Results for ‘Croutons’

Learning New Party Tricks

Thursday, October 16th, 2008

I have always relied on my dance moves as my go-to party trick. Sometime during the year 1999, Sheri Dahl taught me how to do a decent rendition of Michael Jackson’s Moon Walk. This education became a very useful addition to my adequate dance moves. All I need is a pair of socks, a clean, slick surface and my feet are ready to glide across that dance floor. The “dance floor” has come in many different shapes and sizes—located in kitchens, banquet halls and even the office. It is a sure crowd pleaser. I enjoy amusing friends and family—so it truly has been a fun bond with this distinctive move. A thrilling ride indeed; but it is time to move on. I am ready to add some more mature and varied party tricks to my repertoire.

Here are some new ones I have recently picked up:

5:00pm Saturday night “Let’s have an impromptu dinner with friends.”
Order a pizza (I like Homemade Pizza Co. in Chicago) and make a salad with homemade dressing and croutons.

Balsamic Vinaigrette

olive oil
balsamic vinegar
dijon mustard
sugar
s and p

In an old jam jar mix one part balsamic vinaigrette to three parts olive oil. Add a small spoonful of Dijon mustard and a small spoonful of sugar. Add salt and pepper; shake until mixed, taste and add more ingredients accordingly.

Croutons

crusty fresh bread (French, sourdough, wheat or ciabatta)
olive oil
garlic
s and p

Tear or cut your bread into small bite size pieces. Tearing the bread will make for a classic rustic look—or you can go for precision with a rough chop. Heat a saucepan; add your olive oil and garlic just until aromatic. Add the bread; cook and stir (add more olive oil if needed) until there is a crunch. Season with salt and pepper.

6:30pm Thursday “I forgot, we need to bring a dessert tonight…”

Faux Key Lime Pie
graham cracker piecrust
2 individual key lime yogurts
1 package small carton of heavy whipping cream
lime
Mix the cream and a small spoonful of sugar with your hand mixer until there are stiff peaks. Mix in the yogurts. Add the mixture to the crust and zest the lime for an attractive topping. Store in freezer, but serve just cool.

8:00 Friday “We are in charge of a fun mix drink for game night.”

Spiked Pomegranate Spritzer

1 container Pom juice
2 bottles sparkling water (Perrier or San Pellegrino)
vodka
lemon
ice

In a pitcher, add one part Pom juice to two parts sparkling water. Add in your desired amount of vodka, ice and then squeeze in fresh lemon. Always add 3 to 4 lemon rounds.

**I may be getting older, but just as my Dad can still hop across the dance floor on one leg, my relationship with the Moon Walk is not broken, we’re just seeing others.

I want to know:
What is your party trick? Culinary or not.

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