Saturday 25 August 2012
What makes a perfect picnic?
Delia advocates a keep-it-simple approach to outdoor eating, allowing you to make the most of a spell of warm weather and enjoy a relaxing meal al fresco with family and friends. Follow her advice and combine classic picnic favourites with flavourful Mediterranean food, breads and snacks…and don’t forget the corkscrew.
When it comes to picnics nothing will budge me an inch from my keep-it-simple philosophy. In Edwardian days it was all very well, when butler, maid, bar and fully equipped hamper could be transplanted into the country. And if you're very rich, I suppose you can still pick up a Henley or an Ascot hamper from one of those smart London food establishments (though whether the contents will warrant the price is debatable). For less grand affairs I feel many people go wrong by trying to transport the sort of meal they would eat at home: it just doesn't taste the same on squashy paper plates with plastic knives and forks in sizes fit only for four year olds.
For me, real plates, cutlery and glasses (even if not particularly elegant) are infinitely preferable to anything in the plastic line. We also have some thick chunky glasses, which may not look very sophisticated but are far nicer – especially if you're drinking wine – than paper cups. In fact the only 'special' equipment I have is a Thermos flask and a wide Thermos jug (for soup in cold weather) and an insulated butter dish (if you put very cold butter in it, it keeps cool all day), and an insulated bag with a little freezer pad (which also keeps things cool when it is frozen and placed inside). Oh, and some other important items: salt and pepper mills and a corkscrew!
However, if you’re not pushed for time and want to plan and prepare a picnic, there are lots of recipe ideas on the site that will serve you well out of doors or, if there’s a last-minute change of weather, indoors.
Sandwich suggestions: the simple approach
Bap rolls with eggs
Baps are delicious filled with the following mixture (for 6 people). Mash 6 boiled eggs while they’re still warm with a good knob of butter, 4 teaspoons of mayonnaise, salt and pepper. Stir in 2 heaped tablespoons of very finely chopped spring onion.
How to boil an egg
How to make mayonnaise
Crusty rolls with garlic sausage
For small baguettes, ciabatta or any good crusty rolls, buy garlic sausage or salami in one piece, so that you can slice it more thickly. Fill the rolls with this, plus some thin slices of (drained) dill pickled cucumbers or drained Italian pickled pimentos.
Garlic butter
If you mash a clove of garlic into 8 oz (225 g) butter, along with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, then chill it well and place in an insulated butter dish, this will be lovely spread on French bread or rolls.
http://www.deliaonline.com/news-and-features/what-makes-a-perfect-picnic.html
When it comes to picnics nothing will budge me an inch from my keep-it-simple philosophy. In Edwardian days it was all very well, when butler, maid, bar and fully equipped hamper could be transplanted into the country. And if you're very rich, I suppose you can still pick up a Henley or an Ascot hamper from one of those smart London food establishments (though whether the contents will warrant the price is debatable). For less grand affairs I feel many people go wrong by trying to transport the sort of meal they would eat at home: it just doesn't taste the same on squashy paper plates with plastic knives and forks in sizes fit only for four year olds.For me, real plates, cutlery and glasses (even if not particularly elegant) are infinitely preferable to anything in the plastic line. We also have some thick chunky glasses, which may not look very sophisticated but are far nicer – especially if you're drinking wine – than paper cups. In fact the only 'special' equipment I have is a Thermos flask and a wide Thermos jug (for soup in cold weather) and an insulated butter dish (if you put very cold butter in it, it keeps cool all day), and an insulated bag with a little freezer pad (which also keeps things cool when it is frozen and placed inside). Oh, and some other important items: salt and pepper mills and a corkscrew!What to eat
Rough outdoor living demands rough outdoor food. Some of the nicest picnics I’ve had have been in Italy – crusty bread, chunks of salami, ripe plum tomatoes, cheese, olives, pickled pimentos, peaches and huge black cherries and, of course, quantities of something Italian to drink. All we had to pack on these occasions was pepper and salt, an insulated dish for butter, knives, plates and glasses. No cooking was involved, you will note.However, if you’re not pushed for time and want to plan and prepare a picnic, there are lots of recipe ideas on the site that will serve you well out of doors or, if there’s a last-minute change of weather, indoors.
Sandwich suggestions: the simple approach
Bap rolls with eggs
Baps are delicious filled with the following mixture (for 6 people). Mash 6 boiled eggs while they’re still warm with a good knob of butter, 4 teaspoons of mayonnaise, salt and pepper. Stir in 2 heaped tablespoons of very finely chopped spring onion.
How to boil an egg
How to make mayonnaise
Crusty rolls with garlic sausage
For small baguettes, ciabatta or any good crusty rolls, buy garlic sausage or salami in one piece, so that you can slice it more thickly. Fill the rolls with this, plus some thin slices of (drained) dill pickled cucumbers or drained Italian pickled pimentos.
Garlic butter
If you mash a clove of garlic into 8 oz (225 g) butter, along with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, then chill it well and place in an insulated butter dish, this will be lovely spread on French bread or rolls.
http://www.deliaonline.com/news-and-features/what-makes-a-perfect-picnic.html
Friday 24 August 2012
How to drink While Dieting
Dont go off your diet this Bank Holiday Weekend!
Want to enjoy yourself?
Want to have a drink?
Want to still loose weight?
How To Host A Dinner Party – A Complete Checklist
Dinner party planning is made easier when you take steps to organize and create a checklist for yourself. After you send out your dinner party invitations take a look at these planning tips. This is our version of how to host a dinner party – a complete checklist.
4 To 6 Weeks Before Your Dinner Party:
3 To 4 weeks Prior To Your Dinner Party:
After you have established the type of dinner party you’ll be hosting and have a guest list, it’s time to start thinking about the dinner party food and decorations. These are some things you can do about a few weeks in advance.
As the countdown is on and you receive RSVP’s for your dinner party here’s a checklist of things to gather and create.
After your smashing dinner party, keep a journal. Include what you served, who was there, and how it went. Make notes on how to improve your next dinner party as well as what made this one successful!
http://www.purpletrail.com/partytrail/general-parties/dinner/how-to-host-a-dinner-party
4 To 6 Weeks Before Your Dinner Party:
- Decide the theme and whether you wish to host a casual dinner party or a formal dinner.
- Who is the dinner party for? ( work, friends, family, etc..)
- Establish your budget. Try this dinner party budget calculator.
- Create guest list.
- Create dinner invitations.
- Establish a time and place. With PurpleTrail invites, you can build consensus with your guests to make sure everyone can attend.
After you have established the type of dinner party you’ll be hosting and have a guest list, it’s time to start thinking about the dinner party food and decorations. These are some things you can do about a few weeks in advance.
- Create a menu.
- Book caterers and bartenders if necessary. (When booking a bartender, try one of your local bartending schools, they often will work for just tips in return for the practice and experience.)
- Make a grocery list.
- Plan a cooking schedule (what can be made ahead of time, what needs to be made they day of).
- Decide on the table setting and place orders with a rental company, if needed.
- Buy or borrow serving pieces and accessories.
- Purchase or create dinner party favors if desired.
- Check specialty stores for hard-to-find food items.
- Select music.
- Purchase candles or other outdoor lighting if needed. Candle light is an inexpensive way to create an elegant ambiance. Check out an interesting post on a smashing summer dinner soiree.
As the countdown is on and you receive RSVP’s for your dinner party here’s a checklist of things to gather and create.
- Purchase nonperishable goods.
- Decide on the types of drinks to be served. (If you hired a bartender, finalize your order)
- Consult with a florist or check out your local farmers market for great seasonal blooms.
- Place special orders with the butcher, fish market or grocery store.
- Confirm plans with the caterer, entertainer, and serving help. Arrange for a sitter to watch children and pets during the party.
- Buy gas or charcoal for the grill, if needed.
- Decide on a party outfit.
- Begin a thorough housecleaning- enlist family members for help!
- Clean serving ware.
- Purchase remaining grocery items.
- Check recipes for how far in advance food can be prepared.
- Start food prep.
- Create a party-day game plan.
- Determine seating arrangements- if needed.
- Print place cards, if using them.
- Buy a great gourmet coffee blend.
- Pick up any dry cleaning needed for the party.
- Continue housecleaning- make sure the powder room is stocked with plenty of soap and TP.
- Continue food preparation for those dishes that can be made in advance.
- Set your tablescape.
- Finish cleaning the house.
- Pick up party orders.
- Create a bar area.
- Take out extra supplies.
- Finish cooking.
- Organize the kitchen for the final countdown.
- Give yourself a breather- have a glass of wine.
- Get in party mode- the fruits of your labor are about to pay off!
- Try not to spend too much time in the kitchen- your guests want to see you!
- Offer refreshments in between courses.
- Follow your list for last-minute dessert preparation.
- Make sure you have space on your coat rack, plenty of hangers or a separate room to put coats and bags in.
- Create a place for boots or umbrellas if weather requires them.
- Get plenty of ice and make sure you have an ice bucket, and ice tongs or scoop.
- Cocktail napkins
- Toothpicks
- Paper towels
- Plates (appetizer, salad, dinner, dessert)
- Glasses (water, wine, mixed drink, beer, soda, coffee); some beverages can use the same type of glass
- Silverware (enough for all courses and stirrers for coffee)
- If grilling, check the tank, charcoal, and lighter fuel. Make sure you have plenty of bug spray and citronella candles too.
- Coffee and assortment of tea bags
- Cream and sugar
- Salt and pepper
- Wine and bottle opener
- Bar garnishes (lime, lemon, olive)
- Film for the camera – or make sure your digital camera is charged and has an empty memory card in it!
- Garbage bags
- Dishwashing soap
- Club soda (for spills and spots)
- Space to chill beverages. It only takes beer, wine and soda 20 minutes to chill on ice. A large tub or cooler can be set up in a room out of the way.
After your smashing dinner party, keep a journal. Include what you served, who was there, and how it went. Make notes on how to improve your next dinner party as well as what made this one successful!
http://www.purpletrail.com/partytrail/general-parties/dinner/how-to-host-a-dinner-party
Bank Holiday Weekend
Its the time to go wild and have a party!
Whats everyone up to this bank holiday weekend?
dinner party?
cocktails with the girls?
baking with the kids?
packing the picnic?
getting ready for the BBQ?
loads of great advice coming your way for fun things to do this weekend!
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