Potluck - A Great Get Together!

This summer has been an interesting one.  Between the traveling and hot temperatures, planning a Get-Together may be the furthest thing from your mind.  But...this is still a good time to gather with your friends and loved ones, so, why not host a Potluck Party!

It can be real simple and easy, plus, all you do is supply the place and accessories, and let your guest help provide the dishes.  You don't necessarily need a theme, but you can come up with anything like celebration of a new book or movie, or watching your favorite Olympic event.  Come up with a list of dishes you want, and doesn't matter if it's a Brunch, Luncheon, or Dinner - make the event your own!  Remember, sometimes it's not about the type of event how much you spend, it's how great a time you have when together.

Now I have a boat load of recipes, but I found this cool website that has just as many.  Check out this link at http://www.food.com/recipes/potluck, plan your menu, and go from there!

Send me some pics and recipes of your own parties!  I would love to see some of YOUR ideas!

Another Impromptu Party!

Hey!  These are pictures of a party I did for a client.  They were having a small dinner party and wanted a Moroccan theme.  I re-purposed the home to have a "moroccan" feel, but not be too overwhelming.  If your ever hosting a party and don't have a lot of time or money, here are some tips...

Tip #1 - always look around to see what are your best places to display your food or centerpiece...

Tip #2 - make sure you have a stylish and comfortable area with room to create...

Tip #3 - Even if its a small area, you can decorate it to catch the eye of your guests...

Tip #4 - You can always look around your home to see what you may have to accent.  I didn't have to add too many pieces to entertain, and it came out great!

Look at what I came up with!

Simple and elegant!  If you need any tips, or have any more me, please e-mail me at caronfeder@caronhomeec.com, or like me on Facebook or Twitter.  I would love to hear from you or see what you come up with!

Tea Anyone?

May is the month where Spring is in full bloom and it's right before the summer starts.  It's also a busy month of activities, such as proms, graduations, and of course, Mother's Day!   In fact, why not do something different this year...like hosting a Mother's Day Tea?

Here's the menu...

*Mini Scones filled with Heavy Whipped Cream or Clotted Cream & Jam

*Choice of Sandwiches - Chicken Salad,  Cucumber, Smoked Salmon,  and/or Watercress

*Bite-size Cakes, Cheese Cake, Cream Puff , Eclair or English Trifle

*Hot Tea (Earl Grey or fruit teas)

The bread used for the sandwiches should have the crust removed, butter spread on both sides & the  sandwiches should be cut in quarter squares, triangles or circles.

Hot tea with appropriate service to include, sugar cubes (and sugar sustitute), milk & thin lemon slice. When serving, make sure to ask the guest how they would like their tea.

People have been hosting tea parties for centuries.  You don't have to follow all the traditions, just good food, tea, and pleasant company is enough.  Mother's Day, or any day, this is a cute way to get the ladies together!

Re-Purposing Your Home

A lot of people think you have to spend a lot of money when you want to update the look of your home, but not so!  

Re-purposing is the word you should use!  It's amazing what little things you can do to make your home look better, like re-positioning the furniture or changing out pieces.  Indoors and/or outdoors, see what you need to get rid off, and change the rest - only buy what you need.  

Another good way to save money if you need to.  Here are some before and after pictures of a house I did...

BEFORE...

                                                                                                         AFTER...

                                                             BEFORE...                                                                             

      AFTER...

                                                                                         BEFORE...

                                                                                               AFTER...

I've got more ideas coming!  You can check out this article that has some great ideas as well!
http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/home-improvement/easy-home-makeovers-00000000007754/index.html 

The Spur of the Moment

This happened to me the other day...


 I went to the grocery store intending to buy smoked salmon and they didn't have any.  So, I bought a 1/2 lb skin on salmon filet.  I boned it...

cut it very thin...

seasoned in 1/3c. olive oil, 1t. thyme, 1/2t. liquid smoke, 1/2t. salt & added 1 to 2 T. soy sauce (to taste)...   

and sauteed the salmon in a preheated sautee pan of olive oil for 30 seconds.

I continued...got some peppers, eggplant, & mushrooms in a large glass bowl (or baking dish), and I marinated them in 1/3c. olive oil, 1t. thyme, 1/2t. liquid smoke, 1/2t. salt.  

Added them to the grill on HOT for 30 Seconds (there is additional step for the eggplant...)

2nd part preparation for the eggplant - after grilling, I put it in a sauteed pan heated with olive oil & fresh basil leaves for 30 Seconds.

Done in no time!  To really make it look good, I plated up with something green.  I used fresh thyme from my garden, celery sticks, and sliced grape tomatoes seasoned with salt, pepper, thyme, and fresh basil.

This was quick, easy to prepare, healthy, and GOOD!  I would love to hear from you so try this recipe and let me know what you think!   You can even add your own spin to it...

Have a Game Night!!!

 It's Friday night...if you have sat in traffic for a long time trying to get home, or your needing some quality time with the family, why not have a Game Night!


It's economical, a lot of fun, and YOU can be as creative as you want to be.  You can also invite your neighbors, family, and/or friends over for the fun.  Now, here is something to consider.  If  the Get-Together is at your home, then have your friends help chip in by having them bring the food - tell them what to bring. When YOU assign the food, you will not get four of the same things. Another thing, let your guests know is that you are not serving dinner per say but you are providing great food with their help!  (These tips are good to use for anything you host!!!)

Here's my idea of Game Night...


The Menu 

Your food ideas are limitless, just make sure the food is tasty, ample and presented well. 

As the hostess you should supply the evening of fun, service ware, beverages and dessert.  You can serve the following:

Heavy Hors D'ouevres or Appetizers
Mini Hot Dogs 
Meatballs 
Seven Layer Dip 
Quesadillas 
Tacos 
Cut-Up Vegetables with Dip                                                                                                               Smoked Salmon 
Grilled Tri-Tip Steak that has been chilled and sliced thin
Sushi 


Chinese Food served in small chinese food containers and chop sticks 
Pizza Slices

Salads 
Bucket of Fried Chicken
Mac & Cheese portioned out in paper cups so they can be served individually 
Deli Sandwiches with big kosher pickles and thick cut chips


The Dessert 
You can have an assortment of ice cream novelties such as: 
Ice Cream Sandwiches 
Nutty Buddies 
Ice Cream Cups 
Sorbet (a non dairy item) 

                                                            OR

Build Your Own Sundae - YUM!!!

Have all kinds of toppings on a tray or dedicated area 

(chocolate sauce, caramel sauce or butterscotch sauce, nuts whipped cream in a can , sliced fresh banana – the sky is the limit!!) and a container of ice cream. or 

You can do what I do...I pre-scoop ice cream balls and either have them in an individual decorative disposable container (anything from a plastic disposable cup to a paper chinese food box or place the ice cream balls on a parchment covered cookie sheet  cover that and freeze.  The frozen ice cream balls should go in a big chilled bowl , covered and placed back in the freezer.

Your Beverage Area should be set with cups, beverage napkins and ice.  


You can also have nuts or little nibbles you can offer your  guests as they arrive, but remember, your guests are bringing the food.

The Set-Up

OK!  Have the game tables with the games set in the room where you will be playing.  The tables should have small, plates and cocktail napkins at the ready.  

This is such a cool and easy way to have a get-together and its so much fun!!!  Remember -  PRESENTATION - PRESENTATION!!!    


I would love to see your ideas for Game Night!  Like me on Facebook and send me a message - You can check out my pictures too !  http://www.facebook.com/caronhomeec

Another Tax Party - at 30%

Still working on your taxes?   If your finding out your going to have to shell out more than you expected, you can still have a great gathering!

Have another Tax Party - at 30%!

Appetizers: Baked Artichoke Dip in a Sour Dough Bread, Fresh Crudités, Beer, Wine, Soft Drinks & Water

Baked Artichoke Dip in Sour Dough Bread

Purchase the biggest round Sour Dough bread you can find. On the top of the sour dough bread carve a circle and scoop most of the soft filling but try and keep it as intact as possible so you can cut it in nice chunks and use it to dip.

Filling:

2 cans of artichoke hearts drained and chopped

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – use the cheese from the green can, it works well.

1 cup mayonnaise

5 cloves of garlic finely chopped

Directions:  Mix all the ingredients together and spoon into the hollowed out sour dough bread.  Bake in a 350º oven for approximately 20 minutes or until there is a nice golden color on the top of the dip.

Serve:  Place bread bowl on a wooden cutting board or a big shallow basket. Surround the bowl with the reserved bread chunks, crackers, celery, carrots, radish and cherry tomatoes.

                                                                  The Main Course

Main Course:  Shepherd Pie, tossed Mixed Green Salad with Candied Nuts, Dinner Rolls & Butter

Shepherd's Pie (Serves 6)

Ingredients:

1 lb. Ground Beef

1 package Brown Gravy Mix or Onion Gravy Mix

¾ cup water

Instant Mashed Potatoes - 6 servings or 4 cups of prepared mashed potatoes

2 cups frozen peas – thawed

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350ºF.  Brown the ground beef in a large skillet on medium heat until completely cooked.  Drain the fat from the cooked beef.  Combine the gravy mix with the water in a small bowl and pour it over the cooked beef. Return the meat with gravy to a medium heat and cook until it bubbles. Turn the heat down and let the mixture rest for 5 minutes.   Transfer the meat onto a 1 ½ quart baking dish. Top the meat with the thawed peas and top the thawed peas with the mashed potatoes.  Bake for 30 minutes or until the mashed potatoes are slightly browned.

Tossed Mixed Greens

Get 2-3 bagged artisan salads (you can find in the produce section of the grocery store) that includes nuts and dressing. Quite often the bagged salads are on sale.  Empty the salad in a nice wooden or ceramic bowl.  You can toss the salad just before serving.  If you don't like the dressing that is included use what you do.

                                                                       For Dessert...

Dessert:   Cheesecake with Berries, or Lemon Cake with Berries, Coffee and Tea

The dessert should be purchased.  When you are serving the cake garnish it with fresh sliced berries and a piece of chocolate.

I know celebrating at Tax Time seems weird, but it's a good excuse to have a get-together, and everyone you invite can have THEIR say, the IRS doesn't care!  Why not have some fun anyway?

Give Your Child's Room A New Look

If your looking to make a change in your kid's room, it doesn't take much.  Before you go running all over town looking for new fixtures and pricing everything known to man, take look at one of my projects!

What A Great Time To Entertain!

We don't have the seasonal pressure to put on the perfect Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas, or New Years Eve party.  This is the season to exceed expectations with super creative get-togethers and great menu ideas.

My real strength is staging or doing the set-up for a special event.  I prefer to leave the food preparation to fast food chains, grocery stores or restaurants.   I know you may be surprised to read this because I do cook and I do have a culinary arts degree, but most of you don't and aren't expected to.

In my 25 years experience, the reason so many of my clients had stopped entertaining was because of the food factor.  Food is expensive, time consuming, and unpredictable. By eliminating that stress-er, you will become the greatest party planners.   You can learn how to display food, garnish food and set a table just like a pro.

Here are a few party ideas you may consider doing.  I promise, the menus will be simple, and the  recipes will be super easy.  

First, I present the Paid My Taxes Party!  The 15% or 30% menu will reflect how much you paid this year.  I'll give you the 15% first...

15%... 

The Appetizers

Jumbo Shrimp

Purchase prepared Jumbo Shrimp either fresh­ from the fish counter at the grocery store or frozen and defrost as directed on the package. Make sure the shrimp are cleaned and shelled when you purchase them with only the tails remaining.  Serve with cocktail sauce and lemon slices.

Stuffed Mushroom Caps

Can be found in the frozen section of grocery store, prepare as directed.

Petite Quiche

Can be found in frozen section of grocery store, prepare as directed.

Chilled Roasted Vegetables 

Have 3 or 4 varieties selected from the deli or self serve section of the grocery store.

Wine, Martinis, Assorted Soft Drinks & Water

The First Course:

Thin slice of Fig Cake topped with a thin slice of Roquefort Cheese, topped with Dressed Baby Greens and Candied Walnuts, Artisan Breads & Butter

*The Fig Cake as well as the Roquefort Cheese is available at   

  Whole Foods or specialty food stores. Whether you purchase a 

  square or triangle slice of the Fig Cake match the same shape  

  with the cheese so each salad is uniform.

*You can purchase a blend of baby greens, candied walnuts   

  (pecans and almonds work just as well) and a Balsamic 

  Vinaigrette, or make one.

*Keep size, shape, and amounts the same when plating up, you 

  can pre plate this ahead of time and cover with plastic wrap and 

  refrigerate. The baby greens can be tossed and dressed just  

  before service and portioned out on each plate.

Main Course:

Roast Tenderloin of Beef served with Horseradish Sauce

Preheat oven to 500º 4-5 lb. Fillet of Beef.  Have the beef tied by the butcher if possible if not, give it a try.  Pat the tenderloin dry with paper towels.

With your hands, cover the tenderloin with 2 tablespoons of  softened butter.                                    Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon Caraway Seeds, 1 table spoon Kosher Salt, 

and 1 table spoon of freshly ground pepper.                                                                                                                                        Place on a sheet pan and bake for 25 minutes. 

Take the meat out of the oven and cover tightly with aluminum foil for 15 minutes. 

Remove the butcher sting, slice and serve.

Horseradish Sauce:

½ cup sour cream

½ cup mayonnaise

¼ cup prepared horseradish (it is in a jar, choose the white)

Mashed Potatoes or Duchess Potatoes

Mashed Potatoes: 

Instant or buy prepared from a specialty grocery.  If you are making instant select the amount and make them with real butter, light cream, chopped fresh chives or truffle oil.

 

Duchess Potatoes:

Preheat oven to 400ºF

Prepare instant Mashed Potatoes as directed for 4 servings but make sure you only add 2 tablespoons of milk or cream. 

In a small mixing bowl beat 1 large egg yoke, add the hot potatoes and beat on a medium speed until fluffy. 

Drop mix by spoonfuls or if you have a pastry bag using a big star tip on a greased cookie sheet (this is the step where you  can make these a day ahead cover the sheet pan and refrigerate).   Place in preheated 400ºF oven until golden, about 15 minutes.

       

Green Beans Almond

11/2 pound (24 oz.) bag of trimmed green beans

1 tablespoon butter

2 tablespoon olive oil

2 shallots or 2 cloves of garlic peeled and chopped

1/3 cup of water

salt and pepper

½ cup slivered Almonds

1 tablespoon butter

In a big saute' pan heat butter and olive oil  on a medium high heat.   Add the shallot and garlic and  cook until just golden.  Add the green beens, stir the beans with butter and shallot or garlic mixture and salt and pepper cook for about 20- 30 seconds then add the water . 

Turn the heat down to simmer and cover the pan. Cook the beans until just tender. Place beans in a serving dish.  Let the pan cool for a few minutes then wipe it clean with a paper towel.

Melt the tablespoon of butter in the pan at medium heat.  Add the slivered almonds and cook until lightly toasted.  Take them off immediately. Cool slightly and place on top of the green beans.

                                                         

                                                                                                       The Dessert:

Chocolate Mousse Cake with Berries, Coffee, and Tea

Purchase a beautiful cake from a bakery and display it on a lovely cake stand.  When serving the cake, spoon some berries, that you will have all set in a bowl (sprinkle a little sugar and brandy on the berries if you would like) next to the slice of cake on the plate .

Some like to think of January as a month of new beginnings.
Winter is a good time to start thinking about getting rid of the old things in your house, changing rooms around,
making space.
If your in the mood to start re-decorating, now is a good time to do it.  You help yourself stay active during these cold month, and you may catch some good sales - look for the ones that advertise their price slashes at 50% to 80% off!
You may be able to get some high priced items for a steal!

A Winter Favorite

Grilled NY strip or Rib Eye Steak served with Sauteed Greens...