Posts filed under '1hr Party'
Valentine’s dinner for two in under an hour
Making a special dinner for two is not a daunting task if the plan for it is fail proof. This post offers one such menu idea which includes recipes that are very hard to mess up 
.
Beverage: Champagne/or any wine (MTS suggests a Sauvignon blanc or a merlot)
Appetizer: Brie n poppy aphrodisiac cups
First course: Easy gourmet valentine’s salad
Second course:Cilantro lime grilled fish or cilantro lime grilled portobello served with almond and raisin couscous.
Dessert: Chocolate Martini
IMPORTANT NOTE: This party post is a guideline on how to gear up with several recipes in a short amount of time. The time indicated will not be accurate for all users. Each of us work on a different pace. Please consider this as guideline on how multiple recipes can be prepared at the same time to save time and energy. Also take note of the serving sizes of each individual recipe and scale it according to your party size. You could always divide this menu among friends and family and host your MTS inspired event. Please send us feedback on such MTS inspired events
Please click here for the shopping list for this dinner menu.
Phase 1 (15 minutes)
Remove phyllo cups from the casing and set it aside for the appetizer. Marinate the fish with 1 tsp of lemon juice and salt for 10 minutes. In the mean time, grind to a smooth paste in a blender cilantro, jalapeno pepper, garlic, ginger and lime juice. Drain the 1st marindae (salt + lemon juice) off the fish and apply the ground paste evenly all over the fish. Let it marinate for 15 to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Boil water for couscous. Set out the ingredients for the salad.
Phase 2: (15 minutes)
Pour boiling hot water into the cousocous. Mix it, cover and let it sit for 5 minutes. Caramelize pecans in the microwave. Toss spinach with mandarin oranges and butter beans. Set pecans and feta cheese aside. Slice the brie (or cream cheese) into 0.75″X0.75″ pieces that will fit in the phyllo cups (for the appetizer). Place washed and towel dried raspberries on top of the cheese. Set this aside. Fluff up the couscous with a fork and mix in the almonds and raisins. Keep th couscous covered until serving time. Set out the ingredients for the chocolate martini.
Make the chocolate mixture for the martini: In a microwave warm up the chocolate syrup and milk in a coffee mug until the chocolate syrup and milk are completely homogeneous with each other( 30 seconds – 1 minute).
Phase 3 (7 minutes)
Add corn starch to the marinated fish. Heat a nonstick pan or a cast iron pan with 1 tsp oil. Place the fish gently on the pan. DO NOT MOVE it for at least one minute. After 2 minutes turn the fish to cook on the other side. Cook both fillets or both mushroom caps the same way.Keep the fish warm (covered) in 200 F oven.
Phase 4 (5 minutes before serving)
Drizzle 1 tsp of salad dressing on the raspberries just before serving. Set out the salad and toss it with with the dressing (or serve it on the side). Pour in the bubbles (or wine) and wait to surprise your special some one.
Make it Fast, Fun, and Facile! – Sri
Add comment February 11, 2009
Superbowl party in an hour
This post is a guide to show how to throw in under one hour a super bowl party or a game party or a guy’s poker night. All these recipes are ideal for both the novice and the veterans in kitchen. So take a break, open up a beer, tune on the pre-game show and set your timer to an hour.
The key to a party is a well prepared host before the cooking and a well relaxed host after the cooking. We have provided the shopping list to ensure a well prepared host. The party menu is designed for a small party of about 7 -1o guests. You can scale to this to fit your party size.
Beverage: Beer, Coyote Gold Margarita, soda and/or juices ( choose what works best for your audience)
Appetizer: Buffalo chicken dip and Healthy parmesan fries
Main course: Southwestern Chili with the works
Desert: Ice cream buffet
IMPORTANT NOTE: This party post is a guideline on how to gear up with several recipes in a short amount of time. The time indicated will not be accurate for all users. Each of us work on a different pace. Please consider this as guideline on how multiple recipes can be prepared at the same time to save time and energy. Also take note of the serving sizes of each individual recipe and scale it according to your party size. You could always divide this menu among friends and family and host your MTS inspired event. Please send us feedback on such MTS inspired events.
Phase 1 (20 -25 minutes)
Put the Beer and/or Coyote Gold Margarita, soda and/or juices in the fridge. This would be a good time to give micro brews like Coyote gold a shot. Remove the frozen fries from the oven and cut open the bag. Pre-heat the oven to 400°F. Rinse the red beans for the chili. In a pot a combine all the ingredients for the chili with the exception of the cilantro, cheese , sour cream and chips. Close and bring the contents of the pot to boiling on medium heat. While the ingredients for the chili are simmering, shred the chicken for the buffalo chicken dip using a blender. Soften the cream cheese by microwaving it for 10 – 20 seconds. Combine the chicken, cream cheese, hot sauce, ranch and 1/2 of the shredded cheese in a greased oven proof tray. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top of the chicken mixture. Cover the dip with aluminum foil and set it aside. While still holding on the foil line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil and grease it with oil or oil spray. Arrange the fries in a single layer.
Phase 2 (20 -25 minutes)
Arrange the toppings for the chill in individual bowls. Arrange the toppings where you would leave them for serving. Arrange the toppings for Ice cream bar. Keep this away until serving time. The chili should be done by this time. Leave it in a crock pot or leave the stove on the lowest heat setting. Place the frozen fries in the oven for 5 minutes. In the mean time mix garlic powder, chili flakes, dried oregano and garlic powder to make the spice mixture for the fries. Remove the fries from the oven, drizzle the oil and sprinkle the spice mixture. Toss the fries gently and place it back in the oven for 10 – 12 minutes until desired crispiness in achieved. While placing the fries in the oven put the buffalo chicken dip also in the oven. When the fries cook in the oven chop cilantro for the chili. For added color place the fries and the dip under broil for 30 secs to 1 minute. Watch carefully! Turn the oven to 200°F to keep the food warm. Until serving time keep the dip covered in the oven and the fries partially covered.
Phase 3 (10 minutes before the party)
Set a timer to remind you to transfer the ice-cream from the freezer to fridge 10 minutes before serving time. Arrange, plates, cups, cutlery, ice and napkins. Most importantly, put on your game face. Leave the stress to the teams and enjoy the evening! Remove the fries, sprinkle Parmesan cheese and serve hot.
Note: At dessert time lay out the ice cream/s and the toppings for the ice cream buffet
Make it Fast, Fun, and Facile! – Sri
TIPS:
If you have a larger group and would like more items, replace/add any of our numerous other recipes. Try two flavors of fries. Check the tips section of the post on oven fries. Add a store bought salsa for an additional dip. Some quick store bought items can be added to the menu like – cookies, veggie trays and use one our easy dipping sauces, fruit trays etc.
Fresh bread from a local bakery can be served with chili to make this a very filling meal.
Add comment January 26, 2009
Shopping list for super bowl / game party
Beverage: Beer, Coyote Gold Margarita, soda and/or juices/ water.
Cheese and dairy:
1 8 Oz bag of grated Parmesan
2 – 8 Oz packs of fat free cream cheese
1.5 cups of shredded low fat cheddar cheese
2 8 Oz bag of shredded cheddar cheese (one for the chili an done for the buffalo dip)
1 10 Oz box of sour cream
1 -2 tubs Ice cream
Veggies and Meat
2 32 Oz (2 lb) bag of pre-cut french fires (available in the frozen food sections)
1 32 Oz (2 lb) bag of baby carrot (to accompany the buffalo dip)
1 16 Oz celery (to accompany the buffalo dip)
1 – 1.25 oz taco seasoning mix (available in packets in the spice asile)
1 – 8 oz pack grilled fajita chicken or beef fajitas (available fully cooked in the frozen food section)
1 bunch cilantro
Crackers and Chips
2 bags of chips ( (to accompany the buffalo dip and as a topping for the chili)
1 box of crackers (to accompany the buffalo dip)
Cookies and Wafers
Sauces
1 – 16 oz bottle of salsa (hot or mild – as per your choice).
Chocolate syrup
Caramel syrup
Spices and condiments ( CHECK YOUR PANTRY BEFORE YOU SHOP FOR THE FOLLOWING INGREDIENTS!!!)
Hot sauce (buffalo sauce available in the condiment aisle near ketchup)
Light ranch dressing (for the buffalo dip)
Vegetable oil ( for the oven fries)
Italian seasoning ( for the oven fries & available in the condiment/ spice section)
Red chili flakes ( for the oven fries& available in the condiment/ spice section)
Garlic powder (for the oven fries)
Dried oregano (for the oven fries)
Sprinkles (for the ice cream bar)
Cherries (for the ice cream bar)
Add comment January 25, 2009
Global appetizer party in an hour
Planning party food does not have to be complicated, especially when you also need to prepare other things around the house. Here is a 1 hr appetizer party food idea. There are some key elements you have to keep in mind while preparing for parties like – finishing up the grocery shopping ahead of time, keeping all the dishes and pans needed clean and ready. The most important secret to getting this menu done in an hour is working multiple recipes simultaneously. Parallel processing is the key timing saving factor. Great home cooked party food can be a lot simpler and quicker than you think. Most importantly, it will make your guests feel very special to be treated to home made treats.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The party idea is only a guideline. The time indicated will not be accurate for all users. Each of us work on a different pace and method. So, please consider this as guideline on how multiple recipes can be prepared at the same time to save time and energy. Also keep in mind to take note of the serving sizes of each individual recipe and scale according to your party size. This post is a guideline on how to gear up with several recipes in a short amount of time. You could always divide this menu among friends and family and host your MTS inspired event. Please send us feedback on such MTS inspired menus.
The Party Menu
The party menu is designed for a small party of about 1o guests. You can scale to this to fit your party size.
CranApple cosmopolitan cocktail (and/or non-alcoholic option )
Brie & cranberry chutney with crackers
Tangy tomatillo salsa with warmed tortilla chips
Thai inspired soup
Pesto Bruschetta
Fillo cup dessert
Click here for a quick shopping list for the party menu
“The food preparation process”
The phases of preparation for this menu is based on utilizing time efficiently while leveraging the use of parallel processing. Please do read through all the phases and set up your kitchen work areas, all the gadgets, pots & pans and oven ready before you begin. Taking the time to start in a clean kitchen and empty sink, helps to work methodically and not be interrupted up by the cleaning and clearing processes.
Phase 1 (about 20 min)
Set out the ingredients you will need for the recipes. Start with setting the broiler at high. Set out the puff pastry sheets and paneer to thaw. While the oven is warming up, clean and place the ingredients to be broiled for the Tangy tomatillo salsa. By the time you prepare the ingredients, the broiler should be ready and place the salsa ingredients for broiling. Set your kitchen timer for 7 min to remind you of the broiling. Chop vegetables needed for the soup and Pesto Bruschetta OR defrost vegetables in a microwave if using frozen vegetables. When the timer is done and the tomatillos are ready, take the tray out and set it to cool. Place all the the ingredients needed for the salsa along with the tray and set aside till you are ready to blend it at the end. Do not turn off the oven but bring it down to broil on low heat. Prepare filling for the Fillo cup dessert recipe.
Phase 2 (about 20 min)
Set a heavy bottomed pan on medium-high heat. Set a large pot for the thai soup on medium-high heat. Work on the recipe for the Thai inspired soup. After you add all the ingredients into the thai soup, cover it, set the timer for about 15 mins -20 mins and let it simmer. While the soup simmers, prepare your bread for the Pesto Bruschetta. Assemble the Pesto Bruschetta and place in the oven and set the broiler back to high. Make sure you lower the tray position in the oven to about 6 inches from the heat for the bruschetta. After they are done, remove and set the oven at 200F. After the oven cools down to the 200F temperature, you can place Pesto Bruschettas back in the oven to keep them warm till you are ready to serve them. Place the tortilla chips in the oven at this time as well to keep them warm and crispy.
Phase 3 ( about 20 min)
Check the thai soup for seasoning and turn it off. Blend and prepare the salsa. Prepare the Fillo cup dessert as per the recipe and use the Mango puree/ cool whip mixture. Store in the refrigerator (covered) till you are ready to serve. Set out all the ingredients you need to make the cosmopolitans/drinks. Do not make/mix the drinks till your guests arrive, but have it all handy and ready to go.
15 min before the guests arrive
Turn off the oven. Taste some of the food and do a final check on any seasoning adjustments. Make sure all the food is plated and/or in the serve wares. Set out the cups, dinner ware, cutlery etc. If you are making a big batch of the drinks, now is the time to mix it up and set the ice and glassware out. Prepare and plate the Brie & cranberry chutney and set it aside. Do not place the brie in a warm oven which will melt the brie. The brie could be done after the guest arrive too.
Keep it Smart, Short and Sazzy! – Anu
TIPS:
If you have a larger group and would like more items, replace/add any of our numerous other recipes. They conveniently categorized by time and purpose.
Some quick store bought items can be added to the menu like – cookies, veggie trays and use one our easy dipping sauces, fruit trays etc.
Fresh fancy bread from a local bakery can add a lot interest and elegance to you party. And it can even serve as a nice center piece.
Add comment December 17, 2008
