Photo Credit: Robbie CaponettoHosting a dinner for friends doesn't have to break the bank. With a bit of planning you can host 10 friends for as little as $100. Don't forget to review my Savvy Tips to make preparing for your dinner party a bit easier.
Savvy Menu
Hors d'oeuvres: Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese on Pumpernickel Toast
Salad Course: Field Greens with Walnuts, Dried Cranberries, Sliced Pears & Blue Cheese Wedge
Main Course: Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Apples & Sweet Onions in a Brown Butter Sauce accompanied by Individual Cheese Grits and Corn Puddings
Dessert Course: Mini Strawberry Shortcakes with Fresh Whipping Cream
Savvy Recipes
Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese on Pumpernickel Toast
1 package of cream cheese, softened
1/2 package of smoked salmon
20 slices of mini pumpernickel breads
Using a food processor, combined the cream cheese and smoked salmon until it is chopped and blended. Spoon into a pastry bag with a fluted tip attachment and pipe onto the individually sliced breads.
Savvy Tip: Use the large end of a jigger to cut out rounds of the pumpernickel bread. This makes for a pretty presentation when placed on a decorative tray.
Field Green Salad
10 cups mixed field greens
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup walnuts
3 pears
1 small triangle of blue cheese
Olive oil, salt, pepper and lemon juice, to taste
Toss the field greens, cranberries, and walnuts in a salad bowl. Dice the pears and mix along with the olive oil, salt, pepper and lemon juice. Garnish with a slice of blue cheese.
Roasted Pork Tenderloin
Purchase a marinated pork tenderloin and cook according to the directions. Typically pork should be cooked at 425 degrees to a temperature of at least 155 degrees.
Apples & Sweet Onion in a Brown Butter Sauce
1/4 stick of unsalted butter
Sage, Rosemary, Thyme, Tarragon
3 large green apples
1 large sweet onion
Slice both the apples and onions and set aside. In a large sauce pan, melt the butter on medium heat. When the butter is nice and hot (close to a boil) add in the onions and spices. Allow onions to soften, this should take approximately 5 minutes, and then add the apples. Don't over cook the apples. They should soften but not become mushy.
Cheese Grits and Corn Pudding
1 1/2 cups grits
3 cups whole milk
2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 can of creamed corn
3 egg yolks
4 egg whites
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a sauce pan simmer milk and add the salt. Add the grits, stirring constantly. Once grits have thicken remove from the stove and cool slightly. In a separate bowl mix the cheese, egg yolks and cream corn. Fold mixture into the grits. Next gently fold the egg white into the mixture. Pour into a large ramekin and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Serve immediately.
Savvy Tip: For a pretty presentation, bake the mixture in individual ramekins.
Mini Strawberry Shortcakes with Fresh Whipping Cream
1 Angel food cake
1 pint of fresh strawberries
1 pint of heavy whipping cream
Chocolate sauce for garnish
Divide the angel food cake into equal parts. Slice strawberries and place around the angel food cake. Pour the whipping cream in a bowl and mix rapidly until peaks form. Garnish the cakes with whipping cream and chocolate sauce.
Savvy Tip: Using a large biscuit cutter, cut round circles out of the angel food cake. Place the dessert in a martini glass and pour chocolate sauce around the edges for garnish.
