Party Favours

Well, the PC seems to be "mostly" up and running. It certainly isn't without its frustrations, but at least I can post a little something...

That time of year is upon us once again; and with the holiday season comes the joy of entertaining. I know it may seem like sarcasm when I say that, but I genuinely enjoy the fun and challenge to create something different with each new gathering. Of course, I don't always hit a winning run, but occasionally I stumble across an idea that seems to garner a few positive comments; sometimes with the reward of a friendly recipe exchange. And so, in the spirit of the party, I thought I would share a couple of recent appetizer ideas with you, in the hopes that perhaps you might be willing to share a few in return...one can never have too many recipes in their cabinet.

Hope you enjoy!

Caesar Salad Spears

What You Need:

Belgian Endives - I find that one endive will serve up 8-10 decent sized appetizer portions.
4 slices of thick cut bacon or pancetta
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Croutons*
Cesar salad dressing*

This really couldn't be easier and seems to yield a happy result from guests.

Cut the bacon into to small pieces and fry until crispy.

Chop the end of the endive and separate the Spears until you reach the heart. Place two to three croutons, some crumbled bacon and shredded Parmesan onto each leaf. Just before serving, drizzle a small amount of dressing onto each skewer. Enjoy. It's Caesar salad without a fork and people will be happy...though perhaps a little too garlicky for the mistletoe.

*croutons are easy to make so why buy 'em? Take some bread, cut into cubes, toss with olive oil, salt and pepper and bake until golden brown. Done.

*to make a zesty, vegetarian dressing:

Mayonnaise
Lemon juice
Garlic
Red wine vinegar
Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper. Best Caesar dressing you'll ever eat and it only took a minute to make. You're guests will be impressed.

Goat Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

What you need:

24 cremini mushrooms
1 package goat cheese
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1/2 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp freshly chopped chives
Salt
Pepper

Okay, so stuffed mushrooms are nothing new, but they always seem to win a crowd. To assemble these all you need is twenty minutes and a strong will power.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Brush the mushrooms with a paper towel to remove any dirt (don't wash with water as they will become water logged and soggy). Remove the stems, but don't throw away...chop 'em up and use them for the filling! Combine goat cheese, lemon, chives, garlic and chopped mushroom stems in a bowl, season to taste and stuff the mixture into the mushrooms. Bake for 10 minutes and you're done. Easy, tasty, classic, yum.

Also, as a delicious variation or addition, you could try the same stuffing in cored cherry tomatoes, mmmmm.

Holiday Punch

What You Need:

6 cups of water
2 cups white sugar
2 packages of raspberry gelatin mix
1 can of pineapple juice
1 container of orange juice
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1-2 litre bottle of lemon lime soda
Coconut rum...to taste...

Punch is that thing kicking around the beverage table at a party that either takes off or doesn't. It can come spiked or plain, carbonated or flat. It's not usually something I serve or desire, but for something about this combination of ingredients has me wanting to pass it forward.

Bring the water, sugar and gelatin to a boil, allow to simmer for about ten minutes and then remove from heat. Add the remaining ingredients, save for the soda and rum, and chill overnight. Serve in a punch bowl, pouring in the lemon lime and coconut rum just before service. Enjoy...responsibly, of course.

That's it for now. I've plenty more up my sleeve and always more on the "to try" list, but what I'm hoping for from this particular post is something in return that I've yet to try, or at least yet to try the way you do it. So, I implore you to email whatever recipes you may have in the traditions cupboard and brag about what makes you famous at your parties.

I'll be back soon with more stories from around the city.

Phil