27 | December | 2015 | On the Menu @ Tangie's Kitchen

December 27, 2015 Tangie Holifield

We know, it’s been a long ride since Thanksgiving! Don’t burn out just yet, you’ve got one more cocktail party to whip up, to usher in the New Year with a bang your guests will not forget. It may seem like a daunting task to host a gathering, but we promise, you can get things into shape in two hours.

We’ve got a quick check list of all the things you need for the perfect cocktail party:

Starry, Starry Night
Whether you’re about to brave the cold outdoors, or you’re blessed with warm weather, twinkle lights will always be a quick way to bring a party space together. It’s inexpensive, and you can even fix removable hooks to your wall and drop the lights so it mimics the falling snowflakes!

Dramatic Pop of Color
It doesn’t have to be the super fancy, but a strong color is the the perfect party styling to create that lush look. Complement dark tablecloths with flowers in rich berry tones. It will change the entire table!

Candles, Every Single Time
Another sure fire way to bring it all together and create a cozy vibe are candles! We don’t recommend scented candles near the food, you wouldn’t want to mess with the gorgeous smells of yummy bites, do you?

One Signature Cocktail Or Punch
You don’t need a myriad of cocktails to impress your guests. You just need one cocktail or a boozy punch so that they can top up on their own, and won’t be shy about getting the drinks. A hot toddy will take you less than 15 minutes to make, and it makes about a jug! Just pop the teapot next to the drinks stand and watch your guests flock.

Mixed Nuts and Such
While something is brewing in the oven, distract your guests with a mix of nuts and figs to complement the drinks. Scatter the snack mixes in bowls around the room, and see how guests will gather around the space to mingle! Snack mix recipes here.

Don’t Stress Yourself, Call On Us!
If you’re not the type to whip up something in the oven while guests start to enter, take a minute a day or two before the party and call on Fiestah! We’ve got a long list of vendors of all types of amazing food and services, so you just have to call on one of them (or a few!) and deliver your chosen party bites straight to your door. It’s so easy, and you get to enjoy yourself at your own party without fussing if enough food is available.

There you have it, folks! What are some of your go-to fool proof tips?

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Source: The Fool-Proof Guide to the Perfect Cocktail Party

December 27, 2015 Tangie Holifield

The Holiday Season is a special time for family and friend to gather and to celebrate with food. These mushroom and cheese cananpes are the perfect and irresistible puff pastry appetizer. These bite-sized rounds of flaky puff pastry topped with caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and melted cheese.

Makes About 45 to 50 Canapes

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
16 ounces baby bella mushrooms, sliced
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
Two, 10-inch square sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 egg, beaten
3 Tablespoons whole grain mustard
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions:

Place racks in the upper and lower thirds of your oven and preheat oven to 400°F. Line two large baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper. Set side.

In a large skillet over medium low heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and add the onions and salt. Sauté the onions until beginning to brown, then reduce heat to low and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and caramelized, about 25 minutes total. Remove the onions to a large bowl and set aside.

In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon olive oil over medium low and sauté the mushrooms until tender, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, thyme, and black pepper and sauté 1 additional minute. Place in the bowl with the onions. Stir in the cheese.

On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the puff pastry into an even 10.5-inch square. With a 2-inch round cookie or biscuit cutter, cut the pastry into rounds (alternatively, you can slice the puff pastry into squares). You should have approximately 5 rows of 5 rounds (25 total rounds per sheet). Transfer the cut puff pastry to a prepared baking sheet, then brush lightly with the beaten egg. Prick each round with a fork to allow air to escape, then top each round with a scant 1/4 teaspoon of the whole grain mustard, then 1 tablespoon of the mushroom and onion filling. Repeat with the second pastry sheet.

Bake for 25 minutes, until the pastry is golden and crisp, rotating the pans 180 degrees and switching the positions of the baking sheets on the upper and lower racks halfway through. Let bites cool 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm or at room temperature.