Just in case, here’s the Classic Bloody Mary recipe:

Bloody Mary

1 1/2 ounces (1 jigger) vodka
1/2 cup tomato juice (I like to use V-8)
2 teaspoons fresh lemon or lime juice
Worcestershire sauce to taste
Tabasco to taste
1 celery stick for garnish
1 lemon or lime wedge for garnish

In a cocktail shaker combine the vodka, tomato juice, lemon or lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, 1 cup ice cubes, and salt and pepper to taste. Shake well, and strain it into a tall glass filled with ice cubes. Garnish with a celery stick and lemon or lime wedge.

Here’s a recipe from my friends at Findlay Market that’s just perfect for a New Year’s Eve party- or a New Year’s brunch! Serve it on toast points or bagel chips.

Smoked Salmon Mousse

Ingredients:
½ pound smoked salmon
1 pound cream cheese
¼ cup capers, drained and rinsed [Read more →]

Parties that make guests linger till well in to the night are the ones that have a welcoming, upbeat yet relaxed mood. And you can create the perfect environment in a matter of moments. Here’s how:

• Dim the lights to create a sexy, nighttime feel. Not dark, but low. Don’t forget a few strategically placed candles to add a cozy, festive atmosphere. In addition to making your guests feel good, wonderful mood lighting makes them look good, too.

• Your favorite music should fill your home with party sounds. Mellow out the play list as the night gets late. For New Year’s I like to make a CD party favor. One of my favorites was a playlist of songs that al had “Midnight” in them.

• Flowing drinks keep a party livelybut the cardinal rule of being a good host is to never let friends who have had too much to drink drive. If a guest has [Read more →]

The perfect party is filled with  variety. A variety of people, music and food. Shake up your guest list by inviting friends from different circles. It adds immediate energy to the night. Make sure to introduce them and help them to find common ground, then the rest will take care of itself. To me, music is as important as the people- it can completely transform the mood. I like to build the tempo as the night grows late, and then bring it back down again as the party winds down. And of course a party isn’t a party without food. Choose a great variety of flavors, textures and ingredients.

Here’s a recipe you’ll love. It’s Thai Chicken Salad in Wonton Cups. The cups are so cute- and so easy to make. Just spray wonton wrappers with cooking spray and drape them over the backside of muffins cups. Bake them til crisp and golden brown and then fill them with Dole Very Veggie salad blend tossed with Thai Peanut Dressing, shredded chicken, green onions and sesame seeds. Yum! Tasty, healthy and pretty- the elements of perfect party food. You can find this recipe and plenty more healthy tips and inspiratation at dole.com

Thai Chicken Salad in Baked Wonton Cups
Makes 24 pieces [Read more →]

If ever there is a night to celebrate, its New Years Eve! I love looking back at the year as much as the promise of a brand new one. I’ve got some tips to help you make your New Years party the most memorable yet.

Plan a menu that’s a good blend of make ahead and store bought, hot and cold and indulgent nibbles balanced with healthy bites. If it’s a small party, three different appetizers will do it. A larger party should have 4 or 5 and a huge bash should have 8 or more. I like to focus on make ahead dishes that leave me free to have fun with my friends. You’ll need 12 appetizers per person at a cocktail party and 6 appetizers per person if you’re having a dinner party. You can find perfect party food recipes and tips at Crisco.com

Mexican Party Wings can be assembled early in the day and baked off when your guests arrive.

The same is true for Sweet and Savory Meatballs- just reheat them before serving. You can even turn them into cute little meatball sliders that your guests will love.

What’s a party without shrimp? Try Kickin Cashew Shrimp Bites topped with coconut and cashews.

Looking for New Year’s inspiration? Here are some cocktail/hors d oeuvres combinations. Cheers!

Kiwi Champagne Cocktail
from Market Fresh Mixology – Bridget Albert

4 slices of peeled kiwi fruit
Juice of 1 Lime wedge
1 sugar cube
4 ounces Prosecco sparkling wine
Orange bitters

In a mixing glass, muddle kiwi, lime juice, and sugar cube. Add prosecco. Add ice to tin. Rock contents of shaker gently. Strain into flute. Shake two drops of orange bitters on top of cocktail.

Smoked Salmon and Blue Cheese Tarts

1 package (15) frozen mini phyllo shells [Read more →]

Listen to the interview.

The Happy Elf
Adapted from Coastal Living

1 ounce melon liqueur (such as Midori)
2 ounces citrus vodka (such as Absolut Citron)
1 ounce white cranberry juice
Maraschino cherries, for garnish

In an ice-filled shaker combine all ingredients and shake vigorously. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a spear of maraschino cherries.

Listen to the interview.

Godiva Cream Cocktail

2 ounces Godiva® chocolate liqueur
2 ounces Bailey’s® Irish cream
4 ounces heavy cream
2 drops vanilla extract

Pour the Godiva liqueur over ice in a wine glass. Add Bailey’s and the vanilla extract. Top with the cream, mix, and serve.

Do you know how to pair beef and wine? There is no right or perfect wine choice when pairing with food- the main goal should always be to enhance the dining experience. Food should never overpower the wine and vice versa. Ideally, the pairings should complement one another – food and wine together should be more enjoyable than either would be alone. The folks at The Certified Angus Beef Brand suggest that when pairing beef and wine, consider how wine is used in the meal. If a specific wine is used in the preparation of a main dish – such as in a reduction sauce – then it will complement the dish on its own as well. Another pairing tip: identify the weights of the food. Is it light and crisp like a salad, or rich and robust like a well-marbled Certified Angus Beef Brand steak? Lighter foods pair better with light wines. Hearty foods are better paired with full-bodied wines. For more pairing tips and recipes, visit www.certifiedangusbeef.com.

Here’s a FUN book packed with tips and ideas to make your next party FORKING FANTASTIC! Forking Fantastic! Put the Party Back in Dinner Party is a “kick-ass guide to entertaining”. Tamara Reynolds and Zora O’Neill provide creative solutions for the first-time host, who may be short on furniture, food and even friends.  There’s plenty of  practical advice on getting organized, buying cookware and popping open a bottle of wine and menus geared for every level. From the Baby-Step Dinner Party to the Four Foolproof Menus  to the Get In Over Your Head section, there is truly something for everyone.