Achieve - 6th Issue 2021 - 13

AB W A PERSPEC TIVES
1 PLAN TO HAVE FUN!
Stick to what you know, now is not the time to try an ambitious
new recipe for the first time. Plan ahead, shop days in advance
and have everything prepared and ready, before your guests
arrive. Choose recipes that favor being made ahead, family
favorites and time tested winners are your friend here. I've
included a sample menu so you can see what I mean. " But Chef
Mark, what if I don't know how to cook " ? Easy, call your favorite
restaurant, order a few of your favorite menu items, and
proudly serve their food.
2 HIRE SOME HELP
A kitchen assistant is worth their weight in gold. Their job is to
greet at the door, coat check, keep everyone's cup full, serve
the food that you the host provides and to help with clean up.
Where you ask, can such a magical person be found? Well, I've
been working with the same kitchen assistant for years and
I discovered her at a local cooking school here in the Denver
area. Do a quick Google search for cooking schools in your area
then pick up the phone and ask for help. Make it worth their
while and you'll have that connection for life. Plan on paying
between $18 to $25 an hour for a 3-4 hour shift (and don't
forget the tip).
3 SEND OUT AN ITINERARY
WITH YOUR INVITATIONS
5:30 pm Happy Hour. 6:30 Dinner Served. 7:30 Dessert and
Presentation. 8:30 Decamp
Let everyone know what to expect with your invitation timeline.
Inform your guests what time dinner will be served and what
time they can expect to be home that night.
4 CHOOSE A THEME
Tour of Italy, Steakhouse classics, Sous Vide everything, Summer
in France, Winter in Spain, Fondue madness, Food on a stick,
Breakfast for dinner, Crepes and more crepes, Childhood
favorites, Pasta night, Pizza night, Thanksgiving in July. You'd be
surprised how quickly the rest of the menu falls into line once
you choose a clear concept.
5 THINK LIKE A RESTAURANT
I'd kick things off with a small Charcuterie board, don't fill up on
the starter. Preset your salads, wine and water on the dining
room table to expedite the timing and entice everyone to sit
down. After the salad course, family style is your friend. Present
your entree along with two or three side dishes. This is more
than enough food and variety to impress your guests. Have
dessert in the kitchen so you can walk away from your dinner
mess. Simplify, make it look effortless.
Sample Menu
Mediterranean Winter Feast

GREEK SALAD
won't wilt while preset on the table.
CRAB CAKES
holding in a warm oven ready to
serve over garlic Aioli.
ROSEMARY CHICKEN
with lemon and potatoes
Crock pot, roasting pan or Instant pot.
TUSCAN BUTTERNUT SQUASH GRATIN
make the night before and reheat
before serving.
GREEN BEANS AND PESTO
toss together and roast in a hot oven.
TIRAMISU
my favorite, plus it's socially
acceptable when store bought.
Everything here is sturdy, meaning it can wait in a warming
oven, only getting better as it holds and deeper flavors develop.
Unless you're hiring a private chef, avoid delicate items like fish
that must be cooked at the last moment.
It's time to wrap up, your guests have left by 8:45. All the
dishes are loaded (bonus tip, start the evening with an empty
dishwasher). Your coworkers and colleagues are impressed,
word will get around that you have the BEST parties. It's time
to relax. Go ahead and put your feet up because everyone left
impressed and with full bellies, what's not to love about that.
A publication of the American Business Women's Association, ©2021 ABWA Management LLC
A CHIE VE NE W SLE T TER * 6 TH ISSUE 2 0 2 1 13

Achieve - 6th Issue 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Achieve - 6th Issue 2021

Achieve - 6th Issue 2021 - 1
Achieve - 6th Issue 2021 - 2
Achieve - 6th Issue 2021 - 3
Achieve - 6th Issue 2021 - 4
Achieve - 6th Issue 2021 - 5
Achieve - 6th Issue 2021 - 6
Achieve - 6th Issue 2021 - 7
Achieve - 6th Issue 2021 - 8
Achieve - 6th Issue 2021 - 9
Achieve - 6th Issue 2021 - 10
Achieve - 6th Issue 2021 - 11
Achieve - 6th Issue 2021 - 12
Achieve - 6th Issue 2021 - 13
Achieve - 6th Issue 2021 - 14
Achieve - 6th Issue 2021 - 15
Achieve - 6th Issue 2021 - 16
Achieve - 6th Issue 2021 - 17
Achieve - 6th Issue 2021 - 18
Achieve - 6th Issue 2021 - 19
Achieve - 6th Issue 2021 - 20
Achieve - 6th Issue 2021 - 21
Achieve - 6th Issue 2021 - 22
Achieve - 6th Issue 2021 - 23
Achieve - 6th Issue 2021 - 24
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/abwa/achieve_issue6_2021
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/abwa/achieve_issue5_2020
https://www.nxtbookmedia.com