Monday, June 30, 2008

"White Dinner" party held at the Champs Elysee in Paris

Whilst on the search for dinner party ideas on my return from my vacation, I found this news item about this "white"dinner party in Paris.
"White Dinner" party held at Champs Elysee of Paris_English_Xinhua

This event takes place at a different location in Paris each year. Diners, all of whom are required to be dressed in white, bring their own food, drink and cutlery to the event.

A white dinner party theme is just one of the many ideas suggested right here on this site.

Stay tuned for more dinner party ideas soon.

Randa
The Hostess with the Mostess
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Thursday, May 29, 2008

On Vacation - Enjoying Thai and Vietnamese Cuisine

I wanted to let my regularblog visitors know that I will be overseas for the month of June - enjoying some fabulous Thai and Vietnamese meals..

Randa
The Hostess with the Mostess

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Lime inspired dinner party

In today's dinner party idea, why not consider a dinner based around the exotic lime?

The dish doesn't have to contain lime - it could just be an accompanying slice or two of lime on the seed.

And for dessert, you could create this wonderful Key Lime Tart:



Stay tuned for more dinner party ideas soon..

Randa
The Hostess with the Mostess

Thursday, May 22, 2008

The Basics of Matching Food and Wine

In my search for new dinner party ideas, I also look out for tips, recipes and any other idea that will help tp make the dinner party memorable..

Today, I thought you might want to see this short interview on food and wine matching.
Maybe it is not as simple as red wine with red meat or white wine with white meat.. See what you think:



Stay tuned for more dinner party ideas soon.

In the meantime, you may also be interested in this book - Perfect Pairings by Evan Goldstein with recipes by Joyce Goldstein. A master sommeliers' practical advice for partnering wine with food. Organized by white, red and dessert wine varieties and styles, with proven recipes and recommended wines from throughout the world.



Randa
The Hostess with the Mostess

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

When creating new dinner party ideas, I may be inspired by watching a recipe being prepared. Then, I wonder whether I will serve it as a starter or as a main - how can I prepare the dish so it fits in beautifully with a three course dinner?

Here is an example of a very quick recipe - Chef Keith Snow creates a tasty dish with wild-caught shrimp, local South Carolina rice, and top-shelf tequila. The recipe names in the themselves are creative. It takes all of two minutes to watch and gives me ideas for new recipes of my own..



Stay tuned for more dinner party ideas soon.

In the meantime, you may want to check out this quick recipe book:



Randa
The Hostess with the Mostess

Friday, May 16, 2008

15 Minute Italian-inspired Dinner Party

Today's dinner party idea is a simple Italian meal - brushetta, Veal Saltimbocca and Gelato..

Starter - Brushetta

For starters, chop Spanish onion, Roma tomatoes and basil very finely and cover with good amount of Oivle oil and season. This can be done a day ahead so the mixure soaks in all the fabulous flavors. Slice a beaguette (French stick) and toast - before placing the brushetta mixture on top, cut some garlic cloves in half and infuse the bread the the garlic oil by scarping the garlic over the toast. Add the mixute and place and individual dishes dressed with a whole basil leaf between two serves.

Main - Veal Saltimbocca

- 4 sage leaves
- 2 veal schnitzels
- 2 slices prosciutto
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup of white wine
- roasted truss cherry tomatoes and salad leaves, to serve

1. Place sage leaves over schnitzels. Wrap prosciutto over veal, enclosing sage.
2. Heat oil in a large frying pan on high. Cook veal for 2-3 minutes each side until cooked to taste.
3. Remove from pan to a tray and cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Add white wine to pan and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 minutes until reduced by half.
4. Serve veal drizzled with sauce.

Accompany with cherry tomatoes and salad leaves.

Dessert - gelato

Pre buy some gelato and serve a scoop or two in some tasteful dishes.

Don't forget the Italian coffee for any takers..

Stay tuned for more dinner party ideas soon.

In the meantime, Iyou may want to check this out - in her hit Food Network show Everyday Italian, Giada De Laurentiis shows you how to cook delicious, beautiful food in a flash. And here, in her long-awaited first book, she does the same—helps you put a fabulous dinner on the table tonight, for friends or just for the kids, with a minimum of fuss and a maximum of flavor. She makes it all look easy, because it is.



Randa
The Hostess with the Mostess

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Dinner Party Tip - Short Video

Today, I've found this three minute youtube clip which is called Dinner Party Tips starring the other Hostess with the Mostess! It's quick to watch and you may pick up a new tip or two to make your next dinner party easier. See what you think anyway..



Stay tuned for more dinner party ideas soon.

In the meantime, if you're interested more broadly in dinner party tips, you may want to check this out:



Randa
The (Other) Hostess with the Mostess