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Welcome to Before Breakfast, a production of IHeart Radio.

Good morning. This is Laura.

Welcome to the Before Breakfast podcast.

Today's tip is to think savory for the holidays.

If you are deciding what food to bring to a party or to give to people,

you can stand out a little more by skipping the sweets and going for something a little more complex.

I am a huge fan of holiday food, and I love that people bake cookies and pies and other such wonderful things.

Food is great as a gift, because people enjoy it, and then they don't have to store it anywhere.

Consumable is the right way to go. In my experience, the vast majority of holiday food offerings are sweet. And if you love making gingerbread,

caramel popcorn, or fudge, carry on. But if you are undecided or thinking of trying something new,

consider bringing something savory instead.

Even people who love sweets may reach their limit around the holidays.

I once went to a reception that was literally all sweets. Cookies and brownies, accompanied by soda,

oh my, I was definitely hankering for something savory. So why not mix things up for your next

reception, or as you make a treat for someone to put out in their holiday snack spreads.

There are lots of non-sweet things that can feel festive too.

Spiced nuts or checks mix are classics.

And if you can make holiday cookies, you can definitely handle those recipes.

A beautiful loaf of sourdough bread is going to be welcomed just about anywhere,

especially if you package it with some fancy butters or cheeses.

Homemade pickles or pickled vegetables aren't that hard,

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