How to Throw a True Blood Party

Alas, the season finale of True Blood approaches.  A delightful and macabre series on HBO featuring the perky Anna Paquin and the delicious Alexander (bear all my children) Skarsgard -- sorry honey.  A look at modern day vampires, loosely based on the fabulous Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris. 

This season introduces a host of new creatures to us.  Alcide the yummy Were, Crystal and the panthers, Sam's shifter family, Holly the Wiccan, the Fairies.  It's a little overwhelming.  The story line is really out there but, you've gotta love it.  Each episode leaves you wanting more and I know the finale will leave us all hanging, hungering for another season.  To celebrate, have an undead dinner party.

When I think vampire I picture a very Victorian palate. Rich colors of gold, black and blood red of course, luxe fabrics and candles. For those of us who don't live in a medieval Austrian castle I've whipped up some simple decor that will give that feeling... that would impress the Queen of Louisiana herself.

To set the scene cover your table in a black tablecloth.  White plates on red chargers make a beautifully bold statement.  To finish off the place setting a simple pair of plastic vampire teeth wrapped around red napkins.  For the centrepiece combine a bowl of deep red apples, vases with red or black roses with a myriad of candles.  Weave some golden fabric in between and viola.  Even Talbot would approve!

The food itself depends on what kind of get together you are having, formal or casual.  Be creative.  Spicy "bat" wings as appetizers, bloody mary's, steak (rare of course), garlic bread, red velvet cake and for the adventurous V juice shooters.  The combinations are endless.  A nice beet and feta salad will be the feature on my menu (mostly because I'm polish) along with steaks, garlic bread and a nice bottle of Vampire wine.

For those who are super (dorky) housewives like me, put on that flowery summer dress a la Sookie and have a ball, but be careful whom you invite inside!

3 Things You Should Clean Everyday

#1. The Dishes

Dishes should get done on a daily basis.  This is one task that gets bigger over time if it is not taken care of, making it a larger task than need be.  Caked and baked on food is easier to get off if you clean it right away, and leaving dishes may cause funky smells and attract unwelcome critters in your kitchen.  Who does the dishes? Well that is another matter.

#2. The Laundry

If you have a large family doing the laundry every day is a wonderful time saver.  Rather than wasting that one day doing load after load of laundry, break it up into smaller parts.  Darks on Monday, whites on Tuesday, towels on Wednesday etc. With just the two of us, my laundry schedule is set for every other day.  I just throw it in before dinner, it washes and dries while I am cooking and eating, then I fold it and put it away.

#3 File Away Loose Papers

This is a great way to keep paper clutter to a minimum. Instead of leaving the open mail to pile up on the kitchen counter, designate a place to file it.

Keep your house looking neat and tidy by taking care of these 3 tasks on a daily basis.

Shake of the Month: Taste of the Islands

Now and then I like to whip up an Indian dish and the recipes usually call for coconut milk.  I never use the whole can and can't figure out what to do with the rest of it.  So I thought hmmm... what goes with coconut? Simple, pineapple! Which gave me an idea for this great shake.  Another grab and go meal. Like a pina colada.

Taste of the Islands Shake

1/2 cup chopped pineapple
1/4 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup milk or soy milk
1 scoop protein powder

Blend and enjoy!!