Tailgate Couture
What says "Fourth of July" like a backyard BBQ? We have all been there, right? Ketchup stained tablecloths, Dad donning the dreaded "Kiss the Cook" apron and the epic battle of who pitched the potato salad.Here are some items and ideas to add a bit of sophistication to this weekend's gathering...
GREET WITH A SIGNATURE
Signatures are usually left until the end, right? Not in this case. Greet your guests with a one-of-a-kind signature drink. It will set an awesome tone for the rest of the party. Shop your local farmer's market for in-season fruits and or herbs. A ginger and seasonal berry combination is always a great starting point.
D.I.Y DESSERT
Event menus worldwide are becoming more interactive! With two coffee cans, ice and ice cream base your guests can interactively prepare dessert. Check out the recipe. Somethings taste THAT much better with teamwork. This also doubles as a great "keep-them-busy" activity for children!
NATURE'S CURE
Ahhh the dreaded bug zappers and the industrial citronella candles (no matter how you swing it they never smell pleasant). Surprise, fresh Basil is a natural bug repellent! I would suggest garnishing food stations, buffet tables and even bars. Not only can you keep your event space mosquito free, post-event the basil can be made into a pesto and paired with left over chicken breast.
CLASSIC HITS
Popcorn is an undeniable classic. Keep the presentation organic and kids and adults alike will graze for hours. Yes, the buttery classic may be a favorite but throw out a wow and try gourmet blends (add simple baggies and tie ribbons and you have yourself a souvenir for guests). The below Cinnamon Redhot is awesome!
Carmel Corn
Ingredients
Cinnamon Redhot Popcorn
Ingredients
10 cups of air-popped popcorn (1/2 cup unpopped)
1 1/2 cups (7 ozs.) coarsely chopped pecans
3/4 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cups packed light brown sugar
1/2 cups light corn syrup
3 tablespoon pepper sauce
2 tablespoon honey
6 tablespoon (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into thin pats
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Place popcorn and pecans in 5-quart ovenproof bowl or Dutch oven. Bake 15 minutes.
Combine sugars, corn syrup, pepper sauce and honey in 2-quart saucepan. Bring to a full boil over medium-high heat, stirring just until sugars dissolve. Boil about 6 to 8 minutes or until soft-crack stage (290 degrees on candy thermometer). Do not stir. Remove from heat. Gradually add butter and cinnamon to sugar mixture, stirring gently until well blended. Pour over popcorn, tossing to coat evenly. Spread popcorn mixture on greased baking sheets, using two forks. Cool completely. Break into bite-size pieces.
1 1/2 cups (7 ozs.) coarsely chopped pecans
3/4 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cups packed light brown sugar
1/2 cups light corn syrup
3 tablespoon pepper sauce
2 tablespoon honey
6 tablespoon (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into thin pats
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Place popcorn and pecans in 5-quart ovenproof bowl or Dutch oven. Bake 15 minutes.
Combine sugars, corn syrup, pepper sauce and honey in 2-quart saucepan. Bring to a full boil over medium-high heat, stirring just until sugars dissolve. Boil about 6 to 8 minutes or until soft-crack stage (290 degrees on candy thermometer). Do not stir. Remove from heat. Gradually add butter and cinnamon to sugar mixture, stirring gently until well blended. Pour over popcorn, tossing to coat evenly. Spread popcorn mixture on greased baking sheets, using two forks. Cool completely. Break into bite-size pieces.
SAY CHEESE, PLEASE
Processed & cubed cheeses make me cringe. Put out international cheeses and have guests experiment with different textures. The presentation screams "I'm a total foodie". Some of my favorites are Belgium's aged Gouda for its honeyed aroma and Italy's Fontina. Another idea? Try rolling goat cheese and dried cranberries into a ball and hitting with fresh ground pepper. Trust me, it's delicious.
TAKE THE PLUNGE
These unique (and yes, feminine) floral centerpieces can take the summer heat and will not wilt or droop. Simply take your favorite florals and place them in the vase of your choice. You can even go "old school" and use a mason jar for a country chic look. Fill the chosen vessel with water and viola! Even dudes can pull this one off and make aunt Betty jealous.
Happy Fourth of July!!! I hope everyone has a safe weekend!!!
Comments