The easier road for stress-free entertaining is to equip yourself with versatile tableware. Casual chic tabletop is what most people are aiming for these days. After all, you celebrate amongst close friends and family. As I shopped at IKEA yesterday, I took pictures of tableware that delivers that spirit. I spotted affordable tableware that you will be able to use over and over.

The first thing that caught my eyes was this tabletop set for a fondue meal. Blue is popular at IKEA this season. I would serve water in turquoise patterned SNÄLL narrow tall glasses for a change. And you do not have to invest in RIEDEL wine glasses with the SKIR glasses. It definitely not the same quality but you get the look.

Then, I pay attention to the Dinera collection. Guys will love the blue-grey and the brown colors. I like the fact that plates come in many formats. You could mix colors or mix all solids with the ones with a white interior. I am partial to tableware with a white interior because typically food looks more appetizing against a white backdrop.

For entertaining, I keep a stack of tiny bowls for individual serving or to serve sauces. Believe me, they can transform a table. I bought a pack of small POKAL glasses for serving affogato. The POKAL  glasses are suitable for hot and cold liquids. You could get two sets: one to drink espresso and the other ones to serve your dessert. Keep in mind that the grey Dinera espresso cups and saucers (second picture) will look better, if you are willing to spend more.

If you are curious, I bought the small and the tall POKAL glasses, the big VÄNLIG glasses plus a few Christmas decorations and napkins.

SOURCING:
+ SNÄLL glasses $6.99 CAD for 6
+ SKIR glasses $6.99 CAD for 2
+ DINERA 18-piece dinnerware set $29.99 CAD
+ CHARMÖR small bowls $3.99 CAD for 2
+ POKAL glasses $4.99 CAD for 4
+ photo of affogato via Food Network Canada

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The October 2009 issue of Canadian House and Home let us see a glimpse of David Rocco’s house in Toronto. The decor translates a rustic, comfortable feeling. It seems that Nina and him listened to my advice on how to create a welcoming front door.

What I found most interesting is how David described his laid-back entertaining philosophy. He believes that you do not have to stress about entertaining. It’s true the host and the guests need to be flexible to have fun. He typical cooks the main course while his guests gathered in the kitchen. They mingled with appetizers and a glass of wine. That resembles many of my dinner parties.

For the cold weather that is coming our way, nothing beats a hearty soup recipe like a Tuscan Ribollita (meaning leftover soup). Besides the typical vegetables that form a soup base, prosciutto rinds, potatoes, cabbages, borlotti beans, tomato purée and bread give flavor and consistency to the soup. You can make this soup thick as you like. David likes to eat this soup with a fork at slightly warmer than room temperature. Naturally, do not forget a good drizzle of your premium extra-virgin olive oil.

As I mentioned before, the fourth season of David Rocco’s Dolce Vita premieres September 14th, 2009.

MORE:
+ Canadian House and Home October 2009 – photography by Angus Fergusson
+ David Rocco

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Being in a book club is a great way to exchange ideas and mingle with people. Each club sets its own formula for organizing the meeting. Instead of a dinner, moms may prefer to meet in the middle of the afternoon. Many clubs meets at a restaurant but I prefer the formula where you meet at someone’s home.

If this is the case, I gathered snack ideas that will position your afternoon party as the place to be.

+ Serving cheese requires no cooking. For a wedding, a family set up this charming country-style table in the backyard. Tarps became linens; you can use any canvas. The chalkboards are a do-it-yourself project. It is made with balsa and chalkboard paint. You insert the chalkboards into wooden blocks that you cut yourself. Via Style Me Pretty

+ A simple appetizer that is easy to eat is prosciutto on a bread stick. From the same wedding celebrations on  Style Me Pretty

+ Get a recipe to make your own chips. Sara Kate gave us her Homemade Potato Chips with Rosemary recipe. Via The Kitchn

+ Kraft paper book jackets made wonderful party favors. You can do it yourself. Otherwise, have a draw to win one of Book City Jackets’ Bookshelf set. You can select between fiction, non-fiction and favorite. $9 USD at Book City Jackets

+ Who could resist a scoop of Saturn Peach and Pistachio Nougat Ice Cream? I suggest you make more nougat to serve as candy. Via Cannelle et Vanille

+ Customized popcorn boxes adds a sense of style to a crowd pleaser. Try Michael Smith’s olive oil popcorn recipe. Via Kenzie Kate

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As you know, home cooked meals are in fashion. And there is no better way to finish a summer meal than with home made ice cream sandwiches. It is a dessert that please kids and adults. I know my husband will crave for these.

Helen, the author of the fantastic pastry blog Tartelette, makes her creations look so elegant. I imagine serving these lovely lemon ice cream sandwiches at a Sunday brunch, at a kid birthday or to conclude an alfresco dinner. They would also fit in at a garden wedding party.

You can do everything from scratch or skip one step and buy premium lemon ice cream. But take the time to bake the snickerdoodle cookies. I adore the look of these little packets of the ice cream sandwiches. To be ready for impromptu entertaining, stock an assortment of strings and make sure to always have parchment paper on hand.

You will find the recipe for her Snickerdoodle Lemon Ice Cream Sandwiches at the end of her post.

Tartelette’s Photos available on Etsy

Besides food photography, she also sells her favorite still life pictures on etsy. I want to change the 5 photo series I hanged on my kitchen wall. I hope that she will add her ice cream sandwich pictures to her etsy shop.

SOURCING:
+ Snickerdoodle Lemon Ice Cream Sandwiches
+ Baking 8×12 photo by Tartelette $30 USD
+ At The Flower Shop 8×12 photo by Tartelette $30 USD

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It is easy to forget that simple pleasure brings us happiness. Setting up a nice table for breakfast on the patio is one of these divine moments where you can relax and enjoy the company of your family. It only takes a few minutes to add details using craft supplies and accessories that you keep in the house. The idea is to improvise to make the breakfast feels a little bit special.

Last Saturday, my friend Nathalie asked me if I wanted to visit the Finnegan’s Market in Hudson. We went and took advantage that you can buy home made treats. I bought delicious apple strudel from Tutti Gourmet. I also bought two breads from the Ethiopian woman. I forgot to ask her card. She is a regular so you should not have trouble finding her stand if you go. Her breads are delicious.

I brought home her apple bread and her zuicchini bread. We ate them with the less sugar, more fruit jam and jelly of Treasa Kenny of We-b-jammin. I bought several kinds. I started with her Strawberry Lavender Spread. My husband opted for the Cherry Pie Jelly.

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When my friend Eden Spodek of istudio asked me if I would like to host a party at home for tasting True North’s eco-certified farm salmon, I immediately said yes. We cooked more often fresh salmon fillets on the BBQ than we prepared burgers. Plus, it was a great way to launch my outdoor entertaining season.

I invited a good of foodies within my friends. I kept it small so we can all sit down comfortably at my outdoor dining room. The theme was eco-chic BBQ. The food and the fact that I did the party on the World Environment Day led to that concept.

It was a casual event. Not going overboard and using what I already known seemed more appropriate with the party theme. I invited my friends using a private event on Facebook.

I did not use placemats and we ate on my wooden table. I felt more natural. I put on my table my real china, glassware and flatware. No need to get an outdoor dinnerware set. You save money and space.

My florist designed two centerpieces that were elegant but carried a wild-flower vibe. We went with Hyacinths (jacinthes d’Hollande) that look amazing and smell wonderful. I usually stayed away from flowers with a noticeable perfume when I am indoors but outside, it does not matter.

My Menu

I originally thought of a first course that I could serve with wooden plate. My husband was craving for the seared scallops and crispy prosciutto with roasted tomatoes and smashed white beans by Jamie Oliver. The recipe is on The Naked Chef Takes Off cookbook. Therefore, I made it.

This is a tasty and unique recipe that everyone adores. You never tasted something like that. Beware that although the technique is pretty simple, they are many steps to make this recipe. I recommend that you familiarize yourself with the recipe before a party, unless you are an experienced cook.

We served the grilled salmon with an assortment of grilled vegetables. We do not marinated the vegetables; we simply put a light coat of olive oil and grill them on each side for 4 minutes. Put more olive oil on the asparagus and the zucchini slices. We prepared a typical French dijon vinaigrette to go on top of the cooked vegetables. It is a classic side dish at our barbecue party.

A guest brought an Opera cake (it was the birthday of his wife) that we savored with a sparkling wine. We served white tea to finish the night. The party was a success. Everyone loves the food and the company.

In part 2, I will talk about the eco-label and the goodies I received from True North Salmon for making this party a reality.

CREDITS:
+ Shown of the pictures are people active on Twitter : @JoseeStAmand of lilyecolo.com, @simonrivard, Nathalie Rivard (@indigonat), Laurent Maissonave (@zelaurent) and @ihoule
+ You can see the body of my husband @jeromeparadis. Follow me on Twitter @kimvallee

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If you are looking for encouragement to restart cooking meals again, why not host a Cooking with Friends party? Real Simple featured one party where you make together a huge batch of basic tomato sauce. Chili would also be perfect. Since you need 2 or 3 pots to cook the chili, you can vary the spicy level to please everyone.

The idea is to do enough so every guest will bring home enough tomato sauce for a few meals. Plan for at least 2 pints per person to take home. By doing the simplest tomato sauce, your guests will be able to use it as the basis for many dishes. Reserve the pasta sauce you need for your party. If you want to, raise your pasta main dish by adding fresh herbs, meatballs or sausage for your dinner. Replace the meat by Portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian menu.

You could also prepare a huge batch of Mario Batali’s Basic Tomato Sauce. Make sure to tell your friends that a tomato sauce typically holds 1 week in the refrigerator or up to 6 months in the freezer. Before freezing the sauce, make sure to read the tips to preserve food longer on the freezer.

You will impress your friends by giving them the Tomato Sauce recipe booklet designed by Real Simple or use it as a template to publish your favorite recipes.

Do not forget that you need to supply more kitchen tools (cutting boards, knifes, aprons, etc…) if you have more helpers in the kitchen. If this party seems too much work for you, simply invite a group of friends to eat a big bowl of penne with tomato, basil, olives and pecorino by Jamie Oliver with you.

+ photography by Miki Duisterhof for Real Simple

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I attended several Super Bowls events; all organized by guys. So style was not invited. I feel bad that I did not make a mood board this year. As a substitute, let’s look at what propose the women magazines.

Bookmark my post since you can recycle the ideas for a football theme birthday party for your man, your brother or a little boy.

Martha Stewart’s Super Bowl Menu

I like the menu ideas. It is cute, easy to serve and practical because you can prepare stuff in advance.

+ Mini-hamburgers embedded with pickle slice before broiling – they are so cute
+ Grasshopper Cake – your can tailor the cake decoration to the theme
+ Li’l Smoky Cheese Ball. Or if wish to serve an assortment go with cheese balls done in three ways
+ Seven-Layer Bean Dip – I will definitely remember this dip recipe for a cocktail party

Real Simple’s Tips on How to Host a Football Party

+ Serve beers inspired by the names, the mascots, or the hometowns of the competing teams. Stock bottles of Iron City Beer for the Pittsburgh Steelers and drink the Beermann’s Rip Roarin’ Red Ale in honors of the Arizona Cardinals.
+ Tips on how to serve a Chili for a Crowd from Martha Stewart. Recipe of her chili con carne dish
+ Instead of serving chips, plan a potato bar. Why not make your own potato wedges before the game?
+ For decorations, my favorite is inserting pennants and mini footballs in potted wheatgrass. Use vases or colored glasses.
+ Hang on the wall a series of Chalkboard Contact Paper where you draw classic football game plays. Leave some empty for your guests to fill. If you wish to create your own tablecloth, paint the field with white paint on a green felt piece of fabric. Draw the field to fit the surface of your table. You can add toy football players to complete the look.

Food for Thought

I am leaving you with a question. I wonder whether or not the men like that we add style to their Super Bowl home party? Or is it only girls watching the game together who use these cool party decors?

About five several years ago, a Martha-type girlfriend created a theme for the Super Bowl party. She brought cute buffet table decorations. Sadly, I did not know her at the time. I know the story because the guys were not all in favors of the feminine touch invading their manly annual event. Like I said, it was a few years ago.

Do you bring a female touch into this typically male celebration? How do you celebrate Super Bowls at home?

MORE READING:
+ Check out my 2008 Super Bowl mood board for more ideas on how to host a football theme event

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In fact, this is the second reference to the walking closet I saw today. The first was a print ad with a happy mother with her little girl from The Container Store to announce their 30% off sale on Elfa closet system.

SOURCING:
+ Heineken: Walk-In Fridge
+ The Container Store

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Impromptu Cocktail Party Menu

Morels’ cheese menu looks interesting. Reproduce their cheese ordering sheet would be easy. You need a board, a prong steel fastener and to design a cute menu.

For an impromptu cocktail party, create an antipasto platter. Serve your charcuterie with gherkins and small onions. Serve 2 or 3 varieties of olives, cheese and wine. You will be all set.

My new clothes and I

We explored several fashion shops. I bought a funky shirt and dress at the Spanish store Custo Barcelona. We do not have this brand in Canada. I also bought a feminine apron at Anthropologie.

Here the photos of my new clothes.

Tonight, we are craving for authentic Mexican cuisine. We will see what we can find.

+ Get directions to The Grove p 323.900.8080
189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, California, United States, 90036

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The main course, the Bay Scallop Gratins is a recipe from her latest cookbook of her Barefoot Contessa series, a book titles Back to Basics.

If you wish to test run the book before buying it, try the Bay Scallop Gratins since the recipe is published on FoodTV.com.

Cooking Tips

Several people who did the recipes suggested to reduce the amount of salt. For all recipes, except desserts, I adjust the salt to suit my taste buds. Seasoning is a personal choice and should be viewed as guidelines not absolute. Moreover, when the recipes contain salty ingredients like pancetta or capers, it is normal to reduce the amount of added salt.

A few people notice the garlic taste. One trick I used is to cook longer your garlic at lower temperature. The more you cook garlic, the more its taste will sweeten.

For desserts, serve homemade candies with whole fresh pears.

• Fleur De Sel Caramels – Do not attempt without a good candy thermometer. Digital thermometers are more precise. Beware that you need to adjust the amounts of sugar and water. Readers say the recipe turned out wonderfully if they 1 1/2 c. sugar. Some readers also increase the water to 1/2 c. water while others did not.
• White Chocolate Bark was a hit with her guests on the episode. I am not a huge fan of white chocolate so I may try a marbled chocolate version. But really, without trying it I cannot be sure about how it will turns out.

Back To Basics

Back to Basics concentrates on the techniques she used. Plus, you get nearly a hundred new recipes. I discussed the book during the Holidays with a few girl friends. Everyone loves it!

Ina’s dinner party menu was so easy to make that I suggest you prepare it for your family this weekend.

SOURCING:
+ For Americans: Back to Basics $21 USD
+ For Canadians: Basic to Basics $25.20 CAD

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I noticed at tapas parties where everyone brings a finger food dish that many opt for store-bought antipasto, cheeses, terrines and pates with fine crackers. The reason is lack of time.

Having a busy schedule is no excuse for not cooking. The key is to rely on tasty but quick to make recipes. My recipe takes 2 minutes to make and requires no cooking skills.

I did last week a Smoked Salmon Mousse Dip that I served with bakery-made croutons. To save time, I bought croutons at a fine bakery. A bag of bakery croutons costs about the same as buying the baguettes. And you can get several bread types in a single bag. My smoked salmon mousse was a hit with the party guests.

The Birth of a Recipe

I took the base for my recipe in a trusted cookbook in Quebec, A la di Stasio. About 7 millions live in Quebec and she sold 500,000 copies of the French copy. Hopefully for you, the English version was released this September. Josee di Stasio is known for her comfort food philosophy.

I adapted the quantities and the seasoning to suit my taste. I put less prepared horseradish, more lemon zest and juice plus I add a French shallot. I only put a small amount of pepper to preserve the color of the mousse.

Kim’s Smoked Salmon Mousse Recipe

Adapted from A la di Stasio by Josee di Stasio

Ingredients to feed 12 people during the cocktail hour:

• 360g (13 ounces) smoked Atlantic salmon – I cut the slices in half while they rest in the packages
• 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish – I bought the Kühne brand
• Zest of one lemon, finely grated
• Juice of one lemon
• 150 ml (5 ounces) 35% cooking crème – must use 35%
• 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped
• 1 French shallot, finely chopped
• Freshly ground pepper

I bought my smoked salmon at La Vieille Europe. It is crucial to buy a top-quality smoked salmon. For a mousse, Atlantic salmon taste the best.

Instructions:

1. Put the salmon, horseradish, zest and lemon juice, French shallot in the food processor bowl. Roughly chop with pulse.
2. Add the crème slowly by pouring a little bit at a time until you get the texture of a spread. Still use the pulse button.
3. Transfer the mousse in a bowl. Mix the chopped chives and add freshly ground pepper to taste.

How to Serve?

< 1 minute option: I serve it with croutons made of different types of bread from Première Moisson. A quick set up is to place the croutons in a bread bowl and let the guests simply dip into the mousse.

2 minutes option: If you can afford a few more minutes in preparation, do the dishing. You can put the mousse on the croutons and finish it with a 1-inch chive piece.

5-minute option: For a fresher taste, replace the croutons with Belgian endives and cucumber slices. Top it with trout or salmon eggs and fresh dills. If you use cucumbers, lightly dig into the center with a spoon. It helps the mousse stay in place and removes some of the excess water.

Serve the smoked salmon mousse appetizers with a glass of wine or Brut Champagne. Your guests will be in delight.

If you are looking for more ideas of easy entertaining, read my 15-minute Party Plan.

SOURCING:
+ A la di Stasio by Josee di Stasio – $19.76 CAD at Indigo.ca
+ image of mousse on endive from Les Cinq Sens

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