Anatomy of a Dinner Party: a day in the life of a hospitalityaholic
 

January, 2011

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A Very Happy Hollyday

Tuesday, January 18th, 2011

Good Morning Darlings!

Sunday night was a double whammy – the Golden Globes and our beloved Holly’s birthday! A dual reason to celebrate.

Now, you might remember me trying to make Holly a “healthy” cake from black beans, as documented in this video. That didn’t go so well. So, I tried again Sunday morning to make a “real” cake. Not so great, either. Note to self – it is extremely difficult to soften butter at room temperature when it is snowing outside.

Oh, geez, what to do now? Cake Hag to the rescue!! If you remember, they were the star of our dinner with Eddie + Jaithan this past summer, with their luscious red velvet cake. I called Maggie & Katie and even though they had been closed due to the snow/ice storm, they had one perfect cake, just for me. I have never been more relieved. Four layers of rich, dark chocolate cake layered with scrumptious chocolate buttercream. Thanks, Ladies!!
Click here to see how it all turned out

Colorful Spiral Cookies

Monday, January 17th, 2011

Good Morning Darlings!

Last night was bestie Holly’s birthday and the Golden Globe Awards. Both more fun than ever when combined.

But the champagne flowed and the cake gobbled, so I am feeling a bit slow today. I thought I would share this fabulous website called Sprinkle Bakes, which has the most gorgeous photography and recipes that will definitely make you smile. And with all the dismal weather we have been having, a bright spot is most welcome.

Go over to visit this scrumptious emporium and I will be back with all the details of Holly’s party tomorrow. Pinky swear.

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Eddie Murphy – Party All The Time

FFF-Golden Globe Libations

Friday, January 14th, 2011

Good Morning Darlings!

Still iced in here in Atlanta, but we have plenty of food and wine. It could be worse.

Plus, the Golden Globes are on Sunday! I love awards shows, and the Golden Globes by far is my favorite. All the stars are drinking at the event, so you have no clue what they may say in their speeches, making for a hilarious evening. Plus, you can enjoy it in your pajamas, with a drink in hand, hollering at the television set. Which I personally enjoy.

My friends in NYC, Esther and Katie, sent me these recipes for adult beverages that have 2010 movie themes. I love it!
Click here for these special drinks!

Cruising for the Best Recipes

Thursday, January 13th, 2011

Good Morning Darlings!

There are so many fab blogs out there that I bet you’ve never read. And since being snowed in all week, I’ve had plenty of time to scour the web to find the best cozy recipes for you.

How about spaghetti and mozzarella stuffed meatballs from Babble? Aren’t these gorgeous?

meatballs1 Spaghetti with Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Nom, nom, nom!

And Tessa over at Handle The Heat had me swooning with her chicken wrapped in proscuitto and sage. Golly that sounds scrumptious.

At Let’s Dish they are baking up Snickerdoodle Bread. OMG, are you kidding me? That sounds fantastic!

So, if you are snowed in, there are three recipes to try. Don’t they sound tasty?

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Smokey Robinson and The Miracles – Cruisin’

Snow Day 2011

Wednesday, January 12th, 2011

Good Morning Darlings!

Yesterday was such fun. With the snow piling up, Atlanta shut down. The neighbors took to the park to sled and just play in the snow. And since all that sledding and snowball fighting works up an appetite, I suggested a pot luck supper at our house around 5pm.

Eric sleds down the hill.....whee!!!

Come have fun with us!

How Not To Bake

Tuesday, January 11th, 2011

Good Morning Darlings!

My friend Barry and I made a little video for you on how not to bake. I think you will like it. Take a look as we try to make a special cake for Holly’s birthday.

Enjoy!
xoxo, Patti

Pre-Snow Party

Monday, January 10th, 2011

Good Morning Darlings!

I don’t know about you, but we are snowed in here in Atlanta. It is so much fun! Eric has the day off and the neighbors are organizing a Winter “Olympics” in the park this morning. Karen loves the snow and Oscar despises it.

But instead of cowering in our homes waiting for the snow to arrive last night, 14 of us packed up and headed out to Pizza Vesuvius for “This Ain’t Yo Mama’s Sunday Dinner”. For $12, it’s all you can eat pizza and salad. You know, one must carb load for the impending snow. And their pizza really is fantastic. They even deliver to our house and no one delivers to our neighborhood. Except Papa John’s. But this is real pizza. And since everyone else was waiting for the snow to come, we just about had the place to ourselves.

I didn’t bring my camera, but my buddy Justin did, so I am nabbing some of the shots he took from last night.

Peek inside for more fun

Fun Find Friday-Kahlua’s Delicioso Night In

Friday, January 7th, 2011

Good Morning Darlings!

I just received a fun message from Jaclyn in New York telling me about Kahlua’s Delicioso Night In 2011. Not only do they have Food Network Chef Aaron Sanchez on board, but they are giving away a trip for FOUR – one night in NYC and three nights in Veracruz, Mexico. And the evening in NYC is accompanied by a dinner hosted by Chef Sanchez in New York. Wouldn’t that be swell? Log on to the website and you could win! I might win, too!

Come on in for some party ideas and a fun recipe

Salad Nicoise

Thursday, January 6th, 2011

Good Morning Darlings!

Survey says – more recipes. And more budget conscious parties.

Let’s tackle more recipes today. And you know, it would be great for a light luncheon for the ladies, too. Two birds, one tuna.

Eric and I learned this at The Ritz-Carlton Cancun a couple of weeks ago when we traveled to Mexico for Christmas. Chef Rory Dunaway shared it with us and it was so good and the perfect foil for all that rich food you consumed over the holidays.

The tuna portion with vinaigrette and eggs

The veggie component

Nicoise Salad

Serves 4

4 Hardboiled Eggs, Quartered

1 Red Bell Pepper, Finely Julienned

3 Artichoke Hearts, Quartered

2 Tomatoes, Cut Into Eighths

1 Cucumber, Peeled and Sliced Into Rounds

12 Long Green Beans, Blanched & Sliced Thin

2 Ounces Black Olives

2 Stalks Celery, Sliced Thin

10 Fingerling Potatoes, Blanched and Cut in Half

Vinaigrette

3 Anchovies, Minced (note: don’t skip this, it makes the salad. I promise)

1/4 Cup of White Balsamic (note: substitute red, if necessary)

1 Large Garlic Clove, Minced

1 Tablespoon Parsley, Chopped

2 Tablespoons Basil, Chiffonade

1 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Salt & Pepper to taste

Seared Tuna

12 Ounces Yellow Fin Tuna

(note: unless you just caught it, all tuna will be found in the store frozen)

Arrange Veggies and Eggs prettily on a serving tray.

For vinaigrette: In a medium bowl combine anchovies and garlic and smash to a paste using the back of a spoon. Add the balsamic, parsley and basil and mix well to combine. Slowly drizzle oil stirring constantly until mixture is thick. Add salt and pepper to taste. Pour vinaigrette into serving boat so guests made add their own.

For Tuna: Pat tuna dry with paper towel, season well with salt and pepper. In a hot pan, pour a small amount of oil, carefully place tuna in pan and sear on all sides. It should be very rare. When cooled slightly, slice into 1/4 inch slices. Fan tuna slices along salad plate and serve.

Super easy! And super delish. This salad will make your guests think you are very swanky and the amount of veggies and small amount of tuna makes it very economical.

Chef Rory Dunaway of The Ritz-Carlton Cancun

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to The Little Mermaid Soundtrack – Under The Sea

Party at the Big House

Wednesday, January 5th, 2011

Good Morning Darlings!

Before the new year we went to the annual holiday party given by Calvin and Steve at their fabulous loft. It is always a wonderful time and we always meet the most fun people. This year’s guests included a designer for Kate Spade from New York and a former news anchor. Fun!

The Big House's Big Tree

This past year the loft played host to the cast of The Vampire Diaries, where they filmed for a few weeks.
Come on in for more Big House Fun