FIRST KITCHEN BLOGS

This past weekend I threw my friends a 'couple's shower' for their upcoming wedding in August.

A couple's shower is a fun alternative to a bridal shower, as it involves both the bride and groom. We still played shower games and had delicious food but it was fun to get the 'men' involved!

Whenever I throw a party, I like to have a theme in mind. I try not to get too crazy or obsessed with the theme but it is a nice way to stay focused throughout the party planning. I decided on a "retro barbque" theme for the party. My friend is having some vintage elements to her wedding,  so I thought it would be a nice tie-in to the big day. Also, since it was a couple's shower and both men and women were attending, it was fun to play with the male/female roles, especially of that time period (let's just say I wore an apron!).

When I went shopping for the party, I hit up a few consignment/thrift stores in the area and that is where the theme exploded! I was able to get all of the prizes for the games (vintage cook books, old schwin bike tire, aprons etc) as well as fun serving dishes and trinkets for decorating from that era. All together, I spent just over $75 for all of the prizes and decorations! There were almost 30 people at the shower, so that was a bargain.

The food was a classic spread from a 1960's back yard barbque. I found a recipe box  (which I later painted and refurbished as my gift to the bride) with classic recipe cards from the 1960's. Jack pot! I was able to use the recipe cards as decoration for the table as well as used some of the recipes to make.

For appetizers:

Bacon wraped waterchestnuts

Deviled eggs

Hawiian meatballs

The spread:

Beer brats and burgers on the grill

Grandma Dot's Potato salad

Colslaw with kiwi

Calico beans

Tuna with noodles

Jello salad suprise

Dessert:

Pineapple upsidedown cake

Classic coconut creme cake

Ice cream

Drinks:

Classic coke and diet coke (in retro bottles with straws)

Fruit punch (served in a punch bowl!)

Iced tea

Coffee

The shower was a success and people really enjoyed the food and their retro gifts! In my next post I will share some of the fun recipes...any in particular you'd like me to share?

Have a great weekend!

Thanksgiving is coming up soon. I’m sure you’ll be going to Mom’s or Grandma’s for the traditional dinner.  Now that you’re a gown up, you too have to bring a dish to share. One thing about Thanksgiving, the menu is already decided for you -- except maybe that vegetable side dish.  So even if you aren’t an experienced chef, you can impress the family with this simple but healthy side dish. 

Holiday Green Beans

Makes 6 servings

4 cups fresh green beans (about 12 ounces)         

1 tablespoon olive oil

¼ cup chopped fresh cranberries

1 ½ teaspoons sugar

2 tablespoons orange juice

2 tablespoon chopped toasted pecans*

Steam green beans 5 to 7 minutes or microwave on high about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally; drain.  Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a small nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add cranberries, sugar and orange juice.  Cook, stirring gently, until cranberries are soft and liquid is syrupy. Stir in chopped nuts and toss mixture with green beans. Serve.

*To toast nuts, bake uncovered in an ungreased shallow pan at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes or until golden brown.

Hint, hint:  While you’re with family, I’m sure there will be discussion about what to get for holiday gifts.  I great stocking stuffer idea for the novice cooks could be our First Kitchen DVD.

Does it seem like you have a million graduation parties to attend? Your cousin from high school, your sister from college, your friend from graduate school or maybe even you!  Graduation is a time of celebration and change and central to every graduation party is the food, which, if you aren’t mindful about how much - can change your figure.  Buffet tables lined with taco bars, dessert trays, foot-long sandwiches, chips, dips and cheeses could make anyone weak in the knees…or should I say mouth.   Don’t worry!  You don’t have to steer clear of the food table…just don’t become it’s best friend! 

Fill up on fun, not food using these simple tips:

-Don’t go to a party hungry…there is no doubt you will eat more than your share and maybe catch a few looks after your 4^th trip down the line.

-Use a small plate.  This will make it look like you have more than you really do.

-Drink ...WATER.  Don’t fill up on alcoholic drinks or soda.  Those both have a lot of calories and can increase the amount of food you consume…use moderation (trust me, you don’t want to start dancing on the buffet table)

-Head for the fruits and vegetables.  Choose dishes such as the grilled vegetables or fresh fruit bowl to go wild, not the tray of brownies.

-Socialize!  The more people you talk to, the less time you’ll have to eat.

Lastly, don’t forget to bring a gift for the hard working graduate.  Everyone appreciates a reward for his or her efforts.  Rather than giving the typical card-with-cash, try something more creative….

The FIRST KITCHEN DVD is a perfect gift for a graduate whether high school, college, or even grad school.  It is a great tool for getting started in the kitchen and learning how to cook tasty, healthy, inexpensive and easy food in the comfort of your own kitchen.  Let the FK team help you make this graduation season easy and rewarding…you may even get invited over for dinner after they’ve watched the First Kitchen DVD.

To order go to: http://www.firstkitchencooks.com/fk-shop.html