Quick and Easy Party Recipes
Peanut butter isn't just for your child's lunch box. Try these modern versions of an old classic!
P. NUTTY LATTE
2 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
In blender, combine 1 cup cold milk or vanilla soy milk, 1/2 cup chilled brewed coffee, 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter, and 2 tbsp. sugar. Blend until smooth. Serve immediately.
PB & HONEY SUSHI
1 serving
Prep time: 10 minutes
With rolling pin or glass, completely flatten one slice of whole wheat bread (crust removed). Evenly spread 1 tbsp. peanut butter on flattened bread, then roll up to make a pinwheel. Spread 1 tsp. honey on outside of pinwheel, then dip in to 2 tsp. flaked coconut. Cut into bite-sized roll pieces.
Adapted from The Magic of Peanut Butter: 100 New & Favorite Recipes. Copyright Sterling Publishing Co., Inc.
Entertaining Etiquette
November 2007
Jennifer Brisman
CEO
Jennifer Brisman Weddings New York
Have you hosted extended family for a holiday get-together and found yourself short on food? Have you invited friends for a dinner party and had trouble getting the last lingering guest to leave? Entertaining doesn't have to be stressful. Jennifer Brisman has the recipe for a successful event--one that you can actually enjoy, too!
Give you and your guests enough prep time.
"A party is supposed to be fun. If you can't enjoy it, what's the point? The goal is that you have a nice event, but also that you are able to participate completely. Make a checklist of everything that needs to be done (food, decorations, set-up), and get them out of the way before the day of the event so you can relax and enjoy the company. Send invitations at least three weeks in advance for a small party, and further in advance for larger parties."
Combat awkward silences.
"Stand by the door and greet everyone, rather than making last minute preparations in the kitchen. Introduce guests to each other as they come in so that you don't become trapped in conversation and aren't able to greet the next guest. This makes everyone feel comfortable and adds a personalized element. After everyone has arrived, mingle and continue to connect people."
Don't skimp in the food department.
"If people only have one appetizer, but it's really good, they will remember that. If you have to, choose quality over quantity. If a caterer doesn't fit within your budget, put the extra time into preparing the main dishes yourself--people will appreciate the extra effort you made to provide them with a pleasurable evening. Only prepare dishes that you actually enjoy making."
Seating arrangements matter.
"For smaller parties, seating is the biggest issue. People intuitively think to seat guests next to people they already know, but this prevents people from making new friends and striking up interesting conversations. Create an environment that will maximize interaction by avoiding seating friends or spouses right next to each other."
Deal with the guest that has 'one too many.'
"Remember, you have the right to ask a guest to leave if he or she is acting irresponsibly. As a hostess, you need to take responsibility for the guests and deal with this person directly. Tell them, 'It's getting late--why don't I call you a cab or give you a ride home."
It's time to hit the road, Jack.
"Turning on all the lights can be an effective way of getting people out the door, but don't spend too much time hoping people will pick up on your hints. Sometimes the situation calls for a direct statement, especially if they've had a few drinks--'It's been great having you, let's call it a night.'"