The following post is a contiuation of my Simple Party Planning Course and these menu tiems are from my Simple Brunch.
It's Yummyday Tuesday! If you've read our Intro to Party Planning, then you know how this works. If not, click over and start this party planning course from the beginning. Be sure to also read the Pre-Planning post as well. Now - on to the recipes!
My family LOVES this recipe - especially during the holidays.
Spicy Tomato Grits
Ingredients
2 cups water
1 1/4 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup quick cooking grits
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon butter
1/3 cup diced green onions
4 ounces processed cheddar cheese, cubed (suggested: Velveeta)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (suggested: Ro-Tel)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a saucepan, bring the water and milk to a boil. Add the salt and slowly add the grits and return to a boil, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 3 minutes. While stirring the grits add the 1/2 cup of butter and stir until butter is melted. Cover and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the grits are thick and creamy. Remove from heat and set aside. Using a skillet, saute the onions in the remaining tablespoon of butter for 1 minute. Add the processed cheese, garlic powder, 1 1/2 cups cheddar, and onions to grits, and stir until the cheese is melted. Add the tomatoes and mix well. Pour the grits into a greased 8 by 11 by 2-inch casserole and bake for 40 minutes. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheese over the casserole for the last 5 minutes of cooking time.
TIPS:
The tips to creamy grits in the initial stirring of the pot. It may be tedious, but it is worth it. I use the Extra Hot Ro-Tel tomatoes. I sometimes place sliced tomatoes on the top before I cook it in the oven for added garnishment.
Garlic Sauteed Spinach
1 1/2 pounds baby spinach leaves
2 tablespoons good olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped garlic (6 cloves)
2 teaspoons kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Lemon
Sea or kosher salt, optional Rinse the spinach well in cold water to make sure it's very clean. Spin it dry in a salad spinner, leaving just a little water clinging to the leaves. In a very large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and saute the garlic over medium heat for about 1 minute, but not until it's browned. Add all the spinach, the salt, and pepper to the pot, toss it with the garlic and oil, cover the pot, and cook it for 2 minutes. Uncover the pot, turn the heat on high, and cook the spinach for another minute, stirring with a wooden spoon, until all the spinach is wilted. Using a slotted spoon, lift the spinach to a serving bowl and top with the butter, a squeeze of lemon, and a sprinkling of sea or kosher salt. Serve hot.
For more great receipes visit http://www.thekendalcompanies.com/Recipes---DIY-Projects.html
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Thinking Thursday - Simple Party Decor - Part 2 in a Series
Thursdays are for "thinking" out of the box. Together with Yummyday Tuesdays and Why Worry? Wednesdays - Thursdays are a part of the Simple Party Planning Series I am posting this month.
- Use place cards to label the food for your guests. For cheeses, tape the place cards to toothpicks and stick directly into the cheese wedge. Nice touches make all the difference
•Set up your food table the day before. Decide where each serving dish will be placed, add corresponding serving utensils, and place a post-it note on each one to remind you what goes where. This is a great time saver!
•Use real dinnerware, crystal and utensils when possible. It makes the statement that your guests are important. It doesn’t take that much time to load the dishwasher and it reduces the amount of trash your party collects.
•If you don’t have enough real dinnerware to serve everyone, start with what you have then replace with clear disposable-wear. Buy purchasing all clear plates, cups and utensils, you can use the leftovers at any event. Instead of 10 plates in 10 different colors stacked in your cabinet, you will have something that matches it all.
•Use real linen, all-white tablecloths. Again, it makes a statement, can be used at all your events and is easily cleaned. Add layers of colored linens for dramatic (or subtle) décor. Make sure they are straight!
•Use clippings from your yard as décor in all areas. Magnolia, nandina with berries and pine are wonderful choices. Use fresh herbs such as rosemary to accent food such as creamy dips and cheese assortments. Store bought flower bouquets come across as cheesy – but taken apart, the single flowers of sunflowers, peonies and other large blooms are magnificent alone. Try placing one bloom in the bathroom on a plate for easy, classy décor. Using real décor also cuts down in the amount of decorations you need to store every year.
•If children are to be involved, have a special area just for them. They should have their own food table with special treats and an area full of activities to keep them busy. Try setting up a table where they can create their own gum-drop trees from Styrofoam cones.
•At the coffee station, use sugar cubes instead of regular sugar. You’ll be amazed how many people notice! Also offer Splenda, Sweet & Low and individual creamers as an added touch. All the leftovers can be saved for another party.
•Expand beyond the usual holiday balls in a bowl - Simple things like cranberries add color and create wonderful, simple displays.
•Take store bought foods and dips out of the container and put into nicer bowls and trays. It’s all about the PRESENTATION. Use grandma’s china – she did!
•Designate a “dirty dish” area. If guests can see where to place their dishes they are more likely to put them there than leave them laying around your home. Set up a bowl with warm soapy water for utensils and a trash can designated for trash/food. While working the room, casually pick up dishes and cups left laying around. This will cut down the time spent cleaning up later. NEVER load the dishwasher while you still have guests.
•Designate an area for coats and handbags.
•Simmer cinnamon sticks and whole cloves on the stove at the beginning – it will create a warm atmosphere.
Next Thursday....Party STARTER ideas. For more great ideas, please visit The Kendal Companies
Simple Party Decor - Making Your Party Special For Everyone
- Use place cards to label the food for your guests. For cheeses, tape the place cards to toothpicks and stick directly into the cheese wedge. Nice touches make all the difference
•Set up your food table the day before. Decide where each serving dish will be placed, add corresponding serving utensils, and place a post-it note on each one to remind you what goes where. This is a great time saver!
•Use real dinnerware, crystal and utensils when possible. It makes the statement that your guests are important. It doesn’t take that much time to load the dishwasher and it reduces the amount of trash your party collects.
•If you don’t have enough real dinnerware to serve everyone, start with what you have then replace with clear disposable-wear. Buy purchasing all clear plates, cups and utensils, you can use the leftovers at any event. Instead of 10 plates in 10 different colors stacked in your cabinet, you will have something that matches it all.
•Use real linen, all-white tablecloths. Again, it makes a statement, can be used at all your events and is easily cleaned. Add layers of colored linens for dramatic (or subtle) décor. Make sure they are straight!
•Use clippings from your yard as décor in all areas. Magnolia, nandina with berries and pine are wonderful choices. Use fresh herbs such as rosemary to accent food such as creamy dips and cheese assortments. Store bought flower bouquets come across as cheesy – but taken apart, the single flowers of sunflowers, peonies and other large blooms are magnificent alone. Try placing one bloom in the bathroom on a plate for easy, classy décor. Using real décor also cuts down in the amount of decorations you need to store every year.
•If children are to be involved, have a special area just for them. They should have their own food table with special treats and an area full of activities to keep them busy. Try setting up a table where they can create their own gum-drop trees from Styrofoam cones.
•At the coffee station, use sugar cubes instead of regular sugar. You’ll be amazed how many people notice! Also offer Splenda, Sweet & Low and individual creamers as an added touch. All the leftovers can be saved for another party.
•Expand beyond the usual holiday balls in a bowl - Simple things like cranberries add color and create wonderful, simple displays.
•Take store bought foods and dips out of the container and put into nicer bowls and trays. It’s all about the PRESENTATION. Use grandma’s china – she did!
•Designate a “dirty dish” area. If guests can see where to place their dishes they are more likely to put them there than leave them laying around your home. Set up a bowl with warm soapy water for utensils and a trash can designated for trash/food. While working the room, casually pick up dishes and cups left laying around. This will cut down the time spent cleaning up later. NEVER load the dishwasher while you still have guests.
•Designate an area for coats and handbags.
•Simmer cinnamon sticks and whole cloves on the stove at the beginning – it will create a warm atmosphere.
Next Thursday....Party STARTER ideas. For more great ideas, please visit The Kendal Companies
Thinking Thursday - Reduce your gift shipping costs
From the Dec. 2009 issue of Better Homes and Gardens:
Give gifts you don't have to wrap or ship to save money, wrapping paper, postage and transport fuel such as:
Music and Movies from iTunes
Club Memberships
Charitable Contributions
Concert or Theatre Tickets purchased online
Virtual Gift Cards
Kindle Novels
Give gifts you don't have to wrap or ship to save money, wrapping paper, postage and transport fuel such as:
Music and Movies from iTunes
Club Memberships
Charitable Contributions
Concert or Theatre Tickets purchased online
Virtual Gift Cards
Kindle Novels
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Why Worry? Wednesday - Is My House Clean? Part 2 in the Series
Part 2: "Why Worry? Wednesday-Holiday Party Planning Series". Please be sure to check out the Introduction and previous posts if you are new to my blog.
To simplify cleaning follow these basic steps:
Front Door and Entry
-Front walk, porch and door should be swept clear, brightly lit and simply decorated
-Make it warm and welcoming. Turn on all the outside lights or use luminaries.
-Use a simple wreath on the door.
-Make sure your entryway is clear of clutter. Remove everything possible and replace with
simple décor such as a bowl of unshelled nuts, a fresh poinsettia or a guest sign in book.
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Guest Bathroom
This is the only time your guest will be alone and have time to look around. Be sure the guest bath is extra clean, fully stocked with paper (you don’t want guests looking through your cabinet while searching for more paper), simply decorated (use a scented candle) and has hand soap and a guest towel out. Yes, people WILL look behind the shower curtain and inside the closet – remove bath toys and straighten the linen closet.
The Entertaining area
No need to deep clean your party area. The room will be filled with guests. They will concentrate on the food table and talk with other guests instead of studying the dusty baseboards. Lightly dust and sweep or vacuum. The deep cleaning will be needed AFTER your guests leave!
The rest of the house:
There WILL be guests that have never been to your home and they will want to look around. Don’t panic – lightly clean the other rooms in your home and keep lights turned down (or use lamps and candles). This will hide any imperfections enough for a quick tour .
And a quick note on decorating....
Make it simple.
Use what you have. Wait to put out all your extravagant decorations until AFTER the party. What your family enjoys is not always what you what to accomplish when decorating for a party. A simple wreath on the door, a few pinecones and limbs on the table and a nicely scented candle in the guest bathroom goes much farther than 50 strand of lights and Christmas balls everywhere.
Next Wednesday......Simple Food to Serve.....
For more house keeping tips, visit The Kendal Companies
What to do before, during and after your event to get guests to crown you
“Hostess of the Year”
To continue with "Things Women Worry About When Planning A Party," let's discuss...
How clean is my house?
Quick tips for getting your house ready
The LEAST of your worries.
To simplify cleaning follow these basic steps:
Front Door and Entry
-Front walk, porch and door should be swept clear, brightly lit and simply decorated
-Make it warm and welcoming. Turn on all the outside lights or use luminaries.
-Use a simple wreath on the door.
-Make sure your entryway is clear of clutter. Remove everything possible and replace with
simple décor such as a bowl of unshelled nuts, a fresh poinsettia or a guest sign in book.
.JPG)
Guest Bathroom
This is the only time your guest will be alone and have time to look around. Be sure the guest bath is extra clean, fully stocked with paper (you don’t want guests looking through your cabinet while searching for more paper), simply decorated (use a scented candle) and has hand soap and a guest towel out. Yes, people WILL look behind the shower curtain and inside the closet – remove bath toys and straighten the linen closet.
The Entertaining area
No need to deep clean your party area. The room will be filled with guests. They will concentrate on the food table and talk with other guests instead of studying the dusty baseboards. Lightly dust and sweep or vacuum. The deep cleaning will be needed AFTER your guests leave!
The rest of the house:
There WILL be guests that have never been to your home and they will want to look around. Don’t panic – lightly clean the other rooms in your home and keep lights turned down (or use lamps and candles). This will hide any imperfections enough for a quick tour .
And a quick note on decorating....
Make it simple.
Use what you have. Wait to put out all your extravagant decorations until AFTER the party. What your family enjoys is not always what you what to accomplish when decorating for a party. A simple wreath on the door, a few pinecones and limbs on the table and a nicely scented candle in the guest bathroom goes much farther than 50 strand of lights and Christmas balls everywhere.
Next Wednesday......Simple Food to Serve.....
For more house keeping tips, visit The Kendal Companies
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Yummyday Tuesdays - Beverages for your holiday party
The following post is a contiuation of my Simple Party Planning Course....
Welcome to the first Yummyday Tuesday. If you've read our Intro to Party Planning, then you know how this will work. If not, click over and start this party planning course from the beginning. Be sure to also read the Pre-Planning post as well. Now - on to the first set of recipes!
The holidays are a wonderful time to share with your friends.
Instead of a heavy meal, invite friends over for a mid-morning brunch. The following menu is simple but can be elegant with a few added touches. With a brunch your guests can relax and socialize and still have a full day to run those last minute Holiday errands. December's Yummyday Tuesdays will breakdown my Simple (but elegant) brunch menu, starting with.....
Beverages:
Mimosas
1 bottle Brut Champagne or sparkling white wine
1/2 gallon fresh squeezed orange juice, strained
In a large pitcher, mix the Champagne with the orange juice. Stir thoroughly. Garnish with fruit slices or sweet cherries.
Russian Tea
1 1/2 Gallon orange-flavored drink mix (e.g. Tang)
I Use Frozen OJ concentrate when I can't find the Tang
2 cups white sugar
12 COLD BREW Tea Bags
3 sticks Cinnamon
10-12 Whole Cloves
Orange Slices
Cheesecloth and String
In a pitcher, mix the Tang, or OJ, with water per container directions. Pour into a large pot. In the same pitcher, put tea bags in to seep with 1 quart water, then add to pot. In the large pot, heat the OJ (or Tang) and tea - add sugar and stir until dissolved. Wrap the cinnamon sticks and cloves in the cheesecloth, tie with the string and place in the pot. The longer the spices stay in the pot, the stronger the flavor. After apx. 30 minutes on LOW heat, taste test the tea. Add sugar or more tea/OJ as needed. Serve hot.
Coffee Bar
Brew your favorite coffee and serve with lots of condiments.
Try:
Flavored Creamers and Syrups
Marshmallows
Caramel
For more great receipes visit http://www.thekendalcompanies.com/Recipes---DIY-Projects.html
Welcome to the first Yummyday Tuesday. If you've read our Intro to Party Planning, then you know how this will work. If not, click over and start this party planning course from the beginning. Be sure to also read the Pre-Planning post as well. Now - on to the first set of recipes!
The holidays are a wonderful time to share with your friends.
Instead of a heavy meal, invite friends over for a mid-morning brunch. The following menu is simple but can be elegant with a few added touches. With a brunch your guests can relax and socialize and still have a full day to run those last minute Holiday errands. December's Yummyday Tuesdays will breakdown my Simple (but elegant) brunch menu, starting with.....
Beverages:
Mimosas
1 bottle Brut Champagne or sparkling white wine
1/2 gallon fresh squeezed orange juice, strained
In a large pitcher, mix the Champagne with the orange juice. Stir thoroughly. Garnish with fruit slices or sweet cherries.
Russian Tea
1 1/2 Gallon orange-flavored drink mix (e.g. Tang)
I Use Frozen OJ concentrate when I can't find the Tang
2 cups white sugar
12 COLD BREW Tea Bags
3 sticks Cinnamon
10-12 Whole Cloves
Orange Slices
Cheesecloth and String
In a pitcher, mix the Tang, or OJ, with water per container directions. Pour into a large pot. In the same pitcher, put tea bags in to seep with 1 quart water, then add to pot. In the large pot, heat the OJ (or Tang) and tea - add sugar and stir until dissolved. Wrap the cinnamon sticks and cloves in the cheesecloth, tie with the string and place in the pot. The longer the spices stay in the pot, the stronger the flavor. After apx. 30 minutes on LOW heat, taste test the tea. Add sugar or more tea/OJ as needed. Serve hot.
Coffee Bar
Brew your favorite coffee and serve with lots of condiments.
Try:
Flavored Creamers and Syrups
Marshmallows
Caramel
For more great receipes visit http://www.thekendalcompanies.com/Recipes---DIY-Projects.html
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