Ugh.. more food...

[ladyringo]

So, between the Thanksgiving holiday potluck at work, then thanksgiving, then my wedding party, I have another holiday potluck on wednesday and then christmas at the end of the month not to mention birthday cake day was in the middle of that AND I have another birthday cake day this month too

Comments

[sigilgoat]

bacon wrapped asparagus is pretty easy! nip the ends off asparagus (the woody bits), then wrap each in a spiral with half a piece of bacon, cut lengthwise.

the cutting was the hardest part! though i bet a pair of kitchen shears would have made it easier

[ladyringo]

Ooo I am kinda torn between those and the cream cheese mints...

[silverback2001]

You could do what my bf always does- a fresh loaf of bread, and some olive oil and balsamic vinegar. It's a simple and quick appetizer that people tend to rave about in a good way :)

[ladyringo]

Folks usually bring bread, and I don't live near any grocery store that has good bread. The closest New Seasons is wayyy too far away. ^_^ Good idea though!

[maiden_midwife]

Cream cheese mints? You don't actually have to heat anything, you only need 5 ingredients and you can make them ahead.
Here's a recipe:
http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,181,147189-240205,00.html

You can also roll them into small balls and flatten them in to mint patties with the bottom of a small juice glass.

[ladyringo]

Those sound delicious!!

[maiden_midwife]

They are soooooooo good. I'm gonna make some this week just 'cuz.

[lyttlebyrd]

I always like a fruit or veggie tray. Hardly anyone remembers to bring them for things.

You should live a day in my kitchen, girly.... then you'd really be tired of food!!!

[ladyringo]

There's always multiples of those! :)

Also- Icon love!

[hitchkitty]

Well, I'm a sucker for a good risotto.

Two cups arborio rice
Six cups chicken broth (or even stock, for extra body)
One cup white wine
Half an onion, diced.

Bring the liquid to a simmer in a separate vessel. Sweat the onion in a pat of butter and a bit of salt until translucent, then add the rice and continue to cook on low-medium heat until the tips of the rice grains turn translucent as well.

At this point, begin adding the simmering liquid. For the first dose, add enough to cover the rice, then stir every few minutes. When you can scrape a clear path across the bottom of the pan with a spatula, add more liquid.

When the last dose of liquid is almost absorbed, add whatever "extra goodies" you like. I like to use bacon, and garlic is always welcome (though I'd recommend sweating the garlic with the onion at the beginning). Top with whatever cheese suits your fancy.

Serves as a side dish for six or so, and takes about half an hour once you start adding liquid to rice.