Testing Recipes on Friends

When it comes to entertaining, creating a meal that isn't stressful is a key to success. While a dinner party might seem like a great time to test out some new recipes, the element of uncertainty can leave you sweating from more than your oven. You have enough to worry about with creating the guest list, cleaning house, setting the table, arranging flowers, and deciding on music that the food shouldn't be a gamble. While logic tells us to stay safe with a menu we know, it is not uncommon to think of a gathering as the perfect time to try something new. I have found the best way to balance the need to feed feed hungry guests and experiment with new flavors is to only try one new dish at any dinner party. The majority of what you prepare should be tried and true. Side dishes area a great way to safely tapp into your recipe books. Food that can be prepared ahead of time is also a great outlet, because frankly if it doesn't work out and you have time on your side, the downside is minimal. If dinner doesn't turn out to be everything you hoped for, the best solution is to relax, smile, and open another bottle of wine. There's few things that a good laugh can't fix.

Pastry Bag

One of the keys to great entertaining is a simple pastry bag. While those that don't bake may think it unnecessary to have one, the pastry bag is a great tool for any cook (or those that just want to pretend to cook). Although a nipped corner on a ziplock bag will get the job done, a real pastry bag is best because you can easily maneuver it with a decorative tip. Even the Baker's Lady needs a day off from baking on occasion and while not my first choice, I am certainly not above using a store bought mix. In addition to enhancing a store bought mix with a few additional ingredients, such as lemon juice or peppermint extract, icing Betty Crocker cupcakes with a decorative pastry bag tip makes them appear much more sophisticated than smearing them with a butter knife. Pastry is not the extent of this bag's function, however. For the Oscar party I attended last week, I used the pastry bag to make my simple finger food look not so simple. By piping on dollops of store-bought roasted tomato hummus onto english cucumber slices, I created a healthy and eye-catching appetizer that took less than 5 minutes to prepare. Add these goodies to a beautiful cake plate and instantly, your presentation has bumped your offering up for a Bon Appetit.