Entertainment Tips

Are you entertaining Saturday night? Here’s are some tips

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 14:50:24 +0000

Entertaining goes beyond just food. It’s your table, it’s your music, it’s your conversation, it’s YOU all wrapped up in a package. Show your guest that you care and that you’re glad they came. Pick up some colorful napkins that match your food. Red and yellow make great colors for Mexican food. Going a bit more summery? How about sea glass colors – blues, teals, green, white. It’s fresh and crisp. Pair it with seafood and a delightful and refreshing white wine. Pinot Grigio makes a great pairing.

Don’t forget the ambiance. Is it casual? Is it friends? or is it a date or spending time with a loved one? Think about your tone. Sometimes those mix CD’s that have a universal theme, that you can find just about everywhere, makes for easy listening and enjoyable back ground music. Remember – this isn’t a rock concert – it’s dinner. A time to talk and be entertained.

Keep it stress free, make it easy – and always make it delicious!

Friday night – dinner with friends

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 02:49:28 +0000

I can’t think of a more sublime evening with friends – after a long hard day’s night then an easy, breezy, fun and delicious meal. Let me make the suggestion: keep it simple, keep it fun, and always keep it delicious.

Choose a simple yet elegant meal: Rib eye steaks, salad, baked potatoes. Make it fun: ask your honey – or friends – to help you make dinner. Keep it delicious: season your steaks as simple as salt and pepper or spice it up with herbs and seasonings. Or try your hand at a new recipe for Red Pepper Sauce or a Cognac cream sauce – to enhance the steaks, not to overpower.

For dessert – keep it simple: Chocoloate Chip cookies always make a great ending to a meal.

Some wine suggestions: Grilled meats, especially steak, require a robust wine. You can find some excellent Red wines under $10 at most grocery stores or wine shops. Branch out and really expand your pallet. Try a Cabernet or a Shiraz. These two wines are on the heavier end of the spectrum. If that’s not your taste, then might I suggest a Malbec or a Merlot. They’re a little fruity and have a wonderful fragrance. Don’t let your wine dominate the meal however. It should enhance the meal.

Try something new with friends and family. Enjoy the time together and your cooking. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

How to use those summer tomatoes?

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 23:01:00 +0000

Try your hand at home made salsa! You can control the ingredients and content.

Summer salsa recipe: All ingredients are made to taste – the quantity is merely a suggestion.

4 lbs of tomatoes (diced chunky)

cilantro

2 to 3 cloves of garlic

1 sweet onion or red onion (diced )

1 can of Old El Paso jalopeno (use to liking)

Kosher Salt and a splash of sherry vinegar

cut up all your ingredients. Using an emersion blend (a blender stick) – blend away. If you want it chunky – smash a little. If you like it more restaurant style – then blend away.

Enjoy the use of those last tomatoes!

Dinner plans?

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 22:38:33 +0000

In tough economic times, think about saving your $20 bucks and cook a meal at home. It’s a great way to incorporate your family in an event where everyone wins! The best part, you control the ingredients. Break out an old cook book or clip out a recipe and cook to your hearts content. I recently made a pot of Cream of Broccoli soup from the Joy of Cooking. mmmmm mmmmm good!

GREAT HOLIDAY IDEAS

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 21:43:25 +0000

I find July to be a great time to think about the holidays. It’s so hot outside and my thoughts wander to cooler weather. Check out Marshalls or TJ Maxx for great ideas. While perusing the stores today I saw lots of ideas. Let me share some ideas with you.

For the office group – head down to housewares and check out symbol yet practical gifts. I found a “not” paper cup coffee tumblers in a variety of colors. These were great ideas. There porcelain tumblers that come with a silicone lid and a silicone gripper. Very inexpensive and very “green”. Support reusable cups vs filling the land fills.

For family – maybe a sister or sister in laws? Check out the health and beauty section. You can find lots of different bath and beauty products. Sugar Scrubs, soaps, body wash, Bath salts. Mix and match different items or find collections – but it’s inexpensive and personalized to their taste. Another great idea is the purses. Come December those purses won’t be there. If you find a nice Cherry Red – pick it up and give it as a holiday purse. She’ll really thank you!

Maybe for the cook in your family who’s looking for new pots and pans? dishes? barware? silverware? I found lots and lots of options to fit that special cook in the family. A great idea to think of someone who needs things to fill their new new home or apartment.

Shopping tip: think of the person and put thought into the gift. Don’t let holiday shopping frustrate you.

Fish tacos?

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 16:50:58 +0000

Try fish tacos vs. beef or chicken. San Diego, CA has some of the best fish tacos ever. An inspiration to try this culinary treat came to me on a trip.

Look through websites and cookbooks for a flavorful and easy recipe that catches your eye and your cooking skill level. Make it easy – make it fun – and always make it delicious!

Fruit as the serving dish

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 18:23:44 +0000

Fruit makes a great serving dish. Use hulled out pineapples for fruit or dips. Make it easy on your self and fun for your quests. When you’re done – there’s nothing to clean up. Simply throw the fruit bowl in your compost pile!

Heat Wave Cooking

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:24:42 +0000

Food in the heat should be simple. Try looking for cool recipes that require little effort, are refreshing, and don’t heat up the kitchen. Try Caprese salad with fresh tomatoes from your farmer’s market, basil from your garden and mozzarella cheese from a specialty market.

Great tuna recipe – check it out

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 01:57:20 +0000

here’s an easy and delightful sinful way to cook tuna – check it out. Slow Roasted Tuna at epicurious.com. Bon Appetit!

Try your hand at something different

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 01:55:06 +0000

Cooking for you, your family, your friends is about having fun. Try something different…. Asian flair or Mexican delights. Find a local grocery store in your area that has affordable ingredients.