The Hip Hostess » Father’s Day

Mini Hamburgers

hiphostess — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 19:00:19 +0000

Don’t save small bites for your tapas or cocktail party – serve mini hamburgers and other mini grilled items (hotdogs, chicken sandwiches, pulled pork sandwiches, etc.) at your next BBQ. Mini burgers are easy to make, quick-cooking (watch them – you don’t want them overcooked and tough!) and just so cute. Even those with bigger appetites will enjoy them – just be sure to make enough.

Make the mini burgers all the same or serve different flavors. Make Fiesta burgers by adding cumin, cilantro, chopped onion, jalapeno and red peppers; make Asian burgers by adding fresh ginger, scallions and soy sauce; or add Guinness to make super moist Irish-inspired burgers (see recipe index). The possibilities are endless. Ground lamb or turkey are also great options for mini burgers.

Looking for those cute little buns to house your mini burgers? I’ve seen packages of them at several grocery stores. Target sells whole wheat mini burger buns in their grocery aisle. If you aren’t able to find pre-packaged, use a round biscuit cutter to make your own cut-to-size buns out of larger rolls.

Host a Father’s Day “Cook-In”

hiphostess — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:00:54 +0000

Don’t let the rain ruin your plans for a Father’s Day cookout. You can still throw your favorite father a BBQ in his honor - just shift gears from a cookout to a “cook-in.” Here’s a menu that you can make on the grill or in a grill pan.

Cookout or “Cook-In” Menu

Black bean and corn quesadillas

Chips and mango salsa

Coffee and chili rubbed steak

Chopped cucumber, red pepper and tomato salad

Chipotle mashed potatoes (add 2 Tbs. chipotle peppers canned in adobo sauce to your favorite type of mashed potatoes)

Grilled Asparagus

Espresso chocolate chunk cookies

Fruit kabobs (thread chunks of fresh fruit on bamboo skewers and drizzle with honey and fresh lime juice)

Vodka spiked lemonade or peach iced tea sweetened with agave nectar

Assorted ice-cold beer

http://hiphostess.wordpress.com/2008/05/26/coffee-chili-steak-rub/

http://hiphostess.wordpress.com/2008/06/03/espresso-chocolate-chunk-cookies/

Monogram Theme Father’s Day Party

hiphostess — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:00:59 +0000

If it feels like the father in your family is hard to shop for, throw a Father’s Day party with a monogram theme and tell all your guest to bring dad a monogrammed gift. Your dad will feel super special with his initials all over.

A monogram theme also works well for a bridal shower, a birthday party or an anniversary.

Here are some other ideas to get your monogram party started:

Send invitations with the guest of honor’s monogram.
Buy a brander with the guest of honor’s initial or monogram and brand steaks and burgers before serving them.
Serve drinks from a monogrammed pitcher or in monogrammed glasses.
Buy disposable napkins with the guest of honor’s first initial imprinted on them.
Serve cupcakes with the guest of honor’s initial piped on top or use alphabet shaped cookies to spell out their initials.

Some great ideas for monogrammed Father’s Day gifts include: Pilsner, low-balls or martini glasses, beer mugs, flasks, coasters, leather catchalls (for change and keys), money clips, cuff links, key chains, cotton handkerchiefs, toiletry bags, towels, coffee mug, playing cards, polo or button-down shirts, grill tools, guitar picks, gym bags, golf towels, golf balls or golf club links.

*Monogrammed beer pitcher shown above is available at Pottery Barn for $21.50 (including cost of monogramming)
http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p11076/index.cfm?pkey=cbarware