Your Favorite Holiday Food Memory

 We all have them - favorite food holiday memories  They could be the buttery taste of spritz cookies or the potato goodness of latkes. It could be that turkey  or  even a potato salad that goes with the Christmas ham.It could even be that  sparkly - citrus-y Christmas mimosa at the family brunch

Here's the question. What is your favorite food memory?I have several ,from my Mom's holiday ham to her amazing array of all sorts of cookies.

Let us know what brings back memories to your taste buds this holiday season.

Favorite Holiday Cocktail

 It's the season of drinking and good cheer. WHat is your favorite holiday cocktail?

Is it a boozy cup of eggnog? A creamy brandy Alexander? Or a mimosa at a holiday brunch? Let us know.

Luxury Eating For Mom

 Mother's Day is all about pampering and treating Mom to something special. Why not treat her to some luxurious meals from  breakfast to lunch to dinner. She'll appreciate not just the time and effort but also those special recipes.

The most commonly made Mother's Day meal is breakfast. Nothing beats breakfast in bed. Make it even more special than eggs Benedict. This is actually nothing more than a breakfast sandwich with Hollandaise on it. The great thing about this recipe is that it can be varied. The original one calls for one one or two slices of Canadian bacon to be layered with sunny side up eggs. However think how Mom would react if you subbed in small filet mignon for the ham for a truly lush Mother's Day treat. If; she's  big seafood lover then think a crab or lobster Benedict. The last requites lobster tails to be cooked and shredded.  You could also do a take on the Southern shrimp and grits breakfast by adding shrimp to the  recipe too. Another idea is French toast.Yes, you could whip up the traditional sweet recipe but what about a savory one that would work well with a Bloody Mary? This is swapping the cinnamon and sugar for pepper and eggs. The basic ingredients are the same,  - a dense chewy bread like a sour dough , dunked in an egg and milk batter.Any kind of shredded cheese is then added on top.If you like add a smear of tomato jelly and top with bacon strips.

Of course this could also work for a lush lunch, especially when it's topped with slices of paper thin prosciutto. Serve with a red wine spritzer, which is just red wine mixed with a seltzer for a different but elegant lunch or supper.Grilling is usually a Father's Day activity but Mom can also have grilled meat. If the filet mignon was too much for breakfast then think of it as a nice Sunday lunch or supper idea. Marinate in olive oil and rosemary for extra flavor. first before cooking . Serve on warmed French or Italian bread. Again grilled shrimp and lobster are perfect . The shrimp can be turned into tasty kabobs , layered with cherry tomatoes and small onions. The lobster can be cut in half and remove the green insides or tomally  and break off the claws. (These can also be grilled) Drizzle with oil and sprinkled with salt and pepper..What would go with this? Try a simple spinach salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a tomato salad that can be spooned onto crusty rolls. Quiches are also a nice lunch or supper. They're easy to make yet rich in flavor and texture. They can be the traditional or a lovely veggie one.

Mom deserves the best on her day. make it special with lush meals she's sure to enjoy. Celebrate her with luxurious recipes.

A Seller's Party

Ever since the dawn of selling cosmetics , women have been creating parties and teas around their sales pitches. It's still the same today, whether at home, selling lipstick or in a local salon selling jewelry or nail stickers. There's nothing like having fun hors d'ouevres as you're shopping and trying out samples.

Many sales people feel that a wine party - and whatever they're selling is always best. From a seller's point that's true. Potential customers have a buzz on, they're laid back and careless with their credit cards. I feel that this is not the greatest way to promote a product or a brand. It's taking advantage of guests. Besides , what happens the next morning  when they wake up sober and realize they've bought a pricey pair of earrings or enough make up to paint all of the Kardashians?  Keep drinking to a minimum. (Also keep in mind that the party host is responsible if the guests drive drunk.) An easier solution would be white wine spritzers. Have plenty of  sparkling water and various diet and regular sodas around  too..If it's a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, then think mimosas or Bellinis  - a few sips of champagne or any sparkling wine mixed with peach nectar. Of course if it's more sales talk, then serve coffee with  flavored creamers along with a variety of different teas.

What to serve?Keep it light. Friends and family are not there for a meal but for shopping. One of the easiest is different kinds of bruschetta. This is a simple make , which requires just toasting slices of oil brushed Italian bread with various toppings. It's easy to whip up the tomato topping which also had chopped onion , garlic and chiffonaded basil. Vary it with a pesto topping, which is  just a basil based sauce that also has pine nuts and olive oil added.Another idea is charcuterie platters and loaves of sliced French bread. Include various cold cuts from mortadella to sliced turkey along with  small boats of aoli sauce and mayonnaise.For a really low fuss table, set out two or three cheese plates with cubed cheese and crackers. Guests can nibble as they peruse the goods offered and shop.Another no- nonsense idea is just cake and coffee.You can make it yourself if it's a small group or opt out for a larger. store bought cake for a larger one.  Fancy butter cookies would also be a nice choice, paired with a fruit platter.

A sales party is the time for shopping and eating. What's more enjoyable than buying a new lipstick or fancy bauble followed by good food.It's the perfect get together.

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!

New Year's Eve - Get Ready!!!!

This may seem a tiny bit premature but all you foodies should be preparing for New Year's Eve. Noise makers? Check? Fancy or fun outfit? Check? Food? Drink? Uh oh, what to serve? What are you and your guests going to eat?



Hopefully not Christmas leftovers.



Today and tomorrow are the days when foodies all over the world should be stocking their fridges and pantries with party food and drink. Buy stuff that can keep, like pasta for hot dishes along with meats and frozen appetizers. If you decide to go the fresh route, then wake up very early on Wednesday morning and head over to your local grocer's. Fish , fruit and veggies should be served fresh. Go early if you;re buying a popular item like bananas, avocados or tomatoes otherwise you get the picked through rotty produce if you go later. You can buy tomatoes for sauce if you;re making it today to freeze for New Year's Eve. If you're planning on baking , then use today and tomorrow to do all that. Store in the pantry or front porch. Another thing to remember is stock up on breakfast items if you're having a large group staying overnight. Have plenty of eggs along with bacon and ham . You can use the bread from the party to make toast or French toast.

Buy your champagne and other spirits during these days as well. If you wait until the last minute, you'll wind up with a brand you may not like. Shop early and get what is needed. This also includes different kinds of seltzers and sodas for the designated drivers and non drinkers.Another good idea is to have one or two urns of strong coffee around to stop anyone from dozing off. If you're planning on a fancy brunch on New Year's Day, stock up on the orange and tangerine juice along with tomato juice. This way you can make plenty of mimosas and Bloody Marys to accompany brunch.

Be ready for the New Year with the right amount of food and drink. This way you can celebrate without the hassle of trying to get last minute goodies for your party.