The Table

            This week we will look at decorations for your entertaining.  This is an important step and can be as simple as fresh flowers for the centerpiece or as elaborate or formal as the occasion requires.   Give some thought to this taking into consideration the time you have to devote to the decorations and cleaning.

 

Assuming food will be served, plan how the food and beverages will be served.  Would a buffet work best?  There will need to be some table decorations.  How are you going to present plates and utensils?  How will each dish be presented on the buffet table?  If you are planning a sit down dinner, the table setting and decorations need to be planned.  Consider the table cover and settings.   How will the meal be served, family style, plated, etc.?  Dishes for the place setting and serving dishes need to be planned for each part of the meal.

 

The room needs to be warm and inviting.  I like to start the house cleaning early with the heavier cleaning like scrubbing floors and cleaning the chandelier over the dining table.  Then give everything the once-over before the guests arrive.  I like to air out house thoroughly while cleaning.  Candles can add warmth.  Stay away from heavily perfumed candles and cleaners.  Scents can clash with the aroma of the foods and some people are sensitive to perfume.  I prefer to have fresh, clean air at a comfortable temperature.

 

            Just as you give thought to the table, also give thought to the rest of the room.  Maybe fresh flowers on the coffee table would be better than on the dining table.  Are you going to put out snacks or appetizers?  Decide where and how these will be presented.

 

The colors or theme need some thought and planning.  If you are celebrating a special occasion like a holiday, birthday or graduation, decorations are easy.  If you are having an informal dinner for a few friends, a simple color theme may do.  I recommend that two or no more than three colors be used for your color scheme.  The decorations should not distract from the reason for the occasion.   Too any different colors can be busy and counter act a calm, relaxed atmosphere.

 

Seasonal decorations can also be used.  In the fall, scatter some colored leaves over the table can be very festive.  Candles may be more appropriate for cooler seasons.  If you are having an informal dinner, consider using the season in your decorating.  Fresh spring or summer flowers, frosty winter decorations, or fall colors add to the atmosphere of your occasion.

 

Overall, the decorations give your occasion a festive air.  It is a detail that says a lot about you and how you feel about your guests.  It is an important part of hospitality and should not be overlooked.

 

This Week’s Challenge – Plan a table setting for a sit down dinner for eight.

 

            Choose your occasion and how the meal will be served.  Think about how you usually entertain and plan for a table sitting you usually would not do.  If you usually entertain informally, choose a formal table sitting for a several courses.  You may usually entertain outside, choose something more formal.  If you usually entertain formally, choose something informal, like a brunch served outside.  You may have to search online for placement of the silverware.  You may have to plan a meal, so you will know what will be need on the table.  Finally think of the decorations, centerpiece, colors, theme, etc.

 

Tip for This Week - Timetable

 

            My favorite part is the planning, followed by the cooking.  I am not much of a house keeper, so the heavy cleaning usually only is done when I have guests over.

            One week ahead, I get the planning finished and start the heavy cleaning.  This includes the outside. In California we entertain outside most of the year.

            Three days before, complete shopping and extras for the occasion.

            Two days before, start the cooking ahead like making a cheesecake or refrigerator bread dough.  Scrub down the kitchen and bathrooms.

            Day before, do the last minute shopping for fresh ingredients.  Finish the light cleaning (the once-over) and prepare the table and serving dishes.

            Day of the event, finish cooking setting the table.  I usually plan one more trip to the market for something you forgot.

            Given this is my ideal timetable and I usually do this, but you will not always be able to plan and execute your entertaining on a smooth timetable.  Life happens.  Just remember everything that needs to get done, manages to get done.   When I was younger, I used to stress over all the details, don’t allow herself to go there.  You want to enjoy your guests, and stress takes away from that. 

 

 

This Week in Punkin’s Kitchen

 

Pizza Dough

 

            This is a bread like pizza dough.  The thinner the dough is rolled out, the crispier it will be.  This will make one thick crust 14” pizza or two thin crust 10” pizzas.

 

The ingredients

Dissolve the yeast in the warm water.
Make sure you have the correct temperature. 
I used a digital thermometer

Add the sugar to the yeast solution.

Add the salt.

Add the oil and stir.

Add the flout and beat vigorously to
blend the dough.

Allow the dough to rest at least five minutes.
I like to let it rise at least 20-30 minutes.

Punch down the dough and shape.

Form for pizza.

Shape for bread sticks and allow to rise.

Bake as for pizza dough.  These are brushed
with garlic butter and sprinkled with Parmesan



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Pizza Dough

by Unknown July-27-2016

I've had this recipe for a very long time. My family loves the dough, but it can be made into bread sticks or pizza roll as well.

Ingredients

• one package dry yeast
• 1 C warm water, about (90 degrees)
• 1 t Sugar
• 1 t Salt
• 2 T salade or olive oil
• 2 1/2 C Flour

Instructions

1. Dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Make sure the water is right around 90 degrees so that the yeast will activate.2. Stir in the remaining ingredients.3. Beat vigorously about 20 strokes.4. Allow to rest at least 5 minutes. I like to allow it to rise for 20 minutes.5. Shape the dough.6. Add pizza toppings7. Bake at 425F degrees for 20-25 minutes. Find that the more toppings the longer then baking time.

Details

Prep time: 25 mins Cook time: 30 mins Total time: 50 mins Yield: One 14 pizza


Go ahead and be creative.  Add herbs or other seasonings to the dough.  Add sesame seeds, or cheese to the edges.  You can even try stuffing the crust

Homemade Pizza

The ingredients

Shape the dough

Form the dough to the pizza pan.

Slice the mushrooms or other vegetables.



 I used mild Italian sausage, but use any
meat you like.

 Remove the castings.

 



Brown the sausage or cook the meat you are using.

 Add the mushrooms or other vegetables you are using
 



Slice your cheeses.  I used smoked mozzarella
and Parmesan.  I prefer slicing or dicing
to using grated cheese

Chesee is ready

Sausage and mushrooms are cooked.

Add about 3/4 C sauce to the center of the pizza
dough and spread it outward to within
two inches of the rim of the crust.

Add more sauce if need.  I use a jar of pasta sauce.

Top the sauce with the cheeses

Add the meat and vegetables and spread evenly.

I topped the pizza with thick slices of
fresh mozzarella.

Bake the pizza. use a pancake turner to
lift up the crust to make sure the crust
is nicely browned and cooked

print recipe

Homemade Pizza

by Unknown July-27-2016

This is my favorite pizza with Italian sausage and mushrooms. Add your favorite toppings to make this recipe your own. Try different meats, vegetables, cheeses, sauce and herbs.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough, homemade or store bought
• one jar Pasta sauce
• One pound Meat of choice, cooked
• two cups Vegetable of choice, sliced and cooked
• 2-3 cups Mozzarella or combination of Italian cheeses
• Basil or other fresh herbs, finely chopped
• Olive oil

Instructions

1. Make the dough and allow to rise. 2. Cook the meat. I usually use Italian sausage removed from the casing or make your own from the recipe posted on August 28, 2015. If you use a cooked meat or salami, like peperoni, just slice or cut it. 3. Prepare the vegetables for the pizza. If you are using fresh vegetables like onions, bell peppers or mushrooms, sauté them briefly in a little oil.4. Punch down the dough. 5. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.6. Lightly sprinkle some olive oil in the pizza pan. A light sprinkle of corn meal can go on top of the oil. This makes the crust a little crunchier.7. Roll or shape the dough to fit the pan. Place the dough on the prepared pizza pan. Press the dough in place working from the center outward to the edges by pressing your fingertips in the dough. It should be thinner at the center. Make sure there is a rim of crust at the edges.8. Pour half the jar of pasta sauce on the crust and spread it leaving the rims at the edges uncovered. Add ore sauce as needed. The sauce is a matter of person preference, so use more of less as desired.9. Sprinkle or place the meat over the sauce evenly.10. Sprinkle or place the vegetables over the sauce evenly.11. Top with the cheese. We love lots of cheese. So I usually put some grated parmesan or Romano cheese over the meat and vegetables. If I use fresh mozzarella I place the thick slices over the first layer of cheese. I sometimes dice the cheese or use slices, because grated cheese cooks to fast. I sometimes reserve half the cheese to top the pizza after it is cooked. 12. Bake the pizza according to the directions for the pizza dough. It is usually about 20-25 minutes. It may take longer so check the doneness of the bottom.13. If you reserved some cheese, add it when the pizza is done and return the pizza to the oven. Bake just long enough for the cheese to melt.14. Allow the pizza a cool slightly before serving.

Details

Prep time: 45 mins Cook time: 40 mins Total time: 1 hour 20 mins Yield: one 14" pizza

Salad of the Week

 

Tortellini with Pesto Sauce

This is an easy summer recipe.  Cherry tomatoes, olives, marinated artichokes and other vegetables can be added.  So experiment and make it your own.



Cook the tortellini

Drain the tortellini and allow to cool.

Top with the pesto sauce and toss.

Serve warm as a side dish or chill for
a salad lunch.



Served chilled with grilled chicken,

 

print recipe

Tortellini in Pesto

by Unknown July-27-2016

This makes a great lunch salad or a side dish for a larger meal. Below is my favorite walnut pesto sauce recipe. You can use this recipe or your own favorite pesto recipe. If you are in a time pinch any store bought pesto will work. Try this with other pasta, too.

Ingredients

• Tortellini enough for the number to be served
• Pesto sauce to cover
• Shaved paresan or rommano and fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the tortellini as recommended. Drain and place in a large bowl to cool.2. Prepare pesto sauce or use your favorite store bought pesto.3. When the tortellini is cool, add the pesto. Gently toss or stir the tortellini to cover with the pesto.4. Refrigerate until time to serve.5. Garnish with shave parmesan or Romano cheese and fresh basil.

Details

Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: 15 mins Total time: 25 mins Yield: 4-6 servings

Walnut Pesto Sauce

 This is based on the recipe at http://www.mnn.com/food/recipes/photos/5-sauces-everyone-should-know-how-to-make/full-of-flavor  I added the walnut oil, but this is optional.

 

Nutty and vibrant, a good pesto sauce can be added to pasta, complement cooked vegetables, or even be spread on toasted bread and eaten by the spoonful.

The ingredients

Toast the pine or walnuts and allow to cool.

Wash and remove stems from the basil.

Pack the basil and garlic into a food processor.
I used my mini food processor.

Add the cheese and process.

Slowly add the oil while processing.
I use half olive oil and half walnut oil.

Process until smooth.



Add the toasted nuts and process until smooth.

It should be a beautiful green color with
darker flecks.

 

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Walnut Pesto Sauce

by Enrique Gili July-27-2016

Nutty and vibrant, a good pesto sauce can be added to pasta, complement cooked vegetables, or even be spread on toasted bread and eaten by the spoonful. based on http://www.mnn.com/food/recipes/photos/5-sauces-everyone-should-know-how-to-make/full-of-flavor

Ingredients

• 2 C Basil, stemmed
• 1/2 C Walnuts, halves and pieces, toasted or pine nuts
• 1/2 C Parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 Garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
• 1/2 C Olive oil (or half olive and half walnut oil)
• Pinch salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon juice, fresh squeezed fresh (optional)

Instructions

1. Rinse basil in colander and shake to remove excess water. Place on cutting board. Remove leaves from stem for about 2 cups packed tightly.2. Chop walnuts in food processor about 30 seconds. Add garlic and chop.3. Add cheese and chop. Add 1 cup basil. Slowly add olive oil until a thick paste forms. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down sides. Add remaining leaves with olive oil until well blended, about 2 minutes.4. Pack pesto into small jars with tight fitting lids. Stir lightly to remove air pockets and top with a thin layer of olive oil. Refrigerate for up to one week.

Details

Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: Total time: 15 mins Yield: 1 1/2 C

Blast from the Past – Kirk this is for You

 

            My best friend pasted away this week.  Since he is on my mind and this is his family’s favorite, I decided to share this recipe from the 1950s with you in his honor. 

 

 

 

 

Kirk’s Pink Stuff

The ingredients

Drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly.
I save the juice to drink for breakfast.

Chop about a dozed cherries.  I usually
cut each cherry in quarters.



Add the pineapple, cherries and cottage
cheese to a large bowl and mix to blend.

Add some of the Jell-O and mix.  Add
more and mix until all the Jell-O is
incorporated.

All the Jell-O added.

 

Fold in the Cool Whip

Chill until time to serve.

Serving

 

 

 

 

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Kirk's Pink Stuff

by Unknown July-27-2016

Kirk liked cherry best. If you use a different flavor of Jell-O, substitute the cherries with fruit of the same flavor. For example if you use raspberry Jell-O use fresh raspberries. I like to use peach Jell-O and add chopped canned peaches. Kirk’s family serves this as a side dish for big family dinners, particularly on the holidays. I like it as a cool, light dessert in the summer.

Ingredients

• One large box Jell-O (Cherry or any red Jell-O)
• One large can Pineapple, crushed and drained
• 1/2 C Cherries (Maraschino) chopped
• 16 oz. container Cottage Cheese
• 8 oz. container Cool Whip

Instructions

1. Stir to blend thoroughly.2. Chill until time to serve.

Details

Prep time: 20 mins Cook time: Total time: 20 mins Yield: 8-12 servings

Kirk liked cherry best.  If you use a different flavor of Jell-O, substitute the cherries with fruit of the same flavor.  For example if you use raspberry Jell-O use fresh raspberries.  I like to use peach Jell-O and add chopped canned peaches. Kirk’s family serves this as a side dish for big family dinners, particularly on the holidays.  I like it as a cool, light dessert in the summer.

Happy Cooking!