January 27th, 2010
Believe it or not, another football season is nearing its end. The Super Bowl is around the corner it’s a good idea to start planning your party for the big game! Most will agree that the highlight of a Super Bowl party (aside from the game itself) is the food. You may decide to have snacks or an entire meal – either way, preparation is a must.
Most knowledgeable party hosts recommend sticking to “easy-to-prepare” finger-foods that are simple to eat and reduce on messy spills associated with things like chili. Super Bowl favorites include appetizers like shrimp cocktail, potato skins, meatballs, and chips with dip. Remember, though, easy doesn’t have to mean boring. Get creative, prepare a seven layer dip or guacamole instead of the traditional store-bought dip.
Along with appetizer snacks, no Super Bowl party is complete without chicken wings. It’s probably best to prepare both spicy and non-spicy wings to satisfy everyone’s individual taste. In addition, try to get smaller wing cuts so they are a little less messy. Wings can be thrown on the grill to cook, then placed in the oven to keep them warm for several hours.
Finally, make it fun! If your favorite team is in the Super Bowl, you may want to have a cake made with their logo on it, or buy printed napkins and plastic plates.
Check out our recipes section for some great finger foods and appetizers with simple instructions!
Check out my Super Bowl Menu if you are interested in having your Super Bowl Party catered.
July 9th, 2009
With our economy in a state that most of us have never experienced before, new perspectives and approaches are being applied to everything – even the average dinner party! While our clients used to ask for the recipes to my most fabulous gourmet cuisines, they now approach me consistently asking where they can save money on their next business lunch, cocktail hour, or overall entertainment budget.
From the business perspective, my first thought is not to fall into the “dinner” trap. Dinner is perfectly appropriate for great clients, or potential new ones…but so is lunch! More and more people are appreciating their time at home with their families and are open to the idea of meeting during the day. Plus the obvious upside is that lunch can be as little as half what a dinner would cost. Many times, catching up over tea or coffee can even be appropriate, as well. Use your judgment on a case-by-case basis. The idea is not to look cheap, but not to go overboard either. Clients respect the economy and situation most businesses are in, and conservative spending is expected.
As far as a personal dinner party is concerned, the audience you are catering to becomes much more important. Looking to just have a few close friends over? Get them involved by having a pot luck, or requesting guests to bring beverages. As long as it’s made clear before-hand, there is nothing rude about having guests pitch in – most of the time they are happy to help and feel satisfied that they contributed.
If, on the other hand, you choose to be the gracious host, here’s a few tips to save on your ingredients and preparation:
- Start with a budget first, then decide the number of guests to invite. Typically, $5-$10 per guest is plenty for a reasonable meal.
- Where you buy can really determine a lot. Ethnic markets and farmer’s markets are by and large much cheaper than the average grocery store when it comes to fresh meats and produce.
- Carb load your guests! It may be against the Atkins diet, but serving a nice whole wheat pasta or potato-based dish can be delicious, filling, and cost effective.
Remember, expensive is not necessarily the best route. Many times just adding a gourmet touch to a meal can be more effective than killing yourself over an extravagant recipe. Enjoy yourself and your company, and entertain deliciously!