(ARA) - A family reunion can be one of your extended family's most memorable shared experiences, providing new family stories and deepening bonds for years to come. If you are in the coordinator's seat, it can also be a daunting amount of work.
With advice from the experts on planning, delegation and -- the centerpiece of any family gathering -- food and drink, it can be easier. Here are some tips to help make your reunion a family affair to remember -- fondly.
21st century planning aids
While you should still plan to use snail mail and phone for invitations and follow-up, especially for family members who aren't online, the Internet provides a wealth of resources to make planning a family reunion easier and more interactive. Edith Wagner, founder and editor of Reunions magazine, recommends taking advantage of online tools. "Reunion websites can keep everyone posted with dates, photos, updates and more. These are a great way to get everyone excited and anticipating the big day, as well as to organize folks to help with planning," says Wagner. Many sites are free. A few options to check out are familyreunion.com, familydetails.com, and myevent.com.
Food: delegate, delegate, delegate
Potlucks are a wonderful and cost-effective way to engage guests, divide the work load and make your reunion a true bonding experience. Organize the potluck menu by category (appetizers, main courses, sides and desserts) and delegate preparation, encouraging guests to make recipes from popular family recipes where possible.
The website Epicurious.com offers a complete guide to hosting a family reunion including potluck planning and even allows you to create an online recipe box for sharing recipes with family and friends. Sample potluck tips include outlining a menu and assigning guests specific dishes and quantities; instead of asking for an appetizer, be specific: ask for 20 deviled eggs, for example. This prevents multiple people from bringing the same item or having too little or too much food.
Also, be sure to ask family members on special or restricted diets to prepare items they can eat. Take the event space into consideration, letting people know in advance if they will have access to a stove top or oven so they can plan accordingly.
Wine
How do you choose wines that pair with a wide variety of cuisines? John Concannon, fourth generation vintner, recommends medium to full-bodied, food-friendly wines like Concannon's Glen Ellen Petite Sirah.
"This is an elegant wine with aromas and flavors of black cherry and plum and a hint of spice with a smooth, silky finish," Concannon says. "It pairs well with beef, lamb, game, sausages or your favorite stew. The Ellen Rowe Concannon house pictured on the wine label honors my grandmother, who always welcomed family, friends and guests."
For large special occasion gatherings, magnums are a wise option -- the large format bottle makes a great centerpiece on the potluck table and serves about 10 glasses per bottle, about twice as much as a standard wine bottle.
You can hold a family reunion on almost any budget, but with a little extra help, you could create a truly memorable occasion that brings families together and appeals to all ages. The Concannon family is offering a $20,000 prize to help one lucky winner celebrate the people who matter most to all of us: family. Get more information and enter online for the family reunion of your dreams at www.concannonvineyard.com.
If you're looking for something to add to the potluck, Heartland Lamb Stew is a great option for pleasing a large group. Paired with Concannon's Glen Ellen Petite Sirah, it makes an elegant main dish at a reunion.
Heartland Lamb Stew
Recipe credit: The American Lamb Board
Serves 8
Ingredients:
1 to 1-1/2 pounds American lamb shoulder, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
2 medium onions, quartered
1 can (16 ounces) whole tomatoes and juice
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves or 3/4 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves, crushed
1 small bay leaf, crushed
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 cups water
2-3 tablespoons Glen Ellen Petite Sirah
6 medium potatoes, quartered
3 carrots, cut in thick slices
6 medium turnips, quartered
1 package (10 ounces) frozen green beans
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350F. In ovenproof pan with cover, brown lamb cubes in oil. Drain drippings. In small bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt and pepper. Sprinkle over lamb; mix well. Stir in onion, tomatoes, garlic, rosemary, bay leaf, cloves, wine and water. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Add potatoes, carrots and turnips. Bake,covered, another 30 minutes. Add beans and bake 30 minutes longer, or until meat and vegetables are tender.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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Showing posts with label potluck. Show all posts
Showing posts with label potluck. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Make summer super with potluck-perfect recipes
(ARA) - From block parties to backyard barbecues, summer is when people get together and enjoy the delectable tastes of the season. The classic American potluck is always a favorite gathering, especially when friends, family and neighbors bring out their best dishes for everyone to enjoy.
The perfect recipes for summer parties are ones that are quick and easy - providing maximum flavor for minimum time spent in the kitchen. When it comes to cooking for a crowd, go with something that will reliably get rave reviews, while keeping in mind whom you're cooking for. If it's a crowd with a more sophisticated palate, you can try something a little more adventurous. If it is a group with notoriously picky kids, go a little more mild with kid-pleasing classics. If it's a big enough crowd, you might even want to try both.
It's always a great idea to take a healthful approach to whatever you bring to the table. Whether you're bringing a main course, a side, or a dessert, there are plenty of healthy recipes to choose from. Wherever you can, opt for ingredients like fresh vegetables and fresh or dried fruit. Raisins, in particular, are a wise choice to add flavor and good nutrition to all kinds of dishes. They are fat- and cholesterol-free, and contain antioxidants and fiber - good-for-you qualities that can healthfully enhance any dish.
Try incorporating plump California raisins into a more exotic dish like couscous salad along with fennel, garbanzo beans and chopped fresh cilantro for a subtly sweet-and-savory combination. Or, add them as an extra pop of sweetness to miniature apple tartlets - a party-perfect version of classic American apple pie. To get more ideas and inspirations for delicious raisin recipes, visit www.LoveYourRaisins.com.
All-American Raisin Apple Tartlets
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes total
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons heart-healthy buttery spread
4 medium green apples, peeled and sliced
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup California raisins
18 sheets phyllo dough
Butter flavor cooking spray
9 tablespoons shredded low-fat sharp Cheddar
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 F and spray 12 cupcake tins with nonstick cooking spray. Melt buttery spread in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in apples and cook, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes. Stir in brown sugar and cinnamon and cook for a minute more; add raisins and set aside.
Meanwhile, lay one sheet of phyllo on a cutting board; keep remaining covered with a damp towel to prevent drying. Spray sheet with cooking spray. Repeat with five more sheets, sprinkling 3 tablespoons cheese in under the last layer; press firmly to keep cheese in dough. Assemble 2 more stacks. Cut each stack in half crosswise to make 6 pieces; then, cut each piece lengthwise into 6 strips for a total of 36 strips. Center and press 3 strips into each tin, letting the dough extend over the top by about 1/2-inch. Divide and spoon fruit mixture in centers. Bake for 10 minutes, until lightly browned; then, tent loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes more, until done.
Makes 12 small desserts
California Raisin Couscous with Vegetables
Ingredients:
1 box couscous, plain
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 pint red pear or cherry tomatoes, cut in half
2 heads fennel, bulb only, small dice
1 English or hothouse cucumber, peeled, seeded and small dice
1/2 red onion, peeled, small dice
1 cup California golden raisins
2 bunches Italian flat leaf parsley, picked and chopped
1/2 bunch cilantro, picked and chopped
Juice of 4 lemons
Salt and pepper
Directions:
Place one box of couscous in a large bowl or shallow rectangle pan. Bring 2 cups water to a boil. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over couscous along with salt and pepper. Then pour boiling water over couscous to cover. Mix with fork; cover with plastic wrap and set aside for five minutes. Remove plastic and fluff couscous with a fork to avoid lumps and let cool. Once cool, add remainder of ingredients and toss well. Reheat to serve.
Note: Make sure all ingredients are ready before making couscous. For variety, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top just before serving.
Makes eight side dish servings
Courtesy of ARAcontent
-----
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The perfect recipes for summer parties are ones that are quick and easy - providing maximum flavor for minimum time spent in the kitchen. When it comes to cooking for a crowd, go with something that will reliably get rave reviews, while keeping in mind whom you're cooking for. If it's a crowd with a more sophisticated palate, you can try something a little more adventurous. If it is a group with notoriously picky kids, go a little more mild with kid-pleasing classics. If it's a big enough crowd, you might even want to try both.
It's always a great idea to take a healthful approach to whatever you bring to the table. Whether you're bringing a main course, a side, or a dessert, there are plenty of healthy recipes to choose from. Wherever you can, opt for ingredients like fresh vegetables and fresh or dried fruit. Raisins, in particular, are a wise choice to add flavor and good nutrition to all kinds of dishes. They are fat- and cholesterol-free, and contain antioxidants and fiber - good-for-you qualities that can healthfully enhance any dish.
Try incorporating plump California raisins into a more exotic dish like couscous salad along with fennel, garbanzo beans and chopped fresh cilantro for a subtly sweet-and-savory combination. Or, add them as an extra pop of sweetness to miniature apple tartlets - a party-perfect version of classic American apple pie. To get more ideas and inspirations for delicious raisin recipes, visit www.LoveYourRaisins.com.
All-American Raisin Apple Tartlets
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes total
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons heart-healthy buttery spread
4 medium green apples, peeled and sliced
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup California raisins
18 sheets phyllo dough
Butter flavor cooking spray
9 tablespoons shredded low-fat sharp Cheddar
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 F and spray 12 cupcake tins with nonstick cooking spray. Melt buttery spread in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in apples and cook, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes. Stir in brown sugar and cinnamon and cook for a minute more; add raisins and set aside.
Meanwhile, lay one sheet of phyllo on a cutting board; keep remaining covered with a damp towel to prevent drying. Spray sheet with cooking spray. Repeat with five more sheets, sprinkling 3 tablespoons cheese in under the last layer; press firmly to keep cheese in dough. Assemble 2 more stacks. Cut each stack in half crosswise to make 6 pieces; then, cut each piece lengthwise into 6 strips for a total of 36 strips. Center and press 3 strips into each tin, letting the dough extend over the top by about 1/2-inch. Divide and spoon fruit mixture in centers. Bake for 10 minutes, until lightly browned; then, tent loosely with foil and bake for 10 minutes more, until done.
Makes 12 small desserts
California Raisin Couscous with Vegetables
Ingredients:
1 box couscous, plain
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 pint red pear or cherry tomatoes, cut in half
2 heads fennel, bulb only, small dice
1 English or hothouse cucumber, peeled, seeded and small dice
1/2 red onion, peeled, small dice
1 cup California golden raisins
2 bunches Italian flat leaf parsley, picked and chopped
1/2 bunch cilantro, picked and chopped
Juice of 4 lemons
Salt and pepper
Directions:
Place one box of couscous in a large bowl or shallow rectangle pan. Bring 2 cups water to a boil. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over couscous along with salt and pepper. Then pour boiling water over couscous to cover. Mix with fork; cover with plastic wrap and set aside for five minutes. Remove plastic and fluff couscous with a fork to avoid lumps and let cool. Once cool, add remainder of ingredients and toss well. Reheat to serve.
Note: Make sure all ingredients are ready before making couscous. For variety, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top just before serving.
Makes eight side dish servings
Courtesy of ARAcontent
-----
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Monday, September 15, 2008
The Brown Bag is Back
(ARA) - While the days of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches may be a distant childhood memory, the “brown bag” lunch is once again becoming a popular fixture on the office desk. With recent economic factors influencing food purchases, America is looking to the brown bag to save a few bucks. According to a new study from the market research firm NPD Group, weekday packed lunches among adults reached a new high in 2007, and this trend is expected to continue.
But “bagging it” doesn’t have to mean a boring turkey sandwich and apple five days a week. With several new, affordable and convenient products, not to mention tips and tricks to turn leftovers into luscious lunches, ordinary options won’t be missed. Revamping the traditional brown bag can help cut costs, as well as turn your mid-day meal into a healthier, more delicious selection you’ll actually look forward to eating.
Bowl is the New Box
Even for those on the go, prepackaged options are now available that deliver nutrition as well as convenience. New shelf-stable options can be readily kept at the office for a quick lunchtime fix. For example, Del Monte’s new Harvest Selections (www.HarvestSelections.com; $2.59) makes it easy to incorporate veggies into lunch -- a meal that often does not include a vegetable. Harvest Selections are wholesome microwaveable meal bowls that are packed with two full servings of vegetables per meal, meeting 40 percent of the USDA MyPyramid recommendations. Because they do not need to be refrigerated, the shelf-stable meals are perfect for stashing in your desk drawer or tote bag.
Leftover Love
Prepare healthy, delicious meals that dish up plenty of leftovers. A few tweaks to yesterday’s dinner can provide delectable work week lunches. Transform chicken or beef leftovers into healthy pasta dishes or vegetable packed salads that can easily be toted to the office. Try adding spreads, such as hummus, to spice up traditional cold cut sandwiches. Hummus, left over from a weekend get-together, can be a healthy, delicious alternative to mayo on Monday’s turkey sandwich as it is packed with flavor and is a great source of protein.
When preparing weekend meals, search for recipes that involve pantry staples such as whole wheat pastas, brown rice, and vegetables. Look for recipes that utilize ingredients that can feed the entire family for $10 or less and whip up inexpensive meals that dish out several portions. With the average serving costing just a little more than $2, one portion is cheaper, and usually healthier than your typical slice of pizza.
To ensure you can always prepare healthy, delicious meals any time of the week, always keep your pantry stocked with a few staples, including canned fruits and vegetables, such as Del Monte corn and tomatoes, and lean proteins such as tuna. Remember to keep a full spice rack to add your own personal touch to traditional recipes.
Brown Bag Buddy
Bring the concept of morning carpooling to the office lunch room, and try partnering with a work friend to make eating in more diverse and exciting! Take turns bringing packed lunches for each other to keep brown bagging fun and surprising. If others in the office want to participate, start a weekly, healthy work potluck lunch.
By planning ahead and stocking up on a few healthy staples, you’ll be prepared for quick and healthy meal options even during the most hectic weeks. And you’ll save a few bucks, too.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
_____
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Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
But “bagging it” doesn’t have to mean a boring turkey sandwich and apple five days a week. With several new, affordable and convenient products, not to mention tips and tricks to turn leftovers into luscious lunches, ordinary options won’t be missed. Revamping the traditional brown bag can help cut costs, as well as turn your mid-day meal into a healthier, more delicious selection you’ll actually look forward to eating.
Bowl is the New Box
Even for those on the go, prepackaged options are now available that deliver nutrition as well as convenience. New shelf-stable options can be readily kept at the office for a quick lunchtime fix. For example, Del Monte’s new Harvest Selections (www.HarvestSelections.com; $2.59) makes it easy to incorporate veggies into lunch -- a meal that often does not include a vegetable. Harvest Selections are wholesome microwaveable meal bowls that are packed with two full servings of vegetables per meal, meeting 40 percent of the USDA MyPyramid recommendations. Because they do not need to be refrigerated, the shelf-stable meals are perfect for stashing in your desk drawer or tote bag.
Leftover Love
Prepare healthy, delicious meals that dish up plenty of leftovers. A few tweaks to yesterday’s dinner can provide delectable work week lunches. Transform chicken or beef leftovers into healthy pasta dishes or vegetable packed salads that can easily be toted to the office. Try adding spreads, such as hummus, to spice up traditional cold cut sandwiches. Hummus, left over from a weekend get-together, can be a healthy, delicious alternative to mayo on Monday’s turkey sandwich as it is packed with flavor and is a great source of protein.
When preparing weekend meals, search for recipes that involve pantry staples such as whole wheat pastas, brown rice, and vegetables. Look for recipes that utilize ingredients that can feed the entire family for $10 or less and whip up inexpensive meals that dish out several portions. With the average serving costing just a little more than $2, one portion is cheaper, and usually healthier than your typical slice of pizza.
To ensure you can always prepare healthy, delicious meals any time of the week, always keep your pantry stocked with a few staples, including canned fruits and vegetables, such as Del Monte corn and tomatoes, and lean proteins such as tuna. Remember to keep a full spice rack to add your own personal touch to traditional recipes.
Brown Bag Buddy
Bring the concept of morning carpooling to the office lunch room, and try partnering with a work friend to make eating in more diverse and exciting! Take turns bringing packed lunches for each other to keep brown bagging fun and surprising. If others in the office want to participate, start a weekly, healthy work potluck lunch.
By planning ahead and stocking up on a few healthy staples, you’ll be prepared for quick and healthy meal options even during the most hectic weeks. And you’ll save a few bucks, too.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
_____
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
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