A Different Kind Of Champagne

Champagne Cupcakes with Sweet Champagne Buttercream Frosting from GimmeSomeOven.

Ingredients

For Cupcakes:
•2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
•3 tsp. baking powder
•1 tsp. salt
•2/3 cup butter
•1 1/2 cups white sugar
•3/4 cup champagne (the sweeter the better)
•6 egg whites

For Frosting:
•3 1/4 cups powdered sugar
•1 cup butter, at room temperature
•1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
•3 tablespoons champagne, at room temperature

Directions

To Make Cupcakes:
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare a cupcake pan with liners.
2.In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until very light and fluffy. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together, and then blend into creamed mixture alternately with champagne.
3.In another large clean bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold 1/3 of the whites into batter to lighten it, then fold in remaining egg whites. Fill the cupcake liners about 2/3 full.
4.Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.

To Make Frosting:
1.With an electric mixer, beat together sugar and butter. Mix on low until well blended, and then on medium for another two minutes.
2.Add vanilla and champagne, beating on medium for another minute.

April Showers Bring May...Baby Showers?

Oh the joy of babies!  Not only am I expecting my first but one of my good friends is expecting her first as well.  It is a really exciting time for both of us and the talk of baby showers has begun to swirl around our heads.  With that in mind, I thought we could discuss putting together a baby shower without emptying your savings account (save that for a college fund).  I hosted a baby shower two years ago for my good friend who was expecting her first in November 2009.  I was able to make it cute and fun!  And with a little research there are so many ways to look like you've spent a lot of money without actually doing that. 

Pingg is a great website that has really cute baby shower invitations....and they're FREE!   This is an example of a great

invitation from the site that I found and it's so simple to email
them out to friends and family.  And in doing this you can save money on postage and envelopes while also saving a couple of trees by sending your invites via the world wide web!

And depending on when you have the shower, you will be able to cater the theme & decor around that.  Being that my friend is due in July, her shower will probably be in May or June so a fun, summery shower will definitely be appropriate with lots of vibrant colors and cool drinks to keep everyone from overheating.  

Epicurious has a great list of non-alcoholic drinks for any party but that would be especially delicious for a baby shower in the late spring or early summer.  More for the pregnant lady but appropriate for all, if you aren't indulging in your normal alcoholic drink of choice, you can still enjoy the deliciousness of a variety of fruity, bubbly drinks that will taste just as good or even better without leaving you dehydrated and hungover.   Take it from me!  I love my cosmopolitan's but have had to curb that indulgence until post-baby.  Instead, I have been experimenting with lots of different combinations of caffeine free sodas and fruit juices to satisfy my craving.  A ginger ale with a splash of cranberry and a lime can definitely make someone feel like they are enjoying an alcoholic cocktail even though their choice is virgin!  There are always options.

In terms of food, it's important to remember that with pregnancy comes lots of rules & regulations on what is OK to eat and what is not.  Your best bet is going to be to first, check with the guest of honor and find out whether she is having any food aversions that might make her not feel well if they were present.  After that, find out what she doesn't feel comfortable eating.  A lot of articles will tell pregnant women to stay away from soft cheeses and deli meats along with raw fish and some cooked fish that are higher in mercury than others.  It really all depends on the individual as everyone is different in their personal choices.  The Mayo Clinic provides a list of  foods that are recommended for pregnant women to stear clear from.  This might be a helpful tool for you while you plan!

Lastly, there are shower gifts.  What do I give my guests?  How much should I spend?  Honestly, every shower and budget is different.  I, personally, have a sweet tooth so when I give gifts I lean towards a treat of some sort.  I prefer a delicious cupcake placed in a decorative Butterfly Box as it is not only yummy but inexpensive and pretty.  Not to mention you can use this as an alternative instead of buying a large sheet cake that could potentially be wasted if there is too much left over.  Kill two birds with one stone!  Dessert & a shower gift in one!!  So good luck to you o' hosts of hosts!   

Engagement Party Anyone?

It is that time of year for some of us!  Lot's of spring weddings on the calendar and that means engagement parties (among other celebratory events) are getting into full swing.  Two years ago in May, I planned my sisters engagement party in Baltimore and it was a great success!   About forty people came and went throughout the day and into the night and although we had limited space, we were able to make it happen.  It was delicious, fun, and all around entertaining for everyone and because of that, I feel the need to share the details of how it was put together.  Even when you have limited space to throw an event, you can make it happen with some simple additions and changes to the layout of the room(s).  And, of course, you don't need to spend a ton to do it! 

My husband and I are lucky that we have a back patio that is surrounded by a fence and two stone walls on both sides.  So, for the party we wanted to use the space. The weather in Baltimore tends to be hit or miss in May;  it is either raining or absolutely gorgeous.  Very rarely is there an in between.  Luckily for us, on the day of the engagement party the weather was absolutely perfect!  Because our patio is no larger than 20 x 30 feet, we knew space was limited but we had to utilize it for the number of people we were expecting.  By incorporating 3 Foot Round Tables and Small Chivari Chairs (like those from Select Event Rentals) we opened up the space to provide ample seating for guests, both on the inside of the house through the use of our furniture and the oustide tables & chairs we had rented for a pretty low, reasonable price.  And depending on the size of the space you are using and the attending guests, Tents are always a great option too!  For our party we went with smaller tents like these from The Patio Furniture Station that were a bit cheaper & really more for shade than anything else.  They did exactly what we needed them to do for what we were looking to accomplish.  However, had it been really windy or rainy, these wouldn't have done much to keep our guests from getting soaked so if you are looking for tents that are more weather appropriate, Select Event Rentals is probably the way to go. 

In terms of table decor, I went to Michael's and found these small bud vases  that were just perfect.  Ranging from $1-$2 a vase you really can't go wrong!  Then on each table I placed a plastic white tablecloth (Party City $2-$3 a piece) and one vase with two different colored tulips on each table to really bring the color to the party.  It wasn't too much decoration but it was clean looking and as we know, I love the clean look!  I also placed a bundle of tulips in a large glass vase on my dining room table to tie both the outside and inside together.  And if tulips aren't in season, no worries!  There are lots of colored flowers in season during different times of year that you can find.  Always check out Whole Foods as they seem to have a great variety no matter the season. 

So have fun planning your next engagement party...or whatever party you are planning!  Hope you found these tips & ideas helpful.  Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day!!!   

Here's to 2011...Goodbye 2010!

How are you going to ring in the New Year? Will you be celebrating with friends or family?  Possibly a significant other & some mistltoe?  Maybe you will be traveling to Vegas or New York City? Or maybe like me, you will be celebrating an anniversary of sorts (my husband and I were married on New Year's Eve 2008). There are so many great ways to celebrate and so many options that it can become overwhelming. So, if you want to save a couple bucks, here is my list of Top Ten fun things to do on New Year's Eve that won't freak your wallet out.   

10. Babysit- Even at 29 years old, I can honestly say I love to watch friends & relatives kids on New Year's Eve.  Some times if you just don't feel like doing anything, it's nice to let those who don't get to go out as often enjoy a night on the town.  Plus, the kids are usually in bed pretty earlier and you can max and relax the rest of the evening and possibly make a few bucks doing it.   

9. Host an "Everyone Bring Something" Soiree - Invite whoever you want over to join you to ring in the New Year!  But, everyone has to bring something.  From a bottle of wine to paper plates, make it laid back and worry free.  The only think you need to provide outside of your contribution is your house. 

8. Game Night - Whether it's at your place or someone else's, if everyone brings a game the night could be filled with endless possibilities!  Some of my favorites are Texas Hold Em', Apples to Apples and Cranium.  So bring a game & something to drink for the night, and you will be all set!   

7. Head Somewhere Off Season to Celebrate (like the beach) - I love the beach! And I especially love the beach when it is quiet and cheap to rent a condo or beach house.  The time to go when you want a discount is usually October through April and some places you can rent for 1/4 cost you would during the "in season".   

6. BYOB Dining- Find a great restaurant that has a 'bring your own bottle' policy.  The amount of money that you can save just by bringing your own wine, beer or liquor out to dinner will save you enormously on the bill!!  Don't skimp on the tip though.  :0)

5. Get Dressed up for NO REASON AT ALL! - Wear something out that you love & haven't worn in awhile.  Even if you are going to the pub down the street to drink a few beers, getting dressed up makes you feel better.     

4. Share a Ride - My friends and I did this in college to make some extra cash a couple times.  We would drive our friends & their friends & their friends, etc. out for the night and be the designated driver. So instead of cabs, they would use us and we would charge less than cab fare to drive them to the party and/or bar.  And because they knew us, we would get better tips!    

3. Rent Movies - Whether it's Netflix, Blockbuster or DirecTV, everything you could want to watch is right at your fingertips!  Get in your snuggie & hang out on the couch with some good snacks and some great films to make it a very chill night. 

2. Volunteer - There are a lot of places in and around where you live who could probably use some help in ringing in the New Year.  Whether it's by helping out at a local shelter, or volunteering to help with a parade or celebration of sorts, there is lots to do and volunteers are always appreciated!   Contact your city council or local police department to see what you can do to help make the New Year a fun & safe time for everyone.
1. Order In - You can pretty much get ANYTHING deliverd to your front door these days.  So, take advantage of all the world of delivery has to offer and be catered to on NYE without spending a lot.  From pizza & sushi to beer & wine, you can pretty much get everything you want brought right to your front door. 

So Happy New Year to you and those you love!  Enjoy however you want & be safe. 

Cheers!




 

To Each His Own Holiday Celebration

It is that time of year!  A time for celebrating, eating, drinking & being merry.  It is a great time of year for a lot of people and a more difficult time for others.  I find myself getting extremely giving this time of year; wanting to make sure everyone has something to eat and a place to go for the holidays.  I am blessed to come from a family who has opened the door to those in need since before I was even a twinkle in their eyes.  And now, twenty-nine years later, the apple hasn't fallen far from the tree and I too do the same. The holidays truly should be more about giving & less about receiving in my opinion.  So, my thoughts are to incorporate a way to "give back" into all of your gift giving, entertaining, and celebrating throughout the holiday season.  There are many charities who have special programs specific to the holidays where you can buy "two for one" toys or gifts, or you can donate $10 and a sponsor will match your donation.  Some companies will even match an individual contribution to a charity so make sure you reach out to the human resources person in your office to find out what your policy is. 

If you are looking for some guidance, the site Network For Good is great because it gives you access to 1.2 million charities all over the world to donate to.  You can purchase a gift card that has a certain amount of money, become a monthly supporter, and/or set up what's called a "Charity Badge" where you can get people to help support the cause you are supporting this holiday season. There are also ways to have links set up on personal & work websites that go straight to the charity of your choice.  So, during this holiday season, remember that gifts are great but more important to those who are in need than those of us who are blessed to have everything we need.  Happy Holidays!

Countdown to Hosting!

With only two more weeks to go before Thanksgiving, some of you may already be shopping & getting things organized for the upcoming holidays.  Whether you are hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, some other celebration or all of the above, there are always ways to save & save BIG!  I, personally, do not procrastinate!  I try to get all of my holiday shopping needs out of the way well in advance.  When I shop for Christmas, I want to be finished before December 1 even hits.   It's easier for me to brainstorm, find the deals that I want, get the funds together and pick things up sporatically than do it all in one fell swoop!  However, if you are like my husband, you wait until the eve before the event to shop and get everything completed.  But, if you are more like me and want the bargains and to leave the procrastinating to others, here are some great finds for hosting during this time of year.   

My husband and I will not be hosting Thanksgiving or Christmas this year but we are throwing a "holiday fete" for our friends.  We want to do it right and make it classy but we also don't want to break the bank.  Here are a couple recipes I found that use some of the same ingredients so that you are buying more of one thing and using it in a couple different ways.  My mom makes this AMAZING beef & cheese dip (her secret recipe) that everyone loves.  The ingredients for that are very similar to those in this Mini Meatloaves Recipe that is absolutely awesome!  This is a great idea for a party because they are muffin sized individual servings and give everyone a hearty base.  So, while buying the ingredients for one you can buy for both & save time & money....which is great.   There is also this really great Beef Quesadilla recipe that includes some of these ingredients too so you can have multiple options for guests that aren't huge portions but heartier, which is always good when alcohol is involved.  And make sure to not forget about any vegetarian friends that may be at the party!   There are a couple great appetizers I love to serve for those who are not meat eaters.  Delish.com has a great article that includes 15 great recipes for side dishes and appetizers for the veggie lover which can definitely help you at least get some ideas for what to serve to them as well.

I love food and know you do too.....so enjoy these delicious finds!!

The Colors of Fall

Sorry it has been so long since my last post!  Some unexpected things popped up that interrupted my enjoyment of fall for a brief period.  But, now that they are out of the way, it is time for some new exciting posts!

I CANNOT believe that Novemeber 1st is a few days away.   The weather in Maryland has been fantastic and it will be sad to see it go!  Although we have had a good amount of rain, the temperature has been mostly between 65-70 for weeks now and it has been great. 

The leaves are definitely changing and while I was driving back from New Jersey over the weekend, I realized how much orange & brown remind me of the fall.  Normally, these colors are pretty tough to pull off but there are ways to do it and make it work beautifully this time of year.  After some digging, I was able to find some great pieces for entertaining that tie them together make it work in a classy, no frills type of event that lets out a warm & cozy vibe for everyone.

Right now, Pottery Barn is having a sale on their Framed Border Tangerine Napkins for $5.99 each and would look great with Pier 1's Peony Table Runner for $19.95.  Using this combination is heavier on the orange side than the brown, but can really brighten up a room.  Adding a beautiful bouquet of fall flowers (like those pictured here) that have lots of greens & pomegranate will bring the whole room together brilliantly! 

Crate & Barrel has some really great stuff too right now!  This Placemat & Napkin combination is one of my personal faves and what I have on my dining room table as we speak- I get compliments all the time!  This leans more on the brown side but I lighten it up with some tall battery operated Pumpkin Colored Pillars that let off a subtle spiced pumpkin scent & light the room nicely.  But, if you prefer real over faux lighting, Tall White Pillars are also a great choice for bringing some brightness to the table decor.

So it's time, my friends, for you all to get planning!  Soak up this last month (or so) of fall and the great color schemes that go with it.  Looking forward to sharing some more fun ideas soon!

Tailgating Time

I love tailgating!  And I'm not talking about the tailgating we did in college with warm beer and a hibachi grill that had enough room for a single burger or hot dog.  I am taking tailgating to a whole new level my friends!  I am talking some nice cold drinks, hearty sandwhiches, and plain old classing it up a bit. 

I got the most rocking cooler as a welcome gift at my friends wedding in July.  It looks similar to this Small Round Red Cooler and has become quite useful.   My husband & I can fit a bunch of waters, beer, and some sandwiches in it comfortably and it is easy to carry. When we attend other tailgates, we fill it and bring it with us every time.  However, if this size cooler isn't big enough and you are looking for something a little bit more substantial, who doesn't love a cooler with wheels? At $40 this Large Gray Cooler is a steal!  Abundant space for lots of delicious food and drink items and honestly, the wheels are the best part. 

A couple other needed items for a good tailgate (in my personal opinion) are a Good Tent for all you die-hard sports fans who will rough it no matter what the weather forecast and a Long Folding Table.   No my friends, the long table it not for beer pong, sorry!  The tent is key for inclement weather and the table really helps in laying out all your food & beverage options as well.  I always bring a nice looking table cloth, which classes things up a tad.   And there are great tabelcloth weights on Ebay or Amazon.com from $.99 to $8 (about 4 in a pack) to help keep things stationary when the wind blows. 

If you want to get really crazy, when it gets colder you can invest in an outdoor Space Heater powered by battery which will keep things warm before you rough it during game time!   Just make sure to turn it off before the game starts and do it far enough in advance that you can put it back in your trunk before you haed into the stadium.  I don't recommend leaving it in the parking lot to cool down.  Someone may sneak off with it.  Because that is how cool it is!    

And as a final FYI- it is perfectly acceptable for your friends to pitch in with food and drinks for the tailgate, especially if you are hosting.   They can also bring their own chairs too- this is not something you need to provide for everyone if you don't have enough for everyone.  Do not feel obligated to go out and purchase five more folding chairs for your friends.  Just make sure to let everyone know to bring their own chairs in advance and you will be set.

So bring on the beers and the kielbasa!  It's tailgate time and time to enjoy one of the best things about fall....FOOTBALL!  

It's Getting Chilly

I love fall!  I love when it's warm during the days but a little cold at night.  I love making excuses to have the girls over for wine (and gossip) and everybody makes a dish to bring so we can all share.  I miss Ladies Night so I thought I would bring out a delicious recipe and some tasty wine that goes with it and share with you all for your next soiree.

Nothing beats a cold night like some crock pot chili!   One of my absolute favorite things to make is this recipe and it so easy to boot.  When I make it for my husband and I, 1 lb of ground turkey meat is perfect.  It gives each of us a healthy couple of bowls and then we have a couple bowls for the fridge or freezer.  Since the theme is "Ladies" Night....plural....I doubled the recipe.

Ingredients:
2 lbs Cooked Ground Turkey Meat
1 Cup Coarsely Chopped Onion (I tend to mince it in the food processor)
2 Jars Salsa, 12-16 ounces (whatever kind you prefer)
1 Can Pinto Beans (drained & rinsed)
1 Can Yellow Corn (drained)
2 Tbls Chili Powder
1 1/2 Tbls Ground Cumin
1 Can Minced Black Olives (2-4 ounces)
1 Can Sliced Chili Peppers (2-4 ounces)
Salt and Pepper to taste

Cooking Directions:
Mix together ground turkey meat, chili powder, ground cumin, 1 jar of salsa, pinto beans and salt & pepper and cook on low 5-6 hours.
Add remaining igredients, cook on low for another 1/2 hour or so.

Garnish:
Mexican Shredded Cheese, Hot Sauce & Sour Cream of your choosing.

This meal is hearty and good for you which is the absolute best part!

Since this is turkey chili, both reds and whites can go with this.  I would stick with the lighter reds though since it is turkey meat and not red meat in the dish.  A Pinot Noir would go nicely and on the white side, a hearty white, like a Chardonnay, would be good here too.  Chile makes some of the best wine (in my opinion) so I have chosen to go with their wines as a recommendation.  

Viña Cousiño Macul is a winery in Chile where all the wines are made from estate grown grapes.  They have a variety of reds and whites that can compliment multiple palates and dishes.  Their selection is strong and varied and is only carried at higher end wine stores.  Check with your local wine carrier to see if they offer any of the Viña Cousiño Macul wines as I highly recommend trying one of them with this dish!

Bon Appetit my friends!

A Long Weekend Equals Party Time!

Labor Day has almost arrived!  Once again the summer has come to a quick end.  It has been SO HOT here in Maryland that I am actually looking forward to things cooling down a bit!  How about you?  I figured since it is still pretty warm out during the day but cooler in the evenings, a nice outdoor BBQ might be the best way to celebrate this upcoming Labor Day holiday!  However, BBQ's can be done one of two ways:  Classy or Trashy.  I think we'll go with a Classy BBQ to wrap up this sweltering summer. 

Let's start by focusing on a good table setting, shall we...

For a  Classic BBQ outdoors, I recommend sprucing things up a bit with some nice white plates and some decorative placements.  White means clean & put together so trying to find something white to tie into your event is a must!  Whether it's the placements or plates, try to use something that will help your guests feel comfortable eating outdoors.  And whether you have a wooden picnic or rod iron table, placements will definitely help make the table look cleaner and your guests will feel more comfortable eating off of it so using them or a nice colorful tablecloth is a good option.  Especially if the table stays outdoors all year long.   

When it comes to silverware, steer clear of plastic and use whatever silverware you have in the house! If you don't have any good silverware (or any at all) you can always purchase some fine plasticware that resembles silver. Mozaic offers 80 pieces of silver plasticware for $11.99 and you'll be surprised how much this stuff actually resembles silver! 

Adding a water pitcher(s) to the table with orange, lemon or lime slices can definitely add to the color scheme as well.  Not to mention you will keep your guests hydrated with deliciously flavored water which is key if you plan to have alcohol!   Crate and Barrel has some really nice pitchers and they aren't too expensive at all (ranging from $8-$50). 

Another nice addition to a "Classy BBQ" is to have a bar area with cocktail options instead of just a keg or bottled beer.  Finding a book or website that gives options for cocktails and finding similar cocktails that use the same ingredients can be fun and an inexpensive way to step up the party a bit.  For example, vodka can be used in multiple drinks (IE- Cosmopolitan, Vodka Tonic, Dirty Martini).  If you find a liquor that is diverse, you can buy some mixers and have multiple options without emptying your wallet.

And if martini's aren't your thing (or you want to have a couple options), I have also found some really great boxed wine that doesn't look or taste cheap. And 1 box equals 4 bottles!  Check out Black Box Wine as they have an array of reds and whites that are really tasty and quite affordable.  And who doesn't heart them some wine! 

And once the sun starts to disappear and the moon comes out, tea lights are a great option that is also pretty cheap.  I bought 250 tea lights from one of my fave sites Save On Crafts and it cost me $50 with shipping!  And if you tend to have some bugs in your backyard/patio area, try these Citronella Tea Lights from Amazon.com (100 for $14.99). 

Now when it comes to the menu, you can do really whatever you want.  But definitely know your guests likes & dislikes and if you have any vegetarians in the group that is definitely important as well.  Now that you have your decor, the menu can really go any way your taste buds take it!  

So enjoy the night and have a great time celebrating the arrival of the fall!  Hooray for parties!!      

 

It's Almost September....And You Know What That Means!

The fall is almost here and honestly, I am very excited!  I love cool fall days with some good friends, some hearty foods & wine, and above all- FOOTBALL!   And boy do I have a delicious recipe for you!  Courtesy of Real Simple, ham & cheese quesadilla's are absolutely divine!  So easy to prepare and so yummy.  This recipe is for two but can be doubled, tripled, whatever.  Required ingredients are:  6 tortillas, 1/2 lb black forest ham, 1/4 lb fresh mozarella & a ripe cantaloupe cut into small pieces (if you so choose). 

Directions Are To:

1. Heat the broiler on high
2. Grease a cookie sheet with some spray butter
3. Slice the mozarella into thin slices (about 12 slices)
4. Place a tortilla on the cookie sheet
5. Place 2 pieces of ham & 2 slivers of mozarella onto tortilla & fold in half
6. Repeat with additional tortillas until finished
7. Place cookie sheet in oven for 5-6 minutes (or until the tops of the tortillas are browned)
8. Take out, slice each quesadilla into 1/3rds and serve with the cantaloupe

This recipe is bsolutely delicious and doesn't take too much time, which is always key.  My husband and I had this for dinner a few nights ago and really enjoyed it!  However, it can also be served as an appetizer when friends are over to watch the game or over for a few cocktails on a Friday or Saturday night.  There are a couple beverages I would serve with this tasty dish and they are...Hoegaarden (a pale ale) with an orange wedge ($9 for 6 12 ounce bottles) or some Rutherford Grove Sauvignon Blanc ($14/bottle). 

Enjoy & drink up!

Hot Summers Equal Cold Drinks & Gazpacho!

Although gazpacho by definition is a "cold Spanish tomato-based raw vegetable soup" according to Wikipedia, I feel there are a variety of ways to make Gazpacho.  Whether its cream based, tomato based or simply broth based, to me gazpacho just represents cold soup regardless of the ingredients. 

I was at a baby shower two weeks ago and can honestly say I was not sure if I was going to try the cold spinach soup that was offered as an appetizer but I am soooooo happy I did!   It was absolutely delicious.  It was a cream based spinach soup and it was devine with a capital D!   It was a really hot day and most of the shower was outdoors so this soup was refreshing and tasty and just what we all needed.  Although the recipe was homemade and I was unable to acquire it before I left the shower, I found this similar recipe for Cold Spinach Soup on the New York Times website and felt it was a close second to what was actually served.  Enjoy! 

In addition to the gazpacho, the hostess was also serving watermelon rasberry & strawberry bellini's with fresh fruit.  Although you would think the combination of these fruity drinks and the spinach soup appetizer would be an odd combination, it was just all around delicious and really took the edge off the disgusting heat that we were all dealing with.  Gourmet Sleuth is a great place for various food & drink recipes and they have a variety of bellini recipes for your entertaining pleasure.  :0 )

November Time....and time to get back to it!!

Wow, it's been a tad too long since I wrote my last post. My apologies! I have been whirling about in the leaves and enjoying the beautiful sun and fresh air in Maryland this fall and have just let my blog fall by the wayside. Well, it is time for me to step back into the light and deliver some wonderful thoughts for this upcoming holiday season! Since it's November, I think it's best to start with Thanksgiving. Here are a few ideas I have for all of you host's with the most's...rule of thumb: if you need to skimp in one area, pull through and deliver more in another area that takes the focus off.

First thing is first- how does one cook a turkey? Based on the weight of the turkey, here are some cooking times and temperature information courtesy of the FoodChannel.com.

Turkey Cooking Times:
An 8-12 pound turkey, unstuffed, should cook for about 3 hours.
A 12-14 pound turkey, unstuffed, should cook for about 3 to 3 3/4 hours.
A 14-18 pound turkey, unstuffed, should cook for about 4 hours.
An 18-20 pound turkey, unstuffed, should cook for about 4 1/2 hours.
A 20-24 pound turkey, unstuffed, should cook for about 5 hours

For temperature measuring, use a thermometer. Plan to roast your turkey at a minimum of 325 degrees until the thickest part of the inner thigh registers 180 degrees on an instant-read thermometer. The breast meat should register 170 degrees, and if the bird is stuffed, the stuffing must reach 165 degrees.

Now that we have the turkey down- I think we need to focus on the key parts of the table decor. If you don't have china or some really nice plateware to use, either you can go to Neiman Marcus and take advantage of any China sales they may be having or for a more affordable option, go to Ebay.....they have beautiful China at a much lower cost! Make sure you have enough time to bid and get the items though. A better option here may be to only look at the "Buy Now" China that is available so that you can guarantee you get it and it arrives at a reasonable time for you to clean it all and get it ready to use!

Now, when I mentioned taking the focus from one area and moving it somewhere else, I meant that in case you don't make enough stuffing or green been casserole, ALWAYS have extras of the easier items on the menu to avoid your guests from going hungry. IE- cranberry sauce, croissants/rolls, cheese and crackers, even dessert items like cookies and pies that you are purchasing and not baking yourself. Another way to avoid this type of mishap is - for those guests who offer- have them bring something additional to what you have or to compliment what you have so there is always enough. This way if everyone really loves the mashed potatoes and they are gone before anyone can even have seconds, if someone brings Twice Baked Potatoes, you are golden!

Lastly, I want to touch on a delicious addition to your table and that is my new found love for Red Sangria. There is a FABULOUS bottle called "Red Sangria" that I recently found for $7 that is really wonderful. I would recommend opening it about an hour to an hour and a half before guests arrive and either pouring it into a pitcher or a carafe (I recommend a carafe if you have one) and then chop up an orange and apple into small, bite size pieces and put them in the carafe to marinate with the sangria. Soooooooo tasty! After that hour and a half, feel free to pour it for guests and let some of the fruit fall into the glass for them. The combination of the fruit soaked sangria and the sangria itself is pure yum! And if you can't find this specific type of Sangria.....try making it on your own. Here's a recipe from Melissa Breyer who is the Senior Editor for Healthy & Green Living. She calls it "Christmas Red Sangria".

Christmas Red Sangria with Pomegranate
2 bottles fruity red wine1/2 cup brandy or cognac1 cup pomegranate juice1 large pomegranate1 red Bartlett pear, cored and thinly sliced 1 orange, thinly sliced into rounds1 cup red grapes, sliced in half lengthwise1/3 cup honey1 bunch fresh mint leaves, reserving some for garnish1 bottle sparkling water (optional).

Combine ingredients except sparkling water in a glass pitcher and let sit at room temperature for one hour. Refrigerate for at least two hours, or overnight. Spoon some fruit into glasses and top with a splash of sparkling water (if using), garnish with mint.

September

It is that time of year! The leaves will start falling and the crisp air will start circling outside of your window. This is the time for lots of red wine and hearty food for football games and camping! I say bring on the chill so we can bring on the food, drink and entertainment ideas that will help us get through the fall! Next post will feature fall food & wine pairings and entertainment ideas for inviting friends over.....all on an EXCEPTIONAL budget!