Simple But Sparkling Holiday Meals: Easy Pineapple Citrus Layered Cake

Simple But Sparkling Holiday Meals

Serving holiday meals can be fun if you keep things simple. These hints can help:

Inviting friends and family for a meal? Remember, appetizers are strictly optional. You'll probably be serving dessert, so consider just how much they can eat.
Select an entrée that will shine with flavor and can be easily complemented with unadorned foods of the season. Double the amount so you'll have plenty for seconds (and leftovers).
Take a few moments to read through your recipes and make your shopping list. Don't just consider ingredients-consider which utensils and serving pieces you will need to use and/or find. Wash them in advance, if needed.
Set the table before people arrive. The smallest details can make all the difference in the mood of the dinner and how welcome people feel. Seasonal greenery, flowers, candles and cloth napkins should do it.
At gatherings, serve a festive punch. The bowl makes a great centerpiece and sparks social interaction.

Here's a recipe for a dazzling citrus layered cake, which can be made the night before, and a recipe for a sparkling punch.

Easy Pineapple Citrus Layered Cake

Prep: 20 min.
Chill: 1 hr.
Makes: 10 servings

1 (16 oz.) frozen prepared pound cake, thawed
1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
1 tablespoon orange juice
3/4 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract
1 can (20 oz.) crushed pineapple, well drained
Sliced Almonds, toasted (optional)

Slice pound cake horizontally into thirds; set aside.

Beat together cream cheese, sugar, orange peel, orange juice and almond extract in large bowl until smooth and blended. Stir in pineapple.

Place bottom cake layer on serving platter, spread with 1/3 of pineapple mixture over cake. Repeat layers ending with pineapple mixture. Chill at least 1 hour or overnight before serving. Sprinkle with almonds, if desired.

Per serving: 328 calories, 18g fat (6g sat.), 24mg cholesterol, 210mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate, 3g protein.