Out On A Limb: Entertaining With New Recipes

Casual entertaining means creating a comfortable environment for your guests, whether you are hosting one or a crowd. I’m not talking about following people around with a water pitcher while making hawk-like circles carrying a tray of hors d’oeuvres. When entertaining, your guests should be relaxed enough to help themselves to a second drink without feeling the need to ask, but at ease knowing that they probably won’t be the one washing the wine glass once the party’s over. 

When it comes to deciding the menu, any book or magazine article on this subject would tell you to stick to something familiar that you have made countless times. Such examples would include your mom’s lasagna or the beef stroganoff recipe printed on the bag of egg noodles that you are not even quite sure if you like but yet continue to make just because it’s easy. There’s nothing wrong with familiar recipes, but why not take advantage of a golden culinary opportunity such as a Friday night dinner with friends and have some fun in the kitchen? Make something that you have never made before! We all want to try new things and our excuse is that there is never a good time to do so. My guess is that whoever you are inviting to dinner shares the same thoughts. 

I understand the risk that your guests might not like what you prepare if you have not even tasted it yourself, but what really is there to lose? It’s highly unlikely that your friends and family are coming over just for the food. People gather together to enjoy each other’s company and build relationships. Remember, the saying is “food brings people together,” not “the best food in the entire universe brings people together.” And who knows? That Pomegranate Glazed Eggplant and Lentil Salad recipe you have been eyeing up might turn into an old standby for years to come! In addition to boosting your repertoire, entertaining with a new recipe allows people to comfortably share their food preferences. If you want honest feedback in order to improve and hone your cooking skills, preface a meal for your guests by saying “this is a new recipe I’m trying out, I’d love to know what you think!” I have discovered that my sister loves fava beans, my girlfriend likes a little spice to her food and my dad says he doesn’t like garlic but if you don’t tell him it’s in the dish he actually does like it - all from trying out new recipes while hosting!  

One of my favorite blogs to follow is 101cookbooks by writer/chef/photographer Heidi Swanson. Heidi can make anything look appealing, and I have tried many of her recipes and can tell you that they taste even better than they look. For a lovely spring salad to serve at your next get together, I encourage you to try Heidi’s Asparagus Salad. When I made this salad, I omitted the parmesan cheese and pine nuts and it was still delicious, but I have been wanting to make Heidi’s original recipe for some time now. A night of casual entertaining seems like the perfect opportunity! So while I may not be able to tell you exactly how this salad will taste as I myself have only made a short-cut version of it, let’s take the challenge together and make this for friends before spring officially comes to an end!