Leader Enterprise - Dec 4 2013 - Holiday Party Tips & Treats

It's party time! December is known as the month when we spend money left and right. Here's a few ideas and tips to throw a great holiday party and keep your budget in check at the same time. These were shared in an article I read at Foodie Friends Friday's Daily Dish e-zine online.

Invitations: Be creative with your invites and set a theme for your party. To keep up with the style of technology you could send out an E-vite. Make sure you send out your invites at least two weeks in advance. But two important things to remember when putting together you invites: Include a start and end time, and clearly include the type of party you are hosting (cocktail, dinner party, etc...). That way your friends will know what to expect and when the party will end.

Decor: Cheap is the name of the game when hosting a great party, especially if you are inviting a crowd. Tea lights are a fabulous decor piece, and you can place them in small drinking glasses with your choice of Christmas decorations (greenery, ribbon, tree ornaments, etc.). String those white lights around your doorways, windows, or on the buffet table. And don't forget the mistletoe over the doorways.

Music: You'll want to set the mood of your party with some popular Christmas music.   Choose wisely, you don't want to put your guests to sleep. Choose Christmas music that will keep toes tapping. And don't forget, when the music ends and lights come on, hat is usually a good sign to let your guests know that the party is ending.

Snacks: Unless you are planning a full blown meal, your party should start way before dinner time or well after. It is important to offer an assortment of snacks. Everyone loves food at a party. You don't have to slave in the kitchen all day. You could design a self-serve buffet that is overflowing with finger foods.

Tortilla pinwheels with ham/pickle or veggies/cream cheese

Olives and nuts in bowls scattered around the room

Cheese trays mixed with fruit and baguette slices

Homemade Chex Mix or White Christmas Mix

Look Festive Yourself: You are the master of this party, so dress it up. Wear something festive, bright, but elegant to set the mood. Try putting flowers or ribbons in your hair, or wear a festive hat. Your guest will smile right away when you great them at the door.

Don't send your guests away empty handed: Gather some simple party favors to place by the door (a big bowl of candy canes, cookies, or an assortment of both). That way your guests can grab some to put in their pockets on the way out. You might even consider the old fashioned gift swap or secret santa scheme. You would have to include the gift swap idea in your invitations though.

The secret to great entertaining? It doesn't have anything to do with the foods you prepare, the drinks you serve, or the music you play. It's all about being friendly and adding that spice of personalized imagination to each and every little piece of celebration. You should be happy,joyful when your guest come to the door. Don't stress about what you have to offer, stay within your budget and you will have the best party ever. Your guests will want to return. Make your guests feel like they are part of something magical. It is the holiday season, of course.

WHITE CHRISTMAS MIX

1 lb. white chocolate (or vanilla almond bark)
Melt in double boiler or microwave according to directions

Mix together:
3 c. Rice Chex
3 c.  Corn Chex(or combined-6 c. crispix cereal)
3 c. Cheerios
2 c. mini pretzels
2 c. peanuts
1 lg. bag of (holiday) M & M's-plain or peanut, optional. Pour white chocolate over everything and mix well. Let dry and place into gift containers.

PRETZEL PRETTIES

13 oz. bag Rolos (or 6-7 rolls)
1  1# bag tiny twists pretzels
1 bag (holiday) peanut M & M's

Line cookie sheet with foil or parchment paper. Lay out pretzels, place one unwrapped rolo on top of pretzel. Bake at 300 for 5-6 minutes or until chocolate becomes shiny. Take out of oven, place M&M on each one, smashing down rolo. Let cool for 10 minutes, then place entire sheet in fridge or cold room to set for at least 1 hour. This is so great because you can make few or many at a time. A cookie sheet full will make 70-90 treats. May also top with pecan halves instead of M & M's.

I recently made these for a party and they were a real hit.  Be sure to stock up on meatballs when they're on sale. These will be the talk of the party!

CROCKPOT CRANBERRY SAUERKRAUT MEATBALLS

1 (14 ozs) can whole-berry (or jellied) cranberry sauce

1 (14 ozs) can sauerkraut, rinsed and drained well

1 (12 ozs) bottle chili sauce

3/4 c. brown sugar

1 ( 2 #) pkg. frozen fully cooked original meatballs

In 4-qt.slow cooker, combine cranberry sauce, sauerkraut, chili sauce, and brown sugar. Stir in meatballs; cover and cook on low 3-4 hrs. or until heated through. Yield: 5-1/2 dozen delicious meatballs!!

These awesome treats are great for parties because they can be made ahead 1 week if desired. They are chewy, caramel-y bites of YUM that folks will create a fuss over.

DATE BALLS 

1-1/4 sticks (10 Tb) butter

1 c. white sugar

1 (8 ozs.) pkg. dates, chopped(not pre-packaged chopped dates)

3/4 c. finely chopped nuts (we like pecans)

2 c. rice krispies cereal

powdered sugar or coconut flakes  

In skillet over medium heat, combine butter, sugar and dates; cook until thick like jam, stirring often. Remove from heat; stir in nuts and cereal. Allow to cool until you're able to handle them, then roll into walnut-sized balls and drop them into a bowl of powdered sugar or coconut flakes. Roll and store in covered container for up to 2 weeks. Yield: about 20. 

Thought this idea from Reader's Digest was worth sharing: What are the holidays without strings of lights, and what are fresh-out-of-storage cords of lights if not tangled? Grab an empty coffee can and its lid. First, slice the plastic lid of the can with a sharp knife and insert one end of the cord. Then wrap the cord of lights around the can, taping the end to the can to keep everything in place. Before putting on the lid, fill the can with extra bulbs and an extension cord. No tangles, no misplaced accessories.

Christmas Recipes, Tips, and Tricks - Oh my!

As the holidays approach this year, I'm reminded of an interview I gave to my daughter Deb, for her blog The Queen Mommy in 2008.  I thought I'd share that interview here with you - my readers.  Enjoy!

Q: How do you prepare for your holiday activities (calendar, lists, etc.)?

I make notes on a desk calendar for any activities going on from day to day, including cookie baking, cookie exchanges, Christmas concerts, etc.

I keep a pocket file folder in my recipe drawer - I have many - but one I have marked "Holidays". I keep my favorite recipes there so I don't have to dig through all my recipes to try to find a holiday favorite. I also use small photo albums (you know - the inexpensive ones from my local dollar store or walmart) and place recipes from newspaper/magazines in them, and mark each of them with the kind of recipes they contain. I have one marked "Cookies" that I refer to often. Others are 'desserts' '9" X 13" pan desserts' 'snacks and appetizers', etc. etc. I stand these little albums on end so I can easily see the one I'm looking for.

I keep a Christmas Card record book from year to year - that way I can make changes in addresses when needed ( I include the year of change also), and I keep track of to whom I send to, and receive from. Most record books are good for 5-8 years. I keep a list of gifts I give to friends and customers from year to year so I will vary the kitchen 'goodies' I share with them and don't repeat - unless it's one of their favorites, which I record, also.

Q: What shortcuts and time savers do you rely on during your holiday preparations?

As I mentioned previously, I keep a list of recipes written out for review & reference. I try to make every minute count - get up and do something while a commercial comes on TV, and I always make myself lists so I can think of what I need to do next.

One thing I do to keep things moving along in the kitchen, is to keep hot sudsy water in the sink all the time I'm working there, and wash dishes when I have a minute in between things. It helps keep the counter cleared and dishes can dry (use HOT water to rinse) and you can put them away when you have another few minutes.

Sometimes, we just have to prioritize. I do that often during this very busy month. And I have to consider what REALLY needs to be done first - usually, according to the day of the week it needs to be ready. We gotta 'keep the main thing, the main thing'....I always record comments on new recipes - 'excellent'....'rubbery' (just did that today with a sugar free cookie I tried =) If the recipe isn't in a book, and I'm not wild about it, I usually throw it away and keep trying new ones.

Q: What homemade gifts do you like to give? How do you package them?

White Christmas Mix is a really yummy, easy, pretty holiday gift to give. Giving it in the holiday printed zipper-seal bags is nice because you can see how pretty the mix is. Even plain ziploc bags, decorated with curly ribbons is 'fun.'

Pretzel Pretties are fun to make with kids, and make a LOT so giving them away by themselves or along with other goodies is nice. If you can keep from eating them all…

Fruited Oatmeal Mix is a nice gift to give – it’s warm and filling and is a healthier option, too! It can be bagged and tucked into a pretty tin or given in a pretty gift jar.

Q: How do you prepare for last minute party invitations or gift ideas?

I buy things (on sale) throughout the year - candles, books, calendars, Avon, & clearance items I come across. I have two file drawers in my desk with gifts in them, so I can look through and see if I can find anything 'fitting' for the person I desire it for. And I always have something edible made up - even if it's in the freezer.

**RECIPES**

WHITE CHRISTMAS MIX

1 lb. white chocolate (or vanilla almond bark)
Melt in double boiler or microwave according to directions

Mix together:
3 cups Rice Chex
3 cups Corn Chex (or combined - 6 cups crispix cereal)
3 cups Cheerios
2 cups mini pretzels
2 cups peanuts
1 lg. bag of M & M's - plain or peanut (optional) (We love using the holiday mix)

Pour white chocolate over everything and mix well. Let dry and place into gift containers.

PRETZEL PRETTIES

13 oz bag Rolos (or 6-7 rolls)
1 bag tiny twists pretzels
1 bag peanut M & M's - we like to use holiday colored ones

Line cookie sheet with foil or parchment paper. Lay out pretzels, place one unwrapped rolo on top of Pretzel. Bake at 300 for 5 -6 minutes or until chocolate becomes shiny.

Take out of oven, place M&M on each one, smashing down rolo. Let cool for 10 minutes, then place entire sheet in fridge or cold room to set for at least 1 hour. This is so great because you can make few or many at a time. A cookie sheet full will make 70-90 treats. May also top with pecan halves instead of M & M's.

FRUITED OATMEAL MIX

6 cups quick cooking oats
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped dried apples or dried banana chips or any dried diced fruit
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
3 tsps. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. salt

(Yield: 7 cups of mix/two batches - each makes 7 servings of oatmeal)

Directions to include with gift:

For each serving:
1/2 cup fruited oatmeal mix
3/4 cup water

In a deep microwave-safe bowl, combine mix and water. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 45 seconds; stir. Cook 20-30 seconds longer or until bubbly.  Let stand for 1 - 2 minutes.

A healthy gift - I use splenda, splenda brown sugar, and reduced sodium salt....Delicious!