Gazpacho

This is the perfect soup to make in the summer when it is really hot. There are many different ways to vary the recipe as well as alternatives to its use. Gazpacho can also be used as a sauce on top of a salad or on grilled fish or chicken. This weekend I stopped by a farm stand and picked up some fresh tomatoes before coming back into the city. I made this in an attempt to prepare for the heat wave that is suppose to come through the east coast this week!1 Cup of chopped red onion
1 Cup of chopped cucumber
1 green bell pepper chopped
1 Cup of peeled seeded chopped tomatoes
2 large cloves of garlic mashed
1/4 Cup tomatoes paste
3 Cups of tomatoes juice
Juice of one lemon
1 teaspoon of jalepeno pepper chopped
1/3 Cup Olive Oil
2 Tablespoons of white wine vinegar
Two sprigs of Thyme
Salt and PepperIn a blender combine all ingredients except the thyme and blend for about 10 to 15 seconds. Transfer to pitcher and refrigerate with sprig leaves in soup overnight. Keep chilled in refrigerator until ready to serve.

Posted by Patty in Appetizers, Recipes. No comments »

Club Sandwiches

Sometimes you just want something simple when you are having people over. I find it even harder to find a good sandwich place if you don’t want a chain. Recently, I was having a mini reunion with some friends from high school (someone was in from out of town) we were going to grab sandwiches and then bring it to one of our apartments to catch up. Instead we opted to make our own. I had everyone over to my tiny place. I roasted a chicken and provided the condiments. We chose to have club sandwiches, but you really could do this with a wide variety next you want have people over for an easy lunch.

Dressing Choices included: Lettuce, Tomatoes, Bacon, Cucumber, Onion, Brie, Cranberry Sauce (these last two items I thought would provide unique sandwich variations)

Posted by Patty in Ideas. 1 Comment »

Introductions

I am always out and about. One thing I always notice is when someone gives a good introduction or, also, when a poor one is given. Even worse is when there is no introduction at all. Here are just a few things to remember next time:

• The younger person is always introduced to the older.
• At a smaller dinner party it is still polite for the host/hostess to rise when someone new comes as well as for a man to rise for a woman entering the room.
• Firm hand shakes are key- two to three seconds long. A lifeless one is telling to some, it is thought that a handshake matches your character.
• At a party it is better to introduce yourself than to stand in a corner by yourself.
• If called the wrong name, don’t take it as a slight, but correct the person right away.
• If you can’t remember someone’s name that you have met a group of times, either you can bluff your way through it or swallow your pride, and let them you know you are having a brain freeze.
• There are always the times where you meet someone for the 20th time, it is okay to say “Yes, we met before at…”
• Introduce with first and last names although today there are so many informal acquaintances that unfortunately you may not know the last name. I wish I did this more but am in the habit of not, I can think of one person I know who does this and I always appreciate it and take notice of it.
• It is polite to give formal introduction of Mr/Mrs to someone’s parents or similar age gap. Let them decide to have you call them by their first name
• It is always nice to introduce with a little information about the person, but use discretion.

There are many more items but these are just a few to think about.

Posted by Patty in Etiquette. 1 Comment »