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Post by Baking_Bud on Jan 8, 2003 15:33:10 GMT -6
Hi April!, Be glad to help you plan this out, as I'm sure many others will too. Have a few questions for you, before I lend my suggestions on appetizers, etc. How long will you and your company be socializing before you actually serve dinner? What time of the day will this be taking place? What is their age range in comparison to your's and your husbands? Have you socialized with them before, and find doing so relaxing? Where you live are you in the snow now, or as us in So. Ca. getting out your shorts?!! I ask these questions as they all give clues as to the type of appetizers that will best serve your needs. Finding inexpensive ones will be easy, but the 'type' can really help set the mood, fill in the gaps for conversation, and can help elongate the time between arriving and leaving. Or, SPEED it up!  Do you anticipate that the men will be off talking business, and you and the wife will be one on one? You also mentioned 'low calorie'. Is there a person who has a real stated health need for this? I find that most fettuccine sauces aren't low calorie, and if they are they usually are pretty blah. If there is a health issue, then yes you must to be a good hostess try to offer a meal that fosters that follow through. If there isn't, I'd say forget being healthy for the day and GO for the flavor! White wines unless you have a real favorite already, are hard to recommend. You have Chablis which are the driest, Chardonnay which is a little less dry, and then as in my case > I prefer swinging to a sweeter white wine so opt for a Riesling (but that is usually too sweet for most people). My husband right now would be gagging.  He is a real lover of wine, so would choose the one that cleanses the palate in preparation for the next bite of food. Not me. If it bites me too hard, I'd be looking for a classic Coke! Guess you can tell I am not a serious wine drinker. But, humor aside, I have found a good white wine that skirts between the different taste levels is Berringer's White Zinfandel. It is not as sweet as a Riesling, but not as dry as a Chablis or Chardonnay. It is pink in color, so hope that doesn't turn you away from giving it a try. It is inexpensive, and I feel truly a great California wine. Available everywhere, so not hard to locate. Call ahead if you want to save time, and ask your various stores if they carry it? Make sure you chill it prior to serving. Here again I could get my husband  rolling his eyes, as when I chill mine I want it VERY COLD! I have actually exploded mine in the freezer! Truly just shows that some like wine in its purest taste elements and its true intended purposes (my husband), and others like myself judge it on it pleasant presentation to my senses. (A good Chablis makes me wince from its BITE!  ) You have a few days so why not sample the White Zinfandel and see what you think? Or have the Zinfandel and also one of either the Chablis or Chardonnay, and let them select their own. Personally, I always serve glasses of ice water with all meals, irrespective of the 'main' beverage. I never assume that all like wine (as my husband would), so offer other beverages in case they don't care for any. Ice tea and a few different types of soda can make for a much more pleasant meal for a non wine person. Easy to lead into the asking by saying, "I plan to serve a white Chardonnay wine with dinner, but I also have ice tea or soft drinks if you prefer." I appreciate being given the option of what I will have with my meal, and I know your guests will too. Have your coffee and hot water ready for hot tea if they so desire, for serving with your dessert. (I gave up coffee recently as I read about how much more beneficial tea is for all of us. I have those different flavor bags you can add to your black tea ones, to fit my moods. I'm basically a peach person I have decided! VBG!) So fill in some of the 'details' surrounding your dinner, and that will help us all to help you plan a nice dinner. Always My Best, Baking Bud PS> There are TONS of recipes posted for appetizers, so take a look and tell us which flavors and types appeal to you. I posted quite a few over there too! |
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Post by Baking_Bud on Jan 8, 2003 15:59:43 GMT -6
PS. April, meant to also add that I know you must be feeling nervous, especially with it being your husband's boss and his wife. We've all had those moments. What I found over the years was that being prepared ahead of time so that I could 'relax' and have time to unwind prior to the company, gave me my best edge to enjoy myself as the hostess. When I've been running to the last moment is when I find myself NOT enjoying the guests. Leave time to make sure that YOU feel well groomed and dressed, for THAT is the key to showing your ease with welcoming your guests into your home. Remind your huband that he has HANDS that can help you also! (I suggest lawn cutting, dusting, and bathroom cleaning duties here!) No one relaxes until everything is set and ready! Under hints, I think I posted a nice blend you just heat up on your stove to make your whole house smell warm and inviting. If not, I will post it. Have confidence that you've put the right touches on to make it a fun time, and it will be. You'll do great! |
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Post by Chris in NM on Jan 8, 2003 17:21:38 GMT -6
Hi April! Try a good California chardonnay for your chilled white wine. That is one of the most popular wines out now and California has a lot of good ones. I will warn you, it is a tad dry. It is VERY good, though! I normally - when I drink anything - drink a glass of white grenache. It is a light pink and a little better than white zinfindel, not as bitter. Good luck! However, the Beringer wines are outstanding. Yes, I am a wine connissiour also. Love it! Don't do mixed drinks or beer - way too heavy. I almost forgot - the low-cal appetizer! My cousin-in-law gave me a recipe for cucumber sandwiches a few years ago and they are great! I will put them in the appetizer section now. You can substitute the low-cal stuff for the normal items. Let me know what you think? Oh - ;D - no, I don't think much escapes me nor Robyn2! hehehehe! I try to log on at least 2 to 3 times per day. I love this Board. Everyone is so nice and friendly and that sure helps! You had LOTS of good help from Baking Bud. Take a deep breath and ask your hubby for help. I am sure he will! Take Care!!!!!!!!! Chris |
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Post by Baking_Bud on Jan 8, 2003 18:54:25 GMT -6
Hi Again April!,  I just have to ask if those 'times' are set in stone, and if they expect to stay that long? That is a LONG HAUL between arrival and serving dinner! Even if I really liked someone, 4 hrs. till dinner would be a stretch in keeping them entertained and not killing off their appetite by feeding them too many appetizers to keep them from being hungry. And I'd be afraid if I didn't, that they'd be watching their watches wondering where the food was? What if you and the wife don't hit it off, and the men are off in the office leaving you struggling to find stuff to say? I'm getting a headache just thinking about this! Let me know about the time, and if THEY KNOW they will be there from 2 to at least 7:30 PM to finish with dessert, share some last chat to bring the evening to a close, and LEAVE. I'm exhausted thinking about that many HOURS for you! EEEKKK! I'd be making hubby come up with forms of entertainment if they are to be there that long. If they were close friends and you had hobbies and stuff in common, you could fill in the time easily. Unless I knew we did, I'd be re-vamping that time schedule if they didn't know the length of visit I thought I wanted to have with them originally. If they DO KNOW, we all need to put on our thinking hats to help you! So now fill me in on the time and why so long?! With someone I hadn't met before, I'd be planning to have them come at 2 PM, appetizers READY and very shortly laid out on a table to 'ease' into the making friends mode > which helps to bridge the uneasy moments by at least being able to chat about the good tasting appetizers. Dinner would be no later than 4 PM, finishing dessert by say 5:15-5:30. Their departure not long after your dinner was to start at 6!!! ;D See, I'd already have them out the door with the labs coming home! As far as low fat, some nice fruits and veggies with their respective dips could keep you honest. Good I am not coming to dinner, as your low fat diet and my Atkin's high fat way of eating would clash! Throw caution to the wind that day and just relax, try to fill up on the 'good stuff', but save some room to allow the bad (for your nerves!) When the labs get home, you and hubby can take them for a LONG WALK and burn off your fettuccini sauce, noodles and BREAD. It is hard talking food, when I get no breads, potatoes, rice, pasta and can only eat the fruits I really don't like. The ones I do MAX OUT my carb amount in a few bites! Can't waste those carbs for that. Lets hear it for blue berries  . yeah > NOT! I had a chicken salad for breakfast, and will have wings for my late lunch/dinner dipped in ranch dressing. More chicken salad later if I am still hungry (which I usually am not). Eating simple keeps me honest! That low fat stuff doesn't work for me. All I can think about then is what my next meal will be, and that is just after I finished the last one. Use to make me NUTS! Now I have to make myself eat. Much better!  Ummm. Just thought of my beloved strawberries, where you make 4 slits down halfway to make it open up into a flower shape. Then you mix cream cheese, splenda sugar, and a drop or two of almond extract. Blend it well, and pipe it into each strawberry. Those would make for a tasty and pretty conversation piece! Now I want some of those! OK. Will wait to hear about the timing and how you are filling in that 4 hr. gap! Always My Best, Baking Bud |
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Post by carnation037 on Jan 8, 2003 19:39:18 GMT -6
I just posted 4 low calorie appetizers in the appetizer
section. You can check those out too.
They are:
Low Cal Apple Salad
Low Cal Beer + Peppercorn Cheese Spread
Low Cal Fiesta Dip
Low Cal Garden Veggie Pizza Squares
I sure hope you get a chance to have some fun while doing your entertaining.
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Post by Baking_Bud on Jan 9, 2003 14:00:17 GMT -6
Hi Again April!, I will send you an email, as I am running to get ready for a doctor app't. for my son in a bit. That way I can type between activities > ie, letting dog out, feeding dog, feeding cats, jumping into shower, doing hair, make-up and all the other etc. we women have to do before we can even leave the house! We ALL do know that it was a man who came up with the make-up, nail polish, and need for hair do's, don't we?!! Ahhh, to be a man > 5 minute shower, dress, put a baseball hat on, and off you go! WOW. I can only imagine the freedom of that! Have some ideas for appetizers that will compliment the eventual serving of the chicken fettuccini Alfredo. So look for my note in a bit! And YES, do try that spice blend for it makes the WHOLE HOUSE smell so good. See you in a bit! Always My Best, Baking Bud PS> Hey Chris! Hubby and I did a taste test last night, and now he wants to know more about your favorite drink, white grenache. He wants to know who puts out the best one, and where to get it? We are in So. Ca., so find us a store! Your mission is clear ;D! After the two wines we tried last night > twice each, anything would have worked for me food wise! I was one happy camper! See how much I am willing to give to helping my fellow food bb friend's! Always My Best to You, Baking Bud |
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Post by Chris in NM on Jan 9, 2003 15:40:07 GMT -6
Hi April and Baking Bud, Well, the two favorite brands of white grenache are: Peter Vella and Franzia. Now, these two are in a 5 liter box. hehehe I always add ice, too. Another good one with the best spout is Alamaden. Yes, it is a box, too. I really haven't seen any white greanache in a bottle here in Alamogordo. I do know that several other companies bottle it. All are California wineries, too. I don't know how or where you buy booze in CA, but here, we can buy it in all grocery stores and Walgreens. The price is right, too. We pay between $8.99 to $10.99 per 5 liter box. If you are military affiliated, you could go to the local Class 6 store, too. Good luck! LOL Bet you didn't eat much, Baking Bud! ;D Feeling pretty good, huh? hehehe Chris |
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Post by Baking_Bud on Jan 9, 2003 22:25:07 GMT -6
Hi Chris!, Yes, wine always gives me a fast 'buzz'. One and a 1/2 glasses into it, I was cracking myself up! Hubby said I should drink more often, as he found me amusing. Only problem with wine for me is that it also lets me down fast  , and then gives me a headache. Truly my drink of choice is good old Hiram Walker Sloe Gin, over ice with lots of Donald Duck Orange Juice added! I've had the same bottle for 3 years, if that tells you how much of a drinker I am. Usually hit that bottle at the holidays when my stress level would start to go UP! This year doing Christmas and New Years my way, I had very little stress so didn't even reach for old Hiram. But he is always there if I need him! April, hope you got my email OK. That note took me forever to get done, as it seemed this darn phone wouldn't stop ringing. I just can't think and type at the same time! Hope you aren't stressing out, as I know everything will go just fine. Especially now that I know 2-3 hours of that time will be spent bowling! Won't leave much time between getting back home and dinner, so an easy light weight appetizer should be a cinch. Just whatever you decide, make it easy on yourself. All will fall into place. (Or just keep filling everyones wine glass and they won't know the difference if something doesn't! ) Yes Chris, food was the last thing on my mind during our wine testing. I was cracking up so much, I doubt I could have captured my food and stopped laughing long enough to eat it! Couldn't believe how quickly it affected me! Better stick with my peach flavored tea with extra green tea in it. I think I can handle that! ;D Always With My Best, Baking Bud PS. Now where is Alamogordo? Inquiring minds want to know! |
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Post by Chris in NM on Jan 10, 2003 9:38:35 GMT -6
Well, Alamogordo, NM is in south central NM and close to El Paso, TX. We are 85 miles NE of El Paso in NM. We are just about 95 miles from Mexico. US highway 54 goes right through Alamogordo. Actually, it turns into White Sands Blvd. in town. Holloman AFB is 8 miles S of town. White Sands Nat'l. Monument is about 13 miles south of town. We are also about 65 miles NE of Las Cruces, NM. Las Cruces is the end/beginning of I-25 and is on I-10, also. They intersect in mid-city. Did that help? Did you find us? It was so nice yesterday most people wore t-shirts. Pretty soon it will be shorts weather, too! We are in the northern part of the Chihuahuan Desert that begins in Mexico. Chris  |
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Post by carnation037 on Jan 13, 2003 16:23:48 GMT -6
I was wondering how your evening went on Sat?
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Post by Chris in NM on Jan 13, 2003 16:35:08 GMT -6
Yes, April! How did your Sat. go? I bet it went just fine and everyone raved on your dinner, etc.! Chris |
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Post by Baking_Bud on Jan 15, 2003 11:56:47 GMT -6
Hi Chris! Sorry it took me a few days to get back here! Between having a roof put on, my birthday last Saturday, and then trying to get some posting on here during off times, its been hectic. Well, I still didn't have a clue exactly where you are other than in the general direction of NM, but my hubby knew just where you are. He use to be in the Air Force, so saw many of those places before he finally landed in Kansas! Worked with missles there. Just like your weather, it really has been nice and warm here in So. California. Only bad part is that our blood is so thin, that when it dips down at night or in the mornings it is FREEZING to us! I got up the other morning, put on a heavy robe and slippers and was still SHAKING myself silly. My hubby got me a special LONG nightshirt made out of HEAVY sweatshirt material (guess the honeymoon is over ) for my birthday. Think I will wear that as well for a regular sweatshirt, so the areas 'down south' stay warmer! I can't even imagine myself in the cold areas where there is snow and COLD temperatures! BURRRRR! Haven't found your favorite wine yet, but we will keep looking. Will post when I finally get to try it! Always With My Best, Baking Bud |
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Post by Baking_Bud on Jan 15, 2003 12:06:23 GMT -6
PS. To Carnation and Chris! Got a fast note from April saying she is having some kind of computer problems and will be back as soon as they are fixed. Her note didn't say how the dinner turned out, but did say that he company stayed to 11 PM! Would have to say by that, that the evening must have been a success! I'm sure her chicken fettuccine Alfredo turned out wonderfully, as she makes the cream cheese recipe for it. That is how I do it too, and it beats the parmesan off of the other types that do BLAH tasting creams with seasonings. Never met a cream cheese recipe that I didn't like! April's recipe called for 4 oz., and mine 8 oz. I tried it both ways, and both were good. But after the 4 oz. experiement, I made another batch with 8 oz. and let it sit for hours in the frig. Nice and THICK, just the way I like it. And hubby loved it too, even though to hear him speak he 'hates' cream cheese. Been hearing that for years, and that he hates sour cream too. If he ONLY KNEW how many dishes I put each of those in and he loves them! Geesh. What they don't know, they can't complain about !!! Take care and I guess we will all get to hear about the night when April's computer is fixed! Always With My Best, Baking Bud |
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Post by Chris in NM on Jan 15, 2003 17:53:59 GMT -6
Happy Belated Birthday, April!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Chris |
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Post by Baking_Bud on Jan 16, 2003 15:12:25 GMT -6
Hi April!, Thanks for the birthday wishes. I spent my day 'very quietly' which is how I wanted it. As I speak, all I hear about my head is tap tap tap, POUND, and foot steps. Hopefully by today the tiles will be all in place and the roof DONE! I am SO GLAD that the evening was a success! I'm sure everything tasted great! How did your bowling go? And what time did your pups get to come home?  Worms aren't fun on our computers! I had a nasty one WIPE ME OUT last June. Had gone on the net to look at 'trellis designs' and saw an oriental site that looked fun. It wasn't ! LOCKED my computer to a standstill, and then when I re-booted I had a little oriental guy on the right side of my monitor pulling like a partition across my screen to the left. My hubby and son said that was the guys way of say, "Ha Ha I got you!" Now I am careful where I travel! And I have anti virus stuff on my computer to protect me. Also, when we are out on the net, I'm sure most get the broadcasting notice making our IP number known to others. It is right after that when I start getting the WEIRDEST ads for body parts I don't even have!!! I NEVER open anything that I don't recognize, even if it means I might miss someones posts. Won't take that chance after this experience happened to me > got a message that a friend sent me a card. Did I closely LOOK at the screen to see WHO it was from, or where? NO! Just clicked where it told me to go to in order to pick up my card, and then filled in my email address when it asked for it to get the card. This is all it then said: YOUR KINGDOM FOR A CARD I was SCREAMING for my hubby for I then realized that I had fallen into a trap. That is when I must have gotten put on my first 'weirdo list' and began getting VERY naughty ads! The moral to my story > NEVER click on or open ANY mail from a source you don't recognize. Easiest way to let a worm in! Also 'forwards' from people are wonderful ways for worms to hitchhike. Unless I know my friends have scanned a forward, I WILL NOT OPEN IT! Even for a great joke, it isn't going to happen! I have asked them to PLEASE copy the forward and send it to me in a safe little email. Some of these guys are SO GOOD at getting into peoples email and creating havoc, that they can have their worm hitchhike in and then launch the same to ALL names in the person's address book! I no longer keep an address book for that reason, when I saw it happening to others. I just keep addresses in my 'draft file'. Hope you can get your worm out quickly. Anti Virus protection is GOOD to have. It catches anything sent to me and 'quarantines' it for removal. Always With My Best, Baking Bud |
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Post by Chris in NM on Jan 21, 2003 8:45:38 GMT -6
Hi April and Baking Bud!
We just spent over $300 re-doing our hard drive a little over a month ago after a virus hit us and then all the old hardware gave out! We now have practically brand new computer.
We have the most updated Norton Anti-Virus 2002, updated daily, and it still didn't "catch" the worm. I think this is the best software to use, though and will keep it upgraded. We have it do the live update every day now.
Good luck! Hope you got your computer up and running now and have no more problems!
I was so glad to hear your dinner went so nicely! We knew it would, though! Bet you did breathe a sigh of relief after they left!!!!! I would have!
Take care!
Chris
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Post by Robyn2 on Jan 22, 2003 11:15:11 GMT -6
Hi April! I am happy your dinner went well!!
I use to have Norton's and I kept it as up to date as I could. I still had a virus that got through! I don't blame Norton's though. I got the virus the first day it came out! UGH! But I have McAfee now. I like it just fine. I don't know that I really like one better than the other though. I wish I could have them both going on my computer for double protection. BUT oh well. My internet server has a virus protection on it now. I like that. It usually catches the virus before it gets to my computer.
~~Robyn
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Post by carnation037 on Jan 25, 2003 13:01:24 GMT -6
About the virus protection.
My brother-in-law had Norton, his computer crashed.
We had McAfee. First it messed around with my system and then mine crashed.
My neighbor had McAfee. He had problems with running it on his with it messing with him being able to do things with his computer and his crashed!
We all now have Trend Micro PC Cillian. You can purchase it online. You get the updates and I scan my computer quite often for viruses. Like the others, you pay the annual renewal fee, but knock on wood, it has been great so far.
None of them are foolproof, but I will keep this until it doesn't work right too.
lol.
Have a great day.
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Do you anticipate that the men will be off talking business, and you and the wife will be one on one? 
He is a real lover of wine, so would choose the one that cleanses the palate in preparation for the next bite of food. Not me. If it bites me too hard, I'd be looking for a classic Coke! 
rolling his eyes, as when I chill mine I want it VERY COLD! I have actually exploded mine in the freezer! Truly just shows that some like wine in its purest taste elements and its true intended purposes (my husband), and others like myself judge it on it pleasant presentation to my senses. (A good Chablis makes me wince from its BITE! 
) You have a few days so why not sample the White Zinfandel and see what you think? Or have the Zinfandel and also one of either the Chablis or Chardonnay, and let them select their own. Personally, I always serve glasses of ice water with all meals, irrespective of the 'main' beverage. I never assume that all like wine (as my husband would), so offer other beverages in case they don't care for any. Ice tea and a few different types of soda can make for a much more pleasant meal for a non wine person. Easy to lead into the asking by saying, "I plan to serve a white Chardonnay wine with dinner, but I also have ice tea or soft drinks if you prefer." I appreciate being given the option of what I will have with my meal, and I know your guests will too. Have your coffee and hot water ready for hot tea if they so desire, for serving with your dessert. (I gave up coffee recently as I read about how much more beneficial tea is for all of us. I have those different flavor bags you can add to your black tea ones, to fit my moods. I'm basically a peach person I have decided! VBG!) 
. yeah > NOT! I had a chicken salad for breakfast, and will have wings for my late lunch/dinner dipped in ranch dressing. More chicken salad later if I am still hungry (which I usually am not). Eating simple keeps me honest! That low fat stuff doesn't work for me. All I can think about then is what my next meal will be, and that is just after I finished the last one. Use to make me NUTS! Now I have to make myself eat. Much better! 
Ummm. Just thought of my beloved strawberries, where you make 4 slits down halfway to make it open up into a flower shape. Then you mix cream cheese, splenda sugar, and a drop or two of almond extract. Blend it well, and pipe it into each strawberry. Those would make for a tasty and pretty conversation piece! Now I want some of those! 
, and then gives me a headache. Truly my drink of choice is good old Hiram Walker Sloe Gin, over ice with lots of Donald Duck Orange Juice added! I've had the same bottle for 3 years, if that tells you how much of a drinker I am. Usually hit that bottle at the holidays when my stress level would start to go UP! This year doing Christmas and New Years my way, I had very little stress so didn't even reach for old Hiram. But he is always there if I need him! 
Worms aren't fun on our computers! I had a nasty one WIPE ME OUT last June. Had gone on the net to look at 'trellis designs' and saw an oriental site that looked fun. It wasn't !