We’re living in a different economy—eating out is getting more expensive for families and entertaining is becoming extinct. So let’s not lose what’s important—spending time with your family and friends. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune when you throw together a dinner party. Keep it simple and remember that they want to see and visit with you. If you spend the entire evening in the kitchen, then you defeat the reason for having them over in the first place. So let go of the 10-course meal mentality and enjoy yourself.
If your schedule won’t allow complicated recipes, find another path. (You get the idea.) If you have no time, try “toss-it-in” dishes. Start with basic pasta or salad, and turn up the “wow factor” with just a few party-ready ingredients like fresh Parmesan cheese, your own signature spices, fresh herbs, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts or anything else you think of. They’ll turn the blandest of bases into the most fabulous of dishes.
The key to serving any meal is presentation. Serve your meal on that hardly used good china you’ve been saving. While there’s definitely a place in the world for paper plates, I’m saying dust off that china, wipe the year-old fingerprints off your crystal, and make them part of your everyday life. You’re the special guest, and you deserve to treat yourself.
Oh yes, you can pull off an elegant dinner party! Let go of socially imposed performance anxiety. Turn entertaining into something fun, and you’ll do it more often. Gather around the table, kick back, relax and take the time to create your own traditions. It’s easy to impress your family and guests with less money and time.
Ravioli with Butter Sage Sauce
Yields four servings
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
1 stick butter
6 fresh sage leaves
1⁄2 teaspoon minced garlic
Sea salt (to taste)
Ground pepper (to taste)
Fresh, store-bought ravioli of your choice
Fresh Parmesan cheese
Directions:
Cook ravioli according to package directions. Roughly chop sage and combine with the butter, garlic, salt and pepper in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave on high for two minutes. Immediately pour over raviolis. Toss a sprig of fresh sage leaf on top, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese and “buon appetito!”
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