Better Luck With Potluck!

Have you ever gone to a potluck and felt a bit...unlucky? There was food, but no plates; ice—no drinks; meat—no sides or worse, sides—no meat. Well here are some tips you can use to ensure that your event will run smoother.

First, and most important if you are the host, you should plan the menu; at least a main dish and 2 sides (or more, depending on the number of guests you are expecting). The host will provide guests a category, such as meat dishes, veggies, desserts, etc., to choose from. This way a variety of foods can be expected.

Second, try to collect non-perishable items a day or two before the potluck, such as plates, napkins, plastic utensils, and beverages. This will assist the host when setting up the table and with the early guests who may want to “taste test” food already prepared.

Third, the host should be greeting guests as they come in, and have a designated area for coats and purses. This helps the host to get a closer look at these items so she can know which friends to ask to borrow something from later. :-) Just Kidding!!!

Also, the host should be explaining the setup of the event, including where trash is to be placed, and introducing guests that may not know everyone to avoid any awkwardness. Yes, this is the host's slick way of playing matchmaker!!! Don’t fret, have fun with it!!!

And lastly, don’t forget to eat as well, and enjoy your guests!

Served Cold

There can be lots of hustle and bustle when having friends and family over to visit. Have you ever found yourself too busy to enjoy your company because you have other things that must be done to keep the party flowing?

I once had a client who decided to rid herself of at least one very important task/chore, and that was cooking. She hired me to cook for her luncheon and wanted every dish to be served cold. This way, when her guest arrived, her only responsibility would be serving the meal. No reheating.

On the menu:
Wild Alaskan Poached Lemon Salmon and a homemade Honey Mustard Sauce
Mixed baby green salad with blueberries, walnut and a homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing Basil Corn Salad made with fresh cooked corn from the cob
Dill Orzo Pasta Salad with Lemon Zest

My client was very delighted to enjoy the company of her guest without having to labor over the needed preparations. While everyone was eating their cold meal, she received warm reviews about all of the food served!

The Picky Eater

One weekend, my husband and I were invited over to the home of a few friends for a potluck. I was asked to bring a potato salad. I prepared it, and when we arrived my husband carried the bowl inside telling a friend that he slaved in the kitchen over it. Hmm…I can't say that I remember it that way :-).

All of the food there was the great! This couple has a tradition where they grill fish that the husband catches. It was fabulous! While the guest sat eating in different areas of the house, a woman came to me and began telling me how much her husband enjoyed the potato salad. He’s an extremely picky eater, and yet he asked her to find out who made the dish and to get the recipe.

Needless to say, I was very encouraged to receive such high praise from a "picky eater".

Let’s Scream for Homemade Ice Cream

So smooth, refreshing and light. Everyone screams when it comes to ice cream, but who wants to run all around town for that new flavor? Instead, make it more exciting and create a masterpiece at home. Not only can it be made specific to taste buds, but it can be healthier as well.

Pull out the mango, pineapple, cherry and any other favorite flavor for the perfect, cool, creamy treat.

Peach Ice Cream Recipe:

3 fresh peaches – Peeled, slice and freeze
½ cup
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
1 TBS Sugar
1 whole lemon juice

Mix all ingredients in a blender until to creamy.

Don't Eat Your Pots and Pans

When creating masterpieces it is important to have tools that will get the job done well. With so many manufacturers in the cooking industry, it is easy to get confused on the best style of cookware to invest in or purchase. The major confusion comes from each chef endorsing a different product line for many different reasons. Although these "pots and pans" may cook food sufficiently (even to a preferred taste), certain discretions are still necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle. So which are "not" the best choices?

Here are some common types that could cause harm:

· Glass Cookware – lead and cadmium are metals used to make this product
· Stainless Steel Cookware – chrome and nickel could bleed out of this product
· Cast Iron Cookware – full of carcinogenic heated oils & bacteria
· Anodized Aluminum Cookware – vegetables that are cooked in these pans produce hydroxide poison
· Enamel Cookware – composed of lead and cadmium

It is interesting to see these components that can cause such harm to our families. In making decisions on ingredients, tools and more, we try to stand clear of the obvious harms to our bodies. So what is a less harmful product to use to create meals for the family?

Surgical Stainless Steel is one of the best kind of pans to cook in. It protects against consumption of hazardous metals into food. It is more costly than many of the options mentioned above, but it is durable and more beneficial in the long run. Take the time to research and make the right choice. It is a part of a lifestyle change to utilize tools that promote good health.

Light is Alright

The summer is officially here and it is time to get more creative with the meals you prepare. Your body is not craving the comfort food of the winter, but something light, cool and refreshing. Instead of slaving in the kitchen to make heavy entrees, it may be better to use the summer treats you like most to create a fun meal. It is a lot easier than you wouldimagine.

Your grocery list can include such things as blueberries, strawberries, spinach, yogurt, granola, salmon, pineapple and so much more. These items can be used to create a healthy breakfast, yummy salad, delicious dinner or just a quick snack. It doesn’t take much to make a goodsummer dish. Not only will your taste buds be excited, but your body will benefit too from your healthy decisions.

The easiest way to develop this seasonal fun is to write down some of your favoritesummertime foods. Once you are done with that, create a grocery list of the goodies that you know are a must during this time of year. Hit the store and then create music. It is so easy,that you will be sharing your creations with everyone. Well, you might not be sharing your food as much as your ideas.

In any case, beat the heat and eat light.

Summer Refresher

This season is one the most exciting times for lots of people. School is out! Time for vacation, relaxing, and spending time with others. Don't let the summer pass you by, there are several activities to enjoy.

Summer cookouts are great for bringing friends and family together to eat their favorites foods, consume refreshing drinks, play games, and catch up on lost time. Who can resist grilled food? Meat, vegetables, fish...you name it, and it's great off the grill. Yummy!

Take a look at some of these grilling ideas:
1. Peaches: cut in half and grill. Add cinnamon and sugar to sour cream to taste, then mix and top on peaches
2. Smoked Turkey Legs: use favorite marinade over night, seasoned salt and pepper to taste, then grill
3. Zucchini: slice, toss in italian dressing, then grill
4. Instead of soda or sweet tea try another refreshing drink for the summer. Here's a recipe you can enjoy. Drink up!

Ingredients
2 1/2 cups white sugar
6 cups water
2 (3 ounce) packages strawberry flavored gelatin mix
1 (46 fluid ounce) can pineapple juice
2/3 cup lemon juice1 quart orange juice
2 (2 liter) bottles lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage

Directions
In a large saucepan, combine sugar, water, and strawberry flavored gelatin. Boil for 3minutes. Stir in pineapple juice, lemon juice, and orange juice. Divide mixture in half, and freeze in 2 separate containers.
When ready to serve, place the frozen contents of one container in a punch bowl, and stir in 1 bottle of lemon-lime soda until slushy.