Monday, January 15, 2018

By Barbara Pronin The holidays are over, skies are grey and everyone’s got a case of the winter blahs. What better way to provide a pick-me-up than a casual get-together with friends that’s also easy on you and your wallet?
California caterer Nicki Reasoner suggests four simple ways to do that:

Bagel brunch – A dozen warm, fresh bagels can go a long way toward brightening a late Sunday morning. Provide plain and flavored cream cheeses and platters of sliced tomatoes, thin-sliced red onion, smoked salmon and/or capers if the budget can handle it, and a choice of hot coffee, tea or cocoa—with or without liqueur. Add some cheerful linens, a little music and the stage is set for good times.

Mashed potato cocktails – Here’s a little elegance on a budget. Start with a crockpot full of warm mashed potatoes. Let your guests ladle them into champagne glasses (plastic will do nicely) and top their ‘cocktail’ off with a choice of trimmings: grated cheese and blue cheese crumbles, bacon bits or minced ham, chopped tomatoes, olives and chives. Add bowls of sour cream, and you’re good to go at cocktail hour. (We’ll leave the choice of beverages to you!)

Hot dog Saturday night – Who says a weekend dinner party needs to start with an expensive roast? Charm your friends with a hot dog buffet they’ll long remember. Start with grilled or steamed hot dogs and a basketful of warm, soft buns. Add ketchup, mustard, relish and barbecue sauce, and a selection of unexpected condiments: sautéed onions and peppers plus chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, grated cheddar cheese and blue cheese crumbles, red onion and bacon bits. Add dishes of sauerkraut and slaw, a big bowl of chips, and a modest selection of beer and soft drinks, and watch the fun just happen!

Potluck game night – Nobody minds bringing a dish to a party. Start with a big pot of homemade chili and/or soup, and ask friends to bring their favorite bread, crackers, salad or dessert. Set up a couple of board game or card tables after dinner, and watch winter’s chill take a back seat.

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