Thursday, June 9, 2011

Fun Ideas for Summer




Ice Cream Scoop on a Stick

Make multiples of these scoops-on-a-stick and you won't have to spoon ice cream, one serving at a time, in the middle of a party. Using a small (1 1/2-inch) ice cream scoop, dole out balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Insert a craft spoon into each, and place in the freezer. Chill until hardened. Roll scoops in sprinkles, toasted coconut, or crushed nuts or candies, and store them in the freezer on a freshly lined baking sheet.

Pre-Buttered Corn

Serve corn on the cob already buttered so guests can dig right in. Bring water to a boil in a stockpot (don't add any salt; it toughens kernels), and drop in six to eight ears. Return to a boil, then cook two to four minutes for crisp-tender corn. When ears are just about done, slice eight tablespoons of unsalted butter, and drop them into the cooking water; stir to melt. The butter will float, and each ear will get an even coating as you remove it from the pot with tongs.



Playful patterned cuffs spiff up paper napkins and make it a breeze for guests to grab their flatware at a barbecue buffet.

Tools and Materials

5 1/8-inch square origami paper

Double-sided tape

1. Cut origami paper into thirds.

2. Wrap strips around bundles of flatware. Secure in back with double-sided tape.

Flash Freeze

Here's a great way to chill beverages in time for an impromptu backyard barbecue. Place wine or other bottles in a bucket; add a layer of ice, followed by a layer of salt (coarse or table); repeat until you almost reach the top. Fill the bucket with cold water to just below the ice line. The water in the ice bucket will be colder than normal, chilling the libations in less than 10 minutes. We'll drink to that!

Flowerpot Servers

Match the informality of a summer buffet with rustic serving dishes fashioned from clay flowerpots and saucers. Use brand-new terra-cotta, and wipe it with a damp cloth (doing the same for cleanup). Line flowerpots with tea towels to hold bread, buns, or biscuits; for saucers, use napkins or clean nontoxic leaves, and place cheeses or spreads on top. Firm and semifirm cheeses such as cheddar, chevre, and blue are good choices for outdoor entertaining -- they will keep a few hours and won't become runny in the sun.



Read more at Marthastewart.com:
Outdoor Entertaining Ideas and Recipes








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