This is the time of year when families and friends gather to share stories, gifts, and, most importantly, food! Make your guests happy this year with a variety of foods everyone can enjoy with very little work on your end. Who says the holidays have to be about slaving in the kitchen all day? There are many simple to prepare concession items which can have their recipes "altered" a bit to make them delectable holiday favorites! Here are a couple of good ideas:

Popcorn is good any time of the year, but when it's cold outside, people cozy up inside for movie marathons and even video game tournaments. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy popcorn. Consider spicing up your "normal" popcorn recipe with something a little more festive like a holiday-inspired shake-on popcorn seasoning. Think about shaking a little cinnamon and powdered clove on top of your popcorn bowl to infuse it with the holiday spirit! You could even consider adding a few drops of green or red food coloring in your kettle for a snazzy holiday popcorn look!

You would not normally think of hot dogs at Christmas time. But, our intrepid team of gastronomic researchers has come up with an amazing chili dog recipe just for the holidays! Simply heat your hot dogs in a steamer or on a roller grill, and top them with your standard chili recipe which has also been infused with cocoa powder and cinnamon! It is incredibly good, and a belly full of this stick-to-your-ribs recipe will keep you warm when constructing the all-important snowman family in your front yard.

So, fill your belly full of holiday cheer and let your foodie holiday spirit abound!!