Christmas Your Way

 Many are stating home on Christmas,away from family. It's the joy of having freinds over for good food and fun presents.It's also a chance to get away from traditional dinners. People are serving what they like and not' what's dictated by decades of tradition. eat what you like. It's a feast to celebrate but it's your feast too.

One aspect of celebrating Christmas your way is breaking free of recipes you may not like. For many it's home made pasta with sauce instead of the usual ham or turkey. This is perfect for those who love cacio e pepe or even an Alfredo, with creamy white sauce. Another festive holiday dish is risotto Milanese or any risotto for that matter. This is the perfect celebratory dinner for two or even three. Add a good bottle of wine and enjoy. Keep in mind that you can also make a smaller version of the traditional holiday meal. You can get a turkey breast at any grocery like Acme or Stop and Shop. As for gravy and stuffing go for the best- LIdl. Their cornbread stuffing and turkey gravy are the best, very flavorful and just easy to make. Just have a slice vegetable if you want.. I went with Lidl;s  potato and squash puree. I'm having a small vegan Christmas with Gardein;'s turkey slices which are easy to air fry. Vegans can also have their own holiday away from me at loving relatives. Garden and Tofurkey offer small roasts that can be roasted in around an hour and a half. They come with their own wild rice stuffing and gravy . This is perfect for two and their might even be leftovers.

What about desserts? The good thing about Christmas your way is desserts your way. Don;t make the traditional trifle if you';re not into it. Buy a fancy ice cream loaf - my way of celebrating. Again this is a fancy, lacy looking ice cream log, full of , chocolate bourbon and vanilla. There is no way I could duplicate this dreamy sweet. It's perfect for two and a bit nontraditional  for Christmas sinc it is a cold dessert.. As for cookies again, don;t bake if you have to. All stores have trays of them and you can get a smaller one. If you just fancy fruit, then go for it. Nothing beats a  light dish of different fruit after a heavy meal. Pears and apples are still big right now. have a plate with sliced pieces . You can also do a quick poached pear . Add a sweet red wine to them and maybe a dab of butter.it just takes a few minutes and then they're done. Of course if you want to spend the night gorging on Christmas candy , then do so. Also break open the champagne. Drink your way  too. Pop open a bottle of bubbly or chill in front of a fire with a hot toddy or mulled wine.It's your celebration.

Do Christmas your way if you don;t want to celebrate it with family. eat what you want. Drink what you want. Make it a day to celebrate the Lord in the way you want.

Your Christmas Wishes

 here;s a thoughtful Friday question of the week_ What do you want for Christmas food wise? Most Amricans and Europeans would say that  they'd wish for the price of food to go down.It is expensive. Other may be indulgent and say thye'd like a bottle of champagne and some caviar? Others would simply what a home cooked meal by their moms and grandmothers, enjoying family classics like ginger ale glazed ham or homemade stuffing. 

My wish is that all the planet's inhabitants will be well fed and well nourished. It has been a tough year for many on this Earth, between war and natural disasters. Simple food stuffs like flour and milk are hard to be found. I only hope this holiday season should be bountiful in the sense that everyone ,especially the little ones go to bed , well stuffed and sated. A good meal may not take away what's wrong in the world but it can make a hard time slightly better.

What is your  food wish this Christmas? Let us know🎄🎄🎅

Your Holiday Home Bar

 With home parties comes the promise of heady drinks. However the last time most home bartenders checked their liquor cabinets since the last end of summer parties. It's time to check to see what you have and what 's needed.

What you may not need is the hard liquors.Opened brandy can last anywhere from six months to two years and even longer if it's a better brand. The same goes for whiskey. Vodka is one of the alcohols with the highest level of longevity. Once opened it can last anywhere from ten to twenty years.Any flavor of schnapps can last indefinitely. If you do need new bottles here;s the question - do you go with the highly expensive brands or cheaper ones, knowing that it will be gone by the night's end.Most mixologists or bartenders tend to go with a mix of high and low end , while many prefer a mid range selection of spirits.It really depends on your budget. If you'd rather spend it on food , then have a good variety of low end brands with maybe one or two mid range ones. Check out groceries like Lidl and Shop Rite that offer budget based ones.LIdl has an excellent selection and you can always find what you're looking for there.There are also liquor stores that are having sales right now. Check those out to see if you can score a few deals.

Is champagne a must for holiday parties? The bubbly works for New Year's Eve  however it doesn't really fit in to a holiday party.(unless it'sa  double celebration like an engagement or an accomplishment). wine is the best glass here and make sure you have a selection of whites and reds to go with the food you'll be serving. If it's more a chicken, fish and veal menu then have more whites than reds. If the party features beef Wellington and filet mignons, then serve a medium bodied dry red wine with them, Keep in mind that you'll also need sodas and juices Some guests would rather have a spritzer made with wine and seltzer. Flavored seltzers add a kick of flavor and elevate the mixed drinks to another level. Three or four bottles with one plain and three flavored should be part of the home bar. Orange juice should be on hand for those who want screwdrivers and have a bottle or two of cranberry juice for making Cape Codders. Keep in mind that fruit juice and seltzer make for a lovely mocktail for non drinkers too.Fresh lemons, limes and oranges should also be on the ready for garnishing along with green olives and pearl onions for any dry martinis.

Is your home bar fully stocked for your holiday parties? Do inventory and get what you have to. THis makes for a stress free night of fun bartending.

Tail Gating Fancy Or Fun?

 Tailgating parties can either be downscale or up.It's up to you on how you what you want . A down home  tail gate is fun .Yet one thar's fancy and full of glam food also is a nice way to celebrate your team.It's all depends on your tastes.

What would a fun tailgate menu consist of? There would be wings. These are easy to make especially if you have a mini air fryer and there's some kind of outlet(there always is)> Wings and drumsticks can be marinated in different flavors like soy sauce and ginger or lemon and thyme. They can also be slathered with messy barbecue sauce for finger licking later. Dips are another fun dish to make and take to any tailgating party. One special favorite is the  spinach artichoke one in a bread bowl. You can buy special boules anywhere although Panera has the best. This is a mix of chopped artichoke heart,s, fresh or frozen chopped spinach, mayo, cream cheese and either mozzarella or Parmesan cheese Sour cream give sit body while garlic adds flavor. For added zing, try a dash of hot pepper. its then taking the scooped out bread and cutting it into bite sized squares.Any bread like sourdough or rye is good.Another dip is seven layer.This is a tasty strata of refried beans, sour cream ,guacamole,salsa ,Mexican beef (think taco filling)and lettuce. Serve these with warmed tortilla chips and a cold frosty margarita slushie.

Of course you can have elegant foods at a tailgating party too. Lidl sells trays of frozen escargot that can be easily heated up. However you can also make them from scratch using fresh garlic, good white wine, shallots and good European ,preferably French.It's first making the garlic butter using all the ingredients except the snails. Ground fresh parsley is also used. Press the drained escargot in the shell. Add a good blob of butter and press it down.Bake in a 400 degree Fareneheit oven for twelve minutes. Snails may be a bit much for some them try something equally as luxe. - filet mignon sliders. First marinate the steaks in a blend of olive oil, alt and pepper then grill on a barbecue. You can add onions or a slick of Boursin cheese on top. THey're good plain ,just as they are with their juices soaking the bun. As for the buns, brioche is the best choice for this. Another luxurious fancy sandwich is a lobster roll.  Ditch the mayo and  mix it with a melted butter/Serve warm on a brioche or French bread. Should you bring champagne to a tailgate party?You can also combine it with stout for a Black Velvet  - a take on the usual party brews.

A tail gate party can be fun and fancy - or even a bit of both. It's your party .Make it whatever way appeals to you.Bith are tasty and a great way to celebrate your favorite team playing.

Yard Sale Kitchenware

Now is the time for yard and garage sales There are some good bargains out there.Some are almost too tempting to pass up.Yet, what;s a good deal and what's not ? What's the best pick up at any second hand sale?

Any yard sale is pure temptation, especially to those just starting to build a kitchen. Check to see if there are any cast iron pans on sale. These are a must buy.Older ones are your best.They're still usable even though they may have a rough surface. If the pan is risty buy it anyway The rust can be scraped and washed off and you wind up with a good sturdy pan for cooking and baking. Keep in miind cast iron lasts a whopping one hundred and fifty years. It'll be a good find and a good bargain to acquire one. Another good yard sale buy is a set of pots and pans. Many feel that they need to replace their pots and pans even after five years. Jump on these sets. You could even score Farberware.what you need to avoid are those Teflon coated non-stick pots and pans. these could be scratched and emit chemicals that were sprayed on the surface. You can get silicone and microwave bakeware. These are OK to buy and are good if you want extra pans for baking cupcakes. Silicone scrapers and whisks are other good bargains as are cookie cutters and rolling pins.

China is also a good buy. Spode is one of the desired chinas many barbain hunter seek. The original pieces go back  over two hundred years , to Josiah Spode and his son Josiah II 's of Stoke Upon Trent , England. These are few and far between, although there are some random pieces out there. Still a good Christmas set can cost as much as $200 hundred dollars . Yard sales can yield up Wedgewood pieces as well and you can be lucky to get a dinner set for six. Mikasa is another good yard sale buy . Keep in mind the owner may be selling sets that have missing plates due to breakage. You could wind up with an odd numbered set like five or seven place settings. Go another route and go funky. The coolest restaurants have mismatched plates and cups. You can do it that way and just pick up anything that's still in good condition. The same applies to wine and champagne glasses. You may not get an even numbered set. The same goes for tumblers and shot glasses too. Pick what you think works best with your dining room decor. What about utensils? . There may not be a full set of matching knives forks and spoons.Opt for the eclectic and look for a hodgepodge of different styles and brands.

Garage sales are fun. You can pick up some really good sales at one. Just be prudent with what you decide on and buy.

 

Oscar Nibbles

 Tomorrow is Oscar night and that means parties. You can still have treats if it's just you and your TV set.Whether it's for a big party or a cozy sit on the couch ,bring on the bites.

Pizza in any form is always a fun nibble during this classic awards show. Make one with a different twist.Use Middle Eastern lavash bread  for a truly crispy crust. Two flat breads can fit n one large cookie pan.You can have one loaded with meat while the other can be pure veggie. If it's just yourself or another person, then think that kid classic English muffin pizzas. Again you can have fun with the toppings and put evertyhing on from anchovies to olives You can do the same with everything bagels too. For even crispier crusts and even quicker cooking use an air fryer. Both types can be baked in under a few minutes. You could also buy a bag of Totino's pizza rolls and air fry them for  a tasty hors d'ouevres.  Of course popcorn is de rigeur for this ultimate movie night. Your best bet is popping kernels in a Colonel Popper for a healthier pop. These can be popped in olive oil and then flavored with Kernel Season;s popcorn seasonings. This  brand is neat with all these different flavors. Try the movie corn one which os a blend of butter and salt along with their ranch.They also have caramel along with chocolate and sugar cookie for a sweet bite.

If you're having a party or just have a appetite, then think appetizers.PF Chang's has some interesting ones like their vegan egg rolls which come with a sweet duck suace and their Kung Pao cauliflower. These are perfect bites to watch as favorite movies and actors wins. If you want something a bit more sophisticated then then think spinach cups.These are puff pastry cups filled with a spinach -cream cheese and feta cheese mix, spiked up with sauteed onions, lemon zest and dill. Egg binds the filling together and gives it a custardy feel. These only take twenty -five minutes to bake up in muffin tins and the filling can be made well in advance.Serve these along air fryer crab cakes for a lovely sophisticated bite. Crabcakes are an easy make , using lump crab meat, egg for binding galric powder and chives Panko crumbs give them body and a golden hue when fried in an air fryer. Wash these down with a good champagne to celebrate. If you want something heartier, then think small French dip sandwiches with individual ramekins of gravy for guests. If it's just for you then, soak the sandwich  in a big bowl and enjoy.

Oscar night means Oscar nibbles. These can be  homey English muffin pizzas or sophisticated crab cakes.Make it a fun food night no matter what you serve.

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Party On A Budget

 In another couple of weeks it will be party season. Theres only one problem with it this year - sky high costs. How do you celebrate when pinching pennies?It will take a lot of planning.

Many home chefs do live to have some kind of holiday get together. It could be a tree trimming party or a cookie exhcnage .it could just be cocktails  and fancy nibbles with friends Yet all these cost money and this year some products and incrediets are almost fifty to seventy per cent higher in price. What to do?Budget. Look at cheaper alternatives and ways to stretchh those party dollars. One good idea is having a pot luck holiday party. Have friends bring over their favorite dishes instead of you making all of them. ask people to cook or bake dishes that can feed a crowd. Lasagna is one and it cna be made cheaply if using in store brands along with going vegan. Sub in veggies for ground beef or look to sales and Beyond Meat for an alternative. The same goes for mac and cheese. You can splurge on the cheese a little while saving on the pasta.As far as cakes and cookies, ask guests to look for whatever is on sale and use those to create party desserts.There should be some kind of drinking. Limit it to alcoholic and non alcoholic punches which can be diluted with plenty of seltzer and juice.

Another idea is to shop for bargains. You'll have to rely on  Target,Wal-Mart Acme , Stop & Shop  Shop Rite and Aldi for this. Wal-Mart is usually much cheaper than the  other groceries.  You could easily get chicken breasts and shrimp to turn into fancy kebobs. They also have great cookie trays and cheesecake platters. Aldi is another store with plenty of bargains. Buy their summer sausage along with a panino deli tray wich is three kinds of cold cuts  like salami wrapped around small mozzarella sticks. Think Acme, Stop & Shop and Shop Rite if you want to buy shrimp trays for a decent price along with their wide range of affordable desserts. Target has always had excellent pricings (plus five percent off if you hav etheir Red Card) on their appetizers and hors d'ouevres.  You may have to store hop to get the best bargains but it will be worth it to have a table full of good food. Check out Wine Warehouse along with any discount liquor stores in your area. There's sure to be some good bulk pricing not only on wine but on the less expensive champagnes too. Another idea is limit your menu. Don't have shrimp and sushi . Have one or the other. Have veggies and dip but don;t pair it with a large charcuterie board. One or the other will get neglected. have a sampler board with just a few meats cheeses and crackers. Cut down on desserts too. One trifle and three or four different kinds of cookies should be the perfect ending.

You can party on a budget. It just takes thoughtful planning and smart shopping. This ensures a gathering thats still festive and fun.

LAst MInute Mom's Day Gifts

what do you get a  mom  home chef  or baker with only two days to Mother's Day? Surprisingly there are a lot of interesting and fun items that can be picked up in these last minutes. There's a wide range to select from cooking to baking, snacking to drinking.

Gadgets are always a fun gift. if mom is a whiz in the kitchen , then think of getting her the eight in one kitchen tool. This a a truly neat gift.It looks like a wine bottle but is a measuring cup and with it comes an egg separator, can opener,,funnel, spice and cheese graters and an egg masher. Does Mom love whipping up souffles or airy frostings? Get a whisk cleaner. This is a plastic circle with slits in it. Just push the whisk through it and the gunk comes off.Makes for a much cleaner whisk and less labor intensive than bending a sponge into all those small spaces. if your mother is a gambler and loves take out then get her take out dice. These are dice with images of pizza, ,hamburger and barbecue on them. Ii's a fun way of saying what shall we eat for lunch or dinner. Cat moms will go crazy over Purr Over Coffee brewer. Thus is a super cute coffee maker in the shape of a kitty.it is a two piece coffee maker that;s perfect at home or in the office. A chopper set is not only practical but it can be fun. It has three different sized blades for coarse and fine chopping. it also comes with a pull out draw to store the chopped veggies and fruits.

What about food or drink as last minute  present? Bakeries are the best place to go for a box of goodies.Mini croissants are always perfect. They can be turned into sandwiches or perfect for breakfast with a good jam or marmalade . A  box of chocolate dipped cookies is a great way to end a Mother's Day meal.  A mini cake is another nice just for you gift. She can have it all to herself and  enjoy a rich gooey treat.Candy is also a fun gift. Yes, you can go old school with a Whitman's Sampler which has everything under the sun. There are chocolate covered cashews and caramels along with nougats and coconut. If there's a good confectioner in your area, then visit them. They will have an amazing array of hand dipped caramels and truffles, perfect for the mom with gourmet tastes. Of course a bottle of wine or champagne will never be refused. A good Zinfandel or Shiraz will not go amiss. A bottle of Prosecco or Asti Spumante is perfect, especially for making mimosa at her brunch.

Don;t worry if you haven;t gotten Mom a gift yet. There is still time to pick up something she'll enjoy. It could a fin gadget , a tasty treat or a good bottle of wine or champagne.

A Vegetarian Mother's Day

 Mother's day is full of good homemade meals and treats. Yet what happens when Mom eschews those yummy strips of bacon or that great chicken dish? Not to worry of you have a vegetarian or vegan mother. There are plenty of substitutes that you can use for  tasty and delicious dishes throughout the day.

Nothing beats a Mother's Day breakfast.One of the best sub ins to serve is Morningstar Farms Bacon strips.

This is like the real thing, especially when it's microwaved crisp. It has the same crunch and flavor as the real thing and goes great with any of the Vegg products.

These can be bought on Amazon and both the power scramble - which resembles scrambled eggs when cook and the egg yolk are great. One of my favorite any time meals is bowl of the yolks which are easily cooked in the microwave, and the Morningstar Farm bacon strips. I love dipping the bacon in the "egg' yolk". Make a side of toast buttered fingers also for fun dipping. Add a mimosa and it's a great brunch.

As for lunch and dinner, you cannot go wrong with the Gardein soy meat products. I love their teriyaki chicken strips.

They're a quick fry in the air fryer while the sauce is heated in the oven. Serve with white rice and a Japanese salad with a carrot ginger dressing for a nice dinner in. Gardein also has turkey cutlets with gravy which tastes like the real thing. Serve with steamed asparagus for a lovely Spring dinner for Mom. For a more fun meal, definitely grill up their burgers for an old fashioned barbecue or serve their chicken sliders with air fried French fries.Finish with soy or almond milk shakes in chocolate, vanilla or strawberry.

Don't worry about cooking your vegan or vegetarian mom a meal. There are so many ways and so many products to give her memorable meals. She can have brunch , lunch  and dinner with a whole host of meatless products.

Parcels Of Love

There are still many who are alone during this pandemic. They remain inside or yard bound . sometimes they're alone , eating and drinking by themselves.It's time to reach out  with parcels. These will bring a smile to anyone's face.

Food parcels are easy and fun to create. What's great about them right now is using the bounty of the season, Those voluntarily shut in would appreciate fresh tomatoes for sandwiches along with squash and eggplant, perfect for frying or ratatouille. Also an extra treat would be bags of fresh picked basil and dill along with other herbs. You could also create a barbecue themed parcel, with hamburgers or hot dogs along with rolls and ready made salads. If you can, stay and join them for the cook out. A shared meal, especially a barbecue is always welcome and can be turned into an entertaining night, even if it is just for two.Include graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate for s'more later on. Sandwiches are also a great bring over. Buy or make heroes and bring along chips or cherry tomatoes. Join the person (or people) for some talk and company. This will go a long way and buoy their spirits. Another idea is  ordering from the person's favorite restaurant. You could just order appetizers or a full meal along with a dessert for each.

A question that may be asked is should you bring alcohol? The pandemic has made many feel hopeless and anxious, stressed about all aspects of their futures. A bottle or can helps to relax and unfortunately a few have been emptying a bottle or two a night. I would say go with soda or sparkling water to accompany a meal. There's nothing wrong with bringing some iced coffees or teas that you can sip. As the weather gets cooler, then bring pumpkin spice lattes or hot cocoa. These are better. No one gets drunk or even sick. You may want to address the wine or beer indulgence if you're worried about the person. Just go easy and be subtle.Another way is introducing mocktails. These can be made at home and brought over in a container or thermos or made fresh at the person's house. Have Virgin Marys' with a breakfast sandwich or a Virgin Pina Colada with ribs or tacos. Bring the ingredients which are juices, different herbs and seltzer.If you're celebrating a birthday or just want a fun fizzy drink then think a non alcoholic champagne. Pair it with  something lush to eat like a shrimp cocktail or a small tin of caviar.

There are many shut ins these days. They are eating, and at times drinking alone. Bring them something tasty and fun to alleviate the loneliness, Stay for their company and food.

A Quiet New Year's In

New Year's,especially this one, is a time to celebrate. How to ring in not just a New Year but a new decade? With a quiet night at home. Somehow it's just better than getting all gussied up and eating at a too fancy restaurant or at a too boozy party. Home is where the celebrating begins.

You can just serve hors d'ouevres or appetizers or go for a full on sit down dinner. The thing is to make both choices easy and fun. For hors d'ouevres , think about buying the trays of mini  spinach pies or mini quiches.Another idea is creating flatbread rounds tops with bruschetta and shredded mozzarella. Top it with pepperoni and olives, anchovies and sliced peppers. A charcuterie board is another fun option .Everyone can create their own sandwiches. Go to your local deli counter. Order ham , prosciutto, mortadella and salami. If you want you could add in slices of turkey and chicken, and possibly some tuna in olive oil for a more Mediterranean vibe. Also have slices of hard cheese as well as some gooey soft ones. Think slices of smoky Gouda and sharp cheddar with gooey Brie and Camenberts. As for breads, you can't go wrong with a few crusty baguettes , sourdough boules and shiny rye loaves. Pumpernickel would go well here too.Add some pickles and olives for nibbles. As for drinks - champagne and hard cider are your best bets. You could also have white and red wines too for those who prefer it.

As for  sit down dinners, fondue or bagna calda are fun ways to get together at a table. Fondue is an easy cook. It's a tasty mix of Gruyere and Emmenthaler cheeses with kirsch, a clear colorless brandy made with Morello cherries.If  this is too strong then use dry white wine. Cornstarch can be added to thicken it. Have plenty of crusty french bread cut into cubes for dipping. Again you can serve champagne with this for a festive flair. A Piedmontese treat - and something I grew up on is bagna calda. This is an infinitely delicious dish translated into hot bath starts out with melting olive oil and butter together along with garlic. Usually a tin or about twelve anchovies are added. You can add more if you want that rich unami flavor. We had always used Savoy cabbage which adds a sweetness and also chunks of semi broiled London Broil. The beef and the fish together are heavenly, especially if you put the pieces on Italian or French bread. Have more bread to sop up the sauce until there's nothing left. Another variation of this is fileto Piedmonese with bagna sauce topping steak served on buttered toast. This is an easy but tasty dinner party dish. Serve with a crisp salad and a good red wine.

The best New Year's Eve is a quiet one. Have it at home away from the maddening crowds. Serve up hors douevres or a hot dinner for a delicious, memorable evening.

Host Gifts Make Or Buy

The holidays are fast upon us and that means invitations to a variety of dinners and lunches. It is obligatory to bring something - but what? Do you go all out and create a homemade or buy something at a specialty shop or wine store? Each have a huge variety to choose from.

Thanksgiving is the time for such invitations. Many guests feel obligated to bring a home baked pie. You can do this. Everyone loves a slice of something whipped up in the kitchen. Just keep in mind that all pies do require certain levels of work. Another thought is do you bring the most popular flavor and risk it be the second or third pumpkin or apple pie given.You could try that Southern classic - pecan pie. Unlike the other two this can be varied to include bourbon or dark chocolate in the recipe. It's a nice change up from the traditional recipe. Homemade candy is not only fun to give but fun to make too. The most popular given for the holidays is fudge. This is a simple make, with semisweet chocolate chips, condensed milk and butter. You can add any kind of nuts or marshmallows along with toasted coconuts and dried sour cherries for some tasty varieties. savory gifts are also a nice thank you. Think a jar of homemade salsa with a variety of different tomatoes and peppers for color. Another fun thank you gift is a basket full of popcorn spices. This is just mixing different dried spices into appealing sweet and savory mixes that can be sprinkled on popped corn. The  hand blended spices can also be used in baking and flavoring main and side dishes too.

If all this is too much for you then go the store or internet route. Most go for a good wine. Appropriate ones for Turkey Day are the red, fruity pinot noir, and a white Reisling whose sweetness is the perfect foil for a savory bird and gravy. Champagne is another fun bring, with it starting or ending a meal. This is also perfect if the family is celebrating an important event like a raise, new job or engagement. A more sophisticated present would be an aged brandy, excellent for afters. Another idea is bringing dessert.  Yes, you could go with pies but what about platters  of mini cupcakes or brownie cups which can be fun mini bites after a big meal. A nice tray of bakery made butter cookies will not go amiss either. Make sure there are plenty of chocolate dipped ones for chocoholics and kids. Any host would appreciate liqueur filled chocolates.  A box of brandy beans is a nice end to any meal, especially served with espresso. You could also gift hosts with the festive triangular container of the always popular Ferraro Roche. Want to go savory? Then think of flavored oils and vinegars. Williams-Sonoma have a wide array. Some of the oils are infused with basil or roasted garlic while the vinegars are a wide array of different balsamics and lemon.

You do have to bring a gift for your hosts. it could be home made or store bought. If you have time then put your talents to work. If not, no one will turn away a well made food gift. It's your decision.It's your choice.

A Listening Kind Of Party

Last week the New York Times Food section ran an article by Ben Ratliff, about Japanese listening bars.This is where patrons go to hear jazz ,carefully curated by the bartender as they sip drinks or in some cases coffees and lattes. An idea came to me. What about a listening party? What would you serve for food and drink? It 's an open book.

I like this idea for both classical and jazz music. Listening bars are not meant for conversation. They're meant for savoring the notes and tunes. Add a layer of food and it can be a pleasurable experience. Parties , especially now, can be fraught with too many polarizing politics. These do nothing for the gathering, except cause all sorts of fighting and sniping. Forget eating.Guests are either too riled or too dyspeptic to enjoy any kind of hors d'ouevres. Yet a group solely listening to various jazz artists or Beethoven could turn a social occasion into a Zen happening. You do need a good audio system and vinyl albums or CDs. Which is better?Some prefer vinyl records because they have a warmer,fuller sound. You get to hear the music as the band intended it to be. Of course CDS also work as does a tablet playlist. The best bet for a listening party is pick one artist.Have his or her work on rotation for the duration of the gathering. Seating arrangements can be one table with the food and drink,. Scatter  chairs and small tables for setting down the refreshments and food.

As for the food, keep it to savory hors d'ouevres and dessert bites.For jazz listening, think a New Orleans themed listening party with spicy miniature po' boys. Add oysters for a more decadent bite. Create baked rice cups in a muffin or mini muffin pan and fill with gumbo and/or jambalaya. A variety of pastes and pates  served on slices of cocktail bread (which can be found at any major supermarket's deli counter).The pastes and pates can easily be made from deviled ham, chicken and beef, Add anything from a drop of champagne to scallions to make the pastes truly unique. This can also work for a classical music listening party. Have people take plates of raw veggies and dips to their seats. You can set up a dip bar with such varying dips as a simple vinaigrette to homemade French and ranch dressings.Cheese and crackers will never go amiss.Think a cheese board with Brie Edam, and Gouda for a start .Aldi has an excellent cracker box , with an array of crackers, ranging from butter to sesame and poppyseed. Dessert can be cookie cups filled with fruit and cream.If you're listening to classical, then think both classy and classical. Go with homemade petit fours and macarons (the last can be bought) Start the evening off with wine or champagne. End with demitasse and different teas.

A listening party is a great summer party. Guests can enjoy good food and good music. That's it. No debates. No opinions save for liking or not liking the music choice.In short, the perfect get together.

Pick Your Party

What kind of holiday will you throw? Cozy and fun? Elegant and catered?Outdoorsy and fun? Indoorsy and quiet? There are many ways to play this. It's up to you on how and what to serve.

Many Christmas parties are family  and friend affairs. A fun one is a potluck dinner. Everyone can bring this favorite dish , whether savory or sweet.Make sure that they're are no duplicates unless the recipes somewhat differ.No one  wants every dish to be pasta based. If someone's signature dish is already taken , then suggest their second or third favorite recipes.Some areas are blessed with mild Decembers. Think about an outdoor party, complete with a barbecue.eschew the heavy winter dishes and think summery potato salads and slaws. Instead of cookies, think a hot chocolate s'more where dark chocolate is subbing in for milk chocolate and then sprinkled with cinnamon.Have plenty of outdoor lights on since it gets dark early. A tree trimming party is another option. This is an informal one so think a crockpot of tomato sauce with a big pot of any kind of pasta simmering on the stove or chili, poured over piping hot polenta. Guests can bring  dessert, namely homemade cookies. You can
 even have a cookie contest with prizes. Create stockings  filled with Peeps marshmallow trees , along with chocolate and peppermint bark for kids (and any adult with a sweet tooth).

Then there's the elegant route.This is time to get out the good or holiday themed china along with name cards and a slew of utensils gracing plates and chargers.. It' tempting to set the table with poinsettias but these can be too big, obscuring guests' faces. Think something small and classic such as a quartet of white and red roses in small square vases. You can work with a florist to achieve this. (there is also a great company, Venus Et Fleur that can create these with perfectly preserved roses) . Start with two or three amuse bouches. These can be shot glasses full of gazpacho followed by Camembert bonbons and small skewers of grape tomatoes and mozzarella cheese , with a balsamic drizzle. As  for dinner, you could go for a standing rib roast or roast capon. Think grilled asparagus with lemon  or roasted squash with thyme and onions for sides.  Also having a simple side salad with a plain vinaigrette dressing is a must.Dessert can be that American classic - baked Alaska using aquafaba  on trend right now. Even more impressive is croquembouche , a  pyramid of cream puffs, filled with chocolate ganache and champagne cream.

There;s a variety of party types to choose from. There's no right or wrong choice. - just your choice. Have fun planning and throwing it.

Planning The Perfect Spring Brunch

Spring is the perfect time for an airy brunch, full of good food and good friends and family. It's also a great time to appreciate the abundance of  Spring harvest, full of freshness and flavor. Create a Saturday or Sunday one that reflects the season.

One of the first things to do is decide whether it's going to be an indoor or outdoor one. The temps are rising. It would be a shame to stay indoors when there are balmy breezes outside.  However keep in mind that the weather is iffy. There could be rain - or even an April snow shower - or the  opposite. -  a hot, sweaty day, Be ready for these last minute jabs  from Mother Nature. The next is the guest list. Do you want an intimate grouping of just four or a much larger one of fifteen or twenty. A smaller brunch doesn't require  the variety a larger gathering would. Larger brunches will require more structure. There may be a savory first course and salad followed by a light dessert. Also  a more intimate gathering can be held in the dining room or the patio. A bigger one, like a baby or bridal shower brunch needs seating plans. Can it be held in the garage if it's too hot a day or the yard? Do you borrow tables or rent them?  Another question is can you handle it yourself, or will you require the spouse and kids to help out? Or enlist a few friends to help with the cooking, serving and cleaning up. Then there's the plates and utensils. Hosts can get away with using their  regular luncheon plates and knives and forks. Paper plates and plastic utensils is a must for groups of five or more.

Since brunch is a combo of breakfast and lunch, think eggs as the star of the meal. A Spring frittata is the perfect main course for entertaining your cadre of friends. Make it rich with asparagus , tomatoes and onions. Serve it sliced with toasted and oiled or buttered Italian bread Set out a  sparkling wine or better yet, champagne. Of course Bloody Mary's and  mimosa's are always welcome. After all, it's a relaxing get together. You could even serve a tomato and mozzarella salad on the side.For a different kind of dessert think the Italian fried pastry twists - crostoli. - a staple at many Italian bakeries.These are light and airy , made from fried pie dough and dusted with confectioner's sugar. . The meal can also end with bougies, a Piedmontese pastry stick,  a denser version of the crostoli, but still just as delicate. For a bigger gathering quiches, especially the mini variety a,re always welcome. You can have the classic Quiche Lorraine but also think of a  shrimp or crab one, Vegetarian friends can enjoy   spinach or again the veggie of the season, asparagus ones.Serve with  nice, crisp Spring greens salad and crusty French rolls. As for dessert, think, small, The British fairy cakes are perfect for an outdoor gathering. They're smaller than cupcakes and just have a drizzle of glaze on the top. Bakery made petit fours are another nice ending, also with candied almonds in pretty pastel colors.

Spring is brunch season. Start planning your perfect one. It could be big or small.It's the perfect way to celebrate warmer weather and balmy - hopefully - seasons.

Tasty Meals and Thank Yous

Our service people do a lot for us. They always have since our earliest days as a country. How to repay them? We can only do so in small gestures. Taking them to dinners or throwing them a party. It's a small way , but our way of saying thanks.

One way of honoring our servicemen is spending time with our veterans. It's always a treat when doughnuts and coffee come their way, especially for the  World War II and Korean War vets. Their stories are priceless and amazing.It's a history lesson from the men and women who caused history to happen. If it,s one of their birthdays, ask if you can bring in a cake or possibly even arrange a barbecue if the weather is still good. Nothing beats a few dogs, some homemade potato salad and beers.(or soda and iced tea if alcohol isn't allowed).Another idea is bringing the retired service people to dinner or, if you've become friendly home for a home cooked meal. Make them their favorite foods along with a favorite dessert.You could even organize dances that features music of the Big Band Era and the Fifties, There are websites that feature the foods of that era such as the Victory Cake, that's full of spices and raisins or a Soldier's Cake a kind of vanilla scratch cake. Serve it with a fruity punch. (and if they want to spike it so be it,Have a little fun).

As for our younger service people, a homecoming for a neighborhood hero is always a way of saying thank you. Get the entire neighborhood involved with everyone making the service person's favorite foods. The weather is still arm so it's still possible to cook out. Celebrate with steaks and ribs,kebobs and hamburgers. The hero's family will also appreciate it and the work that went into it. Another way is inviting them over for a dinner of favorite foods. A meal out is always a good choice too. Have a quiet dinner for four at a fancy restaurant . Pull out all the stops, Have champagne chilled and ready to be poured.If you can, get a quiet nook, so they're not on display. If it's possible or you know the chef, have a special dish created with beloved ingredients if that's possible. If they want a quiet supper alone with their spouse,  then treat them to  gift certificate to their favorite place and offer to babysit the kids.It'll give them a chance to rediscover themselves in a quiet ,romantic setting without any distractions. Bring homemade muffins or biscuits for breakfast the next morning.

Our service people deserve our utmost respect and thanks. We can repay them in small gestures such as a coffee or a night out. It's just a way of expressing our gratitude.

The Perfect Graduation Party

With May comes college graduations and with them come parties. The best are the old fashioned kind done in the backyard. They can go a number of ways , from elegant to super casual. The bottom line is to celebrate the graduate and honor what he or she wants.

If your grad likes an elegant affair, then think casual formal  with some catering involved.Many restaurants can offer a wide range of dishes, from shrimp scampi  to bruschetta. Some also offer carving tables with roasts like London Broil and turkey. Cheese and cold cut tables can be set up if the grad thinks that hot dishes may be too much for guests.Favorite restaurants also can figure in as well, as the honoree picks out beloved dishes. If money is tight then think maybe just champagne and hot hors d'oeuvres. Luckily there are less expensive brands of sparkling wine such as Asti Spumente if a large crowd is expected. Sparkling non-alcoholic cider can be served to those who can't have alcohol along with the littlest guests. The nibbles can be anything from toasted Brie and apple slices to shrimp pate on toasted baguette rounds. Desserts can be petit fours iced and decorated in the university's colors or small plates of miniature pastries. You can also buy a chocolate fountain for the event. This may seem like an extravagant but it can be used for other gatherings like showers and holiday parties. They can also be rented too for a cheaper deal.If this is too messy then consider making homemade truffles to serve. It's an easy recipe using a simple chocolate and cream ganache.

Most college graduation parties are usually backyard affairs.Again consider what the graduate wants and likes.It could even be a pot luck kind of deal where friends and relatives bring the grad's favorite dishes.Mom and Dad can be in charge of the hamburgers and hot dogs while grans and aunts along with godmothers can bring the chili or potato and macaroni salads.This is the time for celebration so you can even go whole hog - literally - with a pig roast.Some rib joints can roast it for you or it can be roasted at home in the back yard, however remember that the set up is labor intensive and dealing with an entire animal is not for the faint of heart. Consider buying a few racks of ribs instead These are easy to handle and dole out to guests.Fried turkey is another outdoor party favorite. Serve it with a cranberry chutney  and grill roasted sweet potato halves along with grilled veggies. If your grad has eschewed all meat, then think of vegetarian or vegan barbecue.Morningstar Farms has some excellent sub ins such as soy dogs and black bean burgers along with chicken patties and even nuggets. Soy bacon and soy cheese can be added for a healthier , more humane bacon cheese burger. Salads can be made with a non egg mayo called Nayonaise that can do the same trick as the real deal. It can be used for salads and dressings. There are vegan bakeries that can make a dairy and egg free cake as well.

Let the college graduation parties begin. Celebrate that degree with a party that the grad will remember for decades. he or she deserves it.

An Elegant Super Bowl Affair

Tomorrow  millions of Americans will be awash in greasy chins and Doritos fuzz all over their fingers.Most see Super Bowl parties as an orgy in snacks and fun foods. However there are some foodie snobs out there who will balk  at the idea of heroes and pizza washed down with beer. There can be an elegant side to a Super Bowl party, It can be so elegant that you'll think you're at a Downton Abbey finale.

Sandwiches can be served but think elegant, not the overstuffed kind dripping with oil and cheese. Have homemade loaves of white bread cut , and crustless if you want to go that extra mile. Have fresh roast turkey , roast ham and roast beef along with chicken.(hiring a waiter  to do this is recommended so you can time chatting with your guests.) Also a whole cold chicken or turkey, sliced to what guests what is also a nice turn.Have little bowls of tarragon mayo and mustard around for guests to delicately slather on their sandwiches.Cucumber salad makes a nice change from potato and macaroni salad.It's an easy recipe with sliced cucumber dressed with a simple sour cream and dill dressing. You can sub in plain Greek yogurt for lighter fare.If you want to add a dash of the exotic then serve bruschetta on toasted Italian bread. Again this is so easy to make , with just coarsely chopping tomatoes and onions in a food processor , and then  adding some parsley and rosemary for flavor. The base is slices of Italian bread that has been brush with olive oil and rubbed with garlic cloves.A slice of prosciutto can be added for more flavor.

All SuperBowl games are usually away in beer and later there's some kind of drinking game that involve tequila. Rise above this with glasses of champagne served in elegant flutes. Champagne cocktails can also be served. This is placing a sugar cube well soaked in Angostura bitters at the bottom of a flute and then filling it with your best vintage. Garnish with a lemon or orange rind. Of course martinis are the ultimate sophisticated party drink. This is pouring 2  1/2 ounces of gin and 1/2 ounce of vermouth  into an iced filled mixing glass. Stir for a brief thirty seconds  and then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. You can garnish with the usual three olives or lemon wedge, depending upon your guests tastes. A variation is the Gibson , which is decorating the drink with a cocktail onion.Nibble foods should be on hand but not the usual greasy chips or guac. Think spicy nuts and savory shortbreads.The first is taking any kind of nut and lightly baking them with a light dusting of cumin or  finely ground chile powder (don't go too wild with the spices because they'll leave guests with stained fingers- an evening affair taboo). Shortbreads are baked the usual way but with less sugar and more grated Parmesan and rosemary added.


Yes. you can throw an elegant Super Bowl party. Make a roast , open up a few bottles of champagne and enjoy the game in a civilized manner. It's a different kind of fun and a different kind of taste.

Your Mother's Day Recipe Guide

Tomorrow is Mother's Day and with that comes a plethora of home made dishes, every one made with love and a few egg shells. These are your basic ones. Anybody can make them.They're pretty easy to whip up not just for Mother's Day bot for all year round.

MIMOSA

This is an all time Mom favorite. Add a pretty blossom to jazz it up.

Champagne or sparkling white wine
Orange juice

Fill 2/3 of a champagne flute with fresh squeezed or bottled orange juice. Top off with the champagne. if you want a boozier version fill glass with 1/3 champagne.


EGGS BENEDICT (for four)

4 English muffins split and toasted
4 eggs
Hollandaise sauce
Canadian bacon

Hollandaise sauce can be home made or made with packets of pre made powder. Of course it tastes better with the real deal.
Hollandaise:
makes 4 servings. This is a microwave recipe taken from allrecipes.com        

Makes servings USMetricAdjust Recipe (Help)

•                         
  4  egg yolks
•                         
  1/2  lemon, juiced, or to taste
•                         
  2 pinches salt

•                         
  2 pinches cayenne pepper
•                         
  1/2 cup salted butter, melted                             

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1. Beat egg yolks, lemon juice, salt, and cayenne pepper together in a microwave-safe bowl until smooth. Slowly stream melted butter into the egg yolk mixture while whisking to incorporate.
2. Heat in microwave for 15 to 20 seconds; whisk.

Poach eggs in a large skillet, using an inch of water. Drop eggs into water and cooked until the white is solid. while the eggs are cooking brown the bacon .When done top each muffin slice with the meat first and then the egg. . Top with three to four tablespoons of Hollandaise sauce.

Variations: Eggs Florentine- sub in spinach for the Canadian bacon
Eggs- Benedetto, use pancetta for Canadian bacon
Seafood Benedict Add cooked crab meat instead of meat

Quick Omelet

2 eggs
your choice of extras, such as ham, olives, any kind of cheese or veggie, mushrooms,

Melt butter or margarine in a large skillet Beat eggs until frothy and add ingredients. Be creative or make what mom likes.Serve with toasted croissants .

Eat Your Veggies Chopped Salad

Romaine lettuce, cabbage, iceberg lettuce,
Mom's favorite veggies
Croutons/Almonds/Sunflower Seeds
Mom's favorite dressing

Using any of the above greens or all three as a base, chop into bite sized pieces. Chop what ever Mom likes, whether tomatoes, broccoli or carrots. If you want a colorful salad toss in red, green and yellow pepper.For crunch you can choose from croutons, almonds slices or sea salted sunflower seeds.Drizzle on the dressing right before serving. You can add a hot buttered roll with it to finish ot off.

You have these easy recipes.Go to the kitchen and make your mom the best breakfast lunch, brunch or even dinner ever!

An Elegant French PartyTreat

The French know how to do Christmas elegantly right. Every  aspect of their Noel sparkles with sophistication and taste.This definitely applies to their food and their parties . Champagne is a must as is a luxurious treat, smoked salmon. It's cool and refreshing, much like the Gallic nature itself.

David Tanis  also realized this when he wrote about it in yesterday's New York Times Food section. His column, A City Kitchen is dedicated to all things ,lush , expensive and French.Any Yank can create their own version of this .He does suggest caviar although it is expensive to serve at a party where hosts must have copious amounts of it to satisfy guests.The French love a good foie gras  too however it's illegal to serve in some states such as California and Illinois. Also it may offend some who consider the foie gras industry as being cruel. There is smoked salmon, pink , shiny, the perfect party meat.It's versatile and goes a long way, Have it on a round of buttered rye or baguette toasts. it's also good on endive leaves as well.

Mr. Tanis offers up a smoked salmon tart for his party guests. Think of it as a sophisticated pizza and it's just as easy to make .His crust is  a buttery one sort of like a home baked Ritz, thanks to the addition of a stick of butter (and please use butter when making this as any French chef, home or professional would do).. The base is a horseradish infused crème fraiche and ribbons of salmon are  placed on top. To finish it add a mixed sprinkling of  chives and tarragon or better yet just dill.Mr. Tanis also suggests using the poor man's caviar orange trout roe or the vermilion salmon caviar.It's actually a milder version of the sturgeon kind and pairs better with the smoked salmon.The drink to have with it  - champagne, of course like Vouvray.You can also try a similar Chablis for the wine drinkers in your crowd.

A sophisticated holiday party is always a memorable one. Serve smoked salmon and a chilled champagne to make yours the toast of the season. It''s tres French and tres bien!