Cooking Research - What We're Reading

Revving up the cooking in our test kitchen. Don't know about you, but we like to test-out new recipes without the fate of hungry guests - even family! - hanging over us.

We're lucky to have a great kitchen to cook in - as well as access to some of the world's finest MUST-have cooking tools from Epicurean, Joseph Joseph, and Kyocera through our SavvyHostMarket.  Doing a little homework before entertaining showtime isn't such a chore ;-)

So where are we turning for recipe inspiration?

Kicking off a Health-FULL 2011 with #FNIchat

How's your pantry? Ours still holds remnants of preparing too many batches of holiday cookies, so many snacks for those last-minute drop-in guests, and enough fixings to make a few amazingly over-the-top GoodFood Gatherings...

We're shifting gears now that the new year is in swing.  We're looking at getting back to a more healthy regime in our kitchen and our pantry.

Where to begin?

March is GREAT time to visit Chicago (Why?...Housewares!)

We're not crazy to suggest March is a fantastic time to visit Chicago.

Would you like a clue as to why?

It has ALOT to do with housewares...and our interests in identifying and sourcing the top essentials for a savvy host's entertaining needs.

Take a peek at this event update from The Savvy Host...Sweet Homestyle Chicago...and see if you don't agree!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Come on, 

baby don't you want to go...

Back to that same old place...

Sweet home Chicago.

- The Blues Brothers, lyrics by Robert Johnson

Seasonal Hospitality: Ch. 2 - Cooking with Caitlin (& Bacon!)

This next example of Seasonal Hospitality is a very delicious one indeed!

Do you know this team of fun foodie professionals - Cooking with Caitlin - who we are so pleased to partner with for Foodies' Night In (#FNIchat) every Monday?

If this is your first introduction to this dynamic team of charming culinary creatives, here's how they describe who they are and what they do:

8 entertaining essentials

The Savvy Host believes that entertaining is most simply gathering people together in enjoyable surroundings ~ offering good food & drink ~ to share stories, ideas, & laughter,...life

The Savvy Host’s 8 Entertaining Essentials© will inspire entertaining of all types - dining in or out, gourmet cook or not, large party or intimate dinner.

Packed with creative ideas, budget conscious hints, and time-saving tricks, 8 Entertaining Essentials© can save a little of your sanity - and a few of your hard-earned dollars! Inside you'll find a step-by-step guide with easy-to-use checklists, interesting resource references and recommendations from Savvy Host.

Chatting with Housewife Bliss: Entertaining & Crowd Control

We're back with the very charming Housewife Bliss swapping stories and ideas for holiday entertaining - this time we're sharpening our hosting toolkit to address CROWD CONTROL - aka. Large Group Entertaining.

Discussing Good Food Pantry Essentials with Robyn Webb

Have to introduce you to the delightful and ever-so-savvy Robyn Webb, and her blog, Fabulous Food Finds.

Her creativity in cooking - her knowledge of nutrition - and healthful food preparation - have been a go-to resource for our entertaining.

We have the pleasure of discussing Good Food Pantry Essentials with Robyn today as a featured guest on her blog, Fabulous Food Finds.

Following the wisdom shared by Julia Child, 

you don’t have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces – just good food from fresh ingredients, 

we explore 12 essential pantry items to have on hand to play up the freshest of ingredients, ensuring the mouth-watering success of many Good Food Gatherings.

The Fine Art of Inviting

When you find something truly exceptional, it's a pleasure to shout about it from the treetops!  That's how we felt receiving an Egba PartyBlock invitation a short time ago.  They know the importance of a first impression, and we are thrilled to share the invitation expertise and unique artistry of Egba Originals as a featured guest contributor!  Mark your calendar - Egba will be joining us for "Wine & Cheese" Foodies' Night In (#fni) this Monday, 10/11.


When your party really begins…
You’re planning your signature event!  You have made your lists; you have planned, revised, discarded and rewritten your menu.  Your theme is ingenious and the room is going to be just fabulous.  But when does the party really begin?  When your guests arrive?  Well, not if you have really done your job as planner and host.

Go-To Gifts for the Season | Holiday Workshop

Fusion Lumieres

And what is The Savvy Host offering in the way of holiday entertaining know-how?  Read on...

Go-To Gifts for the Season
Mid-October through early January, there's seldom a few extra minutes to spare.  We always like to be prepared (yes, there is Brownie-turned-Girl-Scout training in our past).  Not that this happens regularly enough - no we're not THAT good - but isn't it an alluring concept?

With so many dinner parties, cocktail events, family gatherings and holiday merrymaking, it is hard enough to coordinate schedules, hosting details, and sassy attire!!  Often overlooked - and then a source of discomfort - is how best to prepare for unexpected or last-minute gift-giving needs.

This is not a lesson in the etiquette of gift-giving (see Don't Forget a Gift for the Host!).  Instead, we offering our list of Go-To Gifts to keep on hand to ensure that WHEN (never IF unfortunately) you unexpectedly need "a little something", YOU are PREPARED with an appropriate gift for the host, teacher's gift, special co-coworker, Secret Santa, ... remember last year?

Six Go-To Gifts - along with savvy tips to help budget while you stock up -  can be pulled together whether your budget is $100 or $15.

Save yourself a little bit of frantic this season - keep a few tucked away in a "gift closet" (or pantry - or guest room...)

AND, the best way to make any gift a true success is to customize...even just a little bit.  MAKE IT SPECIAL with special accents or pairings to create an interesting, tailored gift-set.  Highlights the savvy-ness of the giver.  Brings an appreciative smile to face of the giftee. Take a look...

1. Wine

An ever-traditional host or thank-you gift.  Red, white, pink or SPARKLING champagne, we always enjoy receiving a special selection to enjoy around the holidays.

Napa Vines Spreaders

SAVVY TIP - Now's the time to watch the store specials to find an extra-special VALUE you'll be proud to share.  Buy a set of 6 or more and often you'll save an additional 10%!!


MAKE IT SPECIAL - Feeling festive? Add an ornament or other seasonal decoration tied around the neck with holiday ribbon.  Prefer functional? Wine charms, champagne stoppers, or other specialty wine tools add a little something extra.

2. Spreaders
Ever-so-useful for any entertaining occasion!  We love the diversity of styles, colors and shapes of cheese and other spreaders.  Use for spreadable hors d'oeuvres or to pass with the butter or to serve certain condiments at the table. 

SAVVY TIP - Often packaged as a set of four, look for sets that you can break into pairs, perfectly appropriate to have on-hand for a Go-To Gift (and allows you a little budget to make it special!)

MAKE IT SPECIAL -  Add a specialty mustard - preserves - or even jam to a package with two spreaders for a unique pairing.  Trader Joe's, iGourmet and Gourmet Delights are all offering wonderful gourmet additions to fit any budget.

3. Salt Server or Condiment Bowls
Something a little elegant, we love the trend to serve fine sea salt, or other specialty condiments, from specialty serving dishes.  Salt pigs, salt servers or specialty condiment bowls are a unique gift - often made of stone or olive wood.


SAVVY TIP - Keep your eye out for those servers and bowls that include a matching spoon. Typically at no additional cost, the tiny spoon is quite a value-add!

MAKE IT SPECIAL - As a starter, complete the set by adding a package of Fleur de Sel. Or specialty salt - we love Secret Stash Salt's Lavendar Rosemary and Bloody Mary Salt.  Or, consider adding another favorite - Truffle Salt.

4. Specialty Serveware
A special serving pair - soup spoons - cheese knives - or pasta tongs - elegantly boxed and tied with a festive bow, will fit the Go-To Gift occasion (whatever that may be!). 

High-Heel Cake Server

SAVVY TIP - Keep your eye out for serveware items already pre-packaged in box, saving you the trouble of trying to box and wrap.

MAKE IT SPECIAL - There are so many unique serveware items - consider investing in a decor theme that is meaningful to you in some way - or buy a few MUST-haves that you wouldn't mind having at your entertaining disposal.  Need a really creative idea under $20?  High-Heel Cake Servers (see left) never miss the mark in Decadent Diva - Gourmet Glam and so many other styles.  Also love gourmet cooking MUST-haves including NexTrend Garlic Twist Mincer and Sous Chef.

5. Tea/Coffee Service
A tin of gourmet tea or package of specialty coffee beans are an energizing treat! Added to a special cup & saucer, or demitasse set - this will forever be an afternoon break in your honor. 
SAVVY TIP - Buy a special roast or leaf in bulk - and then package in smaller portions for your Go-To Gifts.  Similarly, find a set of tea cups or mugs - and package individually or in pairs!


MAKE IT SPECIAL - There are so many new shapes, sizes and styles of coffee and tea service - seek out unique demitasse cup sets or glass coffee cups that work for both coffee and tea.  Design conscious pieces will pair well with a small portion of specialty tea or coffee to make a wonderful impression.  Take it up a notch by adding flavored sugar spoons.

Rondo Cappuccino and Espresso Sets

6. Votives & Candleholders
Hard to go wrong with a lovely glass or crystal votive or decorative candleholder.  Opt for something seasonal if you like or stick with an all-occasion style – be it contemporary, traditional or glitzy.  Perfect decorative element for dining décor - for the powder room - or bedside, your recipient will enjoy this special touch.  We find beautiful options at a full range of budget pricing.


SAVVY TIP - There are enormous savings to be had in buying sets of the candles in bulk - and then being generous enough to include more than one candle with your gift!


MAKE IT SPECIAL - If you are crafty (we're not), creating custom candleholders is a way to make it personal and unique - often on a very limited budget!  We rely on Martha Stewart for these types of how-tos. Another way is to include specialty candles. We love Oak Forest Designs festive square glitter tapers or the unique soy-based scents from Colette Candles. Another alternative is Bright Endeavors – beautiful candles that offer a special chance to support a great cause!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

May you remember to give as you would receive, cheerfully, quickly, and without hesitation; for there is no grace in a benefit that sticks to the fingers. ~ Seneca

We are thrilled to be part of this season's Holiday Workshop hosted by the ever-charming Housewife Bliss!  Drop in to pick up all you need to know to prepare for the holidays from some these favorite savvy resources!!

2010 Holiday Workshop - 10/6 Sessions

• Mindy Lockard Tips for Holiday Tipping
• Pemberley Collections The front door: Make a statement
• The Entertaining House
• Lily Lemon Tree Cracking the Code: The Blissful Guide to Dress Codes for Holiday Parties and otherwise...
• AB Home Interiors Holiday Survival Guide- 5 tips for effortless decorating
• Tatertots and Jello  Creating inexpensive and beautiful feminine gifts
• Lucky Life Parties Invitations 
• The Daily Basics Plan Ahead Hand-Made Gifts
• Housewife Bliss Planning the perfect gathering

Mark your calendar to check back next week to gather the insights from our fellow Holiday Workshop participants! 

Back to Basics | Abby Dodge Shares Dessert Magic in 4 Ingredients

Desserts 4 Today ($17.95, 188 pages)

Wow! Take a look at that photo. Are you salivating?...if not yet, we promise you WILL be ;-)

We have been test-driving the simple, yet ever-so-delicious ideas from Abigail Johnson Dodge in her latest culinary creation, Desserts 4 Today.

And we're ready to RAVE about her recipes.

First, an admission.  From the albeit limited virtual interactions we've had, we already find Abby to be a savvy host in her own right.  She's approachable and engaging. She's enthusiastic and willing to share secrets to success from her kitchen.  Her motto? Baking the world a better place one recipe at a time. (And, we ask you...so far...what's not to like?)

Eggplant. Scorpacciata. GodBlessYou. Good Food Gatherings (Menus #18-#20)

Scorpacciata.

Don’t get offended – we didn’t just invoke some old Sicilian curse.  As we learned from friends at Eatocracy – and as Chef Mario spoke of today on CNN - scorpacciata refers to consuming large amounts of a particular local ingredient while it's in season. (Jill Billante, Scorpacciata – Farm Stands, Eatocracy). 

Enjoying a visit with Housewife Bliss...

Had to share what a fantastic time we're having getting better acquainted with lovely and charming Housewife Bliss.  If you don't know her already, she's a definite GO-TO for the finer points of nesting & the delights of a modern traditionalist housewife.

We're spending time with dear Mrs. Bliss this month (and each month through the holiday season) to plan together our approach for Fall Entertaining.  She's dubbed this "The Savvy Host Series".  We're thrilled!  Our first feature is Stress Free Fall Entertaining & a Giveaway.

To help fellow hosts along in September, we've focused on Fall Entertaining: Checklist for a savvy host...over a dozen items we're suggesting you might want to "squirrel away" to be prepared for whatever this entertaining season may bring your way...

AND...this month only there is a special giveaway to get help you along with your entertaining creativity.  You'll just have to wander over there to get the full story ;-)

Happy (Fall) Entertaining!

Snack Attack? Break with us at Foodies Night In (8/16)

It's been a long MONDAY already...just enough time to share our inclination to take a munchie break with you - our fellow foodies - this afternoon at Foodies' Night In.  We celebrating foodie fun with a Snack Attack for #fni today at 3pCT/4pET!

From treats to power bites to mid-morning munchies, we’re talking snacks, snacks, snacks.  Think you can handle it? Crunch away and join us ;-) 

Our special sponsor today is newcomer, Nuts About Granola.

Nuts About Granola is dedicated to providing fresh, wholesome, natural granola, from local ingredients to satisfy your hunger. We offer unique flavors, handmade in small batches and served fresh from the oven. This unique treat can be found in our beloved café or through our many outlets. Our simple recipes are full of flavor and made with love. We are truly nuts about granola.

Our emphasis is on building a local, sustainable economy. We support our local community by sourcing local ingredients, sponsoring local events and donating to local charities. We take pride in our affiliation Buy Fresh, Buy Local and the Susquehanna Sustainable Business Network. We only sell to independent retails with an emphasis on Farmer’s Market to encourage our customers to buy even more local products.

"Sterling Cooper and You” How to Throw a 1960s Mad Men Inspired Party

We have the great pleasure of introducing a very special guest contributor.  Embodying the perfect mix of class, savvy & sass, Auntie Carrie's Speakeasy offers a spot-on perspective about entertaining.  Read on to enjoy her take on the quintessential 1960s "Mad Men" themed party.

Unless you are like Auntie and I, who run our own Speak Easy, (no address given. So please don’t ask), the theme of 1920s is so done. But what’s sexy right now? An equally inebriating decade: the 1960s. Throwing a 1960s Mad Men themed party will make you the talk of the town. This is how Auntie Carrie’s Speak Easy would do it: Of course, our simple “How to a Throw Party” rules apply.

1. The Classic Cocktail: Familiarize yourself with the drinks of the times. Unless you have a head for bartending, just learn how to make three Classics (proportions courtesy of Drinks Mixer. We would suggest a Martini, Tom Collins and a Manhattan. The Mad Men Site has a wonderful collection of drinks from the period. However, I take issue with their listing vodka as the primary ingredient in the Martini. Do have vodka as an option but do be prepared to make a classic Martini. Also, make sure to have a healthy supply of scotch, champagne, garnishes (cherries, lemons, straws, umbrellas, plastic monkeys) and a top notch looking bar.

Martini

75ml (or approx 2+ 1/2 oz) Gin

15ml (or approx 1/4 oz) Dry Vermouth

1 green olive OR a twist of lemon peel

Tom Collins

2 oz gin

1 oz lemon juice

1 tsp superfine sugar

3 oz club soda

1 maraschino cherry

1 slice orange

Manhattan

3/4 oz sweet vermouth

2 1/2 oz bourbon whiskey

1 dash Angostura® bitters

1 maraschino cherry

1 twist orange peel

2. Party Punch.We believe every party should have a signature drink. Sometimes your friends have no idea what they want. Why waste time deciding when they should be drinking? We suggest a Brandy Punch:

A Year of Celebrations (& a Giveaway)

September - Back to School

How lucky we are to have discovered the amazing celebration and party ideas available through PurpleTrail!

Talk about a key resource for a savvy host - PurpleTrail is a one-stop-shop for not only party details such as online invitations, printed cards, photo albums...but also a creative cornerstone for occasions to entertain with their holiday ideas, party basics, invitations wording ideas, and other celebration details!

We are thrilled to feature a FULL YEAR of celebration ideas that PurpleTrail shared with us as part of our series of Savvy Experts to rely on for your entertaining. Don't miss the very special PurpleTrail GIVEAWAY offering 3 prizes to our lucky readers.  So many reasons to celebrate!

August - Camping

We all know the major holidays to celebrate, but what about all those days in between?  Life is full of reasons to celebrate.  Even if there isn’t a holiday in sight, there is always a reason to gather with the ones you love.  In fact, at PurpleTrail, we think there are at least 12 reasons to celebrate every year outside of the holidays.  Starting now - this month - get inspired by these celebration ideas.

What's a savvy host to do about Double-Dipping?

Continuing to share some of the best, brightest & most creative resources for entertaining - and overall savvy perspectives - let's introduce Saucy Dipper, an expert in Hosting your Own Dip Party, who's bringing some focus to an issue of etiquette (and guest health ;-) - asking "What's a savvy host to do?".

The human mouth has somewhere between 10 to 50 billion bacteria hiding out (source NPR), which includes up to 100 different species of bacteria. Some bacteria protects you mouth and health, but the bad bacteria—the kind that will rot your teeth or cause illness—is swimming around in there, too.

This kind of information is not necessarily useful to the average person, except when you are a savvy host and have 12 mouths to consider at your dinner party. The truth is that you don’t know what’s happening inside your fellow party-goer’s mouth, and this is cause for a strong stance against double dipping. In case you don’t know, double dipping is the practice of dipping a single chip or single veggie into a bowl of dip more than once.

In 2008, Clemson University published a report in the Journal of Food Safety that was inspired by a Seinfeld episode. In the episode, “The Implant,” Timmy, an incensed party goer, becomes enraged with George Costanza saying: “That’s like putting your whole mouth right in the dip!”

Serving up Bread & Sandwiches at Foodies' Night In

It's SANDWICH NIGHT at Foodies Night In (#fni) today, and are we ready to share so many different things you can do with bread, cheese, meat, veggies and condiments...with our sponsor, Kitchen Monki, you KNOW it's gonna' get a little crazy in the kitchen!

Do you know Kitchen Monki?

We raved about them in Monki-ing around is good for entertaining.  Kitchen Monki is THE Storage Unit and Power Organizer for all your recipes.  Similar to how iTunes organizes music, Kitchen Monki can catalog, sort and search personal recipes. Members can also use Kitchen Monki’s seamless integration with Facebook and Twitter to share recipes—or its convenient mobile application to have their shopping list delivered to their phone. Follow them on Twitter - @KitchenMonki.

Guest experts this week adding some meat & cheese between slices fo #fni fun include:
@kendurbin - sharing his perspective from training at The Midwest Culinary Institute.

Safari Plates - Zebra

@daisymaesmarket - an entrepreneurial market with a fresh approach to fresh produce.
@alouttecheese - with the motto "Slow Down & Savour", a favorite spread to class up our sandwiches!

Eco-Entertaining: How Green is Your Coffee?

Introducing a very special guest contributor in the Savvy Experts in Entertaining series - Christopher Burke of Morning Glory Coffee & Tea Inc.  A savvy host or hostess understands the important role that coffee or tea plays in capping off an exceptional gathering.  


The Savvy Host is a big fan of the coffee and tea traditions supported by Morning Glory Coffee & Tea and proud to share this interesting perspective.

Specialty, gourmet, single origin, organic, shade friendly, fair-trade, the list seems to be endless, but where do the coffees we love, actually come from.


A new shipment of green (unroasted) coffee arrived at our location in West Yellowstone, Montana yesterday. Receiving a shipment always seems tantamount to a miracle considering the distance and intensive labor it takes to grow, process, cup, grade and ship coffee. Almost every day and especially days when we receive a shipment of coffee, I will be asked the same simple (with a complicated answer) question. “Where do you get your coffee?” I am sure that every coffee roasting company in the world will at some point be asked this question. 

Initially, I will smile and say “from around the world” hoping that this will suffice and the questioner will enjoy a cup or purchase a bag and move on. Unfortunately this is not the answer that most people are seeking and I then must do my best to shrink the entire coffee industry from tree to cup into a few sentences that will most certainly not do it justice and at the same time confuse and confound my customer. So having said that, I will now try and explain where we get our coffee without getting into too much trouble.

Don't miss Foodie's Night In - We're Fine Cooking at Home!!

Today is going to be such a DELICIOUS day...and could be a very LUCKY one for you!!

We've got a full roster of Fine Cooking editorial expertise lined up to join us for today's Foodies Night In (#fni)!  If you missed Editor Laurie Buckle on What's Hot Radio hosted by Cooking with Caitlin, here's a second chance to get to know a creative force behind Fine Cooking.  What a huge treat!

Here's the full line-up of experts ready to help all savvy hosts and fellow foodies with our fine cooking at home interests, issues and questions:

~ @finecooking and @FC_Laurie - the epicurean editorial team of Fine Cooking including @FC_Laurie @FC_Lisa @FC_Juli @evanbarbour and others!
~ @DorieGreenspan - author of Around My French Table
~ @AbbyDodge - author of Desserts 4 Today
~ @MaitreFromager - Max McCalman, author of Mastering Cheese: Lessons for Conoisseurship from a Maitre Fromager
~ @midwestculinary - The Midwest Culinary Institute
~ @foodandstyle - culinary creative Viviane Bauquet Farre of Food & Style

AND, if that's not enough to get your mouth watering, Kitchen Aid is joining the party with a fantastic PRIZE for the giveaway...keep reading!!

Good Food Gatherings (Menu #12 - #14)

Some new plans for Good Food Gatherings in the works that we wanted to share.

Don't know about Good Food Gatherings?  This is entertaining at it's most basic - providing #goodfood, offering something to wet the whistle, but most importantly, allowing the time to share laughs, ideas, stories and life with those who have joined at our table. For this type of entertaining, we look for those recipes that emphasize fresh, seasonal ingredients - straightforward preparation - and interesting flavor combinations from different cuisines.  Take a peek at prior posts listing Menus #1-#11 for past examples.