’Tis the season for parties and celebrations. Here are a few ideas from the Blue Kitchen archives for easy, delicious entertaining.
Let’s get this pâté started. This easy make-ahead pâté makes for an elegant first course or party appetizer. It is also a noble use for the reserved duck fat from the Duck with Raspberries recipe above.
A great salad remembered. This Endive Salad with Blue Cheese and Walnuts always reminds me of one of my favorite little New York bistros. It’s a great first course—or a nice complement to a bottle of wine shared with friends.
Mascarpone: Italian for easy, elegant desserts. The culinary equivalent of the little black dress, versatile delicate, creamy mascarpone cheese is the starting point for countless impressive, easy-to-make desserts.
Light, Luscious and easy on the guilt. During a season of holiday excess, vegetable oil in place of butter and heart healthy flaxseed meal make this delicious Lemon Flaxseed Cake relatively guilt-free. Perfect for putting out on a buffet table or when you need to bring something to a party.
What’s for breakfast? And finally, if you have overnight guests during the holidays, lightly sweetened fresh fruit with mint and a squeeze of lemon juice replaces sticky syrup and powdered sugar in this delicious take on a weekend breakfast favorite, French toast.
So there are a few ideas for you. What holiday culinary tricks do you have up your sleeve?
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Breaktaking pics Terry! Love em! Makes me want to reach into my computer screen & grab it! Love your double dosage recipes each week too dude!!!!! ;D
Thanks, Kim! Don’t get too accustomed to the double dose of recipes—it’s just a sometimes thing.
Gorgeous photos. I love endive with any sort of cheese and also mascarpone with berries. Great ideas!
Thanks, DD! And both recipes are proof that, if you start with a handful of good ingredients, making something impressive and delicious is easy.