A New Spin on Entertaining Traditions

(ARA) - From Mom's secret meatloaf recipe to Grandma's antique tablecloth, family tradition remains a strong influence when it comes to entertaining. In fact, according to the sixth annual Lenox gift-giving and etiquette survey, 59 percent of respondents cited family and tradition as the most important influences on their entertaining styles.

But how can Americans keep the tradition alive, while adding their own modern spin to entertaining?

Lenox's gift giving and entertaining expert, Denise Dinyon, offers some creative ideas on how to add a modern flare to family favorites.

* Place Cards - At the next big family affair, encourage guests to guess who's who and notice similarities between the generations. Put childhood photos of family members in charming place card holders to let your loved ones know the location of their seats.

* A New Spin on Favorite Recipes - Mom's meatloaf may be famous just as it is, but you can incorporate your own sense of style by offering it in smaller portions as the appetizer. By serving it artfully on individual small plates, Mom will recognize not only the recipe, but your creativity.

* Update Your Tea Party - It is well documented that both black and green teas are rich in natural antioxidants that can prevent aging and certain diseases, so it's no wonder that the traditional tea party is a favorite event once again. Make your occasion something special by serving delicious flavors in the trendy Butterfly Meadow Stackable Tea Set with Teabag Holder. By stacking the teapot atop the cup, your tea will stay hot while it steeps.

* Table Décor - Whereas grandma might have placed a big centerpiece with flowers on the table, consider updating that look with multiple smaller Lenox Woodward Crystal bud vases throughout the table. Include a single Gerber daisy in each for an elegant look.

* Family Trivia Night - Spice up a simple family get-together with trivia night. Rather than hosting a traditional dinner, include games and appetizers for the whole family to enjoy and take part in.

While incorporating family traditions into everyday affairs is important, don't be afraid to add your own personality and style to the event too. The younger generation will appreciate learning about their family heritage, but also enjoy the individual modern touches. For more information, tips, and entertaining ideas, visit www.lenox.com or call (800) 635-3669 (63-LENOX). Courtesy of ARA Content

(ARA) - A beautiful spread of delicious food is the easiest way to impress when entertaining. But, how to impress without the stress can be an ongoing challenge for many home cooks, especially when friends and family drop by for an impromptu gathering. There’s no need to sacrifice taste or your nerves when short on time.

TV chef and author Michael Chiarello reveals entertaining secrets and simple, mouth-watering recipes to ensure a successful gathering, even when you don’t have a lot of time to prepare.

* Make room for mingling -- “Take a little time when you have a little time to save some time when you don’t,” says Chiarello. He recommends preparing as much as you can before guests arrive. Simply measure and divide ingredients into re-sealable containers and place in the fridge until ready.

* Comfort classics -- Party hits are usually the foods that everyone appreciates, presented in a way they wouldn’t imagine. Chiarello suggests trying a unique twist on an old favorite, like turning ordinary grilled cheese into bite-size panini accented with mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes and basil.

* Spice it up -- Think like a professional chef, even if you’re just a beginner. Chiarello recommends adding several layers of flavor to each dish. For example, his Twice-Baked Potatoes with English Peas layer the distinct flavors of potatoes, peas, spices and cheese for an irresistible mouth-watering finish.

* Cheese please -- Use time-saver ingredients so you can get in and out of the kitchen quickly. Chiarello likes to use Sargento Bistro Blends cheese. The herbs and spices are pre-mixed with the cheese to add bold flavor without wasting time.

Chiarello unveils how to pull off the perfect party without breaking a sweat in his new DVD, “Entertaining at Home with Michael Chiarello,” available for free (with one proof-of-purchase and $1.95 shipping and handling) at sargento.com. The DVD features a full entertaining menu based on recipes created from his latest book, “At Home with Michael Chiarello” from Chronicle Books. By following Chiarello’s key rules, you’ll be a guest at your own gathering in no time.

A favorite recipe Chiarello shares on the DVD is “Speed Scratch” Potato Chips. With just a few ingredients and a savory aroma, it’s perfect for greeting last-minute guests using ingredients that are easy to have on hand.

“Speed Scratch” Potato Chips
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 12 minutes
Serves 10

Ingredients:
2 large bags (8-1/2 ounces each) favorite salted potato chips, preferably olive oil chips
NapaStyle Fennel Spice Rub or barbecue seasoning
1-3/4 cups (7 ounces) Sargento Bistro Blends Mozzarella with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Basil Shredded Cheese

Directions:
1. Arrange potato chips on two jellyroll pans or large cookie sheets in an even layer and place in preheated 300 F oven. Bake 3 to 5 minutes or until chips are warmed. Remove from oven and sprinkle evenly with fennel or seasoning.

2. Sprinkle cheese evenly over chips, return to oven; bake until cheese melts, 6 to 7 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Some other recipes Chiarello creates in the DVD using Bistro Blends for bold flavorful entertaining include pea-stuffed potatoes, polenta crostini, bite-sized panini mozzarella en carrozza and gaucho steak with tomatoes and cheese in pitas. The recipes feature three Bistro Blends varieties – Mozzarella & Asiago with Roasted Garlic, Mozzarella with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil and Cheddar and Monterey Jack with Tomato and Jalapeño Peppers.  Courtesy of ARA Content

Cinnamon Rolls
1 cup of vanilla ice cream
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 stick of butter
1 bag of frozen Rhodes cinnamon rolls

On stove, melt butter, add sugar, brown sugar and ice cream, mix and bring to a boil. Put in refrigerator for 1 hour. Put rolls in a 13 x 9 pan and pour  mixture over the top. Place in oven over night. In morning turn oven on 350 degrees and bake for 30-40 minutes. Spread the cream cheese over the top that comes with the rolls. Great for Brunch or Christmas morning!! Enjoy

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