Cooking is an integral part of holiday entertaining unless you're one of those rare people who eat out on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Even the most experienced cooks sometimes need a little cooking advice. Here are some free resources for online recipes and cooking demonstrations to help all cooks from novices to advanced chefs. Click here for additional holiday recipes.

YouTube has hundreds of cooking demo videos. Simple use their search by typing in an ingredient or dish. Below is an example of their cooking demonstrations. Food TV also has a wide variety of food demos on video including many Thanksgiving and Christmas recipes.

You might also like 400 Calorie Fix diet fits well with holiday dining, here's how to start your fix now.

ArcaMax Publishing has a wide variety of online cooking demonstrations with recipes for all tastes and cooking skill levels. You can go to their Wine and Dine homepage here.

For a helpful drink mixing guide check out Drinks TV.

You might also enjoy Holiday drink recipes adults will enjoy.

Here's an easy recipe most cooks can whip up at the last minute. Asparagus is an elegant vegetable to serve to guests, but most green vegetables you may have on hand may be used in it's place including Brussells sprouts and broccoli.

JB's Asparagus and Bacon Salad

Serves 2

5 slices bacon
1/2 pound asparagus
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1.4 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups endive, chicory or curly endive (or any salad greens of your choice)

Cook bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels, cool and crumble. Trim asparagus and cut into 1/2 inch thick pieces. Boil in salted water until tender, about 4 minutes. Drain asparagus and rinse under cold water. In a large bowl whisk together vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper. Add oil in a stream, whisking until emulsified. Tear endive or chicory into pieces and toss with asparagus, bacon and dressing.

Recipe courtesy 'Easy Gourmet on a Budget' by Carol Bardelli, eBook available soon exclusively through JB Publications.