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With Election Day upon us, you may have figured out your vote, but how about your menu for the big night?
What may turn into a long and emotional night for many, requires a menu to match, especially with most people sticking with an 'at home' election party this year, glued to the channel of their choice.
With that in mind we've rounded up some simple, satiating and comforting make-ahead recipes to offer some solace, even if the incoming results don't.
1. Creamy Parmesan Risotto
If it all gets too much, seek a moment of escapism. Cast your mind to the sunny shores of Lake Garda in northern Italy and learn how to nail a comforting creamy parmesan risotto with Michelin-starred Italian chef Riccardo Camanini at restaurant Lido 84.
2. Meatballs: The Spuntino Way
If meat is the answer, go for a hearty version of a classic comfort food in this all-in-one spectacular meatball recipe shared by Frankies Spuntino Italian-American restaurant in New York's West Village.
3. Balaboosta’s Everyday Cauliflower
Staying in NYC, chef Einat Admony shares Balaboosta’s Everyday Cauliflower recipe for crispy cauliflower, bamba and peanut tahini sauce. It'll transform your cauliflower into a delicious treat that the whole family will be fighting over for seconds, creating a timely distraction from the exit polls.
4. Mac 'n' Cheese - Italian style
Good old-fashioned comfort cooking at its finest. Bake up a tray of oven-ready mac 'n' cheese and prepare to dive in for a second serving as tensions rise.
5. Michelin-chef Sandwiches
Ease the tension by biting into these Michelin-chef-inspired sandwiches. Whether it’s the humble grilled cheese, a French ham and cheese sandwich, or a fried po' boy roll, these star chefs are here to show you how it’s done.
6. Homemade Braised Short Ribs
Go for long, slow, hearty satisfaction with these make-ahead homemade braised short ribs recipes, from Wolfgang Puck to Ina Garten, leaving you to concentrate on the results as they unfold.
7. Smash and Trash Burgers
Unite a divided crowd with these moreish smash and trash burgers from Chef Steps - how to make smash and trash burgers.
8. Biscuits and Gravy
Prepare yourself for a long night ahead with a bellyful of biscuits and gravy. Discover four unmissable biscuits and gravy recipes.
9. Tater Tot Casserole
When all it goes to pot ... it's time for tater tot. Keep it simple, American and cheesy with this family pleaser: tater tot casserole.
10. Margherita Pizza
Put a positive spin on your night, and try throwing pizzas with the legendary pizza maestro, Ciro Salvo, in this easy recipe from award-winning 50 Kalo pizzeria.
11. Corn Tortillas with Guacamole
Can't take your eyes off the box? Dip into some some amazing snacks like corn tortillas with guacamole
12. Poutine
Comfort food doesn't get much better than chips drowned in cheese curds. Try the classic poutine recipe below, and learn how to make your own cheese curds.
13. Pasta and Tomato Sauce
A classic pasta and tomato sauce is an all-time crowd pleaser and, apparently, one of Joe Biden's favourite dishes. But then again, who doesn't love a deep bowl of al dente pasta and a rich velvety tomato sauce? Take your pick of our chef-led tomato and pasta recipes to pledge your support.
14. Meatloaf Recipes
The all-American meatloaf needs little introduction. Try these recipes with a modern twist here
15. Pineapple Upside Down Cake
If it all goes topsy turvy, these pineapple upside down cake recipes will serve as the perfect company.
16. Funfetti Cake
When all else fails, let them eat cake. Try funfetti cake festooned with sprinkles to celebrate or commiserate. Either way, you can't lose.
17. Chocolate Chip Cookies
Turn up the feel-good factor with these tahini chocolate chip cookies from Kathy Gunst, a hardened rage baker - a term that goes back to the revolutionary war, when American women didn’t have the right to vote, and baked election cakes instead as a means of being heard.
18. Ice Cream
Both Biden and Trump are reportedly big ice cream fans, so here's our pick of ice cream recipes, from smooth and scoopable, to egg-free and strawberry. What's your flavour?
19. Chocolate Cakes to Die For
When only chocolate will do, fall back on our selection of chocolate cake recipes to die for, and everything will look better in the morning.
