| Better hurry up, or this will be your holiday dinner. |
Hey, procrastinator! Yes, you. Christmas is less than a week away and somehow you've managed to avoid finalizing the holiday feast.
We can't blame you for getting a little behind. Who has time to do things like shop or cook or eat when you're so busy working (or checking e-mail for the thousandth time just to make sure you didn't miss something important in-between all those Facebook updates)?
Lucky for you, we planned ahead and came up with these FIVE brilliant last-minute holiday carryout meals that will save your booty -- and your Christmas feast.
1. Holiday Desserts from the Arizona Grand - There are only two days left to order one of Executive Pastry Chef George Rugel's classic sweets in time for the holidays, so get on it! Options include apple and pumpkin pies ($18), Brandied Cherry Yule Log ($20), Whiskey-Pecan Torte ($19) and a Gluten-free Flourless Chocolate Torte ($24) for that one relative who can't stop yammering about her endless food allergies. Email [email protected] or call 602-431-6555 to order through December 22.
2. Meats from Pork on a Fork - If you're hungry for Midwestern-raised meats, Nebraska natives Wes Hansen and Justin Erickson have what you're looking for. Pop by the Town & Country Farmers' Market, 2025 E. Camelback Rd. in Phoenix, at 10 a.m. this Wednesday, December 22 for natural alternatives to ham-in-a-can including smoked pork shoulder, ham steaks and pork roast. Pork on a Fork will also be at the Carefree and Fountain Hills markets this week.
3. Chef-Prepared Holiday Dinners at AJ's Fine Foods - Score one of six gourmet meals from Valley AJ's grocery stores and you won't have to lift a finger except to pull the re-warmed dishes out of your oven. Full dinner packages serve 6-8 people and come with rack of lamb, ham, turkey, pork crown roast or beef, plus sides and dessert. Cost is $130-220. Stand alone meats are also available. Order by December 21 at any AJ's store.
4. Holiday Tamales on the Run - As one friend recently pointed out, tamale making is a laborious process that's only fun if you're with friends -- and drinking A LOT. Let the folks at El Bravo at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport do it for you. They've got chicken, green corn and beef varieties for $29.99 per dozen and a holiday red bean tamale you can taste for $4.49 or buy by the dozen.
The best part? Since they're at the airport, you can grab a dozen before jetting off to see your fam and no one will know you didn't make 'em yourself! (Tip: If you don't want to brave the airport, Valle Luna locations and La Perla in Glendale also offer holiday tamale packages.)
5. Flancer's Christmas Dinner - Flancer's Café in Mesa/Gilbert is offering a full takeout holiday dinner of clove-studded ham, Italian sausage stuffing, scalloped potatoes with green chile, veggies and dessert. At $24 per person it's cheaper than a resort buffet, and it's a heck of a lot tastier than Denny's. Pickup before 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
