Oh, no! You've just received a call that a friend is in the area and wants to drop by for a visit. It's close to dinner time and you know you can't have your friend over without offering her a meal. However, you don't have the time to run out to the supermarket, and you don't have any take-out menus on hand. Don't break into a sweat. Take inventory of your food supply and get creative. Here are some ideas to get you started:
*Fast appetizers: Conquer hunger pangs with easy appetizers. Defrost a frozen loaf of French or Italian bread, cut in half and butter the insides. Sprinkle with garlic powder and seasonings like basil, tarragon, oregano and dill. Top with mozzarella cheese or another cheese you have on hand and bake until cheese is melted. Cut into pieces and serve. Cheese and cracker platters are also easy to create. Or how about serving a "fast" vegetable dip made with sour cream and that powdered vegetable soup mix you have stashed in the cabinet? Guests can dip bread sticks, chips or fresh veggies into it.
*Go with hearty foods: Stews, casseroles, chilies and bakes are easy ways to fill guests up with few supplies - you probably have all the ingredients on hand. Chop up meats, vegetables, beans and other items, and cook in a brown gravy or tomato base. Season with spices, and serve with rice or noodles.
*Stretch packaged side dishes: Pre-packaged convenience foods are easy options for guests. Just make them go a little further by adding a few ingredients. Doctor up boxed mac and cheese with additional "gourmet" pasta in a variety of shapes. Add chopped frozen broccoli and garnish with shredded cheese.
*Make dishes look like more. Stir-frys are another option for creativity and can make food look like it has more volume. Rather than serving a small piece of steak or a chop, slice it up and add it to a wok or skillet with a frozen vegetable mix. Thicken with broth and cornstarch for an impromptu Asian dish. Or go all-American by adding the same combo to a pre-made pie shell for a fast pot-pie!
*Starches are filling. When possible, always accompany your meal with potatoes, rice or pasta. These foods are inexpensive, kitchen staples that can be used in a variety of ways. Plus, they fill the stomach fast.
*Dig into dessert. Make desserts look gourmet with a few simple touches. Have a half-eaten poundcake on hand? Slice up the remaining cake, top with whipped cream, powdered sugar and sliced fruit. Serve on individual dishes. Or, slice up a fruit pie and add a scoop of ice cream. As long as the guests don't see your dessert preparation, they won't know that you're working from half-eaten items!
With a little ingenuity and items you already have in the house, you can create a meal that will wow unexpected guests. Now your only headache is cleaning up the house before they arrive!
*Go with hearty foods: Stews, casseroles, chilies and bakes are easy ways to fill guests up with few supplies - you probably have all the ingredients on hand. Chop up meats, vegetables, beans and other items, and cook in a brown gravy or tomato base. Season with spices, and serve with rice or noodles.
*Stretch packaged side dishes: Pre-packaged convenience foods are easy options for guests. Just make them go a little further by adding a few ingredients. Doctor up boxed mac and cheese with additional "gourmet" pasta in a variety of shapes. Add chopped frozen broccoli and garnish with shredded cheese.
*Make dishes look like more. Stir-frys are another option for creativity and can make food look like it has more volume. Rather than serving a small piece of steak or a chop, slice it up and add it to a wok or skillet with a frozen vegetable mix. Thicken with broth and cornstarch for an impromptu Asian dish. Or go all-American by adding the same combo to a pre-made pie shell for a fast pot-pie!
*Starches are filling. When possible, always accompany your meal with potatoes, rice or pasta. These foods are inexpensive, kitchen staples that can be used in a variety of ways. Plus, they fill the stomach fast.
*Dig into dessert. Make desserts look gourmet with a few simple touches. Have a half-eaten poundcake on hand? Slice up the remaining cake, top with whipped cream, powdered sugar and sliced fruit. Serve on individual dishes. Or, slice up a fruit pie and add a scoop of ice cream. As long as the guests don't see your dessert preparation, they won't know that you're working from half-eaten items!
With a little ingenuity and items you already have in the house, you can create a meal that will wow unexpected guests. Now your only headache is cleaning up the house before they arrive!
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment