We are big fans of the Food Network and the Cooking Channel. The chefs come up with inspiring menu ideas and methods. Being lifetime learners, we consider the hours wasted invested in watching these shows as part of our continued education.
Last week, as our friends “Ina, Bobby, Michael S., Katie, and Alex” were discussing the staple hors d’oeuvre of many households – the “deviled egg” – Alex gave us all a dining etiquette tip. She said “unless it is smaller than a quail egg, ladies eat the deviled egg in more than one bite.” Of course, they do! But, an excellent reminder. Thank you, Alex. And we love you too.
Back to the deviled egg for a minute…these happy little finger foods are just one of many traditional foods that happily say “welcome’ to your guests as they arrive. A few hors d’oeuvres before dinner is wise. (Especially since some of your guests will skip eating all day because they know what’s coming!) We firmly believe that as long as you have an assorted cheese platter with savory breads or crackers, maybe some Kalamata or garlic stuffed olives, slices of Soppresata (salami) and fresh or dried fruits ready to greet your guests along with a glass of bubbly – they’ll never say a word about dinner not starting on time. Bon appetit!
P.S. Deviled eggs are a must have hors d’oeuvre at Linda’s house…a nostalgic nod to her mother, Edith. It was the only hors d’eouvre she knew how to make. But it always said “there’s a fabulous dinner to come.”