Truffled Mashed Potatoes | The Ultimate Holiday Dinner Party Menu

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_jSaA_nevmAqpYs7WZRlc9uOwxi2PgS2YFSFTnTGfrkPVbixygplBwOVL0xn4qAbhTCjgIfjLJMae-maA-tEUAZvDNy1f4ugdwUu0BJL1_bxe6aX8hnUk74rrNbWkGVUaVq8XljN-907/s1600/IMG_2767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_jSaA_nevmAqpYs7WZRlc9uOwxi2PgS2YFSFTnTGfrkPVbixygplBwOVL0xn4qAbhTCjgIfjLJMae-maA-tEUAZvDNy1f4ugdwUu0BJL1_bxe6aX8hnUk74rrNbWkGVUaVq8XljN-907/s640/IMG_2767.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipN4ZSHUzNMHVacEd6OfpWEAHTGM8WhdRf8JZh-9StZXoKsG2PovTmrVYy3XeV1wgdCbGTqZnT8n7NLFftPYeaSJCKiXupJx7uo2B0hC41-S8VLy-lzBO4z2C2EXLfKTx995I4L1snMoU/s1600/IMG_0923.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipN4ZSHUzNMHVacEd6OfpWEAHTGM8WhdRf8JZh-9StZXoKsG2PovTmrVYy3XeV1wgdCbGTqZnT8n7NLFftPYeaSJCKiXupJx7uo2B0hC41-S8VLy-lzBO4z2C2EXLfKTx995I4L1snMoU/s400/IMG_0923.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The Holidays are all about indulgences - even small ones.  Everyone loves mashed potatoes, but serve Truffled Mashed Potatoes for you special holiday dinner and everyone will oh-and-ah.  I love these served with roasted Beef Tenderloin.  <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />You can find Truffle Butter and Oil at Whole Foods, or any higher end markets.  You can also buy very good Truffle Oil at William-Sonoma. <br /><br />Many people think that Mashed Potatoes have to be made just before serving, but they actually are great to make in advance.  I put mine in a pie dish, then reheat in the oven or microwave.<br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">For really smooth mashed potatoes, I always use a potatoes ricer - it makes them very smooth without over processing, which can make them gummy.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Truffled</span></i> </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Mashed Potatoes</span><br /><br />2 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes<br />1/4 cup of Milk<br />1/4 cup of Sour Cream <br />4 ounces of Truffle Butter or 2 tablespoons of Truffle Oil<br />Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper<br /><br />Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch pieces.  Place them pot filled with water, seasoned with salt.  Bring the water to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork tender - about 7-10 minutes.  Drain the potatoes from the water.  Using the potato ricer, mash potatoes back into the sauce pan.  Return the potatoes to the stove.  On low heat, stir in milk, Truffle Butter or Oil, salt and pepper.  Do not leave the potatoes on the stove for longer than 5 minutes, or they will burn.   Transfer to an oven-safe dish - I use a pie dish.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaD3kSQU7vwdW5HEVoScr7oWFGZgdACdTI9cGyjyH-Iur-CH4txN45cCwVUrDdMFL5_dN9J3QyapBZMA11Jon-X7PcucZ_n9L1dhgZz4y0T1YeCocgdwQlK1nnCNGL2aig5JGcpaPTcN6s/s1600/IMG_2716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaD3kSQU7vwdW5HEVoScr7oWFGZgdACdTI9cGyjyH-Iur-CH4txN45cCwVUrDdMFL5_dN9J3QyapBZMA11Jon-X7PcucZ_n9L1dhgZz4y0T1YeCocgdwQlK1nnCNGL2aig5JGcpaPTcN6s/s640/IMG_2716.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />To reheat, microwave them in a glass bowl, or reheat in low oven (275-300 degrees) for 20-30 minutes. <br /><br /><br />For the entire <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/12/holiday-dinner-cooking-schedule.html">Holiday Dinner Party Menu</a> and detailed cooking schedule worksheet, click <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/12/holiday-dinner-cooking-schedule.html">here</a>.

Truffled Mashed Potatoes | The Ultimate Holiday Dinner Party Menu

The Holidays are all about indulgences - even small ones.  Everyone loves mashed potatoes, but serve Truffled Mashed Potatoes for you specia...

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Slow-Roasted Beef Tenderloin | Holiday Dinner Party

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDAkKav82EceGo7zFqL3nPGavyjckxA-lSe-0Rf43UYIFZuBTL2BtxxN8gNVjpjAOUZuVeOEFJpS_xsQ_44t0LZG2NrukAmVEgBAlmOeNmeug-4_w62kPmbylL_9_SEr5PBFiFgFs3P0/s1600/IMG_9613.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDAkKav82EceGo7zFqL3nPGavyjckxA-lSe-0Rf43UYIFZuBTL2BtxxN8gNVjpjAOUZuVeOEFJpS_xsQ_44t0LZG2NrukAmVEgBAlmOeNmeug-4_w62kPmbylL_9_SEr5PBFiFgFs3P0/s640/IMG_9613.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />When I was catering, sliced Beef Tenderloin was my go-to.  I served it with soft rolls for "heavy hors d'oeuvres," on bite-sized toasts for an <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/11/cocktail-party-menu-festive-cocktail.html" target="_blank">elegant passed hors d'oeuvres</a> or thickly sliced with <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/11/blue-cheese-sauce-for-beef-tenderloin.html" target="_blank">blue cheese sauce</a> (also based on one of the Barefoot Contessa's recipes) as an entree.<br />My method for preparation was always the same, per the Barefoot Contessa's book, <i>Parties</i>, 500 degree oven for 30-35 minutes, rest 15 minutes, then slice.  Fabulous every time.  Well, almost every time.  On occasion, I would run into an oven that was too hot or a guest that would chat with me a couple minutes too long, only to discover the beautiful beef tenderloin went from perfectly "rare" to "medium" in a matter of two minutes.  When cooking it at that super high temp, just as when grilling, you must time the cooking perfectly to avoid overcooking - or under-cooking.<br /><br />I read Ina's new recipe for Slow-Roasted Filet of Beef (beef tenderloin) on our drive to my sisters last year on Christmas Day, knowing that I was in charge of cooking the beef tenderloin for dinner that night.  Ina had changed her tune from fast and hot to slow and low with apparently fabulous results.  Hum... it was a big risk.  Not only was it Christmas and everyone was looking forward to feasting on the traditional beef tenderloin, but I wasn't the one who had paid for it.  When you're trusted with a piece of meat for which someone else forked over $100+, you better know what you're doing!<br /><br />I spent the 3 hour drive researching the slow and low method for beef tenderloin.  After reading several other reviews and recipes that claimed the same as Mrs. Garten, I asked Mike what he thought I should do?<br /><br />He said, "What's the name of the book?"<br /><br /><i>Foolproof</i>.<br /><br />I put our Christmas Dinner fate in the capable hands of The Barefoot (...even though, I could hear her saying the back of my head, "Never try a new recipe when you're entertaining - only tried and true recipes that you know will work every time.").<br /><br />Our Christmas Dinner was a huge success - everyone "oohhing and aahhhing" over the perfectly rare, perfectly tender - almost silky - beef tenderloin.  I shouldn't have doubted her for one minute.<br />  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6uepEePrWUR_r1icc6jMU5mSkm-ZoTv5jnR03CeeyUfqUk-LKihuZJWUSuwfDPiueBZAIUY5ClFEFoTLSb4cKzVxdkONnS9WTfJ2q6h63PE_Q-kH9nszSXawo_QHQVWRxbNggbcS2UM/s1600/IMG_9592.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO6uepEePrWUR_r1icc6jMU5mSkm-ZoTv5jnR03CeeyUfqUk-LKihuZJWUSuwfDPiueBZAIUY5ClFEFoTLSb4cKzVxdkONnS9WTfJ2q6h63PE_Q-kH9nszSXawo_QHQVWRxbNggbcS2UM/s640/IMG_9592.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When winter weather interrupted last year's New Years Eve plans, Mike and I opted to stay in for a night of indulgence.  Beef Tenderloin for two.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6uPa1_hMk49JHmIkb2hgd30EBzdxOByAMo4uZrqAq_4gfyzsVySI_j4cymm8A6sh2rKTF47yWGZ93HuI5CtdiF8XaIZ0kkJjaYIo4j-QGZRYotDtjIKFZoew99O1wdqIlAGh7gdLTRQ/s1600/photo.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6uPa1_hMk49JHmIkb2hgd30EBzdxOByAMo4uZrqAq_4gfyzsVySI_j4cymm8A6sh2rKTF47yWGZ93HuI5CtdiF8XaIZ0kkJjaYIo4j-QGZRYotDtjIKFZoew99O1wdqIlAGh7gdLTRQ/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a>This is what the beef tenderloin section looks like at my grocery store during the holidays.  You can also find them at Costco.  Typically, tenderloins are 5-6 pounds each, making them perfect for a crowd of 10-14 people, generously.  I called our butcher and asked for them to cut a 2 pound section for me.  </div><br />Most butchers are happy to do this because they just cut the rest of the tenderloin into filet steaks to sell.  I also had them trim (the fat) and tie it, as you can see above.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_7X5B5mFgjbYRJzuEvm7aJvF54yhWiSSNUHVziTYB-AonFvA2eXSPRw44buonl__MplVr0DrpK-N0q-p46uOk6Hw2Z6rYgBmTd7SKImCiyC-8l-jha9PQzoGqL8OUc_2Hu1J2LuG8uc/s1600/IMG_9603.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_7X5B5mFgjbYRJzuEvm7aJvF54yhWiSSNUHVziTYB-AonFvA2eXSPRw44buonl__MplVr0DrpK-N0q-p46uOk6Hw2Z6rYgBmTd7SKImCiyC-8l-jha9PQzoGqL8OUc_2Hu1J2LuG8uc/s400/IMG_9603.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Slow-Roasted Beef Tenderloin<br /><br />5-6 pound Beef Tenderloin, trimmed of fat, tied<br />olive oil<br />Sea Salt<br />Fresh Cracked Pepper<br /><br />Trim the fat from the beef, then tie it in sections with cotton twine.  Drizzle with olive oil, then coat in salt and pepper.  Place on a baking sheet.<br />*For preparation in advance, trim fat, tie and place on a baking sheet. Wait until just before roasting to season.<br /><br />Roast at 275 degrees for 1 hour to 1:20 minutes until the inside of the beef reaches 130-135 degrees.  Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes.  Slice 1-inch thick slices.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Photo : Here is the beef baking at 275 degrees after a generous salt and pepper.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4h6f7H0AXCV0wy4FnkodwKbu0EFWYCeV4V5qWl0kIOvpyq_coXMk-O01dAuJWxlbXSxuPmzacmDV6j4mBlrEehkXsm9BMhVXeTFrrUsTSZ9srEqY9JWttYIEbL_plzPOgMIZZoZgCgkk/s1600/IMG_9607.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4h6f7H0AXCV0wy4FnkodwKbu0EFWYCeV4V5qWl0kIOvpyq_coXMk-O01dAuJWxlbXSxuPmzacmDV6j4mBlrEehkXsm9BMhVXeTFrrUsTSZ9srEqY9JWttYIEbL_plzPOgMIZZoZgCgkk/s640/IMG_9607.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I covered it with foil to let it rest. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWWuQhGybCf9guSoaf4_iAyoymw7BeRbJLoaUGkP_QgRrlRzrYGnuIuB6oh5S_gthWyQA4fqxv05WzFkvKQIpJ_lo6wt6936Dok5PM0oiVYLLsLDLwGcWGqaT3gK0lFqETOIy7yg3Y-M/s1600/IMG_9609.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWWuQhGybCf9guSoaf4_iAyoymw7BeRbJLoaUGkP_QgRrlRzrYGnuIuB6oh5S_gthWyQA4fqxv05WzFkvKQIpJ_lo6wt6936Dok5PM0oiVYLLsLDLwGcWGqaT3gK0lFqETOIy7yg3Y-M/s640/IMG_9609.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Ready for carving at approx. 10pm on New Years Eve! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wG9lUPnaeedxWUKceLcjRXsgHEYPl9At949tmXJmbHP_SklogdhNI1sEEKcaDw1fatPUQBT3fyCDy-oLQBmNKVfdGr-V_vsORDK7k7kMKEDz6m9ktp43kZRRdsrT-7G80mPvz7WA5Q4/s1600/IMG_9612.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wG9lUPnaeedxWUKceLcjRXsgHEYPl9At949tmXJmbHP_SklogdhNI1sEEKcaDw1fatPUQBT3fyCDy-oLQBmNKVfdGr-V_vsORDK7k7kMKEDz6m9ktp43kZRRdsrT-7G80mPvz7WA5Q4/s640/IMG_9612.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />One more closeup...  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDAkKav82EceGo7zFqL3nPGavyjckxA-lSe-0Rf43UYIFZuBTL2BtxxN8gNVjpjAOUZuVeOEFJpS_xsQ_44t0LZG2NrukAmVEgBAlmOeNmeug-4_w62kPmbylL_9_SEr5PBFiFgFs3P0/s1600/IMG_9613.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDAkKav82EceGo7zFqL3nPGavyjckxA-lSe-0Rf43UYIFZuBTL2BtxxN8gNVjpjAOUZuVeOEFJpS_xsQ_44t0LZG2NrukAmVEgBAlmOeNmeug-4_w62kPmbylL_9_SEr5PBFiFgFs3P0/s640/IMG_9613.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Perfectly rare all the way through.  When cooking it at the low temperature vs. high, I found that it cooks more evenly.  Instead of more "medium-well" ends and "rare" center, then entire tenderloin was hot pink and juicy, similar to a prime rib roast.  I highly, highly recommend this method.</div><br /><br />See the entire <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/12/holiday-dinner-cooking-schedule.html">Holiday Dinner Party Menu</a> and print the detailed cooking schedule, <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/12/holiday-dinner-cooking-schedule.html">here</a>.

Slow-Roasted Beef Tenderloin | Holiday Dinner Party

When I was catering, sliced Beef Tenderloin was my go-to.  I served it with soft rolls for "heavy hors d'oeuvres," on bite-s...

Read more »

Holiday Dinner Cooking Schedule Worksheet

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblWDcLA1q1Nk8sOGnL2NRB38i0A4HD5uxJUdxMkdFSe8JRGKLcafanflHsbhu2Wo5pGSwrTnyt8W7T63oRPpbFLDNs77ZwLRwHKRfGkewdszsK74nYvgUug3upkX2Ty5CQ-u9-GtlDt_U/s1600/Holiday+Dinner+Cooking+Worksheet.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblWDcLA1q1Nk8sOGnL2NRB38i0A4HD5uxJUdxMkdFSe8JRGKLcafanflHsbhu2Wo5pGSwrTnyt8W7T63oRPpbFLDNs77ZwLRwHKRfGkewdszsK74nYvgUug3upkX2Ty5CQ-u9-GtlDt_U/s1600/Holiday+Dinner+Cooking+Worksheet.gif" width="640" /></a>Today is a little bit of a teaser.  Sorry.  Just as I did for Thanksgiving, today I'm sharing a <a href="https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0Bx1nF41OqPi-TjFjTWJpNk0yM1k&usp=sharing">Holiday Dinner Cooking Schedule</a> for my favorite special occasion menu.  This menu was my go-to for my catering days - all of my clients' favorites.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVzszggbKsyvF2rFb18JEfjery9Zj4_4SnrFZ3R3OxPhnQkxsupWia1biF-VX_NbaV57mRADJReydQQZ-pL5_SsbSXZQSArX-qyda4yOUl1mAIYS2ajpxjAxFcHkFUPioBKAoT3zZpwMt/s1600/00083052.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVzszggbKsyvF2rFb18JEfjery9Zj4_4SnrFZ3R3OxPhnQkxsupWia1biF-VX_NbaV57mRADJReydQQZ-pL5_SsbSXZQSArX-qyda4yOUl1mAIYS2ajpxjAxFcHkFUPioBKAoT3zZpwMt/s1600/00083052.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />The Beef Tenderloin is unbelievable... and so easy.  It is a little bit of an investment, but if you go easy on the rest of the meal you can pull it off. <br /><br />During the month of December, I would have made this 10 times for various holiday parties!  I used a worksheet just like this to keep myself organized and to keep everything running on time... and ready at the same time.  Timing is key for entertaining and doing a little countdown like this helps you be able to put your brain on auto pilot when your guests are there.<br /><br />You can find all of the <a href="https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0Bx1nF41OqPi-TjFjTWJpNk0yM1k&usp=sharing">worksheets</a> for downloading (including cooking schedule, bar set up and blank) <a href="https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0Bx1nF41OqPi-TjFjTWJpNk0yM1k&usp=sharing">here in PDF, Numbers or Excel</a>.   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZIG4YYchz9GACrF2Upc7FpBPJHFICEIBkaY5q2OfvfjiCXYwwvNqutZJj7HElfdNrowzCkkMEorM-TpaSG3gDpTVYAUuTkLiwgr0dlvZpuzUNSbL0kHH7dBMtIvtZWC5f6TUQqxaRlhx/s1600/IMG_9855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZIG4YYchz9GACrF2Upc7FpBPJHFICEIBkaY5q2OfvfjiCXYwwvNqutZJj7HElfdNrowzCkkMEorM-TpaSG3gDpTVYAUuTkLiwgr0dlvZpuzUNSbL0kHH7dBMtIvtZWC5f6TUQqxaRlhx/s1600/IMG_9855.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I'll be sharing all of the recipes the rest of the week.  One of the recipes that I've already shared is the <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/04/chocolate-molten-cakes-in-cupcake-pan.html">Chocolate Molten Cakes</a>.  Not only was this my most popular dessert for my business, it has become my most popular post, as well.  They are great for a crowd because they're made in a cupcake pan.<br /><br />I'll post all of the other recipes and updating this post with links Thursday - Friday!  Have a great Wednesday!<br /><br />Jenny

Holiday Dinner Cooking Schedule Worksheet

Today is a little bit of a teaser.  Sorry.  Just as I did for Thanksgiving, today I'm sharing a Holiday Dinner Cooking Schedule for my ...

Read more »

Photos from Weeknight Holiday Dinner Party

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMbG8dPaZenrX-mhioykEsbx9_rv74nzYCOTZEi3VLFv13U2zMJl_Bgla0XWw3EHc2-1zIzxIza-NF3CGZnm_g8UVjLq3PQ_EpQq_20GrcqqsjTIUxNOFLwGre5OpBtSYJFoynNNum00/s1600/IMG_9280.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMbG8dPaZenrX-mhioykEsbx9_rv74nzYCOTZEi3VLFv13U2zMJl_Bgla0XWw3EHc2-1zIzxIza-NF3CGZnm_g8UVjLq3PQ_EpQq_20GrcqqsjTIUxNOFLwGre5OpBtSYJFoynNNum00/s400/IMG_9280.JPG" width="400" /></a>Last week we hosted three parties.  Wheew.   Three years ago, I would have said that I'd catered 3+ parties this week.  The holidays used to be sooo much different then - I spent every night cooking and everyday shopping for ingredients.  Then, the weekends were back-to-back parties.  Loading and unloading my car and making my way to clients' homes in the ice and snow.  </div><br />I loved my job during the holidays - everyone was so gracious and their guests were usually very kind.  I was fortunate to spend festive evenings in bustling homes that were filled with holiday cheer.  The only problem was that those home weren't filled with <i>my</i> festive friends and family (except when Mike was my happy helper). <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This year we packed our holiday entertaining schedule to the max and hosted a family party (Emma's Birthday), an open house for everyone on our new street and a small dinner party.  Tonight, I'm sharing photos from our small dinner party for 5 - us, our 2 guests and Emma.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As you can see, I reworked the <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/12/easy-dyi-holiday-centerpiece-pale-pink.html">floral arrangement from Emma's birthday party</a> by adding clove studded oranges and red/orange amaryllis to the pink amaryllis, magnolia and cedar.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nNvkRtVNjB9LOwWOGcQzFYUoUBPwKOaEY-4oORuMEhxHKw873HxeMXYCTvitgzthX3GMydfvUDDwkf9tivZEWnWN9QSalXS4XXkFZ1TeBEIMBhVOURJqYV5ufWAfFZSDr_rAU3h82oM/s1600/IMG_9247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nNvkRtVNjB9LOwWOGcQzFYUoUBPwKOaEY-4oORuMEhxHKw873HxeMXYCTvitgzthX3GMydfvUDDwkf9tivZEWnWN9QSalXS4XXkFZ1TeBEIMBhVOURJqYV5ufWAfFZSDr_rAU3h82oM/s640/IMG_9247.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A photo of the simply set table just before dinner.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj93ucMKhOL2kQn41qz-I2oTC76eKyA51I4sz9CtMegk9vF0RhpXgcpvxNorK26oukm3Oqqk9aysI-UMiUrsKIhUXsG_wnboaMy4aEx7w5WIAqCV_7-_gDQgns85GvHB5qKtLmIK-NMHE/s1600/IMG_9259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj93ucMKhOL2kQn41qz-I2oTC76eKyA51I4sz9CtMegk9vF0RhpXgcpvxNorK26oukm3Oqqk9aysI-UMiUrsKIhUXsG_wnboaMy4aEx7w5WIAqCV_7-_gDQgns85GvHB5qKtLmIK-NMHE/s640/IMG_9259.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />Light snacks with wine before dinner. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1vMSm2LBFqBA_jg2sTgSTsLrVMDHJMBjumC9zunLHFh8W6e1PQcpT1jgcYtMDQ-Q4UUB_Ghm6RNCjTX_zaaFQ2dPm5JpQksZyb3PJTBSCFxdbUUD5X2U-6GGQobq0BBXV6pK0LTcZsI/s1600/IMG_9254.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1vMSm2LBFqBA_jg2sTgSTsLrVMDHJMBjumC9zunLHFh8W6e1PQcpT1jgcYtMDQ-Q4UUB_Ghm6RNCjTX_zaaFQ2dPm5JpQksZyb3PJTBSCFxdbUUD5X2U-6GGQobq0BBXV6pK0LTcZsI/s640/IMG_9254.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />  The evening's entertainment...<br />  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41ZY1babEOW6Zz1k1tsXnkxHd4QwumkVUixpAaq_yEhRk6tuzzpzZQxU5aUdRWRv5sOIyIlkfoGJ_X3c4aw2j2ni5jgtbUbvHb1jJR0EOEGoD0ZNa5XuA-zERes1YwfHyo_6WSa7uLnA/s1600/IMG_9261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41ZY1babEOW6Zz1k1tsXnkxHd4QwumkVUixpAaq_yEhRk6tuzzpzZQxU5aUdRWRv5sOIyIlkfoGJ_X3c4aw2j2ni5jgtbUbvHb1jJR0EOEGoD0ZNa5XuA-zERes1YwfHyo_6WSa7uLnA/s640/IMG_9261.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Goat Cheese & Roasted Beet Salad over greens with a Lemon Vinaigrette <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYW_PWZIre369wG6zP6re8DSOqTXVHN03qjv5euEATyUi_Fev1aYmOAH3134pjVZ96U_UMo_GGd5H1XXLrcvFUzRglWpuhKyHpOWaNlE5RA3mU62FuZLMtUfIaPffRRefpt35t1oYx68/s1600/IMG_9238.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYW_PWZIre369wG6zP6re8DSOqTXVHN03qjv5euEATyUi_Fev1aYmOAH3134pjVZ96U_UMo_GGd5H1XXLrcvFUzRglWpuhKyHpOWaNlE5RA3mU62FuZLMtUfIaPffRRefpt35t1oYx68/s640/IMG_9238.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />A new dessert created from my old creme brulee recipe... <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJgNHUsYf0LhuO8JHRbnisufn4sdYViwj75qAePTnJajVTkwm6X2oXmtB8JaY6HUtO5EI-9jESJn14tEorAUxMV-niQD7JjjANU58fZH1GciL5gP5uAeJREdGUoUaqnFXC0u9XBpobBo/s1600/IMG_9234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJgNHUsYf0LhuO8JHRbnisufn4sdYViwj75qAePTnJajVTkwm6X2oXmtB8JaY6HUtO5EI-9jESJn14tEorAUxMV-niQD7JjjANU58fZH1GciL5gP5uAeJREdGUoUaqnFXC0u9XBpobBo/s640/IMG_9234.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Milk Chocolate Creme Brulee (pre-caramelized top!)</div><br />Stay tuned for recipes and more photos from our holiday parties!

Photos from Weeknight Holiday Dinner Party

Last week we hosted three parties.  Wheew.   Three years ago, I would have said that I'd catered 3+ parties this week.  The holidays use...

Read more »

My Stress-Free Holiday Entertaining Tips on MyWell-Being.com

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzXuGXVB-ZwAXQJl8WmN6ssBEhswA-54yaK5xkbBoVaLDCHfLnD-fLXJFHRCLV8kt6BC8hfNyoVTj78XxsjVo5Uh-BCWhViUNTno9LVjAEVSYrWNq0ailPy5HqJ68VQlaPxAr-Dxsxgg/s1600/IMG_9995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzXuGXVB-ZwAXQJl8WmN6ssBEhswA-54yaK5xkbBoVaLDCHfLnD-fLXJFHRCLV8kt6BC8hfNyoVTj78XxsjVo5Uh-BCWhViUNTno9LVjAEVSYrWNq0ailPy5HqJ68VQlaPxAr-Dxsxgg/s640/IMG_9995.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />As most of you know, I write a monthly blog for MyWell-Being.com, a site that serves as a "guide to getting started on the path to complete well-being in every aspect of your life—health and money, people and play."  On their site they explain Well-Being as :<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeCgvkUrIdEjOglQEngf7gI129HXlsCkvh_SaWgpAhFRJ6Ac5USmceTGudcZ6P1DnF1zZU7RHfa1LcnCIkTvh4vXLvJeUKxyqFt4mroQgxXeaK8hk0BhHZBvc4U9eThdZa8WcNzTatgU/s1600/IMG_9982.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeCgvkUrIdEjOglQEngf7gI129HXlsCkvh_SaWgpAhFRJ6Ac5USmceTGudcZ6P1DnF1zZU7RHfa1LcnCIkTvh4vXLvJeUKxyqFt4mroQgxXeaK8hk0BhHZBvc4U9eThdZa8WcNzTatgU/s320/IMG_9982.jpg" width="213" /></a><i>Well-being. It’s about so much more than simply being well.</i> <br /><i> </i></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>While your health—physical and mental—is a big part of your well-being, it’s only one piece of a much bigger picture. </i></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"> <i>Think about the sense of contentment you get from feeling close and connected to family, friends, and your broader community. That’s well-being. </i></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i> And remember how good it feels to be financially confident? When your career’s in good shape and you’re on top of your savings—that’s well-being, too. </i><br /><i> </i></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i></i><i>And let’s not forget the lift you get from the time you spend at play, traveling the world, or exploring new—and old—interests. Well-being, again. </i></blockquote>Isn't that great?  Their philosophy of "well-being" is very much in line with my beliefs of "living well" on a daily basis and what I try to inspire you, my readers, to do through entertaining friends and family, creating a warm home or traveling to a relaxing destination.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63K-mbtEaSOTgz0GaIlMmL8uR96UIHpGng9nkWA4XxWOFAh9SyC0w_kbH3H0hD7v0uIGxEZ1MrhzEgYZVfFju2rvxy1EFidBltiWo1imSNTxHMA_egiwh7gI0944sIuBVDca-0fbkilo/s1600/IMG_0007.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63K-mbtEaSOTgz0GaIlMmL8uR96UIHpGng9nkWA4XxWOFAh9SyC0w_kbH3H0hD7v0uIGxEZ1MrhzEgYZVfFju2rvxy1EFidBltiWo1imSNTxHMA_egiwh7gI0944sIuBVDca-0fbkilo/s640/IMG_0007.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br />This month, my MyWell-Being.com post is all about Stress-Free Entertaining for the Holidays.  Here is a small excerpt.  You can read the rest at <i><a href="http://www.mywell-being.com/enjoy/stress-free-holiday-entertaining-tips">MyWell-Being.com</a></i> : <br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i><span style="font-size: 14px;">At the beginning of each Holiday season, many of us make the resolution to spend less, rush around less, stress less and give more.  However, even with our good intentions, there are still Holiday dinners to be prepared, gifts to be purchased and parties to attend that seem to fill up our month of joyful celebrations with a list endless obligations.  Even now, as I write this I'm feeling very behind on my own Holiday checklist!</span> </i><br /><i><span style="font-size: 14px;"></span></i></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><i>One way to make our Holiday "to-do's" less stressful is to simplify our Holiday Entertaining.  Hosting the perfect family dinner or festive cocktail party this time of year can sometimes seem like a big burden.  Too often, we feel like our homes have to look perfect and the food has to be expensive and elaborate so we can impress our friends and family.  With these high expectations come a lot of stress and not a whole lot of fun...</i></span></blockquote> <i>Read the rest of the post and my 3 Solutions for Stress-Free Parties at <a href="http://www.mywell-being.com/enjoy/stress-free-holiday-entertaining-tips">MyWell-Being.com</a></i><br /><br />*Do you remember <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/12/holiday-table-setting-centerpiece-ideas.html">this tablesetting</a>?  I created it last year!  I think it is the perfect <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/12/holiday-table-setting-centerpiece-ideas.html">Christmas Morning Brunch table</a>... complete with cookies at each place setting.  Read about the details, <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2011/12/holiday-table-setting-centerpiece-ideas.html">here</a>.

My Stress-Free Holiday Entertaining Tips on MyWell-Being.com

As most of you know, I write a monthly blog for MyWell-Being.com, a site that serves as a "guide to getting started on the path to com...

Read more »