Jun 13, 2011

Summer Entertaing Tips

Enjoy the summer with these tips and links:


  • Lighten up your summer menus. When planning menus keep food safety in mind.
  • Shop your local farmer’s market for fresh produce.
  • Have plenty of beverages and include bottled water to keep your guests hydrated.
  • In the mood for some new dishes to serve your guests with? Try QVC's melamine dishes.
  • Supply shade for your guests, whether a tent or an umbrella, give them a chance to get out of the sun.
  • Consider having an old fashion ice cream social.
  • Visit about.com for Ball jar entertaining ideas.

  • Tipsy Melon

    23rmelon



    Looking for a refreshing dessert item. This is strictly adult. It is not your usual dessert
    What You Need
    Directions
    • watermelon
    • rum
    • knife
    • funnel
    To begin, cut a small hole in the watermelon with your knife .Cut deep enough (down to the pink flesh) into the melon and is big enough to hold a funnel.
    Next, insert the funnel and begin slowly pouring in the rum, the rum needs time to absorb. Pour until the rum will no longer absorb into the fruit.
    Let it rest in the refrigerate over night
    Other choices are vodka and tequila

    Jun 1, 2011

    Panzanella


    Want a perfect salad to go with your grilled meat? This is an Italian bread salad, it is quick to make and requires no cooking. If there's an ingredient you don't like, feel free to substitute it with something else or leave it out.

    What You Need
    Directions
    • 1 large loaf Italian bread cubed into bite size pieces 
    • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
    • 6 to 8 leaves basil, chiffonad
    • 3 ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and cubed
    • 1 small sweet red onion  sliced and  separated into rings
    • Half a cucumber, sliced into bite size pieces
    • canned tuna fish, drained and crumbled (see list below for additional options)
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • Salt and pepper to taste

      Optional  items  olives, mozarella,  capers, and anchovies
    In a serving bowl stir together the bread, tomatoes,  cucumber,  garlic,onions,  oil, vinegar, basil, salt and pepper to taste until the salad is combined well.

    Mix in the remaining ingredients and season to taste. Let the salad stand for  about twenty minutes to give the bread time to absorb some flavor, and serve.