The dinner party. When I think about such an occasion, scenes from Mad Men and images in Southern Living come to mind. But two summers ago, I started to experiment with the idea of having my own dinner get-togethers. I found that they can be the perfect way to get your friends under one roof to share a meal. Plus, they are more sophisticated than the average party.
Being a hostess can be a fairly stressful task, especially trying to pull it all off in a healthier way. But luckily for you, there are several great resources that can help you out.
How to choose a recipe. My favorite source for new and interesting recipes is Epicurious.com. Packed with thousands of recipes, you can search for healthy meals and menus already created for you!
If you don’t like this electronic option and prefer to have something tangible beside you while you cook, I would recommend The Illustrated Quick Cookbook. This Christmas present has become a staple in my apartment. All of the recipes have an accompanying picture so you can see what the meal is supposed to look like. Also, almost half the book is dedicated to food you can cook for groups — a handy tool for a dinner party.
If neither of these options are your cup of tea, just make sure that the recipes you select have ingredients that you can afford, are health conscious and use cooking supplies that you have access to. See the bottom of this article for the menu I have chosen!
Who to invite. Consider your space. The size of your apartment or dorm common room may restrict the number of people you can invite. Remember that whether it’s only you and three close friends or 12, what matters is the conversation and the experience of sharing deliciousfood. More people means more money out of your pocket. This brings me to another important point; if you don’t mind asking, tell your friends to bring a few bucks to help you cover the cost of putting together such a great meal.
Purchasing food and getting together your supplies. Try to buy locally. Weaver Street Market on Weaver St. in Carrboro is a co-op that prides itself on having local food from nearby farms. Its food is always fresh, and you can sleep well knowing that your food is coming straight from this community.
If you want to speak to the farmers themselves, the Carrboro Farmers’ Market is a great option. The vendors are very helpful when it comes explaining how to tell when a tomato is ripe or when to come pick their blueberries. The market is currently up for business Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon, so take a morning ride over on your bike.
When picking out food, remember: the simpler, the healthier. Try and get most of your food from the produce aisle.
Before you go shopping, also have the cooking supplies you may need in mind. You might want to opt for a recipe that doesn’t require something like a food processor or espresso machine. Check out your dorm’s community center to rent certain pots, pans and cooking utensils.
The big night. You’ve gotten all of your food, and if all goes well you will be in for a healthy meal and a great time with friends.
The key, as a hostess, is to manage your time. Prepare what you can the afternoon or even the night before. That way you will have as much time to spend with your friends as possible. I recommend a “no cook” appetizer or dessert that will be easy to put together to ensure that you have tons of time to play the host role and mingle with friends.
When your friends start to arrive, have appetizers or little snacks out so that people won’t get too hungry while you are in the kitchen preparing the main course. And invite people to join in on the fun. Cooking together can be a great bonding activity and can help you get the food on the table faster!
Make sure to wear an apron. Fancy attire is not mandatory, but is likely, and spilling white flour or red sauce on your dress could be the perfect way to put a dent in your evening.
If you want to go healthier, try to cook your food in olive oil or in wine. Grilling your food is always a healthier alternative to frying, baking or microwaving.
Plating is another way to make the meal healthier. Serve dinner on smaller plates so that overeating does not ensue.
Once the food is out sit back, relax and take your time! You just made the best meal ever, now enjoy!
My Dinner Party Menu
Appetizer: Bruschetta with tomato and basil
Main Course: Pork and bean casserole (great for the winter!)
Dessert: Berry Parfait
Check out this Google Doc for the full recipes.
Photo Credits
Whole Foods Market Shelf (photo): http://www.prwatch.org/node/9903
Mad Men Dinner Party (photo): http://blogs.amctv.com/mad-men/2010/11/mad-men-memorable-meals.php
Julie and Julia Dinner Party (photo) : http://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/810344/inside-julie-and-julia-with-meryl-streep
Farmers’ Market (photo): Christiana Prince.