Entertaining Tips

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How much meat should I serve?

Dinner Planning

In general, the average portion size is 6 ounces of meat per person. Different cuts of meat will require that you buy varying weights to get the average yield, depending on bone, fat and moisture content.

The following guidelines will tell you how much total weight you will need to buy per person of various cuts to yield the average portion size.

Beef (boneless steaks, roasts or stewing) 7-8 oz
Beef (bone in steaks, roasts) 8-10 oz
Beef or Pork ribs 14-16 oz
Veal chops (bone in) 7 oz
Ham (bone in) 8-10 oz
Chicken (boneless) 7 oz
Chicken (bone in) 7-8 oz
Salmon (fresh fillet) 6-8 oz

   
how do I plan for a dinner party

Buffect selections

When planning a buffet or cocktail menu take advantage of food items that can sit out at room temperature for an extended
period of time. Herbed Olives, spiced nuts, roasted garlic cloves, grilled vegetables, dolmades and cheese straws are all good selections.

Having these items set out a few hours ahead of time eliminates some of the last minute rush to get food to the table and ensures that any
early arrivals have something to munch on.

   
How do I deal with food allergies?

Dealing with Allergies

When you're entertaining guests, it's always a good idea
to take any allergies into account if at all possible to ensure everyone's comfort.

Ask attendees when they R.S.V.P. if they have any allergies, and when
preparing your menu, keep in mind that the following foods are some of the most common
"allergens"

Fish/Shellfish
Nuts/Peanuts
Milk
Wheat

If your guests do have allergies you'll either have to cook the entire meal without the
"offending" ingredient, or prepare something special for your guest.

   
What can I cook for a crowd?

Summer Buffet: Serves 40

This Menu would be excellent for any occasion where you
have little or no cooking facilities.

All items can be made ahead and are served cold or at
room temperature.

Appetizers

Antipasto Platter Marinated Olives, Artichoke Hearts & Mushrooms, Roasted Red Pepper, Sun Dried Tomatoes and Bocconcini, served with fresh crusty bread slices

Crudite Platter Seasonal veggies with Fresh Herb & Roasted Garlic dips

Deviled Eggs Regular and Tex Mex Deviled Eggs

Dinner Buffet

Poached Salmon with 2 sauces Dijon Dill Sauce
Watercress Sauce

Baked Ham (Cold) Sweet Country Mustard Sauce

Super Potato Salad Tender potatoes with radish, celery, and a tangy herb dressing

Caesar Salad Bacon Bits, Croutons, Parmesan Cheese served on the side

Layered Garden Salad

Asparagus Served at room temperature with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Vine Ripened Tomatoes Drizzled with Fresh Basil Vinaigrette

Three Bean Salad Green Beans, Kidney Beans and Chick Peas in a Sweet & Sour Dressing
OR
Green Beans Caesar Tangy Parmesan Dijon Dressing on tender crisp Green Beans

Bread Basket French Bread, Corn Muffins, Dinner Rolls, with various herbed butters

Dessert

Fruit Platter Fresh Season fruits served with Ginger Dip and Citrus Dip

Sweet Tray Assorted bars and cookies

Coffee & Tea Regular & Decaf Coffee, Orange Pekoe Tea

   
Nut allergies

Nut Allergies

To assist guests who may have nut allergies it's a good idea to use a nut as a garnish on any food items that have nuts on them.

   
How can I add some pizzazz to my parties?

A lovely scent

Add a fresh scent to social occasion in a unique way.

Place a bouquet of fresh herbs that compliment your dinner menu
near the front door and in each washroom.

Some good options are: Mint, Rosemary, Cilantro and Sage as they all
have a strong aroma.

*Make sure your selected herbs don't clash with your dinner menu.

   
how do I plan for a dinner party

Set the Table

Set the dinner table the night before your holiday meal to avoid last minute chores.

   
How do I stop candles from dripping?

Burning Candles

To get the most from your candles, and save your good linen,
place your candles in the freezer a few hours before you are
going to use them.

This will increase their burning time, and decrease the drips.

   
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Lynne Christen