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.

Party Time What Works For You

It's mid May and that means one thing - the start of the warm weather party season! This is the season for celebrating whether a new grad or an impending wedding or child. Each gathering should be special and unique.It's easy to do, all you need is imagination and creativity.

College graduations abound right now. What would make any stand out? Customizing it to the grad;s tastes. If he or she like chili', then think about a Texan do . Serve up the dish along with chili burgers  with sides of freshly roasted corn and corn bread.Put up large pots of baked beans and potato salads. A Mexican themed one is not only easy but fun.. Taco and fajita bars can be set up, featuring, beef, chicken and tofu. Bowls of homemade guacamole - super easy to make and tortilla chips can be set up on the tables.drinks could range from Coronas with lime to virgin margeritas. Dessert can be a chocolate  mole cake or cupcakes, spiked with  ancho peppers.Another idea is an international theme. Pass around trays of Indian samosas and Chinese spring rolls along with bruschetta and gravlax.If the ex-student spent a semester abroad , then center the grad party around the food of the country visited.If the grad spent time in Greece, then make sure there is spanakopita, spinach pie and moussaka. For someone who studied in Madrid or Barcelona, then think paella and tapas as a nice reminder of both the food and the culture.

May is the month for bridal and baby showers too., Most of these are usually brunches served in a local restaurant.This is OK, but really nothing special. .If it is a small affair then think about having it at home. Nothing beats a small, intimate party where everyone can take their shoes off and relax. It can be catered but a better idea is designating two cooks who can whip up omelets and Eggs Benedict. These alone along with a small salad make for a lovely and light late breakfast. As for dessert , think a small cake and maccarons. .If it's a baby shower bake a reveal cake. This new phenomenon involves  contacting the doctor or midwife first for the baby's sex and then baking a pink or blue cake with white frosting.The mother to be finds out as she cuts the first slice. Another idea is baking vanilla and chocolate cupcakes and icing them with pink and blue icing. The party thrower can go the folksy route with everyone bringing designated dishes such as main dish, sides, salads and desserts. Each has to be a family recipe with a written version attached. Not only is this a sweet throwback to a more innocent time, it also is a handmade gift of various recipes.This would be perfect for a kitchen shower where all the gifts are related to cooking.

May is the time for planning all sorts of parties, Make them stand out with good home made food, and themes. They will be throroughly enjoyed - and remembered for a long time to come.

Halloween Ready

Halloween brings about not only trick or treaters and candy but also parties.What makes a memorable holiday get together? Fun food with a scary theme.Just make sure you're well stocked.That alone can bring fear to any party thrower, not enough eats and hungry guests. One of the first new rules of party giving is know your audience.If you're having a kid do , make sure you 've received lists of allergies along with likes and dislikes.If you can ,go gluten free .This is a benefit to any fretful parent and it also is easier on the kids.You also don't have to emphasize what is safe and not safe to eat.There are several flour brands that make gluten free flour so you can use it for pizzas, cakes and cookies ,along with cupcakes.Also if you're worried yourself about what your own will eat think a healthy party.Tacos are great for kids, Have platters full of vegetables and salsa that they can stuff.If meat is not a problem, then think chicken for the stuffing.Also serve a refreshing cranberry and seltzer sangria(call it bat blood to spook it up)Keep away from the sugary sodas and juices.You can also end with a fun bob for apples.For more variety add pears too. The sliced fruit can be dipped in caramel . You can also have favor bags filled with apples along with grain bars and all natural cookies( try the Nature's Path brand,They have a variety of sandwich cookies and choclate cip along with mint wafers).Try to stay away from the obvious.Fellow parents may not appreciate bringing home a hyper kid, high on candy corn. Adult Halloween parties can be a little more daring food wise.It's still nice to serve healthy and there's actually a wide variety of dishes to choose from.Wings are a must have, but instead of frying, try baked. Chicken wings with a home made honey mustard or a honey Ginger sauce..Ribs are another tasty party dish.Again baking is your best option.Another fun idea is sliders.Nothing beats mini burgers with various dipping sauces.You can also make mini pulled pork sliders.Serve with cones of baked sweet potato and regular fries.You can even male both ,thanks to using both racks in your oven.Both can be zinged with basil or cayenne pepper.Serve with homemade catsup or salsa.Again you bob for apples but you could also hollow them out and fill with the potent apple Jack or hard cider.Another fun idea is filling them with buttery caramel and chopped pecans as an inside out candy apple.You could also have grape spiders for dessert nibbles.Take black or deep purple grapes and stick dark chocolate pretzels curves in them to recreate legs.To make the spider limbs, break thin twisty pretzels, and save the curved parts.Dip these in melted dark chocolate. For a smoother , shinier coating , add a few drops of vegetable oil to the candy before melting. A tasty All Hallows party is a memorable one.Treat your tricksters to tasty and somewhat healthy party foods.They thinks you've bewitched them with your pots full of yummy foods.

A Summer Gift For A Summer Party

Party or dinner invites usually mean bringing some kind of gift to the hosts.This is easy in the winter.Colder weather means you can buy a nice cake or even brandy to the table.Candy is also welcome during the winter season. problem is you really can't bring any of these to a summer gathering.What to do? Chill.Literally.Bring gifts that are cool and refreshing. One of the best host gifts is fruit.It travels well and unlike cake, won't become warm and gooey.Many supermarkets sell fruit trays with prettily cut melon, watermelon, strawberry and even pineapple.Some supermarkets such as Stop & Shop and The A&P also include a vanilla cream or yogurt dip.This is one of my favorites to bring to any warm weather backyard party.There is such a variety that everyone gets to have their favorite.The pieces are cut the same so they're perfect for kids to nibble on.I also bring cookies, usually just the plain butter kind for added oomph.Of course, even a small watermelon is welcome.It can be easily sliced and always refreshing after a spicy barbecue.If you're bent on bringing something homemade, then stick with easy crumbles or crisps.These are great way of taking advantage of summer harvests along with being easy to prepare and bake.Another idea is making a Jello no bake or an easy cream pie using instant pudding and ready made crusts.Make the pies the night before so they're perfectly chilled for the gathering. No one can go wrong with wine.or even champagne at a summer bash.Remember to pick one that goes with the main course, whether it be fancy or plain.Try a Merlot or a Pinot Noir if the fare being served is chicken or chops?for fish or shellfish gift your hosts with a nice Sparkling Chardonney.Sauvignon Blanc makes an excellent accompaniment For lighter fare such as lemon grilled chicken or vegetables.This white also is good with salads.Just a thought, the wine also depends on if there's a barbecue sauce on the meat too.Choose accordingly with this because the last thing you want is the wine warring with the sauce's sweetness or heat.Surprisingly even hot dogs can be paired with wine(although if you want ,some good ale or hard apple cider would maybe more appreciated)Even more startling Asti Spumente would be an excellent choice with wieners and even burgers.The bubbly sweetness plays off the unami flavors of the grilled food, sort of like the way Coke or Pepsi does.You could also try a Rose ,not only with these but with nachos and dip. Go chill with summer party gifts for your host.A fruit tray or a good bottle of iced wine is always a nice way of saying thank you for the invite.They're not too fussy , only simple and good ,the way a summer gathering is.

Your Party Check List

Anyone planning a holiday party right now should have a check list. Good hosts and hostesses should have their pantries and fridges well stocked along with having actual lists to check twice.yet many don;t know what to get or to stock up on, especially novice party givers. What should be bought already? What should be snapped up last minute? Here's a guide to let you know what you should have and should buy in the weeks to come.

Any short list should have frozen hors d'ouevres. Mini quiches should be bought already as tiny taquitos and puffs. This saves you from going out last minute to get them. The second thing should be alcohol along with canned fruit juice for punches.Stock up on the last when your local store puts them on sale. As time get closer to your do, then think about getting the meats and cheeses . You can easily freeze wings along with sliders This is also the time to get anything jarred or canned like gherkins and olives for antipasto platters.

The day before or of the party think about getting all the fresh ingredients.This is the time to buy all the fresh veggies for salads and any meats for grilling. (although if you have a freezer you can store the meats there beforehand for a few days).You can also make any dips the day too because the main ingredient , sour cream does have a short shelf life. If you're not baking cookies, then buy cookies and cakes that day too.Get any sweet beforehand and it could be stale within a day or two.

Holiday party  time is here and with it comes a list of what to buy for the big wingding. Keep a list of what you have bought and need to buy. Stagger trips to the grocery market to ensure that you're not overwhelmed. It makes for easier planning and prepping.

Creating The Perfect Party

How many of us have attended parties where the food was lousy and the drinks barely potable? If yes is the answer consider it a learning experience.It can show you how to throw a perfect one with delicious food and yummy drinks. learn from other people's mistakes. Also take into some advice as well.

Party food should be diverse. I've attended everything from showers to birthday bashes where eating choices were limited. Vary the menu. If you're serving sandwiches, try to have a wide range of meat and cheese fillings. Also take into consideration there many be vegans or vegetarians at your table. Have  something to suit their tastes.Also don't think serving just one salad with these is going to cut it. Try different salads  and not just the usual tossed, macaroni or potato. Look on the Internet or in your cookbook for new recipes to add a fresh spin. Also consider having bowls of fresh veggies along with dips. These make a fun and exciting sides.

Another must do is having a table of both hot and cold dishes. This makes the party  or gathering much more interesting. Yes ,you still can have three bean salad along with wraps but add something hot like ratatouille or sliders for an interesting twist. Many people love to bring casseroles. Nix this by suggesting moussaka or a baked mac made with three cheeses. A hot pasta dish may be too much yet a lasagna  would be perfect at any party. It's not only hot , but can be made interesting by switching the ingredients. Sub in chicken or turkey for the usual beef and maybe try a creamy bechamel sauce  instead of the typical tomato one.

A good party should have good food. Remember that wen you start planning your get together. Don;t fall into a rut and serve boring grub. Liven up your menu means livening up your do.

An Old Fashioned Cocktail Party

Summer is the time for parties, usually barbecues. Yet if you want to have a bit of Mad Men fun why not throw a warm weather cocktail party. These were big back in the day when it was exciting to have mixed drinks and nibble with a bit if gossip or flirtation thrown in. They can still be entertaining with the right drinks and hors oeuvres.

A cocktail party should have a wide variety of liquor along with different kinds of juices, sodas and seltzers. If you want something a bit more elegant then add champagne. You can make fruity mimosas (orange juice and champagne) or just have plain , chilled bubbly. For a more tropical treat add some pineapple and apricot juice. Mid Century cocktails such as the daiquiri - a fave of Ernie  Hemingway is made with lime juice, sugar and rum. Rum can be used in another 1950's classic rum and Coke. For true traditionalists whip up  the Old Fashioned which is whiskey, simple syrup and bitters. Of course the Cosmopolitan is hot thanks to Sex and The City fans. This are always a big crowd pleaser as are Margaritas and Bloody Mary's too.

Finger food is the perfect fare for a party of this type. Think little bites such as mini quiches or tiny crab cakes with different dipping sauces. Another easy but elegant hor d' oeuvre is crostini served with either tomatoes or roasted peppers. This is so easy to make. Take a loaf of either crusty French or Italian bread , slice wafer thin and top with the veggies. You can also layer carpaccio on them as well. Also have a variety of  olives, black , green and the tart Greek kalamata ones. Cups full of sea salted  almonds, peanuts and cashews along with walnuts are also fun nibbles that go well with a wide variety of drinks. Mini quiches and even mini baked macs with bacon are other cocktail party treats.Finish  off with a dessert of meringues, petit fours  or small fruit or nut tarts and a strong coffee for the ride home.

Summer means parties. Why not have a return to elegance with a cocktail party? It's a step up from the usual barbecue and a bit more fun for all.

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.

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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