Great GetTogethers

To plan a party, you need inspiration and organization. The Second Helpings Special gives you both. This month, when you purchase a copy of Great GetTogethers: A Planner, Organizer, and Keepsake for Creating Memorable Events with Family and Friends, you also receive Get Togethers by Rachael Ray for just $5 more.

You get BOTH books for $26.95 (plus shipping). That’s 1/3 off the combined cover prices!

Rachael Ray’s Book is brimming with creative ideas and themed menus for brunches, lunches, seasonal suppers, romantic dinners, tea parties, tailgates, backyard barbecues, vegetarian feasts, and holiday celebrations. To make it super-easy for busy folks, all her recipes can be prepared in 30 minute or less.

Great GetTogethers simplifies the planning. The key to an enjoyable party is a calm hostess, so make it easy on yourself. Great GetTogethers captures all the RSVPs, reminders, menus, needed supplies, and event details in one book of checklists. VIEW CHECKLIST

Let Great GetTogethers help you organize the good times, good friends, and good food at your home. 

Receive Get Togethers and Great GetTogethers for just $26.95 + shipping.

Hurry–this offer good while supplies last! 
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What is a Great GetTogether? A Great GetTogether is any time you spend relaxing with friends and family.

With two teenagers (ages 15 and 19) in the house coming and going on their own work and social schedules, sitting down for a family dinner has become a casualty of summer. This disappointed me  because I didn’t want us to become like roomers in a boarding house, nodding at each other in the hallways.

Many times I’d flown home from work to prepare supper and nobody showed up to eat it. I was tired and frustrated, but they didn’t understand my upset.

I explained to my kids that it was important to me—to our family—to feel connected. I said I’d like to have a standing date with them on Thursday evenings, for which I’d plan a nice dinner and we’d cook it together. The rest of the nights could be a free-for-all.

This was a compromise they could live with.

Our first Thursday Great GetTogether was enhanced with three extra people—my two nephews visiting from out of town and my daughter’s friend. We enjoyed a quintessential summer supper eaten by candlelight outside. The menu was chicken and beef shish-kabobs with peppers, squash, and zucchini from the garden, topped with fresh pesto made from our basil plants. It was a group effort–one kid loaded the kabobs, one kid grilled, one kid set the table. After we ate, we had blueberry pie made with the blueberries my daughter and I had picked earlier that week.

Though simple, it was a Great GetTogether, which I recorded in my book and captured with this photograph. (Note our soulful dog Opal under the table.)

l-r: Daughter Elena, her friend Tyler, David, son Stephen, Brian

Let's Eat!

Summer is the height of yard sale season, and we take full advantage. My daughter and I set out at 8 am on Saturdays to scout the local sales. She’s shopping to furnish her first apartment. I, on the other hand, thrill at finding the fun foodie accessories. As people are cleaning out their kitchens and closets (perhaps getting rid of wedding presents they never used!), it’s a great time to acquire supplies for special occasions. I recently found a beautiful cut glass water pitcher for $1 (suitable for  tabletop). In the past I’ve purchased a marble cake stand for 50 cents and a trifle bowl which doubles as a salad or punch bowl for $2. Yard saling is a great way to score those handy-dandy candy dishes or an extra air pot for coffee or interesting vases or glass trays in different sizes to serve appetizers such as olives or crackers and cheese. This stuff is super convenient, and keeping it on hand doesn’t take much space. I store my infrequently used stuff on a shelf in the basement right next to the chafing dish, which I also bought at a yard sale (great for keeping artichoke dip warm!)

A friend of mine recently purchased two copies of Great GetTogethers to give as wedding gifts. She plans to find a pretty serving tray or set of cloth napkins and include it with the book. Isn’t this a sweet idea?

As young newlyweds, you don’t realize how wonderful it is to have a record of all the good friends and good food at your house through the years. Using Great GetTogethers is like keeping a guest book from the very beginning, only better.  Not only is there space for friends/family to write a short message, or for you to glue a photograph or thank-you note, or include your own reflection on the event, but Great GetTogethers offers so much more.

With all the checklists, it helps you plan any party, from birthdays to brunches. Your menu, guest list, RSVPs, grocery list, supplies, To-do list, and helpful reminders will all be at your fingertips. It keeps you organized and provides a handy reference for your next soiree. Instead of sticky notes that get thrown away, you have a spiffy spiral-bound book with enough worksheets for 12 parties.

Encourage the bride and groom to start their own tradtions–Great GetTogethers makes a super wedding gift, shower gift, or housewarming gift.

Last week, guest blogger Tricia Crute shared her thoughts on the ritual of afternoon tea. For those of you who want to try serving tea, I’ve posted my favorite scone recipe, a shrimp salad sandwich recipe, and directions on brewing tea. Cheerio!

How to Brew the Perfect Pot of Tea

1. Fill the kettle with water from the cold tap, so it’s fresh and full of oxygen.
2. Select a good quality tea.
3. If you are packing a tea ball or infuser, don’t fill it to the brim; tea leaves need space to expand as they steep.
4. Choose any proper pot, but avoid aluminum or hard worn enamel on metal, as they will taint the tea’s flavor.
5. Swirl a bit of hot water in the pot and then pour out the water. A warm pot will help keep the water at the boiling point, crucial for proper brewing.
6. If you’re using the loose tea, add one teaspoonful of tea for each person to be served, and one for the pot.
7. Bring the teapot to the kettle on the stove when the water reaches a true boil. The less distance the kettle must travel, the more likely the water is to stay boiling. Do not let the kettle continue bubbling on the burner; those bubbles carry away all the oxygen, and overboiled water leads to tea with a muddy taste.
8. Let the tea steep for about five minutes, but no longer or it will start to stew. 
9. A tea cozy will keep the pot warm.
10. Give the mixture a stir, remove the infuser, and serve. 
11. If you’ve used the tea loose in the pot, place a strainer between the spout and the cups.
12. Enjoy your tea in bone china cups.

Buttermilk Scones

Be sure to use quality flour in your scones (I prefer King Arthur’s). The secret to delicate scones is not to over-mix or over-knead the dough, which leads to toughness. 

2 C King Arthur flour

2 T sugar

1/2  t. salt

2 t. baking powder

½ t. baking soda

1/2  t. ground nutmeg

1/2 C butter cut into chunks

1 egg lightly beaten

¾ C buttermilk

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Combine the flour, sugar, salt, nutmeg, baking powder, and baking soda in a large bowl and mix thoroughly. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg. Add just enough buttermilk to form a soft dough, mixing lightly.

Scoop out portions of dough with an ice cream scoop and arrange on an ungreased baking sheet. Flatten slightly with the palm of your hand (wet your hands first to keep the dough from sticking). For a nice toasted color, brush the tops with egg white. Bake for 12-15  minutes or until golden brown. Makes 10 scones. Serve with jam and clotted cream (or crème fraiche or just plain butter).

Potted Shrimp Sandwiches

¾ lb cooked medium shrimp, peeled

2 oz cream cheese, softened

1 T butter

2 t. minced fresh dillweed

1 t. lemon juice

1 t. prepared horseradish

¼ t. salt

dash of pepper

8 slices white bread, crusts trimmed

Chop shrimp and set aside. Combine cream cheese and next six ingredients in a bowl. Stir well. Add chopped shrimp and stir. Spread 4 slices of bread with shrimp mixture and top with remaining bread. Cut each sandwich into 4 triangles or squares.

Makes 8 servings.

This week my guest blogger is Patricia Crute, who hosted the first afternoon tea I ever attended in 1992. She introduced me to this gracious ritual, and I’ve loved it ever since.  Afternoon tea makes a wonderful GetTogether to celebrate any milestone, whether it’s an engagement, shower, graduation, welcome, or a birthday. When you invite your friends over for tea, they’ll know it’s a special occasion.

The word “tea” brings me to a happy place! I have had a lifelong relationship with tea starting with an early childhood memory of pink plastic tea cups, saucers and a teapot.

As I got older, the concept and practice of tea parties never left me. Tea itself was not a required staple of the party but the coming together to share a snack and beverage were. These were times to spend with friends and family, where all of life’s issues could wait until later. Tea parties are always an escape from the busy-ness of life and a chance to relax.

I was fortunate enough to take a class on tea in Washington, D.C. many years ago taught by Dorothea Johnson, who is the founder of The Protocol School of Washington. The class was held at the Ritz Carlton and it completely confirmed my love of tea. From that point my collection of tea paraphernalia has grown out of control to over 50 teapots and cabinets bursting with the stuff.

I have even written my own booklet on The Art of Afternoon Tea (now out-of-print) and given classes myself. My favorite class was for a Brownie troop where 35 young girls sat around sipping tea and enjoying treats as if they were born to it. One mom suggested that we use paper products but I insisted that we use real china and hauled in all my teacups, saucers, plates, and cloth napkins in order to give the girls a real tea experience. I like to think new tea ladies were born that day!

Tea is as intricate a beverage as fine wine; there is much to learn. English afternoon tea has three stages– scones, savories (sandwiches), and desserts–and lasts about two hours. Teas served may be black, oolong, green, or tisanes, but black is the norm. To be authentic, it is best to use tea leaves as opposed to tea bags. American tea bags have improved dramatically in recent years, but the process of making the tea is part of the experience. To clarify a point though, “high tea” does not mean it is fancier; that simply means it is later in the day and can actually be more of a meal with soup and sandwich.

The best way to learn is to read a book or two on tea or take tea at a local restaurant or hotel. Then, hold your own tea party and enjoy!

Marna’s Note: Thank you, Patricia! For my blog on Thursday, May 27, 2010, I’ll post Simple Recipes for an Afternoon Tea, and Instructions on How to Brew the Perfect Pot of Tea.

An English friend told me about a delicious assam tea which is now available in the United States. The brand name is Ty-phoo, and I’ve seen it in grocery stores everywhere, and even in the commissary! It’s an excellent choice in convenient teabag form.

Marna recommends these books on Afternoon Tea.

Having Tea by Tricia Foley

The Pleasures of Tea by Kim Waller

The Kentucky Derby is May 1, 2010!

Last year I was fortunate to get invited to my very first Kentucky Derby party.  What a fantastic afternoon.  My longtime friend, Kathy, hosted the event, so I asked her to share some party wisdom as a guest blogger this week, and she graciously agreed. Maybe her ideas will inspire you to start your own Derby tradition!

Kathy, why did you start having an annual Derby Party?

Years ago, a remote acquaintance hosted a Derby party and I didn’t make the invitation cut.  Perfectly understandable, but I remember being disappointed.  I vowed to start my own Derby party tradition someday.

How many years have you done it now?

Hard to believe, but this will be our 15^th Derby party.  We started in 1994, but missed one year when I had to attend a conference for work.  It was tragic!

Describe a typical party.

Our Derby party celebrations actually start about a month before Derby day.  I get my guests engaged by keeping them informed about Derby contenders and news.  I’ll send short e-mails with updates about the prep races and links to the videos.  The party is more fun when guests are in on the Derby buzz.

Guests arrive about 3:30 and are welcomed with hors d’oeuvres and a beverage of their choice, usually a wine or beer.  Mint juleps are presented (with some fanfare) closer to post time.  In the background the television is set to the pre-Derby events.  Decorations are simple:  red roses everywhere!   A large basket in the living room, and nosegays scattered around the house.  Derby decorations, napkins, plates and such are available online and add to the atmosphere.

The Derby horses and jockeys are listed on a butcher block paper on an easel and each guest selects his/her favorite.  It’s first-come-first-bet so early birds get to chose the best horses.

Post time is always about 6pm and the atmosphere in the TV room gets charged.  When the announcer calls “And they’re off!” guests go crazy.  Everyone cheers for their own horse, jumping up and down, and shouting encouragement, as if they were track-side at Churchill Downs.

Dinner is served buffet style about 7 pm.  After dinner, guests can take a dip in the pool, weather permitting, or join in a game of “combat” Trivial Pursuit.

Is there a suggested Derby dress code?

Derby parties are a bit more formal than other afternoon parties.  Instead of the ubiquitous “casual” in the blank for dress on the invitation, I suggest hats  for the ladies (no baseball caps!) and jackets for the gentlemen.  The men may grouse about them, but jackets compliment the ladies’ hats and make the party feel more like a special occasion.  Besides, they always come off as soon as the race is over. Ladies’ ensembles follow the hat motif, with a dressy garden party style.

What activities do you plan for the party?

Betting on the horses is the first activity and gets guests engaged quickly.  We don’t take money for bets, but many Derby party hosts do.  It just depends on how much effort you want put into it.  We offer a nice bottle of wine for a prize and make a bit of a ceremony of the presentation.

My favorite activity is the group sing of “My Old Kentucky Home” as the horses are led to the gate.  By that time a certain amount of wine and/or juleps have been consumed and vocal inhibitions are low.  After 15 years, my guests are well practiced and deliver an excellent performance.  Have the words available on a song sheet.  (Use large type and an easy-to-read font!)

What is a good number of guests to invite to a party?

I suggest keeping the guest list small, about eight to fourteen people.  This allows everyone to get a good TV viewing spot for the Derby.

Can you give my readers a good menu for a Derby Party?

I used to insist on only the most traditional fare.  That meant Kentucky Burgoo, a thick stew similar to Brunswick stew, and Derby pie for dessert.  I’ve long since given up on that heavy meal and now put together any menu suitable for a spring buffet dinner.  Last year I did a garlic-encrusted beef tenderloin, a medley of steamed asparagus and green beans with orzo.

What’s the essential drink for a Derby Party and how do you make it?

The drink is the Mint Julep, and it is truly essential!  Here’s my favorite recipe:

Make a simple syrup by boiling 2 cups sugar and 2 cups water for 5 minutes without stirring.  Fill a large jar loosely with sprigs of fresh mint (uncrushed) and cover with the cooled syrup.  Cap and refrigerate 12 to 24 hours.  Discard mint.

Make one julep at a time.  Fill julep cup with finely crushed ice.  Add about 2 ozs of fine Kentucky Bourbon.  (My favorite is Makers’ Mark.)  Add about 2 ozs of the mint syrup.  Garnish with a short straw and a sprig of mint.  Serve at once.

I keep the mint syrup in a pitcher in the refrigerator.  Guests can refresh their own juleps adding as much or as little bourbon as they like.  A bouquet of mint on the bar adds fragrance and allows guests to perk up their juleps.

Marna’s note: Kathy serves her Mint Juleps in chilled silver cups, an elegant touch which I’d recommend. Also, her steamed asparagus with green beans and orzo  has become a favorite in the Krajeski household–my two teenagers love it.

Thanks for sharing on GreatGetTogethers.com.

Visit The Official Kentucky Derby site for more recipes, menus, and styles.

This won the Chowder Cook-off at work yesterday.  See if you can identify the secret ingredient that makes it so good.

Marchetti’s Corn Chowder

3 16 oz bags of frozen corn, divided use
1/2 lb margarine (2 sticks)
1/2 C flour
8-10 small red bliss potatoes, diced
2 T olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 C diced celery
1/2 C diced onion
1 16 oz can chicken broth
Pinch of crushed pepper
Salt and pepper to taste
2 T Cajun spice
1 stick unsalted butter
1 1/2 quarts light cream

Defrost 1 1/2 bags of corn and pulse in food processor for 15 seconds. Set aside.
In a saute pan, melt margarine; add flour, whisking to make a roux. Cook for 5-10 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.
In a small stock pot, blanch red bliss potatoes, cool and set aside.
In large stockpot, saute garlic, onions, and celery in olive oil until fork tender. Add chicken broth, crushed pepper, salt and pepper to taste, and Cajun seasoning. Bring to a boil. Slowly add roux to thicken. Add stick of butter, pureed corn, and the remaining 1 1/2 bags of corn. Add light cream and blanched potatoes. Simmer 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Makes 6 servings.

(Marchetti’s is a popular Italian restaurant in Cranston, RI. This recipe originally appeared in the Providence Journal.)

My friends and I have had this conversation countless times. Why don’t people respond to invitations? It’s a simple and essential courtesy that seems to be falling by the wayside. Is it fear of committing to an engagement at a specific date and time? (That’s what calendars are for.) I don’t know, but it’s a troubling trend. Rand Richards Cooper writes an excellent Op-Ed about this in today’s New York Times.

Technically, you don’t  need a reason to have a party, just a desire to spend time with friends and family. But if you want an occasion or a theme, March is full of them. Here are a few good ones.

1. Academy Awards (Sunday, March 7)–I once attended an Academy Awards party where we all dressed in red carpet finery and had a great time during the show. Why not have your own Oscar  Gala this year? To make things easy, www.Oscar.org has decoration ideas, recipes, cocktails (“The Moet Golden Glamour”), a downloadable ballot, and “Oscar Bingo.”
2. Daylight Savings Time Begins (Sunday, March 14)–Spring Forward with a Celebration. Any excuse, right?
3. St. Patrick’s Day (Wednesday March 17)–If you’ve ever lived in Savannah, GA, you know this is an epic, week-long event. In the sample page of Great GetTogethers, there’s a St. Patrick’s dinner I hosted featuring Shepherd’s Pie, Irish Soda Bread, and Irish coffee (with shamrock plants for a centerpiece).  Easy to do and lots of fun.
4. NCAA March Madness–starts Tuesday March 16 and finishes April 3 and 5 at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN (my hometown). Why not pick a favorite college team and watch the game with fellow fans?
5. First Day of Spring (Saturday, March 20)–After all the snow this year, here’s an occasion to celebrate. Say goodbye to winter and make a toast to longer days, daffodils, and sunshine.

Great GetTogethers workbook makes planning and organizing your party a cinch. It keeps all your lists, supplies, RSVPs, and reminders in one place and creates a handy record for future reference.