Set the date for your “Pre” dinner at least two months head (yes, October), as this enables the guests you want to come to work around all the invites that come their way. At the beginning of December, set up the Christmas tree, and each day put on a Christmas CD and play it once…
Two fold reasons for being a terrific Hostess
The reason for keeping a note on a recipe card of the date, menu and who attended the dinner is a) you don’t have to serve the same thing the next time they come for dinner and b) if it is huge success you can use the same menu for another party. Be sure to…
Everyone ready?
Every one stresses out at Christmas for the perfect gift, perfect tree, perfect turkey etc. About fifteen years ago I brought this idea up with friends (now long gone) and we used to host one dinner each before Christmas to get into the mood. We tried it also with about twelve of our friends and…
Hints and Tips
Buy candles that are going to fit into colour theme you have chosen. Use cloth napkins and napkin rings (can be store bought or home made). This shows dinner guests that you care about them and care about the details. If it is for Christmas and you are into using Christmas ornaments, adorn the table…
Lucille’s Meatballs
This recipe is my sister-in-law’s. Try it , it is sooooo good! 1 egg slightly beaten 1/2 cup milk 3/4 cup cracker crumbs. Mix together and let sit until milk is absorbed. Add: 1 1/2 lbs hamburger, salt and pepper to tastes and fresh chopped parsley. Mix into 1†balls and brown in a large…
Feel the Autumn
The sun is brightly shining today and the crispness of Autumn is upon us. So Don and I are going to go golfing this morning and try to improve the putting end of this game and relieve some of the frustrations. Give me a kitchen and a dinner to prepare for and it is an…
Bed and Breakfast Quiche
Serve this with warm muffins and freshly brewed coffee. Serves 4 1-9″ unbaked pie shell from frozen puff pastry 2 tsp. butter 12 slices bacon, chopped 1 large red pepper, seeded and diced small 2 cups whipping cream (of course it’s good for you) 4 large eggs 1/2 tsp. salt pinch of cayenne pepper 1/2…
Making A Dessert “44” Liqueur
I got this off the television. It reminds me a little of Grand Marnier. You will need: 1 large orange Paring knife 44 coffee beans 44 sugar cubes 1 bottle of orange flavoured vodka Large glass jar. For each coffee bean, cut a slit and push it into the orange. When done, put orange into jar. Now…
Queen of Spades
Card night with the girls? Start the evening with this drink and who know…you might win. You will with the drink alone. 2 parts vanilla vodka 1 part opal nera 1 part anise liqueur Pour ingredients into shaker with ice and shake well. Strain and pour into chilled martini glass. Garnish with (what else?) a…
Grocery List
Go over all your recipes for the evening you have planned. Make your grocery list and start picking up things you will need. Now look at WHEN you need to prepare them. Timing is so important. Hot foods should be served nice and hot and cold should be served really cold. Can anything be prepared…
Ideas from everywhere
I know it sounds crazy, but I can’t get Christmas out of my head. Once I get the basic plans written down, I can forget about it for a while and get on with other dinners that will be coming up soon. So far, I have my guest list and my menu sorted out. Next…
Nut and Chocolate Smoothie
This is a different smoothie but the kids will love it (provided they don’t have allergies). It could also serve as breakfast if you slept in and are in a rush to go to work. You? Nah. 2 bananas 3 tbsp. smooth peanut butter 2 scoops premium chocolate ice cream 5 tbsp. vanilla yogurt 1…