Ladies Afternoon Get-Together

Today I've invited my family and friends over for one of those "parties". If I've ever sworn off that I would never do something in my lifetime, it was hosting one of these. There's no way I would guilt my family and friends into coming over to my house to buy something...it's just something I never said I'd do.

But here I am. Against all odds. My friend at work started representing a company called Norwex this fall, and I fell in love. I went to her party (of course with many reservations - more of less to support her). And what do you know, I did the inevitable and signed up to host by the end of the night.

What I like best about it is that it's all natural. It's a tech-savy material that they use in all the cleaning rags and dusters. No need for cleaners. Straight up tools. That's usually what I buy at parties like these anyhow -- the practical things. If it were Pampered Chef, I might stock up on the necessities like spatulas, but I would never buy a useless gadget. And if it were Tastefully Simple, I would probably only buy one small thing (to be a good sport), sitting there thinking I could make a way better and healthier version myself at home.

So it's the day of the party. I tried coercing my family and friends into coming just for the food, but I think many of them had the same typical reservations as I did myself. I'm hoping it's a decent turnout...Because I spent all week focusing on a menu of goodies. I party is a party. And if I get to cook, I'm going to whoop it up!

Here's today's menu:

• Brie with Fig Spread and Pita Chips
• Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Pita Chips
• Raosted Butternut Squash Salad with Warm Cider Vinaigrette
• Apple Cheddar Sausage Balls with Dijon-Balsamic Glaze
• Shrimp Cocktail
• Orange and Cinnamon Spiced Nut Mix
• Pumpkin Bars

You may recognize the salad, it's from September's Food and Wine Club menu. Most of these are well rated recipes I found online with a few personal touches. Be sure to check out the festive pumpkin bars. I've been eyeing up the baking pan at Williams-Sonoma since early September. Good thing I had an occasion to break down and purchase it!

Here's to a good party. I hope you try some of these recipes!

Pictures to come shortly :)

Ginger Stir-fried Broccoli Rabe and Halibut

Yum! I need to try more fish. Good thing I bought flounder tonight so I'll have something else to try cooking next week. But tonight I couldn't resist splurging on Halibut. My $9 piece of Halibut. But that's why it's $9. It's wonderful. And it reminds me of Seattle. But I digress...

I was in the mood for ginger green beans or asparagus -- the kind at sushi restaurants. But broccoli rabe was on sale. So here's my spin. Feel free to double the recipe if you're cooking for more than one..wah wah wah.

6-oz. filet halibut

1 bunch broccoli rabe, ends trimmed

1 Tbsp. minced ginger

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tsp. rice wine vinegar

1/2 tsp. sesame oil

1 Tbsp. canola oil

salt & pepper

oil

Combine the ginger, garlic, vinegar, and oils. Whisk until combined and set aside.

Heat a large non-stick skillet over high heat. Sprinkle the fish with salt and pepper. Place skin side down in the pan, cover, and saute for 2 minutes. After two minutes, check the fish to ensure it's not burning , then add 1-2 teaspoons water to start steaming the fish, cover, and cook another 2 minutes. Then add the broccoli. Cover again, saute for 2 minutes. Uncover, add the ginger sauce, stir, cover, and cook another 2 minutes or until the fish is cooked through. Serves 1.

Remember Me?

Yes. Hi again. My camera broke, and so I've been a little MIA. I think I'm going to invest in a new one, but I'm not there yet. Until then, my camera phone may just have to do.

Here's a quick, easy recipe for you - Heirloom Tomato, Proscuitto, and Wisconsin Cheddar Grilled Cheese. Delicious!

Heirloom Tomato Grilled Cheese with Proscuitto and Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese

2 Slices bread

3-4 slices heirloom tomatoes, sliced thin

2 slices proscuitto

2 slices cheddar cheese

1 Tbsp. butter or unrefined coconut oil

You know the drill. Butter one side of each piece of bread. Place slice of bread, butter side down in a non-stick pan. Layer the cheese, tomato, and proscuitto. Top with the other slice of bread, butter side up. Grill over very low heat until bread is brown and cheese is melted (be sure to flip it too!)