5 Steps for Game Day Party Success

(Family Features) Whether you have been planning for months or you’re inviting guests the day of, hosting a huge crowd on game day requires a bit more than RSVPs and a welcoming setting. Whether a “huge crowd” to you means five guests or 50, starting out with a plan can help make the day more enjoyable for everyone.

To help make your game day soiree a success, knowing which snacks are top picks for the event might make shopping a little easier. The experts at Frito-Lay North America conducted the inaugural U.S. Snack Index – a poll that surveyed Americans for insights on which snacks rose to the top for consumers this year – to share what guests want on game day.

Get Organized From Guests to Groceries
From sending invites to selecting the snacks you’ll serve, start by organizing your thoughts and writing down the details. For starters, create a guest list so you’ll know exactly how much food and drink you’ll need to buy and map out your grocery list for a stress-free trip to the store.

Game Day Setup
A picture is worth a thousand words, and you can rest assured many game day viewers will plan to share images of their spreads on social media. To make sure your game day setup is ready for primetime, start by decluttering your space, arranging furniture for ample seating and laying out the picture-perfect snack table so guests can reach for snacks, plates, napkins and utensils, with easy access.

Snacks for All
While it may be first instinct to feel like you need to cook crafty dishes and artsy snacks, that may not necessarily be important to game day guests. In fact, according to the index, nearly all game day party-goers will enjoy snacks during the competition, and 80 percent of viewers said they’ll eat either potato or tortilla chips. Chips aren’t the only thing to consider. Score big with your guests by picking the perfect pairings, like salsa for tortilla chips, which ranks as the most popular dip overall, or French onion dip, which is the most popular choice for dipping potato chips.

Encourage Fun for Everyone
Of course, the game is the reason for the party and the center of attention, but the fact is it’s possible not every person in attendance is a sports fan. By bringing out board games or cards and setting up tables in adjacent rooms, you can encourage a fun environment for everyone at the party. Plus, by creating a secondary station away from the TV, you’ll allow for non-sports conversation without upsetting the diehards.

Keep it Simple
Generally, game day watch parties are of the more laid-back variety. This no-fuss attitude carries over into party snack prep, as more than half of viewers surveyed in the U.S. Snack Index prefer to prepare simple recipes whether they’re hosting or attending. On top of laid-back snacks, more than one-third of consumers polled plan to simply put snacks in the closest bowl rather than planning out a social media-worthy snack table.

Find more survey details and snacking ideas at fritolay.com/snackindex.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

SOURCE:
Frito-Lay

Stress-Free Holiday Entertaining Tips

(Family Features) The holiday season is meant for spending quality time with friends and family, not stressing out over hosting. With some simple tips, you can cut down on hectic preparations while creating a memorable holiday full of food and fun guests can savor.

Consider these suggestions from the entertaining experts at Real California Milk:

Plan Ahead
Heading into your seasonal soiree with a plan in place can help avoid snafus. Make a shopping list of ingredients and decorations. Then put together a schedule a few days prior to the event to cover last-minute preparations.

Elevate Holiday Classics
Elevating classic appetizers is a simple way to savor the season. A trend on the rise, the Grazing Table starts with the table as the canvas, adds elements of the traditional cheese board then takes it to the next level with an arrangement of appetizers or brunch dishes and seasonal decor. Another way to lift your holiday spread is using high-quality, authentic ingredients like Real California Milk cheeses, made with milk from California dairy farm families, which are key ingredients in this Sweet Citrus and Spice Cheese Board.

Prepare Dishes and Decorations in Advance
Preparing for guests can be one of the most time-consuming aspects of hosting. Decorating at least a day ahead and setting the table the night before, for example, can help minimize stress. Welcome guests with holiday cheer and trendy decor like a virtual yule log made of melting cheese, complete with holiday music.

For more holiday inspiration and recipes like antipasto skewers and yogurt-pesto dip, queso fundido and cheese logs and bundts, visit realcaliforniamilk.com/recipes.

Grazing Table

• Toma cheese, sliced
• natural almonds
• prosciutto
• salami
• Real California aged cheddar, sliced
• Real California burrata cheese
• olive oil
• herbs
• blue cheese
• Real California braided marinated string cheese
• dry salami, sliced
• premade antipasto skewers
• yogurt pesto dipping sauce
• Real California aged Gouda
• brie cheese
• Real California cheese log
• Real California cheese bundts
• dry jack cheese
• sweet red piquante peppers
• green California olives
• premade Real California queso fundido
• breadsticks
• tortilla chips
• dark chocolate sea salt caramels
• dried citrus, such as oranges and lemons
• artisan bread, sliced

1. On large board, plate or tray, arrange sliced toma cheese, almonds, prosciutto, salami and aged cheddar. In center, place burrata cheese and top with olive oil and herbs.
2. On separate small plate, place blue cheese; crumble.
3. On medium board, arrange braided string cheese and dry salami slices.
4. On serving platter, arrange antipasto skewers around bowl of yogurt pesto dipping sauce.
5. On separate small cheese board, place Gouda, brie cheese and cheese log.
6. On slate, arrange cheese bundts. On separate plate, place dry jack cheese.
7. In separate bowls, place piquante peppers and green olives.
8. Arrange boards, plates, bowls and skillet of queso fundido on table, as desired.
9. Fill blank spaces on table with breadsticks, tortilla chips, dark chocolate sea salt caramels, dried oranges, dried lemons and bread slices. Add floral arrangements and holiday decor for finishing touches. Complete table with cheese knives and spreaders.

Sweet Citrus and Spice Cheese Board

• Real California brie cheese
• black olives
• green olives
• dried oranges, sliced
• Real California pepper jack cheese sliced
• almonds
• raspberries
• blackberries
• Real California burrata cheese
• honey, for garnish
• fresh herbs, for garnish

1. To assemble cheese board: On large board, plate or tray, arrange brie cheese, olives, dried orange slices, sliced pepper jack cheese and almonds.
2. On smaller board, arrange raspberries and blackberries around burrata cheese placed in center of board. Garnish cheese with honey and fresh herbs. Place smaller board into empty space on larger board.

SOURCE:
Real California Milk

5 Hacks for Holiday Hosting

(Family Features) It may feel impossible to fit even more into already jam-packed days, but when the holidays roll around, entertaining and celebrating always find a way. Fortunately, you can find some shortcuts when hosting that offer plenty of festive style while also helping you avoid stressing over every detail.

This year, rely on some time-saving hacks so you’re not just throwing the holiday party, but enjoying some seasonal fun of your own.

Repurpose with purpose. There’s no need to make time for a trip to the store or to spend a bundle on party supplies. A pretty, oversized flowerpot or planter that has been cast aside for winter makes a perfect tub for icing down beverages. When it comes to decor, you can cover any old box with some of last year’s leftover holiday paper to add some colorful touches around the home. A similar idea: wrap canvas art or other frames in pretty paper to extend the theme up the walls.

Make easy attractive. Most holiday celebrations center on the food, but it’s still an area where you can shave some time. For example, a simple but attractive option like the wide selection of Chinet Classic White products is designed for practical use. They do not bend, fold or leak, and are strong enough for extra helpings no matter the occasion.

For a more elegant affair, the Chinet Cut Crystal collection is the only fully coordinated line of disposable plates, cups, cutlery and wineglasses. Guests will barely realize they’re not using the good china, but you’ll definitely notice when you’re able to skip time at the sink to spend more precious moments with your loved ones.

Fill the freezer. Whether your holiday entertaining is more impromptu in nature or you host a single sizable shindig, keeping a well-stocked freezer can help make hosting a cinch. Dedicate an afternoon to preparing items you can easily defrost and serve later, like casseroles, appetizers, side dishes and desserts.

Forgo fussy food. An elegant sit-down meal isn’t the only way to enjoy a holiday gathering. Guests may even appreciate a break from traditional heavier fare. Simple food stations, finger foods and even store-bought meals are all time-saving alternatives. Another time-saving option: dressing up store-bought food as part of a larger spread. For example, you can top side dishes like mashed potatoes with olive oil or butter and sprinkle with cheese or embellish a main course such as ham with rosemary sprigs and fresh fruit.

Keep cleanup simple. For a festive, yet deceptively easy table, consider using kraft paper as tablecloths and let some of that leftover wrapping paper do double-duty as table runners. Simply cut the wrapping paper to your desired length and fold the edges under to create clean seams. Match the DIY table coverings with a coordinated line of disposable tableware to make cleaning up a cinch.

Explore more hacks to simplify your holiday entertaining at MyChinet.com.

SOURCE:
Chinet

Food and Family

Connecting to cultural heritage through the legacy of food

(Family Features) Family bonding provides a unique experience, giving relatives opportunities to grow closer through shared passions. One of the most special ways to connect generations past and present is through food, typically by passing down traditional cuisines or specific recipes.

Because food can be viewed as an expression of cultural identity, it provides a one-of-a-kind connection to ancestors, history and community. Taking a DNA test is one way to discover more about your heritage and gain inspiration for exploring new ingredients, flavors and recipes from your homeland.  

For example, Jocelyn Delk Adams, author of the Grandbaby Cakes blog created this Jollof Rice dish after discovering her roots traced back to Mali, Cameroon, the Republic of the Congo and Ghana. Jollof Rice is a West African classic comprised of fragrant rice steeped in ingredients like meat stock, garlic, onions, tomatoes and spicy chilies for depth of flavor. Rich in taste and history, it’s revered as a sacred dish within some African communities.

If you’ve ever thought about researching your heritage, now can be your opportunity to dig in. Through Aug. 20, AncestryDNA is taking $40 off its DNA kits during its Summer Sale with its lowest onsite price of the year: just $59 (plus taxes and shipping).  

With more than 350 geographical regions and 10 million people in its network, AncestryDNA can connect you to the cultures, cuisines and traditions of your heritage.

To find more information, order your kit and unlock your story, visit ancestrydna.com.

Jollof Rice

Recipe courtesy of Jocelyn Delk Adams of Grandbaby Cakes on behalf of AncestryDNA
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 5-7

• 2          tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1          cup diced onions
• 2          tablespoons minced garlic
• 1          teaspoon minced ginger
• 1/2-1    habanero pepper, thinly sliced
• 1          cup uncooked basmati rice
• 1 1/2    cups chicken stock
• 1          can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1          teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1/2       teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2       teaspoon curry powder
• 1/2       teaspoon dried thyme
• 1          fresh bay leaf
• chopped parsley or bay leaf, for garnish

1. In large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onions and saute until tender, cooking approximately 5 minutes. Add minced garlic, ginger and pepper; cook about 30 seconds, making sure not to burn garlic.
2. Pour in rice and stir to combine. Allow rice to toast in pot 2-3 minutes. 
3. Add chicken stock, crushed tomatoes, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, curry powder, thyme and bay leaf; stir together then bring to boil. 
4. Once mixture begins to boil, reduce heat to low and cover pot with lid. Continue cooking rice about 25-30 minutes, or until all liquids evaporate and rice becomes more tender. Remove bay leaf.
5. Turn off heat and allow rice to rest 10 minutes with lid on. Once rice is completely tender, make sure all ingredients are mixed together. Top with parsley or bay leaf and serve.

Content courtesy of AncestryDNA

SOURCE:
AncestryDNA

Savory Summer Entertaining

(Family Features) Flavorful foods and cold drinks are the focal points of just about any summer gathering. Create a party atmosphere that can stand out by adding a bit of island infusion to both bites and beverages so your warm-weather soiree can soar to new heights.

To help add that island spark, an ingredient like bitters provides a potent flavor made from botanicals like aromatic herbs, bark, roots and fruit. While known for their ability to balance countless cocktails, it may come as a surprise that bitters are regarded by some chefs as a pantry staple, adding real depth of flavor to a variety of dishes. Bitters can be added to classic and contemporary cocktails and a range of cuisines to create taste-tempting creations.

Much like vanilla extract, when cooked, the alcohol in bitters evaporates, so bitters-infused recipes can be enjoyed by the whole family at your next backyard barbecue or patio party.

Center your spread around a summer favorite like Pulled-Pork Sliders with Bitters, a tangy Caribbean twist on a classic dish featuring a spicy chili rub. Coupled with a vinegar-based sauce dashed with Angostura aromatic bitters, an unmistakable culinary and cocktail essential made with the same secret recipe since 1824, the flavorful sliders make for a crowd-pleasing main course.

Add to the island vibe with a unique take on a tried-and-true sweet treat like cake. Orange Butter Sponge Cake enhances every party's dessert course with the sweet and tangy combination of citrus and bitters.

These tasty foods paired with hot temperatures call for cooling off with inventive bitters-forward drink recipes like the Queen's Park Swizzle, Angostura's signature Trinidadian cocktail, and a summertime go-to, the Traditional Mojito. These drinks balance the art of the swizzle with the tastes of tiki to provide guests with refreshing beverage options.

Whether you're an aspiring home chef, an amateur bartender or anything in between, you can elevate summer entertaining with bitters to complement an array of ingredients for exceptional entertaining all summer long.

Find more summertime food and drink recipes to savor at AngosturaBitters.com.

Pulled-Pork Sliders with Bitters

Servings: approximately 14 small sandwiches

Chili Rub:

• 3-3 1/2 pounds boneless pork shoulder roast
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

Bitters Sauce:

• 1 can (15 ounces) unseasoned tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Nature's Intent apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Angostura aromatic bitters
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 3 large cloves garlic, chopped
• 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional)

• 14 small slider buns

1. To make Chili Rub: Stir together aromatic bitters, chili powder and salt; let stand 10 minutes.
2. Cut pork shoulder across grain into 1 1/2-2-inch thick slices; trim excess fat. If needed, cut into chunks to remove some fat.
3. Rub meat with chili mixture. In 8-quart pot or 9-10-inch wide, high-sided saute pan with lid, heat oil. Add meat and brown on both sides, about 15 minutes total. Remove meat and place on plate; keep warm.
4. To make Bitters Sauce: Combine tomato sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, aromatic bitters, chili powder and garlic cloves; stir well. Pour into hot, empty pan. Simmer 5 minutes, stirring and scraping bottom of pan.
5. Return meat to pan; spoon sauce over meat. Cover and cook 1 hour and 15 minutes on low, rearranging meat halfway through cooking. Transfer meat to plate; cover with foil to keep warm.
6. To thicken sauce, if desired: Let sauce cool in pan 5 minutes then whisk in cornstarch. Bring to boil; continue to cook and whisk until slightly thickened.
7. To serve: Pull meat apart with two forks or fingers. Serve warm on buns, drizzled with sauce.

Queen's Park Swizzle

Makes: 1 cocktail

• 12-14 mint leaves
• 1 ounce fresh lime juice
• 1 ounce Demerara simple syrup
• crushed ice
• 2 ounces Caribbean rum
• 6-8 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
• 1 mint sprig, for garnish

1. In highball glass, muddle mint leaves in lime juice and simple syrup, then fill glass with dry, crushed ice.
2. Pour rum over crushed ice and swizzle well until glass is ice cold and frosted.
3. Pack glass with more crushed ice and top with aromatic bitters. Garnish with mint sprig.

Traditional Mojito

Makes: 1 cocktail

• 1 cube brown sugar
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• 12-15 mint leaves
• 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
• 2 ounces white rum
• 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
• crushed ice
• 1 bottle club soda
• 1 mint sprig, for garnish

1. In Collins glass, muddle brown sugar cube and simple syrup, then add mint and lightly press to extract flavor. Add lime juice, rum and aromatic bitters.
2. Fill glass with crushed ice and swizzle.
3. Repack with crushed ice and top with club soda. Garnish with mint sprig.

Orange Butter Sponge Cake

• 8 ounces butter, plus additional for buttering pan
• 2 cups cake flour, plus additional for flouring pan
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 tablespoon Angostura orange bitters
• 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• powdered or extra-fine sugar, for dusting

1. Heat oven to 350 F.
2. Butter and flour two 9-inch cake pans. Sift flour three times and add baking powder and salt. Set aside.
3. With electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and creamy, about 10 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well between additions. Add vanilla and orange bitters.
4. Divide flour mixture into four portions. Set electric mixer on medium low and add flour alternately with orange juice, starting and ending with flour. Mix just until incorporated after each addition.
5. Divide batter evenly between cake pans and bake 35-40 minutes, or until cake pulls away from sides of pans. Remove from oven and cool 5 minutes in cake pans before turning out.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (Pulled-Pork Sliders with Bitters, Orange Butter Sponge Cake)

SOURCE:
Angostura

Get Ready for Guests

Tips to prepare your home for summer entertaining

(Family Features) Summer entertaining season brings joy, laughter and plenty of ways to create special memories. From a fresh coat of paint to some simple sprucing up, you can ensure your home is poised to be the perfect backdrop to a fun-filled summer.

Color can have an enormous effect on a room’s overall atmosphere, so bringing out your home’s unique charm can be as simple as a quick change of wall color. Change up the feel of your space and make each room warm and welcoming with these tips from Valspar Paint and HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams’ Senior Color Designers, Sue Kim and Ashley Banbury.

Clean and clear. Warmer weather is the perfect opportunity to throw open the windows to help lighten and brighten your home. Give every nook and cranny a thorough scrub and organize areas that have grown messy. Try taking on one room at a time to make the job more manageable, and before you know it, you can have the whole house sparkling clean. Take it one step further by adding a clean and refreshing shade of paint to your space. Consider an option like the Quiet Comfort Color Collection from HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams, which is a palette of 20 hushed hues that, when used in any combination, can cultivate a neat and tidy vibe throughout your home. 

Uncover a creative focal point. During your cleaning, you may uncover open wall space or find an overlooked corner that is now visible. Change newfound free space into a family gallery wall. Paint it with a deep accent color like Valspar Favorite Green and create texture by adding open shelving to display important family mementos or experiences.

Switch up your motif. You may wish to update the decor of an entire room, but simple swaps can make a big difference. Try introducing more lively, summery textiles with fresh window coverings, area rugs and throw pillows. Swap some of your darker, heavier accent pieces in favor of bright, inviting decorative pieces that do dual-duty, such as colorful coasters that add whimsy while giving guests a place to rest their drinks.

Change your kitchen into a hub for entertaining. Bring a breath of fresh air into your kitchen by creating a pleasing, relaxing environment fit for entertaining with a blend of bright and bold colors like Valspar Emerald Ice and Indigo Cloth. Try the reassuring indigo for the base of the island, a central hub, and the light and airy emerald green as a backdrop for a stylish gathering spot that can get guests feeling instantly at ease.

Make it feel like home. Part of making your house as inviting as possible is ensuring that guests feel comfortable and welcome. Creating a guest suite that feels inviting can help make guests feel at home during their visit. While you can do this by stocking up on cozy blankets and towels, you shouldn’t underestimate the power of a warm, nurturing wall color. For example, the Timeless Beauty Color Collection from HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams, instilled with a sense of classic coziness, is full of pleasant shades that can be mixed and matched to create your perfectly coordinated, desired vibe.

Find more ideas to get your home ready for this summer’s guests at Lowes.com/Paint.

SOURCE:
Valspar and HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams

Simple Ways to Enjoy Warm-Weather Dining

(Family Features) The warmer months can bring a sense of new beginnings. While you’re taking in the sights and sounds of the seasons, it’s the perfect time to give your dining routine some fresh perspective.

Get ready to enjoy the refreshing bounty of the season with these tips that can make it simple to enjoy outdoor dining:

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh simply tastes better. Take advantage of early crops and make the most of a kitchen herb garden. Look to incorporate fresh herbs, like thyme and parsley, and veggies, including artichokes and asparagus, which are at their peaks during warmer months.

Seasonal salads: Salads are another way to enjoy warm-weather flavors. Try switching out root veggies for fresh fruits and berries or add lighter ingredients like quinoa and avocado. Visit your local farmer's market for inspiration and let your taste buds be your guide.

Pair appropriately: As the seasons change, it’s a great opportunity to switch up your wine selections. The warmer weather typically calls for lighter fare that pairs best with a white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or rosé. Try keeping versatile and affordable bottles on-hand that pair well with warm-weather meals, such as Josh Cellars California Rosé or The Crossings New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

Take it outdoors: Warmer weather means it’s time to embrace the delicious blend of sunshine and warm breezes. Make time to enjoy an outdoor picnic lunch or an al fresco dinner. Be sure to add some ambient lighting so you can linger after the sun sets.

Keep it simple: Skip the complex recipes and let a handful of delicious ingredients shine. Look for simple seasonal recipes with five ingredients or less. Shorter prep time and cleanup allows you to enjoy as much daylight as possible.

Seek out some pairing inspiration for your next warm-weather dining experience at deutschfamily.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (people at table)

SOURCE:
Deutsch Family Wines

5 Summer Outdoor Entertaining Tips

(Family Features) Summer brings plenty of opportunities to enjoy time outdoors entertaining family and friends. The key to a successful summer party is simplicity: keep things easy so you can enjoy the festivities right along with your guests.

Make this season’s barbecues, picnics and family gatherings events to remember with these simple summer entertaining tips:

Cook outside
Rather than firing up the oven and heating up the entire house during steamy summer days, turn to outdoor cooking methods like grilling. Be sure to plan ahead with sturdy tableware that stands up to barbecued meats and other robust items fresh off the grill. Also remember that the grill isn’t just for main courses; you can use it to prepare any number of side items, like skewers of garden fresh veggies.  

Keep it comfy
With everybody outside, it’s important to keep comfort in mind. If you have access to electricity, you might consider an oscillating fan, which can stir up a cool breeze. Additionally, the air movement can help deter flies and other pests that can quickly ruin guests’ appetites. Provide ample seating options, including patio furniture, pillows and even blankets on the lawn. Also ensure there are spaces for guests to cool off, whether that’s under a shade tree or a portable canopy or umbrella.

Provide sturdy tableware
Some popular cookout foods can be a greasy nightmare without the right tableware to keep the mess to a minimum. Upgrade your outdoor dining experience with tableware like Chinet Classic White premium-strength plates, platters and napkins so you don’t have to worry about spills and leaks. They also make for easy cleanup when the party comes to a close.

Prepare seasonal sides
Let the grilled fare serve as the star of the show and keep the side dishes simple. Fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and staples like potato or pasta salads and coleslaw, make for a well-rounded meal without a lot of fuss. Also opt on the lighter side for dessert. Fresh berries over ice cream or a simple white cake can be a hit.

Add lighting
Keep the entertainment alive after sundown by going the extra mile with decorative lighting. Strings of lights in fun shapes or colors can add some vibrant light to seating areas. A fire pit is also an option for adding some ambient light and even a little warmth when the sun goes down and the temperature begins to drop.

Find more ideas for your summer entertaining at MyChinet.com.

SOURCE:
Chinet