If you will or are thinking of hosting a holiday gathering this year, there are several options you can choose that are easy on the host/hostess.
Antipasto tray-Always impresses and can be used as a starter for a dinner or with other items to round out a light bites gathering. Buy a variety of Italian cold cuts such as capicola, mortadella, prosciutto, and other gourmet cold cuts; 3-4 cheeses including fresh mozzarella balls or medallions; fresh fruit such as cantaloupe, grapes, or figs; marinated vegetables such as artichoke hearts, roasted peppers, and pepperoncini; breads (we like sourdough baguettes) and perhaps some purchased flavored oil for dipping; and fresh cherry tomatoes or sliced tomatoes.
No time to cook? Buy 3-4 desserts, put on nice platters or trays, and serve with coffee, wines, or both, or a champagne or Riesling or mimosas if it's an afternoon gathering.
Easy hors d'oeuvres--Make ham and cheese sandwiches (buy best-quality ham and we like Munster for this), beat eggs with milk and a sprinkle of nutmeg as for French toast, dip each sandwich in the beaten egg, let sit 20 minutes, then fry over low heat in olive oil until golden. Let cool slightly, then cut each sandwich into 4 diamonds and pile up the diamonds on a platter. Takes about an hour. Can be served hot or cold and they'll disappear fast! And you can serve this with an antipasto tray or another, perhaps bought, hors d'oeuvres and good wines, a dessert too if you're feeling luxe.
Instant buffet--Buy some gallons of a gourmet soup to-go at a gourmet supermarket or from a caterer; buy 3-4 breads such as brioche, ciabatta, or challah and put out real butter; and add a bought dessert. An instant buffet for an informal gathering such as a tree trimming or a neighbors' or relatives' pre- or post-Christmas gathering.
Cookie party--If you enjoy making cookies, make and serve several types and also serve a selection of beverages such as coffee, cocoa, eggnog, mulled cider or wassail, or a sparkling wine if you have wine aficionados in your group. If you have at least 3 kinds of cookies and 2-3 kinds of beverages people will be happy, but it's best to avoid the dinner hour for this type of gathering or let your guests know that it is a cookie party lest people expect more food. Most bought cookies aren't good but we have been guests at events where the hosts put out a mixture of homemade and gourmet imported cookies and their events went well.
Enjoy!
Kristina
Kristina Ríos de Lumbreras, Ph.D.
Director of Sales and Operations
Fandango Catering and Events
(713) 522-0077
(281) 796-9841
No comments:
Post a Comment