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It Matters to You Enjoy Summer Entertaining  There are few better ways to enjoy the summer than by inviting over friends and family for an afternoon or evening. Fire up the grill, get out the festive dishes and spread a checkered cloth – it's time for summer entertaining!From serving simpler, lighter meals to remembering to serve plenty of refreshing beverages, there are a number of ways to make sure you get the most out of your summer parties. Janet Paul Rice, associate director for Dining Services at Concordia, suggests starting with a light, fresh menu. "Summer calls for light textures, casual style and fresh preparations, all of which are easier on the hosts," Paul Rice says. "At DS, our catering customers order more light lunches like sandwiches, pasta or green salads, and more fruity desserts like frosty lemonade pie." As you plan your menu items, keep in mind how many guests you'll be expecting. If you're just having a couple friends over, you'll have more flexibility for last minute changes and may want to focus on one or two stellar items instead of a whole array of choices. Call and invite your guests personally, taking a count of who will be attending. A finalized guest list will help you better plan your menu. Regardless of the size of the guest list, don't wait until the party to try a new menu item. Build your menu up from a base of familiar, tasty recipes, mixing in one or two newer dishes. Keep most of your menu simple, with a few make-a-head recipes to save time. Visit sites such as Kraft Foods to get ideas for summer recipes. Or try these popular and easy Dining Services recipes: Hummus and fresh vegetable foldovers Boursin® stuffed mushrooms Frosty lemonade pie Mock sangria punch You'll also want to decide early if you will be serving your guests or letting them make their own selections from a buffet. "Save formal service for the cold weather months," advises Paul Rice. "Buffets are definitely the way to go in the summer. They are easier on the hosts and guests enjoy being able to mill around and graze." Either way, consider putting away the crystal and fine china, turning to festive and fun plastic dishes with coordinating tablecloths and accessories. And don't forget about food safety – wash your hands frequently, keep hot food hot and keep cold food cold. When it comes time to cook, most people choose to grill at least a portion of their summer party menu. From juicy burgers and barbecue chicken, to tender roasts and grilled vegetables, there are so many options for cooking outdoors. It also allows the host to spend more time with guests outdoors while preparing the meal, all while enjoy the fresh air, conversation and the delicious smell of meat and veggies. Paul Rice says there are also alternatives to grilling. "Nothing beats grilling in the summer, but you can avoid heating up the house by choosing quick cooking methods like pan searing," Paul Rice says. "An added bonus is that you can use the fond, the caramelized food sugars left on the bottom of the pan, to make excellent light-bodied sauces and glazes for your entree, even if you're searing vegetables." Be sure to complement your main dishes with plenty of fresh vegetable and fruit side dishes. They offer a colorful, delicious and healthy way to make a memorable meal. "Summer is the time to take advantage of nature's bounty by working fresh fruits and vegetables into your menu at every turn," Paul Rice says. "At DS, we serve more watermelon, strawberries and fresh fruit salads in the summer, as well as more cold entree salads and sandwiches." "Fresh produce can also make great centerpieces." "A rustic basket filled with seasonal vegetables or fruits and some greenery clipped from a shrub or tree can be as striking as any formal centerpiece," Paul Rice says. "Or try a large, clear, hurricane glass filled with white sand, scattered shells and votive candles for a lovely evening look." Most of all, keep your summer party simple so you're able to enjoy it as much as your guests do. - Back to eNews |
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eNews is a publication of Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota
Copyright © 2006 All Rights Reserved.
Concordia College, 901 8th St S, Moorhead, MN 56562; (218) 299-4000
eNews is a publication of Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota
Copyright © 2006 All Rights Reserved.
Concordia College, 901 8th St S, Moorhead, MN 56562; (218) 299-4000