Speedy Hostess 3 or Cheese Platter Decalogue

by Karolina, 5th October 2012

Really speedy post today...It's been really crazy and busy week...Uffffff.........
And the best part- we decided for last minute holidays. Yay! We're leaving tomorrow. So actually I should be packing right now...but I'm an "almost" good blogger and I'll write a few words before leaving for a week.

So, I thought that Speedy Hostess post would be perfect for speedy post :)

Today, one of my "to go" entertaining tools. Good, old....Cheese platter!

Couldn't really be quicker, right?
But there are a few things you should remember when preparing a cheese plate.

So here's my...

Cheese Platter Decalogue:

1. Have at least 3-4  different cheeses to offer
2. Vary the cheese by type of milk (cow,sheep,goat)
3. Have a variety of tastes - from smooth and silky to pungent (OK, not too pungent because you have to live in your home afterwards)
4. Offer different cheese textures - hard cheese & softer ones
5. Remember that eyes are eating first - think about different shapes and colours of cheese
6. Try local or unusual cheeses (makes a nice twist and a good conversation starter, in case you've run out of subjects after mains ;))
7. Don't forget about additional items for your platter - fruits, nuts etc.
8. Good bread is a MUST.
9. Try something new - like honey or quince membrillo with your cheese
10. Let the wine flow!

How is your cheese platter? Did I forget about some important rule?

Let me know!

Speedy Hostess (2)

by Karolina, 8th July 2012

Speedy Hostess is back :)
Today, I wanted to show you a perfect entertaining idea which will make your party preparation or last minute entertaining stress-free.

Pretty little pastries...Quick and cute.
This is really no-brainer.
A few simple ingredients combined together + pretty presentation.

OK, this involves cooking shortcut, kind of baking cheating...Store-bought pastry shells. I always keep pastry shells in the cupboard. They're life-savers for last-minute parties! Seriously, if you don't have them in your pantry yet, go and get them...now!
Don't get me wrong, I really like making things from scratch, but sometimes little shortcut means that you have a few more minutes to prepare something yummy or that you actually have time to do your hair before guests arrive, or just that you have 5 minutes before the party to chill out with glass of wine instead of frantically running around the kitchen.

So, how to create these tiny beauties?

It's just assembling job really...(and simpler than Ikea stuff, I promise :))

You need:
- pastry shells
- whipped cream or mascarpone
- fruits for topping

Fill the shells with cream or cream cheese (depending what you have on hand) and top with a few fruits. I used variety of fruits to have nice colour palette - blueberries, red currents, strawberries. But actually any berries will be great. In winter when it's much more difficult to get hold of nice fruits , I would use cut pieces of peaches in syrup or even dried fruits. Really, the choice is huge and sky is the limit when it comes to different variations. Arrange cups nicely , decorate with fruits or leaves (I used some red currants and mint leaves). And you're ready to go!
5 minutes and pretty little tea snack or dessert buffet option is ready.

Do you use any shortcuts in the kitchen?
I'd love to hear about it from you.

Speedy Hostess...

by Karolina, 9th May 2012

...or "how to be Entertaining Goddess in 5 minutes" :)

I decided to start new series of posts about entertaining.
Mainly because a lot of people say that they don't have time to cook, have guests, organize party...
I want to show:
 - that even with minimum effort and tiny bit of time you can create something nice, stylish & little special
- that to entertain you don't need hours of preparation and you can invite people anytime
- that you don't have to limit yourself to opening bag of crisps even if on a busy schedule

So today, I'd like to propose you this:

Pears with blue cheese and balsamico creme.
Sounds posh, looks good...do you agree?
Well, took me less than 5 minutes to prepare it. Seriously!
I actually made this today as improvised starter. And it will definitely stay in my last-minute entertaining ideas.

What do you need:
- pear (1 for 2 people - but you can vary it depending on amount of guests, portion size etc.)
- blue cheese (gorgonzola would be great as well, goat cheese would work as well)
- creme balsamico (I used ready made emulsion, but you can use normal balsamic vinegar or reduce it yourself)
- pepper

How?
Core the pear, cut it into bite size pieces, or slice it
Crumble cheese on top
Pour balsamico
Grind fresh pepper on top

(This would work really nice on bed of rucola as well - I didn't have any around though)

Tada! Ready!

This makes a nice change from typical tomato mozarella or melon and Parma ham (although I love it and could eat it every day :))

How do you like it?
How do you like my idea of Speedy Hostess posts?
I'd love to hear from you...