Party Food
- Spring is Here!
- Candy Shapes for Decorating
- Love is in the Kitchen!
- Healthy Party Food
- New Year's Eve Party Menu
- Last Minute Christmas Cake
- Great Gifts for Hosts & Hostesses
- Make-Ahead Tips for Party Food
- Gearing Up for the Holidays
- Halloween Party Food
Posted by
Carrie Grosvenor
Carrie Grosvenor
With winter finally behind us, now is the time to look forward to outdoor celebrations. Spring clean your pantry and get out the picnic basket!
While there may still be snow on the ground where you live, and more in the forecast, Spring has officialy arrived! Even if we can't get outdoors to have a picnic or a barbecue, it's still nice to be able to look forward to the better weather ahead.
Spring cleaning is a major event for some of us. Of course it's not necessarily something we enjoy, but it's great to air out the house and wipe away the winter blahs. Extend your spring cleaning to your pantry, and get rid of anything that's been lingering around a little too long. Things like baking supplies, items for decorating or garnishing baked goods and appetizers, leftovers from winter parties, and even candy can end up sitting in the cupboards or the fridge a little longer than their best-before date. Check expiry dates on everything, and if you can't find one, use your best judgement.
Remember the old saying, "When in doubt, throw it out!" If you're not sure about the freshness of any food item, toss it and replace it.
Happy Spring!
Spring cleaning is a major event for some of us. Of course it's not necessarily something we enjoy, but it's great to air out the house and wipe away the winter blahs. Extend your spring cleaning to your pantry, and get rid of anything that's been lingering around a little too long. Things like baking supplies, items for decorating or garnishing baked goods and appetizers, leftovers from winter parties, and even candy can end up sitting in the cupboards or the fridge a little longer than their best-before date. Check expiry dates on everything, and if you can't find one, use your best judgement.
Remember the old saying, "When in doubt, throw it out!" If you're not sure about the freshness of any food item, toss it and replace it.
Happy Spring!
Posted by
Carrie Grosvenor
Carrie Grosvenor
Decorate a cake in a flash, or create garnishes for a dessert tray, quickly and easily.
If you're looking for an interesting way to decorate cakes, cupcakes, dessert trays, or even ice cream desserts or cookie pizzas, here's something fun, sweet, and colorful. All you need are some ju jubes candy (plain or the ones coated in fine sugar), a rolling pin, and small cookie cutters.
Take one of the candies and place it between two small sheets of waxed paper, or in a plastic sandwich bag or zippered bag. Use the rolling pin to roll it out flat, to whatever thickness you desire. Then, using the minature cookie cutters, cut shapes out of the flattened candies. You can do these several candies at a time as well.
Fruit leather or other fruit-flavored snacks that come in thin strips can be substituted for the ju jubes, and these will be even easier to prepare! If you want to get really fancy, you can cut out basic shapes and then decorate those with contrasting colors of rolled out candy.
When you have all of your shapes cut out, use them to decorate baked goods or to adorn a fruit or dessert tray. Use your imagination to come up with new and fun ways to use them!
Take one of the candies and place it between two small sheets of waxed paper, or in a plastic sandwich bag or zippered bag. Use the rolling pin to roll it out flat, to whatever thickness you desire. Then, using the minature cookie cutters, cut shapes out of the flattened candies. You can do these several candies at a time as well.
Fruit leather or other fruit-flavored snacks that come in thin strips can be substituted for the ju jubes, and these will be even easier to prepare! If you want to get really fancy, you can cut out basic shapes and then decorate those with contrasting colors of rolled out candy.
When you have all of your shapes cut out, use them to decorate baked goods or to adorn a fruit or dessert tray. Use your imagination to come up with new and fun ways to use them!
Posted by
Carrie Grosvenor
Carrie Grosvenor
What does Valentine's Day call for? Chocolate! And some other yummy food, of course.
Want to make a romantic statement this Valentine's Day? Do it with food! Preparing a homemade feast for your partner doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Here are some ideas for some terrific Valentine's Day treats, made, of course, with lots of love.
Chocolate
Sure, you can have Valentine's Day without chocolate ... but why would you? Chocolate is a classic way to say, "I love you." Try these delicious and fun recipes:
Chocolate Fondue
Chocolate Mint Ice Cream Cake
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Let Them Eat Cake!
If you want to bake something special for your sweetie, your kids, or a party, try this Easy Valentine's Day Cake. It really is simple to make a heart-shaped cake without a specialty cake pan!
Appetizers and Finger Food
Want to make the evening extra-romantic? Make up some of these appetizers and feed them to your sweetheart!
Shrimp Cocktail Bites
Garlic Baked Oysters
Cranberry Baked Brie
Fresh Figs with Goat Cheese
Shrimp Toasts
All you need to add is a good bottle of wine or champagne, some candles, and romantic music. Happy Valentine's Day!
Chocolate
Sure, you can have Valentine's Day without chocolate ... but why would you? Chocolate is a classic way to say, "I love you." Try these delicious and fun recipes:
Chocolate Fondue
Chocolate Mint Ice Cream Cake
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Let Them Eat Cake!
If you want to bake something special for your sweetie, your kids, or a party, try this Easy Valentine's Day Cake. It really is simple to make a heart-shaped cake without a specialty cake pan!
Appetizers and Finger Food
Want to make the evening extra-romantic? Make up some of these appetizers and feed them to your sweetheart!
Shrimp Cocktail Bites
Garlic Baked Oysters
Cranberry Baked Brie
Fresh Figs with Goat Cheese
Shrimp Toasts
All you need to add is a good bottle of wine or champagne, some candles, and romantic music. Happy Valentine's Day!
Posted by
Carrie Grosvenor
Carrie Grosvenor
Party food is notorious for being calorie-laden and full of forbidden ingredients. Try indulging in healthier fare and see if your guests even notice!
Maybe you've resolved to lose weight this year, or perhaps you just enjoy eating healthy food. No matter what your reasons are for looking toward more nutritional fare, it's easy to slim down your party food menu without sacrificing taste or fun!
Here are some simple ways to boost nutrition and cut calories in all kinds of party food:
Here are some simple ways to boost nutrition and cut calories in all kinds of party food:
- Use fat-free or low-fat mayo, sour cream, cream cheese and yogurt in dip recipes
- Serve lots of fresh veggies and low-fat, whole grain crisp breads or crackers for dipping
- Try serving Deviled Eggs, Spiced Almonds, or Crab and Mango Salad for a protein punch
- Serve a bowl of clear soup or hot broth as the first course for a sit-down meal. Most soups are filling and nutritious, and you can make them party-pretty with a scattering of fresh parsley or other herbs on top
- Take chunks of fresh seasonal fruit and thread them on skewers for a fun hand-held appetizer, dessert, or kids' party treat
- Seafood is delicious and healthy! Try Tequila Lime Shrimp, or Easy Shrimp Cocktail Bites
- Have some fun with Cucumber Appetizers
Posted by
Carrie Grosvenor
Carrie Grosvenor
New Year's Eve is a time to celebrate, to reflect on the passing of the old year and ring in the new one. This special occasion calls for a special party menu!
If you're holding a party for New Year's Eve, you'll want some fast and fancy appetizers to serve your guests. Whether it's a large gathering or just a small house party with a few close friends, the food should play a starring role.
Appetizers that may seem plain or too simple can be dressed up with creative garnishes, pretty platters, or a touch of spice or gourmet dipping sauce. Take these basic menu ideas and make them your own!
Here's a sample menu for a New Year's Eve party that can be adapted to suit your own personal tastes.
Drinks
Appetizers that may seem plain or too simple can be dressed up with creative garnishes, pretty platters, or a touch of spice or gourmet dipping sauce. Take these basic menu ideas and make them your own!
Here's a sample menu for a New Year's Eve party that can be adapted to suit your own personal tastes.
Drinks
- Champagne cocktails
- Wine and beer
- Soda, juice, sparkling water
- Blue Cheese Port Spread, scooped into small balls with a melon-baller, and served on endive leaves. Dress it up with fresh parsley for a garnish.
- Fresh Figs with Goat Cheese
- Lobster Rolls, sliced into small wedges
- Tortellini Skewers
- Crudites with a variety of dips
- Fresh crusty bread, bagel chips, crackers with hot dips
Posted by
Carrie Grosvenor
Carrie Grosvenor
If you're looking for a last-minute dessert for the holidays, this one couldn't be easier!
Last week I got a note from my son's school asking for parents to donate Christmas cakes for a school raffle. With very little wriggle-room for extra baking in a tight holiday schedule, it was tough to figure out how to manage baking and decorating a festive cake along with everything else that still needs to be done!
In times like these, I resort to boxed cake mixes. And I'm not ashamed to admit it! With some tweaks, additions, and alterations, boxed cake mixes can sometimes save the day. The Chocolate Candy-Cane Cake that resulted from this frenzy has become a wonderful addition to my party cake file.
To make this cake, simply prepare a Devil's Food cake as directed on the package. I added one cup of miniature chocolate chips, one tablespoon of dark cocoa, and one teaspoon powdered instant coffee to the mixture. Then I also added 1/3 cup of crushed candy canes. That all got stirred up and poured into a 13x9 inch baking pan.
After baking the cake as directed on the box, it was frosted with plain vanilla buttercream icing, lightly flavoured with a teaspoon of peppermint extract. The frosted cake was then decorated with the rest of the crushed candy canes that I had on hand. We used holiday-shaped cookie cutters to make small stars with the crushed candy canes on top of the cake.
It ended up looking gorgeous, and the cupcake that I made along with the cake (just to test it out, of course!) tasted wonderful. Give it a try!
In times like these, I resort to boxed cake mixes. And I'm not ashamed to admit it! With some tweaks, additions, and alterations, boxed cake mixes can sometimes save the day. The Chocolate Candy-Cane Cake that resulted from this frenzy has become a wonderful addition to my party cake file.
To make this cake, simply prepare a Devil's Food cake as directed on the package. I added one cup of miniature chocolate chips, one tablespoon of dark cocoa, and one teaspoon powdered instant coffee to the mixture. Then I also added 1/3 cup of crushed candy canes. That all got stirred up and poured into a 13x9 inch baking pan.
After baking the cake as directed on the box, it was frosted with plain vanilla buttercream icing, lightly flavoured with a teaspoon of peppermint extract. The frosted cake was then decorated with the rest of the crushed candy canes that I had on hand. We used holiday-shaped cookie cutters to make small stars with the crushed candy canes on top of the cake.
It ended up looking gorgeous, and the cupcake that I made along with the cake (just to test it out, of course!) tasted wonderful. Give it a try!
Great Gifts for Hosts & Hostesses
Posted by
Carrie Grosvenor
Carrie Grosvenor
Traditionally, a bottle of wine, potted Poinsettia, or box of candy are customary hostess gifts. But why stick with tradition?
Need some ideas for host/hostess gifts this holiday season? If you've been invited to dinner or a party, here are some fun and festive suggestions for your hosts.
- Guest Book -- If it's a big party, an anniversary, or a special celebration, a guest book is the perfect addition. Take the book around and have guests sign it too!
- Decorative Candles and Accessories -- A big, beautiful pillar candle, a candle holder, and a snuffer go well together and would be welcomed by any host.
- Cookie Cutters -- If your hostess loves to bake, a small assortment of fun cookie cutters in unusual or seasonal shapes would make a great gift.
- Wine Bottle Tags -- Wine bottle tags attach to the stems of wine glasses, and come in a set of different colours or designs. This way, guests will always know which wine glass is theirs.
- Hand Lotion/Guest Soap -- Packaged along with a single, pretty guest towel, these make thoughtful gifts.
- Fun or Fancy Glasses, Bowls, or Serving Trays -- Almost every host can use more serving ware! Pick colours and designs that will blend well with other pieces, such as neutrals and subtle patterns.
Make-Ahead Tips for Party Food
Posted by
Carrie Grosvenor
Carrie Grosvenor
Getting food items ready in advance of a holiday party is always a good idea. You'll be less stressed and be able to spend more time with your guests!
Planning a holiday party this year? The more you can prepare in advance, the better. Tuck prepared foods into the fridge or freezer, and you'll have lots more time to set up for the party and enjoy it once the festivities begin. Here are some tips to help you prepare.
- Chop up veggies the night before the party, and store them in the refrigerator.
- Prepare garnishes for appetizer platters or other foods (including cocktails!) ahead of time.
- Cold dips and spreads can be made several days in advance.
- Many appetizers, like cheese balls or chicken skewers, actually taste better if they've been made in advance and refrigerated overnight. Plan on serving several of these types of appetizers.
- Lots of appetizers and other dishes can be made weeks in advance and frozen. Choose some of these foods to make the days leading up to the party less hectic.
- Stock your bar and pick up other beverages several days before the party to avoid last-minute trips to the store.
- Make lots of lists and check things off after they've been purchased, prepared, and completed. Nothing feels better than having a long list completely checked off!
- If someone offers to bring food or beverages, let them! You'll have less to do, and they'll feel good about providing a dish for the party.
Posted by
Carrie Grosvenor
Carrie Grosvenor
Thanksgiving and Christmas are quickly approaching -- let the planning begin! Now is the time to start looking for recipes, making lists, and getting in gear.
With Halloween just passed, thoughts are turning to Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well as other winter holidays celebrated around the world. Many people probably don't want to even consider planning anything this far in advance, but if you're going to be hosting parties, an open house, or even a simple cookie exchange, it's never too early to get started.
Now is the time for lists, lots and lots of lists! Take a quiet hour to sit down with pen and notepad, and write down all of the holiday parties and festivities that you'll be taking part in. Jot down all of the host/hostess gifts you'll need to make or purchase, all of the cooking and baking you'll be doing, and then brainstorm some recipes that you might like to try this year.
Eventually, you can go through your recipe files, cookbooks, magazines, and favourite recipe websites (like Suite101, of course!) and record your complete list of food you'll be preparing. The beauty of having this type of master list is that you can tell at a glance what special ingredients you might need, so if you're out shopping you can pick things up and have your pantry stocked when it's time to start cooking.
Choose as many make-ahead recipes as you can, to free up the valuable time before a party or event. Here at Party Food Central, I'll be providing you with simple, delicious recipes that you can add to your party food repertoire. Check back often for new recipes and tips to help keep you sane during the busy holiday season.
Bring on the holidays!
Now is the time for lists, lots and lots of lists! Take a quiet hour to sit down with pen and notepad, and write down all of the holiday parties and festivities that you'll be taking part in. Jot down all of the host/hostess gifts you'll need to make or purchase, all of the cooking and baking you'll be doing, and then brainstorm some recipes that you might like to try this year.
Eventually, you can go through your recipe files, cookbooks, magazines, and favourite recipe websites (like Suite101, of course!) and record your complete list of food you'll be preparing. The beauty of having this type of master list is that you can tell at a glance what special ingredients you might need, so if you're out shopping you can pick things up and have your pantry stocked when it's time to start cooking.
Choose as many make-ahead recipes as you can, to free up the valuable time before a party or event. Here at Party Food Central, I'll be providing you with simple, delicious recipes that you can add to your party food repertoire. Check back often for new recipes and tips to help keep you sane during the busy holiday season.
Bring on the holidays!
Posted by
Carrie Grosvenor
Carrie Grosvenor
Whether you're hosting a party for the kids or for grownups only, here are some suggestions for the main attraction - the food!
Need some ideas for your Halloween party fare? We've got some terrific recipes right here to suit your needs! Most of these party recipes are simple, quick, and fit right in with a Halloween party theme.
Appetizers and Snacks
Black and Orange Pinwheels
Pumpkin Party Dips
Bagel Face Sandwiches (make scary monster faces!)
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Main Dishes
Pumpkin Soup in Pumpkin Bowls
Nachos to Feed a Crowd (use small cookie cutters to cut bell peppers into Halloween shapes)
Pumpkin Chili
Drinks
Ghoulish Halloween Drinks
Halloween Shooters
Sweets and Treats
Cool Ghoul Treats for Halloween
Other
Healthy Halloween Party Food
Ghoulish Ice Rings
Happy Halloween!
Appetizers and Snacks
Black and Orange Pinwheels
Pumpkin Party Dips
Bagel Face Sandwiches (make scary monster faces!)
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Main Dishes
Pumpkin Soup in Pumpkin Bowls
Nachos to Feed a Crowd (use small cookie cutters to cut bell peppers into Halloween shapes)
Pumpkin Chili
Drinks
Ghoulish Halloween Drinks
Halloween Shooters
Sweets and Treats
Cool Ghoul Treats for Halloween
Other
Healthy Halloween Party Food
Ghoulish Ice Rings
Happy Halloween!