Company's Coming: How to Entertain In Style
(ARA) -- Many make-ahead dishes can help you enjoy entertaining. All you need to do is prepare some sensational meals that keep well. So, organize a little, pull out the good shoes, and prepare to have a great time at your own party.
- Think ahead and relax. Craft your menu in advance. Know what you need before you head to the market. This will minimize expenses and assure a complete and impressive presentation.
- Nutrition counts. Offer something healthy to eat immediately upon guests’ arrival – even a bowl of mixed nuts will do. Understand the nutritional benefits of what you’re serving. That way you can help direct your guests to the best choice for their particular dietary requirements.
Hazelnuts are a good choice. They offer a sophisticated taste and are an excellent source of vitamin E. Your guests will enjoy these healthy and flavorful nuts with little saturated fat and no trans fat.
- Trading up. You can get a lot of mileage out of simple-to-prepare dishes by “trading up.” For example, a bagged salad can be made much more enticing by adding a handful of nuts and dried fruits.
This concept applies to embellishing your food as well. Finishing your dishes with basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, or lightly toasted chopped hazelnuts will add color and texture for the eye and the palate. Make the food you create look as great as it tastes!
Prepare dishes in advance, like hazelnut hummus, then relax and enjoy your party. And your guests will enjoy it too. Here’s the recipe:
Hazelnut Hummus
Prep time: 10 minutes
Makes: 2 cups (16 servings)
Ingredients:
1 can (16 ounces) Garbanzo beans, drained, rinsed
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cloves (2 teaspoons) garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper, ground
3/4 cup hazelnuts, whole, toasted, skin removed
1/4 cup parsley, minced
Directions:
Directions: Puree beans, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper in food processor until blended. Add hazelnuts and process until hazelnuts are coarsely chopped. Place in medium bowl and stir in parsley until blended. Cover and refrigerate until used.
Serve with pita triangles, crackers, baguette or raw vegetables.
Nutritional Analysis per Serving (2 tablespoons): Calories 100 (69 percent Calories from Fat), 2g Protein, 6g Carbohydrate, 2g Fiber, 8g Fat, 1g Sat. Fat, 0g Trans Fat, 0mg Cholesterol, 65mg Sodium
For more recipes, visit www.hazelnutcouncil.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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