I am so glad you have decided to join in on this discussion board. I love to cook, and I love to teach cooking to all ages of students. One of the biggest dilemmas is how to prepare food for more than 4 or 5 people...especially if it is unexpected. Here are some ideas / tips to hopefully help you in making your favorite recipes work for you!
- Keep certain items in your pantry at all times: WHITE BEANS - WHOLE TOMATOES in the can - ONIONS AND GARLIC - OLIVE / CANOLA / VEGETABLE OIL - KOSHER SALT - ALBACORE TUNA (packed in oil tastes best, but water is fine) - A VARIETY OF CANNED VEGGIES - RICE (your favorite variety, but some Jasmine and Basmati are always a "+") - PASTA (long and short varieties) - FRUIT (cherries and apples are a must) - DRY BAKING MIX (it's not just for making pancakes) - DRY ROASTED NUTS - COCOA POWDER - SUGAR ( regular and confectioners, please) - VARIETY OF DRY SEASONINGS (remember that they will only last up to 6 months to 1 year, so don't buy the 'Sam's Club size' unless you plan to use ALOT of it!) - VANILLA EXTRACT (pure is the absolute best)- BALSAMIC VINEGAR - and last but certainly not least...- DRY CAKE MIX (any variety / flavor)
Here is an idea for utilizing the above list for an impromptu "party"!
- Cook the pasta until al dente (means "to the tooth"). Drain and rinse in cold water to 'shock' or stop the cooking process. While this is draining; mix in a bowl the following: 1 can of your favorite vegetable, drained and rinsed well - 1 can tuna, drained and flaked - olive oil, italian seasoning, 1 clove garlic, minced fine or 1/2 teaspoon pre-minced variety in the jar - balsamic vinegar - and salt and pepper
Mix all of these ingredients together, and serve as a room temperature salad with some crusty bread and a good bottle of wine or a cold glass of sweetened tea. Because this recipe doesn't contain any dairy products (mayonnaise, dressing, sour cream, etc) it can be left on the serving table for up to 2 hours. After the 2 hours is up, it should be refrigerated to ensure no guests leave your "impromptu party" with anything but a memory of having a WONDERFUL TIME! ...and don't worry about garlic breath; if everyone is eating it, then it cancels out and a good time is had by all!
I will later give some other ideas for recipes for the above ingredients that have proven to be fail proof...AND NOW IT IS YOUR TURN!
Please add your favorite recipes / ideas / party "must haves" to ensure that this holiday season will be stress free and wonderful for everyone!
Do you have a decorating idea or two for use of everyday household items? How about:
- Putting fresh fruit in a bowl with sprigs of evergreen trees / shrubs intertwined with a beautiful ribbon and letting the ribbon 'spill' onto the table out of the bowl
- Surround this with a few candles (keeping distance to keep fire hazard to minimun)
Okay...your turn! I am looking forward to reading and learning your ideas / recipes for my holiday season, too!
