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!!

Entertain: Tapas style

Tapas is a spanish word for snack or appetizer and they are typically served with alcoholic beverages.  The idea behind the appetizers(or is it the alcohol) is to encourage conversation rather then focusing on the meal.  Perfect for easy entertaining.  Although traditional tapas are mediterranean style cuisine such as calamari and olives, you can serve whatever it is you like.  I do my tapas fusion style Mexican/Spanish and Japanese! Sound bizzare? Trust me, it's sure to be a hit.

I love this galvanized tiered cake stand pictured above from Pottery Barn.  It makes a fabulous and versatile centerpiece.  You can load it up with whatever you want - limes, peppers, bunches of herbs, tortilla chips, the possibilities are endless.  Decorating with things that you are already using in your recipes gives it a very homey feeling.  Complemetary galvanized buckets of various sizes can also be used for beer tubs or holding napkin wrapped utensils.
If you have any Spanish/Mexican style talavera dishes or serveware now is the time to break them out.  The bright reds and yellows set a festive tone and minimizes your need for decorations.

Mojitos happen to be a summertime (or anytime) favorite of mine, so we serve these up with our tapas.   Sangria is also a great choice however, serve what complements your menu.

My menu consists of either these delicious Balsamic Glazed Drumettes or a Spanish style drumette , my fusion Bang Bang Shrimp Mini Tacos, a Watermelon Watercress and Feta salad and of course chips and salsa.  I make a homemade corn salsa that's to die for and it can be eaten with or without the chips.  Why not have a salsa bar!

Spanish Chicken Drumettes

• 1 dozen chicken drumettes  
• Flour, for dredging  
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika 
• Salt and pepper  
• 1/4 cup olive oil  
• Pinch red pepper flakes  
• Bay leaf  
• 2 lemons, halved  
• 10 roasted cloves garlic  
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano  
• 1/4 cup Spanish sherry  
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth  

Rinse the chicken wings in cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Place flour in a shallow platter and season it by adding paprika, salt and pepper. Toss to incorporate, and then dredge the wings in the flour. Heat oil in a skillet and brown the chicken wings on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a platter. Add the pepper flakes, bay leaf, lemons, garlic, oregano, sherry, and chicken broth to the pan. Cook for 2 minutes to evaporate the alcohol. Return the chicken to the pan. Cover the pan and simmer for 15 minutes, or braise in a preheated 375 degree oven for 20 minutes. 

Bang Bang Shrimp Mini Tacos

• 24 wonton wrappers
• Vegetable oil
• 1/2 small head red cabbage shredded and chopped
• 1/2 small head green cabbage shredded and chopped
• Package of pre-battered shrimp like highliner popcorn shrimp

Bang Bang Sauce

• 1/4 cup mayo
• 1/4 cup thai sweet chili sauce
• dash hot sauce

With a pastry brush, brush vegetable oil onto both sides of your wonton wrapper.  Place them into a muffin tin to form little cups.  Bake at 375°F for 5 minutes.  Do a second batch if needed. Cool 5 minutes.
Bake your pre-battered shrimp according to package directions.
Mix your sauce ingredients together in a bowl.
When the shrimp are nice and crisp assemble your mini tacos.  Mix the cabbage together and place a Tbsp in each cup.  Top with 2-3 shrimp and drizzle with your bang bang sauce.

Now sit back, relax and enjoy talking to your friends instead of slaving away in the kitchen! What are some of your unique tapas menu ideas?

Maximum Results: The Mountain Climber

Mountain Climbers are a great exercise to throw into a circuit to get your heart rate up.  Start with 30 seconds and work your way up to 2 minutes in between weighted moves.

This high powered move targets your glutes, calves, shoulders, triceps and core.

1. Get into a plank position (similar to a push-up but with your hands placed underneath your shoulders). Your legs are straight back and you are on the balls of your feet. Keep your core tight.
2. Bring your right knee into your chest hold it for a moment and then switch legs. Beginners can tap the toe forward and back but eventually you want to speed it up to a hop while alternating legs.

Tips: Be sure to keep your body in a line, no sagging at the hips.  Your core should be engaged throughout the whole exercise.

To make the exercise harder you can put your hands on a balance board.   For a variation you can eliminate the hop and twist your knee in to the opposite shoulder to target the oblique muscles (known as plank twists).

Tired of the Same Old Tuna Sandwich?

Why not mix it up with salmon?  Not only is this heart healthy fish good for lowering triglycerides but the Omega-3s also fight depression (aka it puts you in a good mood).  Pairing it with a good rye increases the health benefits of this sandwich because rye has been shown to slow digestion which keeps you full longer.  It is high in energy boosting manganese, muscle building protein and it's ready in 5 minutes. Yay!

Salmon BLT on Rye

(recipe courtesy Oxygen magazine)

1 tbsp low fat herbed cream cheese
2 slices rye bread toasted
3 oz canned salmon (or leftover salmon from yesterday's dinner)
2 slices turkey bacon
1 slice tomatoe
1 boston leaf lettuce (or whatever lettuce you have)

Spread cream cheese over 1 piece of toast, layer with salmon, bacon, tomatoe, and lettuce. Top with remaining slice of toast.

15 minutes to Clean: Bathroom

The key to a spotless and sanitary bathroom is maintenance.  Your first go at a clean bathroom will probably take a little longer but, to maintain 15 minutes is all you need.  For a bathroom deep cleaning and seasonal chores, stay tuned to the blog.  

If you have children, the quick cleans are a great chore to assign them.  They are easy and most importantly, fast.

1. Spray the tub, shower and toilet with their respective cleaners. I like Method and Seventh Generation brand products best.  While the cleaners are working away...
2. Pick up and put away.  Don't reorganize your drawers and medicine cabinets, don't sort the laundry.  Pick up things that do not belong and take them out.  The things that do belong, put them away.  I also like to change out all of the dirty towels.
3. Take out the trash, give it a spray with air freshener if needed.
4.  Give a quick scrub to obvious dirt in the tub and shower and rinse it with hot water.
5. Swirl the toilet brush around the toilet an flush.
6. With a disinfectant wipe (or cloth dampened with all purpose cleaner) wipe down in this order, counter and sink, tub, then toilet (don't forget the base).
7. Windex and wipe the mirror(s) and faucet(s).
8. I like to alternate larger tasks or tasks that don't require weekly maintenance here.  My bathroom schedule alternates one or two of the following: dusting the shelves, a good scrub of the tub and shower, wiping down the baseboards, washing out the trash can, cleaning out a drawer (or two), cleaning my make-up brushes and hand washing the floor.  You can add whatever steps fit your needs here.
9. Straighten the items on your counter.
10. Last but not least,run a hand vac across the floor. We have the Dirt Devil Kurv and I am convinced that it is the best money I have ever spent.  This hand vac is a godsend for the quick clean. 

Voila! 3 or 4 iPod tunes later and the bathroom is done.

Extras  

• If you're a real keener you could keep a cloth in your bathroom cabinet and wipe down the counter and sink on a daily basis.  I also like to run the toilet brush through the toilet once a day.
• For even more convenience and  efficiency, keep all your bathroom cleaning items in one bucket that you can bring in with you or under the sink.  This saves precious minutes when your goal is a quick clean.