The Big Blow Out Season

 Late June meas the beginning of the summer party season. It's starts with  high school  and middle school graduation parties and showers and ends with Labor Day bashes. Throw in the country's  250th year anniversary and it;s just one big thing after another.

Before you start any partying make sure your grill is in good working order. You may already have had a Memorial day grill party along with weekend barbecues. Yet make sure that everything is in order . Check to see if the ash tray where the charcoal ashes gather is clean. Also scrub the grill.Surprisingly a sliced onion can get those grates sparkling and shiny.Preheat it til about 450 to 500 degrees Farenheit and get it heat up for ten to fifteen minutes.This will carbonize or char any leftover food bits. It's then turning the onion into an scrubber by leaving crisscrossed grooves on the onion;s cut side. Press this against the grate toget rid of any debris and charred pieces.The onion;s natural acidity will dissolve any grease and lift any leftover food bits. If you;re planning on a big party, then get extra tongs and spatulas . Also check what you already have. You many need some new utensils. Stock up on foil too. This can be used for making the rays for bacon or veggies along with just putting the grilled food in it. Dollar stores have the best buys on it so pick up a few rolls.

Folding tables should also be checked . The older ones can snap and break.Wal-Mart has some well priced ones starting at $39.94You may want to pick up two , one for extra guests while the other for food. These make great buffet tables where you can put everything from salads and plates to desserts.Also look into comfy chairs too. Some people like to sit in an Adorondack chair  and eat their barbecue. Lidl has them for $18.88 while InstaCart has them for $25.00 .Keep in mind that these can go on the front lawn come fall for a relaxing Sunday afternoon watching the neighborhood and drinking something hot. The nations celebrates a very big birthday this July 4th so it's appropriate and fun to have red, white and blue outdoor lights crisscrossing the back lawn (and front yard too, if you want to be extra festive). Temu has red white blue crystal lights for only $8.37 Twinkling Lights have light up American flags toluene paths and walkways.Another barbecue party must is a pop up tent just in case the weather turns bad. every store from Target to Temu sells these. You can splurge and the get the red,white and blue one from Macy'sfor  $79.99.

This is the start of the blow out party season. Get everything ready before the invites go out.Be prepared and ready are the first steps to a great barbecue.

Plotting For The Next Big Dinner

 As we're finishing off the Tahnksgiving leftovers our minds turn to - the next big meal or party. it seems almost too much. Yet  December First is just around the corner.It's going to be Christmas Chanukah and Knwanzaa before we know it. Throw in parties and tree trimming get togethers and then it really is time to come up with  menu plans.

It pays to map out the month ahead. Keep in mind people will be busy with finishing up semesters and getting ready for their office parties.It's good to plan parties and dinners on Saturday and Sundays. If people are occupied on Saturday night, then think a holiday brunch on late Sunday morning.Another must is figuring out what people will eat. Take into account that you may have  vegans and vegetarians invited.One idea is having both meat and meatless options like nuggets . You can get Tyson and Gardein or Impossible plant based chicken. These are great with all sorts of dipping sauces from ranch to barbecue.Impossible Meats also has plant based ribs for a fun appetizer.A great tree trimming meal is chili .This can be made quickly and it can have all sorts of ingredients in it.It could have beef turkey, beans and even tofu.It could be as spicy hot  as you and your guests want or comfortingly mild. Serve with crackers or cornbread.This last could be homemade or bought at your local grocery store. Finish with Mexican hot chocolate.

Hosts must also choose between sit down dinners or buffets. Sit down dinners require more planning. the other requires more food. What do you order for a sit down dinner? Is this also for Christmas? Do you serve turkey or ham? What about the sides? Will it include elegant vegetables along with a first course of soup or salad?Will guest have to dress up to enjoy this meal along with cups of punch? Buffets are much more informal but require a good choice of dishes, both savory and sweet. Here's where planning has to come in. A buffet lunch or dinner can be made easier if everyone is assigned a recipe. Make sure that there's an equal balance of savor and sweet along with hot and cold. You don't want ten guests to bring salads or variations of baked macaroni and cheese. Assign what each home chef is good at. If there are dupes then ask them what their second go to recipe is and they can make that. (you may have to have them go to their third and fourth dishes in some cases or switch them from savory to sweet and vice a versa if too many have the same specialty).

Is it time to plan so soon after Thanksgiving? Surprisingly yes! Start now for a month of parties and dinners. All that planning will pay off when you have a good dinner or party.

Inclusion Dining

As a country we are more divided as ever - unlike how we were eighteen years ago. Tragedy brought us solidarity that was inclusive of everyone.We banded and bonded together, sharing hearts and help. We can still be more together - even if it's in the small act of eating out.

Here's a challenge to anyone out there, but especially here in the States. Eat at a restaurant whose cuisine is new to you. It can be any kind , from Ethiopian to American. It's a way of not only supporting your local businesses but also also expanding your and your family's palates. Nowadays it's easy , thanks to the internet. Should you read the Yelp or any other reviews? That's up to you. One, the site does point out an eatery's best dishes and what you should try. On the other hand, you may find a sour review or two. Ignore those. What some people may find not to their tastes may be fine for another.  The best way to glean info is to visit the restaurant's website, As we all know there will be the menus and some will even have the dishes explained along with the ingredients. It's a good way to show the kids what  they can order and pick out what may appeal to them before going. You can also try a take out before visiting there for a lunch and dinner. Get a sampler so favorites can be established.

Where should you go first?If you live near any big city or town, then you know there will be ethnic neighborhoods with restaurants catering to locals. These are probably the most authentic , with foods and beverages made exactly as they would be back home. I 'm fortunate to live only two towns away from Paterson, New Jersey. It has always been an ethnically diverse town thanks to the silk industry drawing in silk weavers from Piedmonte, Italy, Lyons, France and Damascus, Syria.The last is still a strong influence and thanks to it, discovered my new found love of Middle Eastern food. It's a city that has everything from Turkish and Syrian to South American. There are even a hot dog stands that have been there for almost 100 years and still family owned. What about the suburbs? Strip malls. These have some of the best privately owned cafes and restaurants from Indian to Taiwanese. They often have lunch time buffets where you can sample all their top dishes along with coupons in your local Val Pack. Take advantage of both.

A day our enemies thought would divide us brought us together. We should do the same now, even if it's trivial as trying out a new cuisine. It not only expands our palates but our hearts as well.

Meals Of Inclusion

Today is a day we should think of others ,  other nationalities, other religions ,and other beliefs The best way to do this is to have inclusion brunches , lunches or dinners. They can be held at your house or at the school or house of worship. It's not only a great learning experience but a great dining experience too,.

Planning an inclusion meal can be just with neighbors and even welcoming new ones onto your block. First think of where you want it; If you have a big enough house, you can hold it indoors.If the weather is still warm and sunny, then think about having it outside (and if there's a chance of rain, then clear out the garage and set up tables). Since the kids probably have mingled already at school, set up a table for them.Have the adults at another so everyone can meet and greet.As far as food, keep in mind people dietary restrictions. One idea is cooking the main meal such as grilled chicken  and have everyone bring a dish from their family's recipe box. These can be set family style in the middle of the table , where everyone can reach  and pass or buffet style on extra tables set in a row.. A fun  getting to know you idea is having blank recipe cards  and pens on every plate . That way people can exchange the recipes for the dishes they've brought. Also  food is a safe topic and it opens up a discussion than can include everyone no matter what their background is.

If you belong to your local PTA , float this idea to board members. A great idea of inclusion is having a food fair. or  an international fair. There can be booths set up that can featuring different finger foods  like samosas and satays, Have one or two tables that feature sweets and baked goods too. This is also a good teachable event so set up workshops where adults and kids can talk about everything from racism to bullying.There can also be games with prizes for the younger kids.If you're planning this, first decide where to have it. It could be the school gym, but if it's a beautiful fall day, spread it out to the playground. It's then writing down volunteers' names and the dishes that they'll make. Make sure it's an evenly balanced menu.You don't want to have all savory or all sweet. Another point to consider is people's strengths. Have them make what they're good at. That way there are very few disasters and mistakes. Also have the kids create a poster about the recipe and what it means to them and their families. Churches can do this too, at their Sunday lunches.Houses of worship can unite to  create an inclusion lunch or dinner.It's a great  way of having parishioners learn about other religions  from those who practice as opposed to learning about them from fanatics or politicians.

This day is a day of deep remembrance. It's also a day to think and plan an inclusion meal where we can learn about  others and tolerance. It starts with a plate of good food and good conversations.

Good Friday Thoughts

Good Friday is a day of reflection and thinking of others. It should be very apparent this year with the protesters and LGBTQ bans from certain chain restaurants. They need not just our support but  alimentary support too.

If you're a restaurant owner think about donating food to your local demonstrations. Sandwiches  and small salads will be fine along with cold bottles of water. If it's more organized, think about getting together with a few other restaurant owners to form a buffet.The hot dishes will be appreciated if there's rainy or cool Spring weather.Even chains such as McDonald's or Wendy 's can participate.

As for tolerance, everybody should be allowed to eat where they want to eat or order a wedding cake.  Think about tolerance and how the New Testament emphasizes that. Protest eateries and shops that promote exclusion. A big enough backlash can close down one place.

Be thoughtful for this Good Friday and practice tolerance and acceptance all year round.

Buffet Bonanza

In the last twenty years a phenomenon  has happened with American dining - the birth of the all you can eat buffet. These are all over the US right now, competing with fast food and slow food. Are they all that they promised? Yes and even more.

It seems that every town now has some kind of buffet. They used to be few and far between.I remember going to one twenty years ago for a bridal shower. It was amazing to see , with the variety of meats and sides.I had only ever experienced this in Atlantic City , where there was an all you can eat buffet in every hotel/casino. This probably was taken from Las Vegas where the concept is used to keep gamblers in the casino.Now it's one of the top industries for Chinese immigrants.providing employment for many young Asians..The buffets are taking over from the concept if a sit down restaurant where there is a set menu, usually  featuring Cantonese or sometimes Szechuan dishes or a combination of both.The buffets do offer such classic dishes as fried rice, lo mein and shrimp in lobster sauce but they also appeal to trends such as a sushi station along with other ethnic dishes such as ravioli and kielbasa.I know two local ones that also feature a weekend brunch menu that highlight bacon and sausages, along with pancakes and egg foo yung  (oh, well, they do try). Another non-Chinese idea is dessert. The Chinese usually just have fruit, namely oranges yet most buffets have a whole pastry  tray featuring Italian specialties like panna cotta and tiramisu. There are also neat little squares of vanilla, chocolate and carrot cakes as well as ice cream too. Fruit is there , thankfully, as a respite from all those calories..

Are these buffets good for a country known for overeating and obesity? Actually yes. Unlike most restaurants and fast food joints , people have more healthy choices. Any diner can make a plate of lean meats and veggies with melon or strawberries for dessert. It's just staying away from the sauced dishes and fried foods like chicken, cod, French fries and onion rings. Throw in a good portion of  plain white rice to fill up, This will fill you so you don't go back for seconds , thirds or even fourths. Another smart idea is portion control. Yes , you can have those fish sticks, just don;t pile your plate with them as some careless diners are wont to do. The same for those "fun" sides like crab filled mushrooms, and fried plantains. The idea also applies to dessert too. As tasty as your buffet's chocolate cake is, don't go hog wild and get three pieces. Share it table side.All buffets also offer bottomless drinks. Again choose wisely. Buffet foods tends to be salty which brings on massive thirst. Before you know it you;ve finished off your first glass and want more. Soda and sweet tea is loaded with sugar and calories. Stick with lemon water and unsweetened ice tea.Some buffets do offer club soda  and this is a great choice of having a fizzy drink without all the guilt.

Buffets are now a fixture in America. They're not going away any time soon People love them too much . After all, they are fun to visit and to indulge those foodie passions and crushes.

To Buffet Or Not To Buffet

These next few weeks are going to be the prime time for holiday entertaining. The question is what makes a better setting - a buffet or a sit down dinner?What's easier to handle? Do you let people mingle at informal buffets or is it better to have a formal sit down dinner? These are the questions party planners will have to ask themselves.



Buffets have a lot of merits. People can take and pick what they like. There's no worry about dietary restrictions along with likes and dislikes. There can be a theme like Oriental, French or Italian with small servings an hors d'oeuvres. Buffets also offer a better chance to mingle. Guests can catch up with old friends as well as enjoy meeting new people. There's also the freedom t move around more too. The down side to any buffet is the amount of work. There are so many dishes to make from the appetizers to the desserts. A bonus would be having friends and family bring dishes of their own.



Sit down dinners are also another good way of celebrating the holidays. A dinner party is the best way to showcase any cooks' talents. Outstanding dishes, such as crown rib roast or a twenty pound turkey can be served. It's also chance for also bringing back classics such as the amuse bouche or palate cleansing lemon sorbet between courses. Sit down dinners allow cooks to come up with grand desserts too. Forget the holiday cookie tray. Impress guests with crepes Suzette or a blanc mange. It's also a chance for a hos tor hostess to have some interesting conservation and introduce guests to each other. Unfortunately a sit down dinner party means a huge clean up later on. This could mean going to bed at one or two in the morning or waking up to an entire kitchen full of dirty plates, pots and pans.



Buffet or not to buffet? That is the question most holiday hosts and hostesses are asking themselves. Both types of get togethers have pluses and minuses . It's a tough decision but once chosen can be the highlight of the 2009 season.

Buffet Style

I live in New Jersey which should now be known as the Buffet State instead of the Garden State. I've seen this foodie phenomenon grow here in the last ten years. Every town has at least one all you can eat restaurant. It's a great premise really and one that can be adapted to your party style.

Most hosts and hostesses always serve just two or three dishes at a party. This is great but it kind of limits guests to dishes or tastes that they may not like. Follow what the buffets do - have many platters with a variety of vegetables and dips. You can also have that childhood classic - English muffin pizzas but put an adult spin on them. Have guests create their own toppings with olives , cooked shredded beef or chicken and different grated cheeses. You can also cut up some broccoli, cauliflower and onions for a raw food pizza. (Just bake the muffin slices with only a drizzle of olive oil and tomato on them).

For the main course serve smaller variations of party food. Chicken wings are a party saver as are any kind of kebabs. Everyone loves rice and pasta so make three to four smaller dishes of each . Salads are another good addition. You can make traditional potato and macaroni ones or try somehting new with arugula, or field greens. Since the warmer weather is coming grill your buffet. Guests love the season's bounty when it's been roasted over a fire. Because you want to mingle with your company also appoint a couple of sous chefs (or sous grillers in this case) to relieve you.

Desserts can be a fun cornucopia of easily made cobblers, ice creams and ices. If you're thinking about a big summer blow out stop by your local Rita's Ice and pick up party buckets in two or three flavors. You can let guests make parfaits with the different flavors, using ice and fresh fruit. Also a few quarts of just berries are a nice dessert topper as well.

Buffet style is easy to adapt to any party, especially summer ones. Just use your creativity to invent something that will rival the all you can eat ones in your neighborhood.

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