| Welcoming Weekend Guests |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-604 |
|
|
|
advertisement
|
b>Q: I won't be able to spend all my time with a friend who's coming in for the weekend. How can I make my friend feel welcome? A: (Entertaining expert, Jeanne Benedict) I take my cue from hotel guest suites. Start with a nice tray, add a beautiful basket in the center that has been lined with cellophane and tissue. To the basket, I suggest adding: - Travel pack full of mini-sized shampoos, conditioners, etc.
- A loofah sponge and soaps
- A disposable camera, a notepad and a map of the area (consider flagging local sites of interest)
- Treats - nuts, candy, mints, cookies, etc.
- Spa slippers from an import store
- A coffee mug, French press, coffee, spoon and elegant napkin
- Fresh flowers
- Almond scones (recipe below) and gourmet jams
Almond Scones Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and coarsely chopped
3 tablespoons almond paste, broken into small pieces
3/4 cup chopped unsalted almonds
1 egg
1 egg yolk
2/3 cup + 2 tablespoons heavy heavy cream
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line baking sheet with waxed paper and lightly spray paper with nonstick cooking spray.
- Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, butter, almond paste and almonds in food processor. Pulse until mixtures has the consistency of coarse crumbs. Add to a large bowl.
- Whisk together egg, egg yolk and 2/3 cup cream until blended. Stir the egg mixture into the flour mixture until dough just begins to hold together.
- Add dough to lightly floured surface. With lightly floured hands, pat dough to 1/2" thickness. Cut scones using a 2" diameter heart-shaped cookie cutter or round biscuit cutter. Gather excess dough and repeat process. Place scones 3" apart on prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly brush surface of scones with remaining 2 tablespoons of cream. Bake 15-20 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Remove from oven and cool on wire rack.
Gourmet Jams 1/2 cup each apricot, strawberry and blackberry jam
3 tablespoons finely chopped dried cranberries
3 tablespoons finely chopped dried peaches
2 tablespoons minced crystallized ginger
Mix together apricot jam and dried cranberries; strawberry jam and peaches; and blackberry jam and ginger. Serve all three with almond scones. More Viewer Questions. . . Q: What blue objects could I use to create red, white and blue centerpieces? A: Red and white are easier colors to find in the floral world -- it's the blue that's difficult. Add blue fabric around a bowl or thematic accents (blue curly willow or stars for the 4th of July).
Q: I'm planning a holiday party for about 50 people. Should I plan on having a designated bartender or allow people to pour their own drinks?
A: I like the idea of having a designated bartender. It's easier and allows people to socialize more at the holidays.
Q: Do you have any advice for setting up a buffet table at a pool party?
A: Yes, keep the food away from the pool, and use acrylic serveware and plates for safety's safe. Also, there are many themes that lend themselves well to the fun festivities of a pool party: nautical, tropical luau, etc. So pick a theme you like!
RESOURCES :
Guests Without Grief: Entertaining Made Easy for the Hesitant Host
Model: 0684818841
Author: Paula Jhung
218 pages
(April 1997)
Good Morning: Sixty Fabulous Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
Model: 0811811816
Author: Michael McLaughlin
(1996)
Chronicle Publishing Company
Website: www.chroniclebooks.com
B. Smith's Entertaining and Cooking For Friends
Model: 1579651615
Author: Barbara Smith
(1995)
Artisan Publishers
Muskogee, OK 74402
Phone: 918-682-8341
Fax: 918-682-1263
Email: info@artisanpublishers.com
Website: www.artisanpublishers.com
Great Weekend Entertaining: An Essential Companion for Fun Loving Hosts and Guests (Pardee Guide)
Model: 1561450227
Author: Bettie Bearden Pardee
(May, 1991)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Peachtree Publishers
Weekends With Friends (Williams-Sonoma Lifestyles)
Model: 0737020318
In the Kitchen With Family & Friends: An Anniversary Collection
Model: 1888052325
Author: Gooseberry Patch Staff
Gooseberry Patch
Delaware, OH 43015
Fax: 740-363-7225
At Home With Friends
Model: 0811833445
Author: Michele Adams
Finger Food: Bite-Sized Snacks to Share With Friends
Model: 1571458336
Author: Katharine Gasparini
| 
)
)
