You’re hosting a party and want to break free from the same old chips, dips, finger sandwiches, and various foods on skewers. Take a bold step forward by wowing your guests with a delicious appetizer from the sea. Here are some great unique seafood recipes for your party.
Mini crab cakes
1 pound jumbo lump crab meat
3 slices white bread
1 tbsp. mayonnaise
1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
2 tsp. Old Bay Seasoning
1 tbsp. fresh chopped parsley
1 large egg
Cookie sheet, lined with parchment paper
Vegetable oil, for frying
Drain crab meat and then squeeze out any excess liquid. Pick through the meat to make sure there are no shell parts. Beat the egg in a separate bowl. Cut crusts off the bread and break into very small pieces. Then add into the bowl with the egg. Mix in the other ingredients and fold together, being careful not to break up the crab meat. Form the mini cakes (about the size of a half dollar) in your hand and set on cookie sheet. When all of the mini crab cakes are formed, put the tray in the refrigerator for 1-24 hours, covered.
Fill a sauté pan with about one inch of oil and heat on medium high until hot, but not smoking. Carefully lay the crab cakes in the pan for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown. You should only turn the cakes one time. Remove to paper towel to drain and then serve. Add a dip of store bought tartar or cocktail sauce or a packaged hollandaise sauce. Serve with plenty of sliced lemon wedges and parsley to decorate the platter.
Shrimp Ceviche in Cucumber Cups
2 English hothouse cucumbers
One half pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
4 limes, juiced
1 tbsp. fresh chopped parsley
1 tbsp. fresh chopped chives
3 tbsp. finely chopped shallot
One fourth cup of chopped red pepper
One fourth cup of finely chopped celery
1 tsp. course sea salt
One fourth tsp. pepper
Cayenne pepper, to taste (optional)
2 tbsp. crème fraiche
Peel cucumbers and cut into one inch thick slices. Try to have about 15-16. Use a melon baller to scoop out the center of the cucumber without puncturing the bottom. Place cucumber cups on a tray until you’re ready to fill and serve them.
In a glass bowl, combine the shrimp with all ingredients except the crème fraiche. Stir well, fully coating the shrimp with the lime juice. The acid in the juice will actually cook the shrimp as it sits in the refrigerator chilling for up to four hours.
Before serving, drain all of the liquid out and mix in the crème fraiche. If that’s not available, you can substitute with sour cream. Place a spoonful of shrimp mixture in each cucumber cup and serve.
Fish Pakora (Indian style)
1 pound filet of white fish (flounder, cod, tilapia), cut into big chunks
Chickpea flour (also called besan or gram)
Half cup finely chopped onion
3 cloves of finely chopped garlic
One fourth tsp. powdered ginger
1 tsp. coriander
1 tsp. garam masala
Chili powder, to taste (optional, depending on level of heat desired)
Salt, to taste
Water, to thicken batter.
Mix everything from chickpeas through salt together. Slowly add water to form a batter the consistency of pancake batter. Dip fish pieces in the batter and deep fry. Remove to paper towel to drain and then serve with riata (yogurt sauce) and warm naan (bread.)
Criss White is a professional writer and foodie. Check out the baby shower food section of My Baby Shower Favors for more party food ideas and also check out these seafood dinner ideas.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Cute Things Babies do that Make Parents Smile
Everything that a baby does is cute and lovable. A little one’s innocence and desire to explore the world are certain to make parents smile and feel proud. Babies are cute when they sleep, giggle, stretch and eat.
You are expecting your first kid and you are probably wondering about some of the most adorable moments you will share with each other. These moments will be countless. Though being a parent signifies serious responsibility, you will also be enjoying every moment of it,
The first year of your baby’s life will be a true pleasure and a period for the two of you to learn more about each other. Your little one will have to explore the world and learn so many new things. Each step your baby takes will make you feel amazing.
If you are looking for some of the cutest baby activities, here is a list. Remember that you will discover many other individual expressions and habits of your baby that will be unique and perfect.
Baby Giggles
Babies have discovered the most amazing ways to smile, giggle and laugh.
These smiles are filled with pleasure, innocence and authenticity. No adult can laugh in the way a baby does.
You will love your baby’s giggles and you will love even more making them happen. As time passes, you will discover some of the things that make your baby laugh – your facial expressions, a dance or a song you sing to your little one before bedtime.
Babies start giggling at a very early age and will keep on doing it. There is nothing more beautiful than the little, shining face.
Sleep
A baby sleeping is the most peaceful and relaxed picture you can imagine. Each day is full of joy and activities. Your little one will need serious rest to get ready for the next big day of exploration.
You will be capable of observing your sleeping baby for hours. Each kid has a special manner of sleeping – some put their arms up, other babies stretch their entire bodies. Watching your baby fall asleep is something truly special.
Talk and Sing
Babies start making sounds very early on. They will mimic you and they will try to get their voice heard.
As soon as babies realize that they can make noises, you will have difficulty getting quite moments. Babies love the sounds of their voices and experimenting with screams, sounds and words.
Little ones have a good sense of rhythm and they may even try to sing before learning how to talk. These will be precious and hilarious experiences for both of you.
Crawl and Learn How to Walk
Each baby has a very unique and special way of crawling. Some little ones will try to get their butts up. Others will use solely their hands.
Baby crawling and walking attempts will also feature among the cutest things that your baby will be doing.
The way in which your baby eats is cute, as well. Baby frowns and special expressions are even more special. Have fun with all aspects of parenthood. Your baby is a miracle and one that you should treasure. All these moments will make you smile and will create some of the best memories you will ever have.
Criss White writes about parties, babies, and other family topics. To check out some unique baby shower themes or to check out some other baby shower ideas, visit Criss's baby shower and party planning website.
You are expecting your first kid and you are probably wondering about some of the most adorable moments you will share with each other. These moments will be countless. Though being a parent signifies serious responsibility, you will also be enjoying every moment of it,
The first year of your baby’s life will be a true pleasure and a period for the two of you to learn more about each other. Your little one will have to explore the world and learn so many new things. Each step your baby takes will make you feel amazing.
If you are looking for some of the cutest baby activities, here is a list. Remember that you will discover many other individual expressions and habits of your baby that will be unique and perfect.
Baby Giggles
Babies have discovered the most amazing ways to smile, giggle and laugh.
These smiles are filled with pleasure, innocence and authenticity. No adult can laugh in the way a baby does.
You will love your baby’s giggles and you will love even more making them happen. As time passes, you will discover some of the things that make your baby laugh – your facial expressions, a dance or a song you sing to your little one before bedtime.
Babies start giggling at a very early age and will keep on doing it. There is nothing more beautiful than the little, shining face.
Sleep
A baby sleeping is the most peaceful and relaxed picture you can imagine. Each day is full of joy and activities. Your little one will need serious rest to get ready for the next big day of exploration.
You will be capable of observing your sleeping baby for hours. Each kid has a special manner of sleeping – some put their arms up, other babies stretch their entire bodies. Watching your baby fall asleep is something truly special.
Talk and Sing
Babies start making sounds very early on. They will mimic you and they will try to get their voice heard.
As soon as babies realize that they can make noises, you will have difficulty getting quite moments. Babies love the sounds of their voices and experimenting with screams, sounds and words.
Little ones have a good sense of rhythm and they may even try to sing before learning how to talk. These will be precious and hilarious experiences for both of you.
Crawl and Learn How to Walk
Each baby has a very unique and special way of crawling. Some little ones will try to get their butts up. Others will use solely their hands.
Baby crawling and walking attempts will also feature among the cutest things that your baby will be doing.
The way in which your baby eats is cute, as well. Baby frowns and special expressions are even more special. Have fun with all aspects of parenthood. Your baby is a miracle and one that you should treasure. All these moments will make you smile and will create some of the best memories you will ever have.
Criss White writes about parties, babies, and other family topics. To check out some unique baby shower themes or to check out some other baby shower ideas, visit Criss's baby shower and party planning website.
Safe Exercises for Each Trimestral Period of Pregnancy
Many pregnant ladies believe wrongly that they can no longer exercise. The truth is that certain fitness routines have been designed especially for the needs of moms-to-be and their bodies. Some exercises improve circulation while others increase the capacity of the lungs. Both breathing and circulation are essential to the health of mom and unborn baby.
Exercises for pregnant ladies need to be less strenuous but certain routines have been developed for each trimester of pregnancy. Learning these exercises and working out on a regular basis can turn into the guarantee for a problem-free and happy pregnancy.
According to doctors, a pregnancy that is uncomplicated demands physical activity. It is very important to see how your body is responding to exercises and to modify anything that makes you feel uncomfortable.
Exercises for the First Trimester of Pregnancy
You need to work out two to three times per week. Try to perform the routine several hours after having a meal.
Learn to monitor your pulse. It should never exceed 130 to 140 beats per minute. To control your breathing and the intensity of the exercise, you should take several stretching breaks during your workout session.
The uterus increases in size during the first trimester of pregnancy. Your body will start adjusting and getting ready to protect and nurture the growing baby.
Exercises during that period should stimulate the work of the cardiovascular system and the lungs.
Aerobic exercises are the ones that target the work of the heart and the lungs. Swimming is one of the best types of sports that you can practice during the first trimester. Refrain from doing it if you are suffering from severe morning sickness, fatigue and general indisposition.
Walking and fast walking are suitable, as well. You can do limited weight lifting to keep muscles fit.
Exercises for the Second Trimester of Pregnancy
Your blood pressure will fluctuate during the second trimester and hormone levels will keep on changing.
During that period, you will begin experiencing bodily changes. Breasts will enlarge and the pelvic inclination will change. These bodily modifications will put strain on the back muscles.
Yoga is very good for the second trimester of pregnancy. Focus on breathing exercises and stretching. Forget about exercises that will have you laying on your back.
Exercises for the Third Trimester of Pregnancy
This period will have the uterus growing even more. The heart is under significant strain and lungs change some of their functioning. The strain on back muscles increases even more.
Third trimester exercises should improve circulation. The intensity of exercises needs to go down.
Yoga remains suitable even for the period before you give birth. Forget about running and weightlifting. Gentle walks can be very beneficial. You should also stretch carefully, without overdoing it.
Remember to stop working out if you feel bad or dizzy all of the sudden. Your health and the health of your baby are certainly more important than fitness. Consult your doctor about the best types of exercises and be cautious each time you work out.
Criss White writes about parties, babies, and pregnancy. To check out some unique baby shower themes or to check out some other baby shower ideas, visit Criss's baby shower and party planning website.
Exercises for pregnant ladies need to be less strenuous but certain routines have been developed for each trimester of pregnancy. Learning these exercises and working out on a regular basis can turn into the guarantee for a problem-free and happy pregnancy.
According to doctors, a pregnancy that is uncomplicated demands physical activity. It is very important to see how your body is responding to exercises and to modify anything that makes you feel uncomfortable.
Exercises for the First Trimester of Pregnancy
You need to work out two to three times per week. Try to perform the routine several hours after having a meal.
Learn to monitor your pulse. It should never exceed 130 to 140 beats per minute. To control your breathing and the intensity of the exercise, you should take several stretching breaks during your workout session.
The uterus increases in size during the first trimester of pregnancy. Your body will start adjusting and getting ready to protect and nurture the growing baby.
Exercises during that period should stimulate the work of the cardiovascular system and the lungs.
Aerobic exercises are the ones that target the work of the heart and the lungs. Swimming is one of the best types of sports that you can practice during the first trimester. Refrain from doing it if you are suffering from severe morning sickness, fatigue and general indisposition.
Walking and fast walking are suitable, as well. You can do limited weight lifting to keep muscles fit.
Exercises for the Second Trimester of Pregnancy
Your blood pressure will fluctuate during the second trimester and hormone levels will keep on changing.
During that period, you will begin experiencing bodily changes. Breasts will enlarge and the pelvic inclination will change. These bodily modifications will put strain on the back muscles.
Yoga is very good for the second trimester of pregnancy. Focus on breathing exercises and stretching. Forget about exercises that will have you laying on your back.
Exercises for the Third Trimester of Pregnancy
This period will have the uterus growing even more. The heart is under significant strain and lungs change some of their functioning. The strain on back muscles increases even more.
Third trimester exercises should improve circulation. The intensity of exercises needs to go down.
Yoga remains suitable even for the period before you give birth. Forget about running and weightlifting. Gentle walks can be very beneficial. You should also stretch carefully, without overdoing it.
Remember to stop working out if you feel bad or dizzy all of the sudden. Your health and the health of your baby are certainly more important than fitness. Consult your doctor about the best types of exercises and be cautious each time you work out.
Criss White writes about parties, babies, and pregnancy. To check out some unique baby shower themes or to check out some other baby shower ideas, visit Criss's baby shower and party planning website.
How to Fix Invitation Typos and Misspellings
Typos and spelling mistakes are always embarrassing. The situation becomes worse if the ugly mistakes appear on the invitation for a special event – a wedding, an anniversary, a birthday party or a shower.
Just imagine getting your beautiful invites. The paper is beautiful and visuals look stunning. You open it and right away you spot a silly typo that spoils the impeccable appearance of your invitation. What can you do in such situations?
Fixing such mistakes could be difficult and expensive. You have several ways to deal with the problem, depending on the seriousness of the mistake and the time when it was spotted.
Sit down and relax before undertaking anything. You will feel angry and embarrassed and you are very likely to make a bad decision. Take some time to think about it and to choose the most appropriate course of action.
Double Check Before Sending
Even if you are certain that your invitation is impeccable, you should examine it at least one more time before sending out.
Very often, you will become so familiar with the appearance and the text of the invitation that you will become incapable of spotting any typo or spelling error. Refrain from looking at it for a day or two. Once you have forgotten about the invitation, take it out and read carefully. You may notice a mistake.
For best results, ask someone else to examine the invitation. People who are seeing it for the first time will be able to notice details that you are no longer paying attention to.
Have the Invitations Reprinted
Spotting a mistake will make you feel very bad. Is it a major one? Does it affect the message and the information that guests will be getting?
If you have sufficient budget and enough time, you should consider reprinting the invitations. The fact is that many guests will not even notice your mistake but you would feel embarrassed, anyways.
Reprinting the invitations is the only certain way to fix typos and misspellings. This option, however, may be too expensive and thus unacceptable.
Provide Guests with Additional Information
Some typos and spelling mistakes are significant enough to change the information you are providing – the date, the venue, the exact hour. Such mistakes will mislead guests. You need to get them corrected.
To make sure that guests are aware of the accurate date and time, give everyone a call. The process will be timely but this is the only certain way to deal with the mistake that has been made.
Forget about It!
A small invitation mistake is something that people will neglect. You should probably carry on with party planning instead of getting panicked and dispirited.
A simple and unimportant mistake can be neglected. Yes, it certainly spoils the perfection that you want to achieve. Still, getting invites reprinted in such instances would be truly unjustified.
Everybody makes mistakes and having one on your invitation will not result into an apocalypse. If the mistake is fixable, do your best to make the corrections. You should otherwise carry on with preparations for your big event.
Criss White writes about parties, babies, and other family topics. To check out some unique baby shower themes or to check out some other baby shower ideas, visit Criss's baby shower and party planning website.
Just imagine getting your beautiful invites. The paper is beautiful and visuals look stunning. You open it and right away you spot a silly typo that spoils the impeccable appearance of your invitation. What can you do in such situations?
Fixing such mistakes could be difficult and expensive. You have several ways to deal with the problem, depending on the seriousness of the mistake and the time when it was spotted.
Sit down and relax before undertaking anything. You will feel angry and embarrassed and you are very likely to make a bad decision. Take some time to think about it and to choose the most appropriate course of action.
Double Check Before Sending
Even if you are certain that your invitation is impeccable, you should examine it at least one more time before sending out.
Very often, you will become so familiar with the appearance and the text of the invitation that you will become incapable of spotting any typo or spelling error. Refrain from looking at it for a day or two. Once you have forgotten about the invitation, take it out and read carefully. You may notice a mistake.
For best results, ask someone else to examine the invitation. People who are seeing it for the first time will be able to notice details that you are no longer paying attention to.
Have the Invitations Reprinted
Spotting a mistake will make you feel very bad. Is it a major one? Does it affect the message and the information that guests will be getting?
If you have sufficient budget and enough time, you should consider reprinting the invitations. The fact is that many guests will not even notice your mistake but you would feel embarrassed, anyways.
Reprinting the invitations is the only certain way to fix typos and misspellings. This option, however, may be too expensive and thus unacceptable.
Provide Guests with Additional Information
Some typos and spelling mistakes are significant enough to change the information you are providing – the date, the venue, the exact hour. Such mistakes will mislead guests. You need to get them corrected.
To make sure that guests are aware of the accurate date and time, give everyone a call. The process will be timely but this is the only certain way to deal with the mistake that has been made.
Forget about It!
A small invitation mistake is something that people will neglect. You should probably carry on with party planning instead of getting panicked and dispirited.
A simple and unimportant mistake can be neglected. Yes, it certainly spoils the perfection that you want to achieve. Still, getting invites reprinted in such instances would be truly unjustified.
Everybody makes mistakes and having one on your invitation will not result into an apocalypse. If the mistake is fixable, do your best to make the corrections. You should otherwise carry on with preparations for your big event.
Criss White writes about parties, babies, and other family topics. To check out some unique baby shower themes or to check out some other baby shower ideas, visit Criss's baby shower and party planning website.
Top Reasons for Having a Family Gathering
Family gathering could be difficult to organize, especially if relatives live in different cities and have lost touch with each other. Often, you may wonder about some good reasons to take the time and contact everyone.
Family gatherings require some planning and you may be uncertain about exercising the effort. Yet, once you get everyone together, you will know that the decision was the right one.
If you are still looking for reasons to organize a family gathering, keep on reading to discover more and to get motivated.
Reestablishing Connections
Do you remember your cousins and all the wonderful childhood memories that you created together? Would not it be fun to see them once again and to bring all these beautiful memories to life?
A family gathering will help you reestablish connections. You will once again get to talk to people that you have not seen in ages. Family gatherings are the best occasions to communicate with each other once again.
It is always pleasant to see people who have been a part of your life but who had to move away for one reason or another. Though such family gatherings cannot happen very frequently, each one will be a certain pleasure.
Getting to Spend Quality Time Together
How often do you get to spend quality time with your dearest ones? Daily chores, worries, work and problems give you no time to just sit down and have a quality conversation.
Family gatherings are great opportunities for relatives to spend quality time together. They can talk about recent developments and the manner in which careers and personal lives have changed.
Getting to Know Relatives You are Less Familiar with
Organizing a larger family gathering could also be a wonderful idea. Such larger parties give distant relatives a chance to get to know each other.
Most probably, you have some relatives who live in a distant part of the country and whom you have not met yet. Why not organize a large reunion? Such meetings can be very beneficial, letting people who are somehow connected learn more about each other.
It will be intriguing to get familiar with your family tree. Contacting everyone, introducing yourself and having the party organized can actually be exceptionally fun.
Relax and Travel
Family gatherings are an excellent chance for people to travel and to take some time away from daily activities and the routine. Use such reunions as an opportunity to have a vacation and to visit some lovely destination that you had always wanted to explore.
Pick a destination that everyone will be able to get to effortlessly. It could even be a place that has some emotional or historic value to the family – a place where ancestors used to live or a location where some vary important family event took place.
Family gatherings are fun. In addition, they come with tremendous emotional charge. You will discover many personal reasons for having a family gathering. It will be pleasant, it will be optimistic and it will make you feel happy and loved.
Family gatherings can be held with only minimal effort being exercised in terms of preparations. If you feel like having one, pull up your sleeves and start calling everyone.
Criss White writes about parties, babies, and other family topics. To get some baby shower recipes or to check out some other baby shower ideas, visit Criss's baby shower and party website.
Family gatherings require some planning and you may be uncertain about exercising the effort. Yet, once you get everyone together, you will know that the decision was the right one.
If you are still looking for reasons to organize a family gathering, keep on reading to discover more and to get motivated.
Reestablishing Connections
Do you remember your cousins and all the wonderful childhood memories that you created together? Would not it be fun to see them once again and to bring all these beautiful memories to life?
A family gathering will help you reestablish connections. You will once again get to talk to people that you have not seen in ages. Family gatherings are the best occasions to communicate with each other once again.
It is always pleasant to see people who have been a part of your life but who had to move away for one reason or another. Though such family gatherings cannot happen very frequently, each one will be a certain pleasure.
Getting to Spend Quality Time Together
How often do you get to spend quality time with your dearest ones? Daily chores, worries, work and problems give you no time to just sit down and have a quality conversation.
Family gatherings are great opportunities for relatives to spend quality time together. They can talk about recent developments and the manner in which careers and personal lives have changed.
Getting to Know Relatives You are Less Familiar with
Organizing a larger family gathering could also be a wonderful idea. Such larger parties give distant relatives a chance to get to know each other.
Most probably, you have some relatives who live in a distant part of the country and whom you have not met yet. Why not organize a large reunion? Such meetings can be very beneficial, letting people who are somehow connected learn more about each other.
It will be intriguing to get familiar with your family tree. Contacting everyone, introducing yourself and having the party organized can actually be exceptionally fun.
Relax and Travel
Family gatherings are an excellent chance for people to travel and to take some time away from daily activities and the routine. Use such reunions as an opportunity to have a vacation and to visit some lovely destination that you had always wanted to explore.
Pick a destination that everyone will be able to get to effortlessly. It could even be a place that has some emotional or historic value to the family – a place where ancestors used to live or a location where some vary important family event took place.
Family gatherings are fun. In addition, they come with tremendous emotional charge. You will discover many personal reasons for having a family gathering. It will be pleasant, it will be optimistic and it will make you feel happy and loved.
Family gatherings can be held with only minimal effort being exercised in terms of preparations. If you feel like having one, pull up your sleeves and start calling everyone.
Criss White writes about parties, babies, and other family topics. To get some baby shower recipes or to check out some other baby shower ideas, visit Criss's baby shower and party website.
3 Gourmet Recipes You can Prepare for Your Party
No matter what kind of party you’re throwing – holiday event, bridal or baby shower – you can wow your guests with your culinary skills. You don’t have to be a graduate of the C.I.A. to make these recipes. All you need is quality ingredients, a little planning ahead, and patience to present a gorgeous plate of food. Here are two delicious entrees and a dessert that will make your party or meal complete.
Paella
One fourth cup olive oil, plus 2 tablespoons
One half cup chorizo sliced into half-inch pieces
Half a large onion, diced
4 cloves of garlic, minced
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
One and a half cups Valencia rice
2 cups chicken broth
One half cup red wine
One half pound mussels
Salt to taste
Bijol powder (found in spice section)
One half pound medium raw shrimp, peeled and de-veined
One half pound clams (littlenecks or cherrystones)
One fourth pound scallops
Meat of 2 lobster tails, reserve shells for garnish
Half cup frozen green peas
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Heat olive oil in a large pan. Sauté chorizo sausage. onions, and garlic and sauté until wilted but not overcooked. Add chicken pieces and sauté for about 15 minutes until brown, but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
In a large pot combine the rice, broth, wine, and mussels. Add salt for flavor and Bijol for color. Stir. Turn on high and bring to boil and cover. Add chicken and chorizo. Cover and simmer on the stove for 30 minutes, until the rice is cooked. Sauté shrimp, clams, scallops, and lobster tails separately in the oil. Remove and keep warm. Fold seafood into the rice mixture. Transfer to a large, flat oven-safe platter to serve. Top with peas. Place in oven for about 5 minutes to heat through. Garnish with lobster shells.
Coq au Vin
1 bottle of red wine (not too sweet, not too dry – a Beaujolais or Pinot Noir works best)
1 cup chicken stock
6-8 boneless chicken thighs
1 cup frozen pearl onions
Half stick of butter
1 lb. fresh mushrooms (cremini, oyster, shitake variety)
6 strips of bacon, chopped
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
2 tbsp. flour or cornstarch
Salt and pepper to taste
Several sprigs of fresh thyme
One medium spaghetti squash
In a large Dutch oven pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and cook frozen pearl onions and mushrooms until they’re tender. Set aside. In the same pot, add chopped bacon pieces and cook down until all fat is rendered and the bacon is crisp, but not burned. Strain bacon out onto paper towel to drain.
Using remaining bacon fat, brown the chicken thighs for about ten minutes on both sides until golden brown on the outside. Salt and pepper as it’s cooking. Add chicken stock, red wine, and thyme and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover and let it cook for 30-45 minutes or until chicken is extremely tender.
In a preheated 425 degree oven, place halved and seeded spaghetti squash skin side up on a baking sheet and roast for 20-30 minutes. Remove and let it cool. Then, with a fork, rake out the squash into a bowl. It will resemble thick spaghetti.
Remove one cup of cooking liquid to separate bowl. Combine flour and two tablespoons of butter together and then whisk into the cooking liquid to form a thick sauce. Pour back into larger pot and stir well to thicken the rest of the sauce. Let it simmer an additional 10-15 minutes. Then add the onions and mushrooms back in and finally the bacon. Serve mixture over a bed of the spaghetti squash.
Nova Scotia Blueberry Buckle
One fourth cup butter
Half cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup flour
Half tsp. baking powder
One third cup milk
2 cups fresh or frozen (thawed) blueberries
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream together sugar and butter and then add egg and mix well. Sift flour, baking powder and salt and then add alternatively with milk and the first mixture. Then, add everything together and stir. Pour into a well-greased square pan. Spread blueberries evenly over the top.
In an a separate bowl, add half a cup sugar, one third cup flour, one half teaspoon cinnamon, and one fourth cup butter. Cut all ingredients together with a fork and then scatter the topping over the blueberries. Bake for 45 minutes to an hour. Serve with gourmet vanilla bean ice cream.
Criss White is a professional writer that writes about food and other party planning topics like baby shower recipes and other baby shower ideas. Criss enjoys hosting parties and cooking when not writing.
Paella
One fourth cup olive oil, plus 2 tablespoons
One half cup chorizo sliced into half-inch pieces
Half a large onion, diced
4 cloves of garlic, minced
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
One and a half cups Valencia rice
2 cups chicken broth
One half cup red wine
One half pound mussels
Salt to taste
Bijol powder (found in spice section)
One half pound medium raw shrimp, peeled and de-veined
One half pound clams (littlenecks or cherrystones)
One fourth pound scallops
Meat of 2 lobster tails, reserve shells for garnish
Half cup frozen green peas
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Heat olive oil in a large pan. Sauté chorizo sausage. onions, and garlic and sauté until wilted but not overcooked. Add chicken pieces and sauté for about 15 minutes until brown, but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
In a large pot combine the rice, broth, wine, and mussels. Add salt for flavor and Bijol for color. Stir. Turn on high and bring to boil and cover. Add chicken and chorizo. Cover and simmer on the stove for 30 minutes, until the rice is cooked. Sauté shrimp, clams, scallops, and lobster tails separately in the oil. Remove and keep warm. Fold seafood into the rice mixture. Transfer to a large, flat oven-safe platter to serve. Top with peas. Place in oven for about 5 minutes to heat through. Garnish with lobster shells.
Coq au Vin
1 bottle of red wine (not too sweet, not too dry – a Beaujolais or Pinot Noir works best)
1 cup chicken stock
6-8 boneless chicken thighs
1 cup frozen pearl onions
Half stick of butter
1 lb. fresh mushrooms (cremini, oyster, shitake variety)
6 strips of bacon, chopped
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
2 tbsp. flour or cornstarch
Salt and pepper to taste
Several sprigs of fresh thyme
One medium spaghetti squash
In a large Dutch oven pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and cook frozen pearl onions and mushrooms until they’re tender. Set aside. In the same pot, add chopped bacon pieces and cook down until all fat is rendered and the bacon is crisp, but not burned. Strain bacon out onto paper towel to drain.
Using remaining bacon fat, brown the chicken thighs for about ten minutes on both sides until golden brown on the outside. Salt and pepper as it’s cooking. Add chicken stock, red wine, and thyme and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover and let it cook for 30-45 minutes or until chicken is extremely tender.
In a preheated 425 degree oven, place halved and seeded spaghetti squash skin side up on a baking sheet and roast for 20-30 minutes. Remove and let it cool. Then, with a fork, rake out the squash into a bowl. It will resemble thick spaghetti.
Remove one cup of cooking liquid to separate bowl. Combine flour and two tablespoons of butter together and then whisk into the cooking liquid to form a thick sauce. Pour back into larger pot and stir well to thicken the rest of the sauce. Let it simmer an additional 10-15 minutes. Then add the onions and mushrooms back in and finally the bacon. Serve mixture over a bed of the spaghetti squash.
Nova Scotia Blueberry Buckle
One fourth cup butter
Half cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup flour
Half tsp. baking powder
One third cup milk
2 cups fresh or frozen (thawed) blueberries
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream together sugar and butter and then add egg and mix well. Sift flour, baking powder and salt and then add alternatively with milk and the first mixture. Then, add everything together and stir. Pour into a well-greased square pan. Spread blueberries evenly over the top.
In an a separate bowl, add half a cup sugar, one third cup flour, one half teaspoon cinnamon, and one fourth cup butter. Cut all ingredients together with a fork and then scatter the topping over the blueberries. Bake for 45 minutes to an hour. Serve with gourmet vanilla bean ice cream.
Criss White is a professional writer that writes about food and other party planning topics like baby shower recipes and other baby shower ideas. Criss enjoys hosting parties and cooking when not writing.
Vegetable Dip Recipes
When hosting a party from a holiday gathering to special birthday to a baby shower, you should always take into account that there will be vegetarians or non-meat eaters in attendance. Being a great host or hostess means being accommodating of all of your guests. So, here are some great vegetable dip recipes to serve to party goers with special dietary needs.
Cucumber Yogurt Dip
1 and one fourth cups plain non-fat yogurt
Three-fourths cup light sour cream
3 cloves of minced garlic
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and chopped (English hothouse cucumbers are best)
1 tbsp. fresh chopped mint
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender and pulse together until well combined. Chill for two hours and then serve with a variety of raw veggies or pita chips.
Dill Dip
8 ounces sour cream
8 ounces mayonnaise
1 tbsp. fresh chopped parsley
Salt, to taste
1 tbsp. fresh chopped dill
Pinch of red pepper flakes, for heat (optional)
Mix all ingredients together until blended well. Use as a dip with raw vegetables, bread sticks, or pretzels.
Kicked Up Dip
1 package of cream cheese
2 tbsp. mayonnaise
1 tsp. of lemon juice
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. favorite seasoning salt
Mix all ingredients together until blended well. Serve with a crudité platter or a variety of crackers from Ritz, Wheat Thins, or Chicken and Biscuit flavor crackers.
Simple Dip
1 package of softened cream cheese
1 jar of red pepper jelly
Place cream cheese bar on a serving dish. Pour red pepper jelly over the top and over the sides in a heaping helping. Serve with Club Crackers for a simple, delicious dip people won’t be able to get enough of.
Spinach Dip
1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained thoroughly
1 package softened cream cheese
One fourth cup finely chopped white onions
3 cloves chopped garlic
Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
Make sure spinach is thawed and free of water. Squeeze small batches of it in your hands, if necessary. Add cream cheese and other ingredients and mix together well. Serve in a hollowed out sourdough bread bowl with bread chunks, raw veggies and/or Triskets.
Easy Queso Dip
1 package of Velveeta
1 can of Rotel
Melt cheese and add Rotel. Stir completely and serve with tortilla chips.
Mushroom Cheese Dip
1 pound sharp cheddar cheese
1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
Melt cheddar cheese over a double boiler. Then add soup and mix thoroughly. Serve warm with tortilla chips or Fritos for one of the most strangely delicious dips ever. These dips are great for casual home use, or parties like birthdays, barbeques, and baby showers.
Criss White is a professional writer that writes about food, babies, and other party planning topics like baby shower cupcakes and other baby shower ideas. Criss enjoys hosting parties and baking when not writing.
Cucumber Yogurt Dip
1 and one fourth cups plain non-fat yogurt
Three-fourths cup light sour cream
3 cloves of minced garlic
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and chopped (English hothouse cucumbers are best)
1 tbsp. fresh chopped mint
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender and pulse together until well combined. Chill for two hours and then serve with a variety of raw veggies or pita chips.
Dill Dip
8 ounces sour cream
8 ounces mayonnaise
1 tbsp. fresh chopped parsley
Salt, to taste
1 tbsp. fresh chopped dill
Pinch of red pepper flakes, for heat (optional)
Mix all ingredients together until blended well. Use as a dip with raw vegetables, bread sticks, or pretzels.
Kicked Up Dip
1 package of cream cheese
2 tbsp. mayonnaise
1 tsp. of lemon juice
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. favorite seasoning salt
Mix all ingredients together until blended well. Serve with a crudité platter or a variety of crackers from Ritz, Wheat Thins, or Chicken and Biscuit flavor crackers.
Simple Dip
1 package of softened cream cheese
1 jar of red pepper jelly
Place cream cheese bar on a serving dish. Pour red pepper jelly over the top and over the sides in a heaping helping. Serve with Club Crackers for a simple, delicious dip people won’t be able to get enough of.
Spinach Dip
1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained thoroughly
1 package softened cream cheese
One fourth cup finely chopped white onions
3 cloves chopped garlic
Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
Make sure spinach is thawed and free of water. Squeeze small batches of it in your hands, if necessary. Add cream cheese and other ingredients and mix together well. Serve in a hollowed out sourdough bread bowl with bread chunks, raw veggies and/or Triskets.
Easy Queso Dip
1 package of Velveeta
1 can of Rotel
Melt cheese and add Rotel. Stir completely and serve with tortilla chips.
Mushroom Cheese Dip
1 pound sharp cheddar cheese
1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
Melt cheddar cheese over a double boiler. Then add soup and mix thoroughly. Serve warm with tortilla chips or Fritos for one of the most strangely delicious dips ever. These dips are great for casual home use, or parties like birthdays, barbeques, and baby showers.
Criss White is a professional writer that writes about food, babies, and other party planning topics like baby shower cupcakes and other baby shower ideas. Criss enjoys hosting parties and baking when not writing.
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