Spread green beans in a single layer on the baking sheet and drizzle half the lemon-butter mixture over them; toss so they’re lightly coated and season with a little salt and pepper.
5. Place salmon fillets on the sheet among the green beans, skin side down if applicable.
6. Brush or spoon the remaining lemon-butter sauce over the tops of the salmon. Tuck lemon slices around and on top of the fillets.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 10–14 minutes, depending on fillet thickness, until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork and green beans are tender-crisp.
8. If you like a bit of browning, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—watch closely so nothing burns.
9. Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley or dill if desired, and let rest 2 minutes.

Enjoy a bright, buttery plate of salmon and green beans that’s ready in minutes—perfect for a cozy weeknight or a festive, fuss-free holiday table!

Creamy Mushroom and Leek Pasta With Breadcrumb Topping

Creamy Mushroom and Leek Pasta with a Crunchy Breadcrumb Topping — cozy, silky, and perfect for a festive weeknight.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (fettuccine, pappardelle, or penne)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 12 oz (340 g) mixed mushrooms, sliced (cremini, button, or shiitake)
• 2 medium leeks, white and light-green parts only, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh)
• 1/4 cup dry white wine or extra broth (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)

Breadcrumb topping:

• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs (from day-old bread or store-bought)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or 1 tbsp butter
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

How to Make:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just al dente; reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add sliced mushrooms in a single layer; cook without moving for 3–4 minutes to brown, then stir and cook 2 more minutes until tender.
4. Add the sliced leeks and a pinch of salt; cook 4–5 minutes until leeks are softened and starting to caramelize.
5. Stir in the minced garlic and thyme; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. If using, pour in the white wine or extra broth to deglaze the pan; let it reduce by half, about 1–2 minutes.
7. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer; simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
8. Stir in the grated Parmesan until melted and smooth; season with salt and plenty of black pepper. Thin with reserved pasta water if needed to reach a silky sauce.
9. Toss the drained pasta into the skillet, coating it in the creamy mushroom-leek sauce; add parsley and lemon zest if using, and adjust seasoning.
10. For the breadcrumb topping, heat 2 tbsp olive oil (or 1 tbsp butter) in a small pan over medium heat, add breadcrumbs, salt, and red pepper flakes, and toast, stirring often, until golden and crunchy, about 3–5 minutes.
11. Serve pasta plated, generously sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs and extra Parmesan over each portion.

Enjoy — this creamy, comforting pasta with a crunchy topping is a perfect holiday crowd-pleaser.

Cranberry-Orange Chutney With Warm Spices

Bright, zesty cranberry-orange chutney with cozy warm spices — fabulous with roast meats or holiday cheese.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion (optional for savory balance)
• 1 small apple, peeled and finely diced (about 1 cup) or 1/2 cup raisins for sweetness
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/4 tsp ground ginger)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (or substitute 1/2 teaspoon allspice)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (if using onion/apple)
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat

How to Make:

1. If using onion and apple, heat the oil or butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat and sauté the onion until soft, about 3 minutes.
2. Add the apple and cook 2 minutes more.
3. Add cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, apple cider vinegar, and water to the pan.
4. Stir in ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, salt, and red pepper flakes if using.
5. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally.
6. Cook until cranberries burst and chutney thickens, about 15–20 minutes; mash some berries with the back of a spoon for a chunkier texture or leave whole for more bite.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning — add a bit more sugar for sweetness or more vinegar for tang if needed.
8. Remove from heat and let chutney cool slightly; it will thicken further as it cools.
9. Transfer to a jar and refrigerate; chutney keeps for up to 2 weeks and tastes even better after a day or two.

Serve this vibrant chutney with roast turkey, pork, or a cheese board for an irresistible holiday pop of flavor!

Rustic Winter Green Salad With Warm Bacon Vinaigrette

A cozy, rustic salad of bitter winter greens brightened with a warm, smoky bacon vinaigrette.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups mixed winter greens (kale, arugula, Swiss chard, and/or escarole), washed and roughly chopped
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small shallot, minced (or 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta (optional)
• 1 small crisp apple or pear, thinly sliced (optional, for contrast)

How to Make:

1. Cook the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 6–8 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
2. Pour off and reserve about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the skillet; discard excess or save for another use.
3. Add the minced shallot to the warm bacon fat and sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant and softened.
4. Stir in the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup (if using). Let the mixture bubble for a few seconds to meld.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat and whisk in the olive oil until the vinaigrette is smooth. Season with salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper.
6. Place the mixed winter greens in a large bowl. Drizzle about half the warm bacon vinaigrette over the greens and toss gently to coat. Add more vinaigrette if needed to taste.
7. Toss in the crisp bacon pieces, toasted nuts, and sliced apple or pear (if using). Sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese or feta if desired.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately so the warm vinaigrette slightly softens the greens.

Enjoy this warm, savory-sweet salad as a bright, rustic side for holiday meals or a comforting winter lunch.

Cheddar and Chive Drop Biscuits

Cheddar and Chive Drop Biscuits — cheesy, fluffy, and ready in a snap.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
• 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (or 1 tablespoon dried)
• 1 1/4 cups buttermilk (plus a splash if needed)
• 1 large egg (optional, for richer biscuits or egg wash)

How to Make:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pepper.
3. Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture with a pastry cutter or fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in the shredded cheddar and chopped chives so they’re evenly distributed.
5. In a separate small bowl, whisk the buttermilk and egg (if using) together.
6. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently fold until just combined — don’t overmix; dough should be sticky.
7. Drop heaping spoonfuls (about 2 tablespoons each) onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. If you like, brush the tops with a little extra buttermilk or beaten egg for a golden finish.
9. Bake 12–15 minutes, until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into a center comes out clean.
10. Cool on a rack for a few minutes, then serve warm.

These biscuits are perfect with soup, butter, or straight from the oven — cheesy comfort in every bite!

Chocolate-Almond Yule Log Slice With Salted Caramel Drizzle

A decadent chocolate-almond yule log slice with a sticky salted caramel drizzle—festive, crunchy, and impossibly sliceable.

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup almond meal (ground almonds)
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup sliced or slivered almonds, toasted
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (for melting) or chopped dark chocolate

For the salted caramel drizzle:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp water
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (or full-fat cream)
• 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt (adjust to taste)

Optional garnish:

• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Extra toasted almond slivers

How to Make:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet or small jelly-roll pan with parchment and set aside.
2. In a bowl, whisk eggs with both sugars until pale and slightly thickened.
3. Stir in the oil and vanilla until combined.
4. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt; fold into the wet mixture gently.
5. Fold in the almond meal and toasted sliced almonds, keeping the batter light.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading into an even rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
7. Bake 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
8. While the cake cools slightly, melt the dark chocolate gently in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth.
9. Cool the cake on a rack for 10 minutes, then run a knife around edges and flip onto another sheet of parchment; peel off the top paper.
10. Slice the cake into even slices (about 1-inch thick) and arrange them on a serving platter or tray.
11. For the salted caramel, combine sugar and water in a small heavy saucepan over medium heat; swirl gently until sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber (do not stir).
12. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in butter until melted, then whisk in the cream until smooth. Stir in flaky sea salt and let the caramel cool slightly so it thickens a bit.
13. Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of each slice, then spoon or drizzle the salted caramel over the chocolate.
14. Sprinkle extra toasted almond slivers and a light dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
15. Let the chocolate and caramel set for a few minutes, then serve slices at room temperature.

Enjoy these crunchy, gooey yule log slices—perfect with coffee or a festive glass of milk!

Baked Pears With Honey, Pecans, and Mascarpone

Sweet, warm baked pears topped with honey, toasted pecans, and creamy mascarpone — a cozy, elegant dessert everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe but firm pears (Bosc or Bartlett work well)
• 3 tablespoons honey, plus extra for drizzling
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans, toasted
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 4 tablespoons mascarpone cheese (about 1 tbsp per pear) or more to taste
• Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice or a few lemon slices to prevent browning

How to Make:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Wash and dry the pears, then halve them lengthwise and scoop out the core with a spoon to make a small cavity.
3. If desired, brush pear halves with a little lemon juice to keep them from browning.
4. Place the pears cut-side up in a baking dish large enough to hold them snugly.
5. In a small bowl, stir together honey, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
6. Spoon or brush the honey-butter mixture over each pear half, letting some fall into the cavities.
7. Scatter the chopped pecans over and into the pears so they get toasty while baking.
8. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until pears are tender and edges are caramelized.
9. Remove from the oven and let the pears cool slightly for a few minutes.
10. Top each pear half with about 1 tablespoon mascarpone, a drizzle of extra honey, and a few more toasted pecans if you like.
11. Serve warm — perfect on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Enjoy a spoonful of warm pear, crunchy pecan, and creamy mascarpone bliss!

Conclusion

You’ve got twelve budget-friendly dishes that look and taste like they belong in a cozy bistro. Pick a few crowd-pleasers, plan a simple timeline, and cook with steady, calm steps. Roast the turkey breast, make the sauce, and warm sides on the stove or in the oven. Serve hot, slice neatly, and garnish sparingly. Your meal will feel special without extra cost. Enjoy the ease, share the food, and relax.