Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

when I have a big group coming over I like to make ahead a selection of canape toppings, dry out a few sliced-up loaves of french bread, and then put guests in charge of helping replenish, which they always think is fun (go figure!). I do a disposable pastry bag each of: white bean spread (beans, garlic, lemon, s&p, cumin, evoo), minted pea spread (peas, mint, lemon, parm, s&p, evoo), and ginger goat cheese (goat cheese, cream cheese, garlic, grated ginger, S&P, evoo). then I do a bowl each of tomato bruschetta topping, chicken salad, and a caponata. If splurging I also do bresaola wrapped around arugula and goat cheese. All of these items taste better when everything is made a day in advance, which is perfect when you want to enjoy the party, not work it.

I was grilling meat on my indoor grill when a bit of fat caught fire, causing quite a large flame. Always knowledgeable and prepared I asked for baking soda or salt like a doctor asks for his scalpel. I reach behind myself, feel the box pushed into my hand, and I pour it over the offending flame... right before I noticed it was baking *powder*. Microseconds later it is as if someone has launched a can of pepper spray into the room. People screaming, running, eyes closed, mayhem, chaos. From the backyard we would run in for moments at a time to salvage what we could from the kitchen. Open the windows, pass the veggies please. Needless to say, we ate that meal on the back patio.

I always fall back on quiche... there are always the makings for quiche, and you should know how to make it, not just putting scrambled eggs in a pie crust.

Also, pesto - easy to make, easy to freeze. I eat that at least once a month on pasta! also love it on an egg sandwich with cheddar.

Pot roast, enchiladas and a good caesar salad (dressing) are other musts that work any time and most people like.

Zealous thoughts fill my head,
I must get pork is what I've said!
Not just bits upon a salad,
Glutonous amounts, until I'm pallid.
Each morsel, deserving some attention,
Right down to the snout I must mention!
My love of swine is hard to match,
As my roof is bacon... hatched.
Now, this gift box, it must be fate!
Send it please, I cannot wait!!