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Prep Tools are Important

July 21, 2009 by Shanna Hatfield

For many people, standing in the kitchen doing the prep work necessary for cooking is not terribly appealing.  In fact, many people avoid this step as much as possible, thinking of prep work as some form of torment or drudgery.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

You can have fun with prep work and also get through it a quicker when you have some good basic tools in your kitchen. Take a look at the tools you use. Are they outdated, in need of sharpening, not good quality, from early-marriage poverty? It may be time for an upgrade!

I’m not an advocate for oodles of tools, but you will see a huge difference in the amount of time and effort it takes to do prep work when you invest in a few quality pieces. Have at least one great piece of cutlery and cookware. Get a good-quality peeler or paring knife. Have a set of mixing bowls that you like to use, that fit your hand well and hold up to a variety of challenges. Get two good cutting boards, one for meat and the other for everything else.

Invest in tools that you can use for a lifetime and you’ll be so glad you did!

For information about the tools I recommend the most, please sign up for my newsletter or post a comment here.

Posted in Entertaining at Home, Quick and Easy | Tagged , , | 2 Comments »

Jiffy Fruit Cobbler

July 17, 2009 by Shanna Hatfield

polka dotsSummer’s bounty of delicious fruit is not wasted at our house. One of Hubby’s favorite desserts is this quick and easy fruit cobbler that is great with any type of fruit. From peaches to plump berries, it comes together in a snap and is so good with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. Enjoy!

Jiffy Fruit Cobbler

1 c. sugar
1 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 c. milk
1/2 stick butter
3 cups fruit

Melt butter in baking dish at 350 degrees. Mix sugar, flour, baking powder and milk. Add to melted butter. Do not stir. Put fruit on top. Again, do not stir . Bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

What is your favorite fruit cobbler? Please feel free to share your comments here!

Posted in Easy Recipes, Quick and Easy | Leave a Comment »

Inspired Entertaining

July 14, 2009 by Shanna Hatfield

Although most of us don’t think about it, entertaining at home can really be broken down into three main areas: inspiration, preparation, and presentation. Although very different, each category has equal importance in your entertaining success.
Today we’ll focus on inspiration. It boils down to “what’s for dinner?” What are you going to serve the people you are entertaining?
The type of event or celebration will help narrow your selections. Choosing a theme also narrows the field and helps create some guidelines. Themes are a fantastic way to entertain, but we’ll talk more about those another day.
Inspiration can come from many different areas. Maybe you have been to a party and saw or tasted something there you want to try. Maybe you are under the gun to host a family event – like a family reunion. If you like food magazines or collect cookbooks, you’ll find a lot of ideas and inspiration there. The Food Network and websites such as allrecipes.com can also provide some great inspiration.
Take a look around you. What is fresh and in season? Let it inspire you! This time of year it is so fun to entertain with all the fresh goodness that abounds from gardens.
Inspiration doesn’t have to be difficult. Have fun with it and see how much your guests enjoy the fruits of your labors!
What is your favorite way to find inspiration in the kitchen? Please feel free to share your ideas!

Posted in Entertaining at Home, Entertaining Ideas | Tagged , , | Leave a Comment »

Mint Iced Tea

July 9, 2009 by Shanna Hatfield

napa-trayThere is nothing quite like a nice, cold glass of iced tea on a hot summer day to really quench your thirst. You can do all sorts of variations on the basic black tea with lemon.

You can add sliced fruit or berries, mix in frozen juice concentrate or even use herbal tea for some fun flavors.

One of my all-time favorite iced teas is mint. A very dear friend is positively convinced I make it just for her. I’ll let her keep thinking that as long as she lets me have a glass or two!

Here is a quick and easy recipe. Enjoy!

Mint Iced Tea

3 mint tea bags (I’ve tried a variety and Bigelow Plantation Mint works the best)

4 cups boiling water

8 cups cool water

2/3 cup sugar

Mint sprigs

Stir sugar into the boiling water until it is dissolved. Add the tea bags and let steep for about 10 minutes. Discard tea bags and pour tea into a 12 cup pitcher. Add cool water and stir. Toss in a few fresh mint sprigs and serve over ice in chilled glasses.

Do you have any fun variations you add to your iced tea? Share your comments here!

Posted in Easy Recipes, Quick and Easy | Tagged , , | 3 Comments »

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