Less Labor on Labor Day: Dressing Up Prepared Foods
Air Date: 8/29/2008

----------
The less laboring at your bash this coming Labor Day, the better, so here are some tasty tips to help you look like a hero...without too much work:

If you don't want to light the grill, it's okay. Pick up something prepared -- maybe a rotisserie chicken, some ribs, or wings -- or ask everyone to bring a dish.

If you want that little touch that says you made something yourself, fill scooped-out peppers with store-bought dips such as hummus or salsa for your chips or veggie platter -- it'll look like you fussed, but it's so easy.

Want to jazz up a bagged salad? Sprinkle on some chopped or candied pecans or walnuts and fresh sliced strawberries, or blueberries -- or both. Talk about a contrast of colors and crunchy texture -- the look is fancy, but it just takes seconds to prepare! And if you mix a couple tablespoons of sugar into a cup of bottled Italian dressing, you'll have your own homemade-tasting dressing to drizzle on.

Think you've got no time for a dessert worthy of a restaurant pastry cart? Throw together a gorgeous trifle in a glass bowl or trifle dish by simply cutting up a store-bought angel food cake and layering it with pudding, whipped topping and fresh or frozen berries. They'll love it --and you did it yourself so fast and so easily!

After all, don't we deserve a day to sit back and enjoy all the...