Party-Sense

Summertime entertaining should be easy and carefree. I love to get most of my meal preparations done ahead of time so that I can relax and spend more time chatting with my guests. Your mood will be infectious to your guests. If you are running frantically about the kitchen it will be hard for anyone to relax. Follow some simple steps and enjoy your party!

If you’re grilling, it’s easy to marinate chicken or steak in your refrigerator, or pre-patty turkey burgers or hamburgers. I also am a big fan of grilling vegetable skewers which I prepare earlier in the day and have ready to go on a sheet pan in the fridge. Typically I think “color” when making vegetable skewers. I’ve used a variety of vegetables depending on what’s in season. I love to use both yellow squash and zucchini along with red cherry tomatoes or red bell pepper chunks. I baste these in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and balsamic vinegar, which I brush on liberally prior to placing them in the fridge.

Have the items for mixed drinks and wine available if desired. Make sure your wine is chilled if it needs to be. Arrange your glassware, ice tub and tongs. Include cocktail napkins and plates. I usually set out an appetizer or two in this area as well. My fruity mango salsa with sugar and spice chips makes a wonderful addition to any summertime party. And, it can be made in advance.


















Fruity Mango Salsa with Sugar and Spice Chips

2 mangos – peeled and diced
2 kiwis – peeled and diced
1 cup strawberries – diced
½ cup raspberries – halved
3 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons lime juice
8 flour tortillas
½ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
Cooking spray

For the salsa:
Add mangos, kiwis, strawberries, and raspberries to large mixing bowl. In small bowl, whisk honey and lime juice together. Pour over fruit and toss gently.

For the chips:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cut tortilla shells into wedges and place onto sheet pan. Spray wedges lightly with cooking spray. Mix together cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle on top of the wedges. Bake for 5minutes. Cool and serve with Fruity Mango Salsa.  Serves 10

When guests arrive, direct them to the beverages and then start pre-heating your grill. Relax with your guests while your grill preheats and slip away to take place your pre-prepped items on the grill. If you have a spouse or significant other, assign them to grilling duties. The rest is smooth sailing.

Please email me with any of your questions, comments, or entertaining dilemmas at Christine@party-sense.com. I would love to hear from you!