2008 September « The Hip Hostess

Hip Tip – Party-Worthy Pickles September 30, 2008

I am always on the look out for interesting but simple additions to add to a hors d’oeurve or cocktail party spread. Pickled veggies by rick’s picks fit the bill. Rick uses local cucumbers to make varying types of pickles and other local produce - such as asparagus, okra, beets and green beans - to make unusual but delicious pickled treats. The Windy City Wasabeans (green beans in a soy-wasabi brine) are my personal favorite, but they are all worth trying. All of rick’s picks are super flavorful, easy to eat and make a great addition to a veggie, cheese, cured meat or mezze platter. They are sophisticated enough to serve at a more formal party, just use a crystal dish with mini silver tongs as your serving piece.

You can sample rick’s picks at the NYC Green Market in Union Square on Wednesdays.
Order rick’s picks online at http://rickspicksnyc.com/order.php ($10.99 per 15oz jar)

Comments (3)

Rosh Hashana Favors September 24, 2008

Filed under: Eco Friendly,Edible Treats,Party Favors,Products,Rosh Hashana — hiphostess @ 8:10 am
Tags: entertaining ideas for jewish holidays, honey favors, honey jars, jewish holiday favors, jewish new year, local honey, Party Favors, rosh hashana, sweet party favors

A jar of honey is the perfect favor for Rosh Hashana. Wish your guests a “sweet” new year by buying local jars of honey from your farmer’s market. Attach a honey dipper to the bottle with a ribbon tied around the lid of the jar. Add a homemade label, if you like, with the year (the Jewish New Year is 5769 for 2008) and a greeting. These are also super practical favors, as your family and friends will have local honey to use throughout the year.

Honey dipper are available at many stores. Crate and Barrel sells simple wooden honey dippers individually for under $2 each – http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=752&f=12956.

Comments (2)

Black Bean Enchiladas September 15, 2008

Filed under: Cinco de Mayo,Fiesta,healthy recipes,Main Course,Recipes,Vegetarian — hiphostess @ 8:50 pm
Tags: cinco de mayo recipe, enchiladas, Fiesta, healthy mexican, vegetarian enchiladas, vegetarian mexican recipe

These enchiladas are great for serving a crowd. You can prepare them in advance, giving you more time to enjoy your own party. While they are vegetarian, hungry meat eaters love them too.

Black Bean Enchiladas

1 can mild enchilada sauce

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can fat free vegetarian refried beans

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (optional)

1/2 large Spanish onion, chopped

1 package 8” whole wheat or corn tortillas

8oz chipotle cheddar or pepper jack cheese, shredded

chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat large frying pan with nonstick cooking spray or a drizzle of olive or canola oil. Sauté peppers and onions over medium-high heat until soft.

2. Add in black beans, refried beans and 1/2 can enchilada sauce and mix into onion mixture. Cook over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring to incorporate all ingredients. Remove from heat.

3. Pour a little enchilada sauce in the bottom of a rectangular casserole pan so that the enchiladas don’t stick to the bottom when baking.

4. To assemble enchiladas: fill each tortilla with about ¼ C. of the bean mixture and a little shredded cheese, then roll up (leaving ends open) and carefully place in prepared casserole pan. Repeat until all tortillas are filled, lining each tortilla up against the next, forming a row.

5. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce on top of enchiladas; top with remaining shredded cheese.

6. Cut a sheet of tin foil large enough to cover the pan. Spray one side of foil with nonstick cooking spray. Cover pan with foil (sprayed side down) and bake for about 30 minutes. Remove foil and cook uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro before serving.

This recipe serves 4-6 people, but can easily be doubled and you can cook two pans at once (though you may need to extend the cooking time by about 15 minutes)

Prepare the enchiladas up to a day in advance and bake them right before serving.

Comments (5)

Fiesta September 8, 2008

Filed under: Cinco de Mayo,Edible Treats,Fiesta,Party Favors,Presenation Ideas — hiphostess @ 9:34 am
Tags: buffet ideas, Fiesta, flower arrangements, mexican theme party, party decorations, party decore, party serving pieces, pepitas

Here are some pictures from the fiesta theme party the Hip Hostess threw to give you some ideas for your next hip fiesta.

The Serving Pieces:

Festive reds, blues and bright stripes coordinate to make these pieces fiesta ready.

The Utencils:

Utencils wrapped in cloth napkins and tied with rafia makes it easier to grab everything all at once.

The Flowers:

Bright lime green and muted pink and orange flowers coordinate with the stripes in the napkins and the color on the plates without being too matchy-matchy.

The Favors:

Homemade spiced pepitas (green pumpkin seeds frequently used in Mexican cuisine) wrapped in clear cello bags and tied with rafia are a salty treat that go well with margaritas and make a great favor for friends to take home.

The Hip Hostess

Menus, tips and ideas for hosting with style!