(Family Features) The holiday season is meant for spending quality time with friends and family, not stressing out over hosting. With some simple tips, you can cut down on hectic preparations while creating a memorable holiday full of food and fun guests can savor.

Consider these suggestions from the entertaining experts at Real California Milk:

Plan Ahead
Heading into your seasonal soiree with a plan in place can help avoid snafus. Make a shopping list of ingredients and decorations. Then put together a schedule a few days prior to the event to cover last-minute preparations.

Elevate Holiday Classics
Elevating classic appetizers is a simple way to savor the season. A trend on the rise, the Grazing Table starts with the table as the canvas, adds elements of the traditional cheese board then takes it to the next level with an arrangement of appetizers or brunch dishes and seasonal decor. Another way to lift your holiday spread is using high-quality, authentic ingredients like Real California Milk cheeses, made with milk from California dairy farm families, which are key ingredients in this Sweet Citrus and Spice Cheese Board.

Prepare Dishes and Decorations in Advance
Preparing for guests can be one of the most time-consuming aspects of hosting. Decorating at least a day ahead and setting the table the night before, for example, can help minimize stress. Welcome guests with holiday cheer and trendy decor like a virtual yule log made of melting cheese, complete with holiday music.

For more holiday inspiration and recipes like antipasto skewers and yogurt-pesto dip, queso fundido and cheese logs and bundts, visit realcaliforniamilk.com/recipes.

Grazing Table

• Toma cheese, sliced
• natural almonds
• prosciutto
• salami
• Real California aged cheddar, sliced
• Real California burrata cheese
• olive oil
• herbs
• blue cheese
• Real California braided marinated string cheese
• dry salami, sliced
• premade antipasto skewers
• yogurt pesto dipping sauce
• Real California aged Gouda
• brie cheese
• Real California cheese log
• Real California cheese bundts
• dry jack cheese
• sweet red piquante peppers
• green California olives
• premade Real California queso fundido
• breadsticks
• tortilla chips
• dark chocolate sea salt caramels
• dried citrus, such as oranges and lemons
• artisan bread, sliced

1. On large board, plate or tray, arrange sliced toma cheese, almonds, prosciutto, salami and aged cheddar. In center, place burrata cheese and top with olive oil and herbs.
2. On separate small plate, place blue cheese; crumble.
3. On medium board, arrange braided string cheese and dry salami slices.
4. On serving platter, arrange antipasto skewers around bowl of yogurt pesto dipping sauce.
5. On separate small cheese board, place Gouda, brie cheese and cheese log.
6. On slate, arrange cheese bundts. On separate plate, place dry jack cheese.
7. In separate bowls, place piquante peppers and green olives.
8. Arrange boards, plates, bowls and skillet of queso fundido on table, as desired.
9. Fill blank spaces on table with breadsticks, tortilla chips, dark chocolate sea salt caramels, dried oranges, dried lemons and bread slices. Add floral arrangements and holiday decor for finishing touches. Complete table with cheese knives and spreaders.

Sweet Citrus and Spice Cheese Board

• Real California brie cheese
• black olives
• green olives
• dried oranges, sliced
• Real California pepper jack cheese sliced
• almonds
• raspberries
• blackberries
• Real California burrata cheese
• honey, for garnish
• fresh herbs, for garnish

1. To assemble cheese board: On large board, plate or tray, arrange brie cheese, olives, dried orange slices, sliced pepper jack cheese and almonds.
2. On smaller board, arrange raspberries and blackberries around burrata cheese placed in center of board. Garnish cheese with honey and fresh herbs. Place smaller board into empty space on larger board.

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Try these authentic and traditional recipes to celebrate Hispanic heritage with flavor

(Family Features) From secret recipes handed down for years, to the everyday café con leche, milk has always been a part of traditional Latin American food. Hispanic Heritage Month, which lasts through mid-October, is a perfect opportunity for families to embrace and celebrate the culture, impact and contributions of generations of Hispanic Americans.

Food is deeply rooted in Hispanic culture, and real dairy milk is a key ingredient in many popular dishes. Milk brings flavor to traditional foods and provides a simple way to get families essential nutrients they need.

Try these six traditional recipes to enjoy during this festive time with the flavors of Hispanic culture with milk. Visit MilkLife.com for additional recipe inspiration and tips from experts.

Queso Fundido with Chorizo

An excellent appetizer or side dish, authentic Mexican Queso Fundido with Chorizo is a staple for your celebration as a delicious, crowd-pleasing snack. Serve with corn tortillas and it will be the star of your next fiesta!

Conchas

These traditional Mexican sweet breads get their name from their round shape and unique, striped “shell-like” topping. Topped with layers of vanilla and chocolate, these rolls have just the right amount of sweetness to enjoy during breakfast paired with an 8-ounce glass of milk or café con leche.

Arepas

Chef Lorena Garcia offers her take on this easy and versatile Venezuelan specialty. Made with nutrient-rich milk and shredded cheese, you can serve these alone, filled with your favorite veggies or topped with an egg for more protein at breakfast, lunch or dinner.

“Café con Leche” Rice Pudding

Inspired by one of the most popular desserts in Latin American culture, this rice pudding gets kicked up a notch, flavored with strong Cuban espresso and topped with a bitter chocolate cream. This comforting and simple dessert is guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Milk-Braised Pork Loin with Sour Orange and Mashed Plantains

Spice up your family dinner with this recipe for flavorful pork cooked in milk. The delicious aromatics of white wine, garlic, orange peel and the sweetness of the milk make for a vibrant and tender dish that is sure to excite your taste buds.

Coquitos

From food blogger and Youtuber Lily Ramírez comes a delicious Venezuelan dessert for all fans of coconut! These quick and easy treats combine sweetened coconut and milk to create bite-sized coconut balls with flavors you simply cannot beat.

Source: MilkPEP