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Summer entertaining on a recession-friendly budget
(NC) - With summer just around the corner, Canadians should be dreaming of patios and weekend getaways, but the current economic situation is putting a cloud over their plans. This summer, everyone will be looking to save money without compromising fun, so instead of spending hard earned dollars on expensive drinks and dinners out with friends, consider bringing the party home to help save on costs.
"While dinner parties can be costly and tedious, a summer backyard get-together featuring a light appetizer menu and fun cocktails will help keep you on budget," says Korey Kealey, food and entertaining specialist, Food Thought Communications. "Simplify your menu and reduce your expenses by confining your prep time to one appliance. I use an Oster Fusion Blender that chops, slices and dices, to serve a simple and delicious Fiery Red Salsa and exotic cocktails like The Beach Ball, which impress my guests without breaking the bank."
Kealey offers these cheap and cheerful tips for summer entertaining on a budget:
- Share the work and the cost of entertaining by inviting family and friends to a pot luck party. Invite guests to bring their favourite appetizer and add an element of friendly competition by casting a vote to see which is the most popular dish.
- Slushy cocktails are a hit at any summer party, and with the help of a powerful blender, making fancy alcoholic and non-alcoholic bartender-style cocktails is a cinch.
- Take advantage of affordable summer produce to prepare veggie and fruit platters for your guests to enjoy.
- Capture the evening using a digital camera and send thank-you emails to your guests that include snap shots of the fun filled get-together.
Fiery Red Salsa
Ingredients
2 large garlic cloves
1 medium onion, cut into 8 pieces
2 - 4 jalapeño peppers, quartered
1/2 cup cilantro leaves
1/2 - 1 tsp. sugar
2 cans (15 oz. each) whole tomatoes, drained
1 Tbsp lime juice
Salt to taste
Tortilla chips for serving
Directions
Put the first eight ingredients into a blender container. Cover and pulse three times. Pour contents into bowl and serve with tortilla chips.
Makes 3 cups
Beach Ball
Ingredients
6 oz. citrus-flavored vodka
2 cups cubed seedless watermelon
1/2 medium banana
3 cups ice
2 tsp. sugar
Garnish: watermelon triangles
Directions
Put all ingredients except ice into a blender container. Cover and process at ON until smooth. With motor running, remove feeder cap and add ice cubes. Continue to process until smooth. Pour into tall glasses and garnish with watermelon triangle.
Makes 5 servings
More information can be found online at www.blendit.ca.
Courtesy of News Canada
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