99 Days of Summer

            The countdown is on for 'summer'

             ( Memorial Day to Labor Day ). 

 



      

             Grillin' and
                                              
                            
                               

Wine Day

       

Today raise a glass and say "Cheers" in 

Danish  - Skaal 
German  -   "Prost" with friends, "Zum Wohl" in a more formal environment
Japanese  -   Kampai
Russian  - there is no universal drinking cheer, however paradoxal it might sound.
Thai  -   Choc-tee  
and my new personal favorite,
Zulu  -  Oogy wawa

Source:  http://www.awa.dk/glosary/slainte.htm

Escargot Day

Doesn't everything sound better in French?  Snails certainly do.  If they're considered a delicacy in France, were revered by the ancient Romans, and merited a scene in 'Pretty Woman'  maybe they deserve to be tried by you.  Bon appetit!

Won ton cups (savory)

You asked for my easy appetizer recipes.  My guests enjoy this one that has many variations and goes together quickly while making a presentation that looks like it took time.  First preheat oven to 400; then spray mini muffin pans with PAM.  Gently place wonton wrappers in each cup (there will be some overlap). Cook for 4 minutes until lightly browned.  Cool.  These can be kept in an airtight container for a long time to have at hand for unexpected guests.  There are several variations that I use and many that haven't a recipe so to speak.  #1  Cook  1 lb.crumbled Italian sausage until browned and remove with slotted spoon to a bowl, leaving fat.

  Add 1 cup each of shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese (Sargento makes a blend), and 1/2 cup ranch dressing,  

 Fill won ton wrappers. Bake for 10 minutes at 350 or until bubbly.  



  #2  Substitute 2 cups shredded or diced cooked chicken, cheddar and swiss cheeses and thousand island dressing   # 3 Spoon in homemade or store bought artichoke dip.  

These are also baked and served hot.  Cold versions include filling with shrimp salad or a salsa and black bean combo.  Always a hit!

Entertaining ideas

This morning I attended a class at Pottery Barn on Backyard Entertaining.  These are always fun when I can remember to go (thank you, Sue, for the reminder.)  The focus was on a red, white and blue theme with Memorial Day and the Fourth of July approaching. A clever place setting was created with a small galvanized pail (3 for $15) which held a flag napkin, cutlery, a beverage and a bottle opener. What a great idea!

I found another theme for summer entertaining (only 31 days away!)  I bought a fishnet tablecloth, shell napkins and small buoys which I will tie around the napkins and add a tag to serve as a place card and will also be the party favor.

Finger Food Friday

A tip of my hat to Sue for naming this night.  I love themes!  We all brought appetizers and with wine enjoyed the first warm evening on her outdoor bistro.  It was wonderful! 

Cinco de Mayo

Festivities started with salsas, guacamole and sour cream accompanied by four kinds of chips served in a sombrero ....

Also, shrimp quesadillas; 

all washed down with Cactus Juice and

a salty chihuahua.  Did anyone snap a pic of that drink?

Enchiladas carne, chili and chilequiles, Mexicana rice, honey cornbread and a green salad were the main fare.

Dulce de leche bread pudding with cream sauce and fried bananas with a Kahlua chocolate sauce were offered along with Mexican wedding cookies and a Mexican flag inspired red, white and green layered dessert. (There's always room for jello!)

My photo exposures weren't good  - a testament to the fact that the margaritas were!  Missing are photos of the guests for their own protection including Tom who kept his sombrero on from the moment he walked in until he walked out.  The question was asked 'did he sleep in it?' since he seemed so attached.

Cinco de Mayo

Classic beverage for Cinco de Mayo is the margarita.  Here's an easy preparation for Freezer Margarita:

   1.  Place everything into a sealable container.

   2.  Freeze until firm.

   3.  Break up.  Stir the concoction until its a yummy, slushy drink!

• 1 (12 ounce) can limeade 
• 3 (12 ounce) cans water        
• 1 (12 ounce) can tequila      
• 6 ounces triple sec

Source: http://www.food.com/recipe/freezer-margarita-98221#ixzz1t6iPO2WY

Cinco de Mayo

Once the theme has been established, you then determine the party type and menu. It could be a sit down luncheon/dinner, a buffet luncheon/dinner, a brunch, or a cocktail party.  I chose a buffet dinner with cocktails.  For drinks, there'll be margaritas, of course (featured in another post), a Salty Chihuahua and a non-alcoholic punch colored green.  I like to assign fun names and will call this refreshing drink, Cactus Juice.

Cinco de Mayo

For the invitation to my Cinco de Mayo party, I created a sombrero shape to capture the flavor of Mexico.  Here's how:  Take one 8.5 by 11 inch piece of tan card stock.  Print party details on lower half.  Fold top half down and trace on sombrero shape. Cut out leaving a section at top along fold attached.  Decorate with colored markers and/or scraps of paper cut from magazine pages.                       Fiesta!!!!!!

May celebrations

May is National Asian Pacific American Heritage, Asparagus, Flower, National Bar-B-Que, National Egg, National Duckling, National Hamburger, Salad, Strawberry and Older Americans Month.  If those aren't enough reasons to party, how about Mother Goose, International No Diet, Dance like a Chicken, National Tap Dance, Pack Rat, Kite, Limerick, and/or No Socks Day.  There are also two special days: National Teacher (Always the Tuesday of the first full week of May) and Mother's Day (on the 13th)   Enjoy!