I'm sitting at the keyboard in my sweltering apartment, remembering cool breezes and great food from the groovy garden party I went to yesterday.
Some of us Brooklyn folk are lucky enough to have some outdoor space; a garden, terrace, rooftop. Our hosts yesterday have a lovely garden, a medium-sized concrete patio, with planters, ivy-covered fences, a blow up kiddie pool, a screen house and fairy lights. Once the sun went behind the neighborhing brownstones, it was cool and shady, and Scot and Lisa fired up the grill.
As I tucked into lamb patties in pitas with tatziki and veggies, bbq pork ribs and various salads and sides - I was reminded of one of the main principles of cheap entertaining...
POT LUCK or SHARE THE EXPENSE, SHARE THE WORK
Hardly a mind-boggling revelation, I know. But, at one time or another, I know we've all felt that a party planned and put on all by ourselves can be overwhelming. When you pot-luck you do less work, spend less, there is a great variety for your guests to choose from, and there is more than enough to go around. Hell, you might even have left-overs. (Yay, leftovers!!)
Knowing my cash was mighty tight this week, my buddy Lisa asked me to bring a dessert. Still, I only had about $5 to work with. I wanted to make something, so I flipped through the cooking channels and websites in search of something cheap and yummy. I gave up and went to the grocery store, hoping for inspiration...and a sale. The baking aisle was a bust, even the mixes were $3 or more, with other ingredients to buy...and I'm a lousy baker. Then, other side of the aisle, cereal.
Crisp Rice cereal, to be exact. All right, who doesn't like rice crispie treats? Here's a basic recipe, with a little twist from something I always have on hand.
Also, as part of this blog, I'm going to break down exactly what I paid for ingredients and party favors, and recommend a few things that are good to have in your cupboard at all times. All of my recipes and ideas are simple and inexpensive, but have a personal touch that makes your guests feel special and really make your parties come together.
PEANUT BUTTER CRISP RICE TREATS
3 tbsp. butter or margarine (nothing light, it won't set up right or taste right)
1 bag marshmallows (about 40 regular marshmallows)
6 cups crisp rice cereal
2/3 cup crunchy peanut butter (or smooth, if you must)
In a big saucepan, melt butter over medium/low heat. When it's melted, add the marshmallows and peanut butter. Stir constantly until melted. It's easier if you use a rubber/silicon spatula sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
When mixture is melted together, remove from the heat. Add the crisp rice, stir with non-stick sprayed spatula until it's all combined. Spray or butter a 13x9 inch baking dish, and press mixture into dish using spatula or a sheet of waxed paper. Let it cool, then cut into squares and enjoy. They're better if you serve them the same day.
Because I always have butter AND peanut butter on hand, the ingredients only cost:
1 bag of generic brand marshmallows $1.29
1 lg. box of generic brand crisp rice cereal $2.49
Total: $3.78
* Must have pantry item this post: cruncy peanut butter. It's a good, cheap source of protein, and makes a great surprise ingredient when baking or cooking. This week Jiff was on sale at my local market for $1.99, usually it's about $3.
Now, I was a little worried that my offering wouldn't be fancy enough for the party. It was a nice menu, from people I know can cook.
They were devoured, and everyone loved the addition of the peanut butter. Adults were hiding them from the kids. Also, the treats are light, easy to transport. Made it easier to carry my beer.
Well, that was post #1. Dipping my toe in the blogosphere... Hope you enjoyed it and maybe found it helpful. I think it gives of bit of the flavor I'm going for. Thanks for checking it out, and thanks Scot and Lisa for the Summer Soiree.
More ideas and recipes to follow!
Party on! - Ellen Wheels
