No matter what the season, you're bound to be up for fun, frolic and entertainment. Besides that well planned party, you never know when someone is going to drop in or who the family will drag home for dinner. In fact, as you fine tune your talents at making meals an "event," you may be turning down droves of volunteers on a nightly basis. Don't laugh. It happens! And what better way to test your kitchen concoctions? But where do you start?
"Fast food" doesn't have to be a bad word when it comes to entertaining your valued friends and family. That personal touch shows you care and leaves a warm impression that lasts for years to come. The words "comfort food" were coined for a reason.
Begin with a well stocked kitchen for food prep and quality meals. Organize your kitchen to put your hands on things easily. Keep your appliances and utility items clean at all times and at arms length. Even small spaces can become a chef's dream with a little organizational know how. Use some of that wall space (and even the ceiling!) for items you use frequently instead of fumbling through drawers and cabinets.
Hanging baskets with colorful items, as well as neatly arranged spice and tool racks, add to the ambience of your kitchen space as well as functionality. You never know when you'll be inspired or have to act quickly.
Productive fun and frolic in the kitchen.
Ever wonder how the consummate hostess manages to whip up delectable delights seemingly without effort and find time to entertain her guests as well? You don't need a caterer!
From beverages through desserts, any good hostess knows it's important to keep a generous stock of fix-it-quick goodies in the pantry and freezer! You can make your own "fast food" that can't be purchased elsewhere!
Simply prepare a few of your favorites ahead of time for a quick warm-up in case of drops-ins. Include friends and family in a "cook fest" on a week-end night. Better yet, create a cooking club! Have a weekly fest with a few select friends. You can all pitch in with the ingredients and each prepare a dish. In addition to tremendous savings, you'll have willing helpers while you prepare a week's worth of dinners in one night. After a night of flavorful fun, divvy it all up. Through the next week, you can all prop your feet up after a hard day and feast stress free!
Properly prepared and sealed, you can freeze almost anything. With a quick pop in the oven or the microwave (and a dash of flour on the cheek) it will appear you cooked for hours. You'll look (and feel) like a million bucks when you whip up home made, gourmet appetizers or entrees in minutes and dazzle your guests when you aren't stuck in the kitchen during their visit. You won't be frazzled and they'll remember the extra "personal" touch.
Fresh ingredients are important.
Don't forget to keep plenty of staple ingredients such as eggs, milk, flour, oils, sugar, baking powder, etc. on hand. Keep fresh fruit and vegetables on hand. They make great garnishments at the last minute for that "spur of the moment" effect while adding a nutritional component to your meals.
Finally, inventory your spices! They're the main stay of your delicious culinary creations and sometimes a substitution just won't do! Properly stored, some will keep for months. Keep a list on the refrigerator to jot down those items you are running low on. Pick them up on your next shopping trip. That way, you'll have a wide variety of fresh, quality seasonings, spices and ingredients on hand for your next brain storm without breaking the bank. And don't be afraid to experiment. You never know what "priceless" dish you'll come up with when the urge strikes.
Please the senses as well as the palate.
In addition to great taste treats, don't forget the presentation! Once you've gone through the trouble to create all those gourmet delights, serve them up in style with quality dinnerware, linens and accessories. Impress your guests with unique, themed table settings assembled with items you've collected over time and ready for use at the drop of a hat. Give them a memorable dining "experience" with your personal touch of flair.
Start with a few recipes by searching our large database and build your next get-together from there. Scour the catalogs of our partners for extreme savings on items you'll need. Start today on building your unique "hostessing style" and your own traditions to last a lifetime. We won't tell them how little it costs and you'll become the toast of the party and the talk of the town!