At Cousin Barbara's--no, in honor of our own Betty Barbara we've agreed to call the cousin Babs...At Cousin Bab's cheese-paring Christmas party she serves the Infamous Punch and a buffet spread that prompts Amelia to say, "I think I'll stay famished."Soon after, Gideon saves the day by inventing a hospital emergency that carries them off to greener pastures.
At another party (this time given by Amelia's aunt or something) they are happy to eat more standard Brit party fare: tiny mince pies, sausage rolls, trifle, et. al.
So, the question is...What are party standards where you come from? What are the dishes that people bring out over and over (Funeral Potatoes, I'm looking at you) knowing they'll be a hit?
Betty Barbara here--
ReplyDeleteHmmm, let's see. Most parties I've been involved with are either Open House or family reunion types. For the Open House--finger food, definitely--- deviled eggs are always a hit! Likewise a hot, cheesy dip (crab, artichoke, etc). Chicken wings, too(teriyaki or buffalo, either is good). The cooking-impaired usually bring the chips, trail mix, mixed nuts, etc. And you can always count on someone bringing a really good variety of healthy munchies (carrot sticks, broccoli florets, etc. Lots of chilled dips; cheese balls have been known to make an appearance. Then of course, cookies, brownies.
Family reunions usually have all of the above plus potato salad and other goodies that need a fork and plate. Often a real cake or two in addition to the cookies, brownies.
Of course, lots of real beverages--no wimpy excuses for punch need show up.
And now I've made myself exceedingly hungry!
"Real beverages"? My imagination is running amok. Please define.
ReplyDeleteWe go in for the deadly finger food here. One of our stand-bys are Litl' Smokies wrapped in bacon, covered in brown sugar and baked. Sounds horrible, I know, but they are wickedly addictive.
Betty Barbara here--
ReplyDeleteReal beverages = definitely beer, wine, soda; and can even include bottled water and homemade lemonade. And of course, iced tea made from brewed tea (no instant need apply). Fruit juices can count as real beverages, too. I was trying to eliminate any possibility of pathetic punch a la Cousin Babs from showing up.
Oh yes, anything wrapped in bacon is great, and addictive and always a hit!
On the subject of ice tea (or tea of any kind) I am lamentably ignorant. I thought you just steeped a bag in ice water. Do you have to brew it first?
ReplyDeleteAlso, Chex mix is a must and those danged Milano cookies (if I'm not cooking). The only must-have for my regular cinema night is Swedish Fish.
Betty Keira, sun tea is the way to go for iced tea--oops, you have no sun up there--it's just as well you don't drink the stuff then.
ReplyDelete