Talk of the Town Nashville Summer Special: Recipes & How-To Tips

Happy 4th of July!

For those of you watching our TV special on Nashville's Talk of the Town, here are links for some of the recipes and ideas we showcased today! Scroll all the way to the bottom to see the how-to video from the show.

Infuse your summer with flavor!INFUSED LEMONADE

Take your lemonade from ordinary to extraordinary when you infuse the simple syrup with flavor. Get the recipes:

VANILLA BEAN PLANTATION LEMONADE

INFUSED SIMPLE SYRUP

For even more lemony fun, make a lemonade station for your party with lots of mix-ins and libations! Get the how-to...

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Popsicles and ProseccoPOPSICLE-PALOOZA!

Hi-tech, low tech, and low tech ways to make your own frozen treats for kids and adults this summer.

POPSICLE HOW-TO

POPSICLES AND PROSECCO

Once considered just a kiddie treat, the popsicle has gone exotic! Whether you make your own popsicles or buy them, this elegant presentation takes popsicles to a whole different level. The perfect way to end a summer dinner party or wedding reception.

Some other great homemade popsicles to make include:

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE POPS

S'MORES POPS

16 HOMEMADE POPSICLE RECIPES

Watch our how-to video from Talk of the Town!

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BACKYARD CAMPING PARTY

This one is so much fun for just about any occasion... birthday party, neighborhood party, team get-togethers, and more. It is even a fun date night. Watch the video...

This is a super inexpensive "stay-cation" for those staying home this summer. You'll feel like you went away... and best of all, your bed and the air-conditioner are just steps away!

Here's the simple recipe for the hobo packs that you can throw right on the fire or grill:

LOW COUNTRY HOBO PACKS

This is a similar taste to a one pot boil but even easier. Since shrimp cooks faster than the potatoes and the corn, it is best to pre-cook those so that you don't overcook the shrimp.

For 6

1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on

1 large onion

3 ears of corn

12 medium red potatoes

Old Bay Seasoning

2 lemons- one cut into wedges for serving

1 Beer (you can substitute water if you like)

butter

salt and pepper to taste

Parboil the potatoes and corn for a few minutes on the stove in boiling water. Do not cook completely. You just want to give them a bit of a head start so that all of the food in the pack has an equal cooking time. I usually cook the potatoes for 8 minutes and add the corn. Cook 4 more minutes and remove from the heat.

Tear large squares of aluminium foil to make the packs. Layer the potatoes, onion, corn, and shrimp. Add a dot of butter, salt, pepper, and a dash of Old Bay seasoning. Turn up the edges and add about 1/4 cup of beer to each package. Squeeze some lemon juice over the top and seal the packs well on all sides. Cook over medium coals for about 10 minutes until the shrimp are cooked. You can put these directly on the edge of a campfire, too.

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Scrapbook Paper LanternEASY TABLE DECORATIONS: SCRAPBOOK PAPER LANTERNS

Scrapbook paper sheets

Double sided tape or glue stick

Mason jars or other jar, vase, etc

Candles: floating candles, tealights, or other light source

These lanterns are so easy to make and can really dress up a table or customize any party for very little money! Since scrapbook paper comes in all colors and patterns, you really have endless options. Here's the how to:

Get a sheet of scrapbook paper. If it is thick, you'll want to cut in some designs so light will shine through. If the paper is thin or you use vellum, you don't need to cut in a design. You can use a hole punch or a paper cutter- or a utility knife.

Use a glue stick or double faced tape along the edge of the back side of the paper to form the paper into a cylinder.

Put the light source into the jar. For tealights or candles, I like to put sand in the bottom to keep the candle off the bottom of the jar. This is a great use for floating candles or even glo-sticks.

Place the paper cylinder over the jar.... and you have a customized lantern!

 Custom banner made of flags and ribbonCUSTOMIZED BANNERS

This is one of the easiest ways to dress up any area in your party colors.  Using flags, ribbon, or scrapbook paper, simply make a pretty line of color to decorate a fence, a tent, or patio.

For the paper banners, fold over to make a triangle. Fold over a piece of clothesline, twine, rope, or string. Secure with a piece of Velcro or double stick tape. I like using a Velcro dot so I can use these over and over again; sometimes in different color combinations! You can make these directional banners or signs, too by lettering them... lots of fun and very affordable.

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Host a Summer Lawn Party

All of the Wimbledon buzz has inspired me to plan a Lawn Party.... British style!

Some of the traditions of Wimbledon have been in place for 100+ years! Wimbledon is played on grass, so even if you don't have access to a tennis court, if you have a patch of grass, you can host this great summer get-together complete with badminton, croquet, lawn darts, or make up your own lawn games.

The Invitation

Since a strict all-white dress code is in place for players at Wimbledon, it's always fun to stick to an all-white theme for the party. Ask guests to wear white attire and mention that lawn games will be involved so the ladies don't turn up in high heels. I always like to start this party late in the afternoon or early evening, after the temperatures have dropped slightly. A 6pm start time will give you several hours of daylight for games during the summer. White linen paper or card stock is just right for your party invite. A casual, handwritten note (very old school) is perfectly acceptable for this casual gathering.

THE PARTY MENU

A Wimbledon Tradition: Strawberries and Cream

Strawberries and Cream are a tradition at Wimbledon.There are a couple of traditions at Wimbledon that you are a must for your party menu. Strawberries and Cream are a Wimbledon staple so dessert is going to be easy! In England, cream is always single or double cream and it is difficult to find the English version in the US. If you want to make it easy on yourself, just get some really good vanilla ice cream, let it melt until it pours. Pour some cream in the bottom of each dish and fill the bowl with strawberries. Serve with a pitcher of the cream for those who want extra. Make sure to get extra fresh and really delicious berries.... Try Driscoll's Berries. Always fresh, always reliable!

Another option is to whip up some fresh cream and add some orange flavor to it. This is simple and delicious- the perfect compliment to the berries.

ORANGE WHIPPED CREAM

1 pint heavy whipping cream

1/2 cup Confectioners sugar

1/4 cup Grand Marnier (or orange flavored liqueur)

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 cup orange juice

1/2 teaspoon very finely grated orange zest

Add the whipping cream to a large bowl and whip with electric mixer for a moment at high speed. Turn it off and add the sugar. Whip at low to incorporate the sugar, otherwise it will dust you with white powder! Once you have it incorporated, add the other ingredients and whip on high until stiff peaks form. Chill until serving time.

CHECK OUT 7 WAYS WITH STRAWBERRIES FROM MY FRIENDS AT MYRECIPES.COM FOR MORE GREAT STRAWBERRY RECIPES!

BEVERAGE OPTIONS

Another staple at Wimbledon or at any other British event is a Pimm's Cup. Pimm's is to Wimbledon what the Mint Julep is to the Kentucky Derby. I love a good Pimm's Cup! Pimm's is a gin based liquor and it's so refreshing on a summer day. 

PIMM'S CUP

1 ½ ounce Pimm's #1

4 ounces lemon-lime soda-- 7-Up or Sprite

1 ounce club soda

Wedge of lemon

Cucumber spears

Optional: shot of premium vodka

I like to mix these in a pitcher and serve over ice in a tall glass. They're really unique and refreshing but watch out! They really sneak up on you.

Another great British beverage is the Shandy. A Shandy is half lager (shown below) and half lemon-lime soda. Believe me, I was a skeptic but it's delicious and refreshing on a summer day!

BRITISH SHANDY

For 2

One pint cold lager beer

One can chilled lemon-lime soda

Chilled tall glasses

Slowly pour half of the beer into the chilled glasses. Top with soda. Serve.

BRITISH PUB FOOD

Serve traditional British pub food for this party; fish and chips are a pub staple and always a favorite. Sandwiches and crisps (what we call potato chips) or maybe Cornish pasties... delicate meat and potato pies are delicious. Make what is easy and will keep well for your outdoor party.

The ENTERTAINMENT

This party starts with the lawn games so if you don't have access to a tennis court, set up a badminton net instead. Since croquet is also played at Wimbledon, you can also set up a croquet course in the backyard or at the park. Other fun lawn games include horseshoes, bocce ball. or lawn bowling. The game I came to know in Chicago as "baggo" is also fun for a lawn party. I always find lots of great lawn games at Target during the summer. Set up your game course in whatever green space you have. If the party is in the late afternoon, I like to string little while lights all around my game course.

This is a great summer evening party theme... try it for a rehearsal dinner or engagement party, a girls night out or guys night out party, a neighborhood party, family get-together, or anyone's birthday party! You can make it kid friendly or invite the adults only, but no matter who attends, my Summer Lawn Party is perfect for any occasion!

Food & Wine Classic in Aspen: Great Ways to Serve This Summer

I'm the luckiest duck. I just got back from the 2011 Food & Wine Classic in Aspen as a guest of the nice folks from Plastics Make it Possible. Every major chef, food star, foodie, winery, and liquor brand was there. The weekend was all food all the time! I sampled, tasted, photographed, and talked food for 48 hours straight. Serving all of that food and drinks on location is not unlike serving for a party that isn't in your kitchen. You really have to be creative with both food and the drinks to keep the hot food hot and the cold food and drinks cold. You also need to deal with interesting and unique serving and of course, the clean up. Here are a few of the better ideas I saw:

PLASTIC DISPENSERS ARE PARTY PERFECTFrontgate Plastic Beverage Dispenser $99.50

I saw lots and lots of signature drinks being served. It is simply easier when hosting a large crowd to offer a signature drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and make it self-serve so you do not have to play bartender during the party. I've been using dispensers for quite a while and have long preferred the plastic ones to the glass dispensers.... mainly because the plastic is lighter and I don't have to worry about breakage! I store them in a plastic storage bin wrapped in plastic wrap to keep them clean. That way, I don't have to wash them before I use them next. I liked this particular plastic beverage dispenser from Frontgate because of the looks- but also because it has an ice chamber on the top and bottom to help keep drinks chilled. Less ice = nice. Less work for me!

WHO SAYS PLASTIC ISN'T ELEGANT?

DuraClear Glasses for Outdoor Entertaining from Willians-SonomaI am a big fan of serving drinks in a glass but there is always going to be breakage- which not only is dangerous, it is very inconvenient. I don't know about you, but I don't really like sweeping up glass in my party frock. These days, you can get the look of crystal without the fragility with plastic wine or cocktail glasses. I saw these glasses at the show and thought they were glass until I picked one up. Better yet, with these, you can put all of your dirty glasses in a plastic garbage bag and wash them the next day after the party. Whew.

My new friends at Plastic Make it Possible would like to make it possible for you to have some of these gorgeous items valued at $500 to make your summer entertaining more beautiful and more fun! Just follow the link and enter to win... The contest ends July 8, 2011.

ENTER THE PLASTICS MAKE IT POSSIBLE OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING SUMMER SWEEPSTAKES

Summer Entertaining: Easiest Grilled Corn (ever!)

Whoop Whoop! It's just about corn season!! Fresh picked corn is probably already in stores and farmer's markets in some areas of the country and I just cannot wait to bite into that first piece of corn from the grill. Some of my friends think it is hard to grill good corn- that it gets dried out, etc. I've got a super easy way to grill corn for a crowd that is perfect every time. Here's how:

MARTIE'S PERFECTLY EASY GRILLED CORN

2 dozen ears of fresh corn in the husk (you don't have to remove the inner silks)

tub or bucket

Styrofoam ice chest

Grill

Long handled tongs

Directions

Check the ears for any evidence of bugs, etc. Snip the silks off of the tip of each ear. I usually don't slice the bottom off so people have something to hold on to... but you can cut them level if you are using plastic corn holders.

Submerge the ears in cool water and let them soak for 30 minutes.

While the corn is soaking, fire up your grill. You want medium heat and indirect - which means move the coals to the outer edge of the grill if you are using charcoal. Make sure the grill rack is not down too low. You want indirect heat so the husks don't burn. A bit of charring is good but if the heat is too high or the grill is too low over the coals, you'll burn up the husks before the corn cooks inside.

Once the coals are ready, drain the water.

Place the corn on the center of the grill- stay away from the outer edge where there could be hot spots.

Cover the grill and leave it alone for 12 minutes. (you may need to adjust the time if you have a larger quantity of corn)

Open and turn the ears to char the other side. Close the grill and let cook for another 5 minutes.

Remove the corn and immediately put it in the Styrofoam ice chest and put the top on it as fast as you can. Put something heavy on top of the chest to keep the lid down tight.

Allow the corn to continue to steam in the chest until serving time- at least 15 minutes. I usually do this an hour or more before the party and it is perfect to serve when guests arrive. The ice chest keeps the corn steaming hot!

To serve: Open the chest and allow guests to serve themselves. Simply peel back the husks and the silks fall off with it. So easy, so fast, and soooo good!

Serve with my wonderful HERB BUTTER and a little kosher salt.

Note: Make sure to have a box or something handy to collect all of the husks. And plan for at least two ears per guest... maybe three!

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Easy and Clever Serving Idea for Your Party: Light Up Ice Cubes, Trendy Serving Ideas and more...

I am always inspired for my own parties by watching how the great chefs and top caterers present their culinary creations. You know, you always eat with your eyes first, right? While at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen with the team from Plastic Make It Possible, I was treated to three days of non-stop food, wine, and fun and saw lots of great ideas for serving and presentation that you can easily copy for your next party. Here are some of my favorites: 

Icing down beverages in a clear container allows guests to read labels so they can easily serve themselves.A plastic globe filled with ice keeps a cold dish chilled and looks visually dynamic!LIGHT UP THE NIGHT

I loved this idea! I've never seen a more showstopping presentation that was so simple! This is a unique and oh so clever way to serve a dish that needs to remain chilled. We all know how challenging that can be. Perfect for a luau, BBQ, or wedding reception; the ice in the plastic base keeps the food chilled.

The light up ice cube not only is visually dynamic, it allows guests to see what they are eating in dim lighting, too. The individual portions makes serving so simple. You can find the light up ice cubes online or at Windy City Novelties for as low as $3 for a set of 12.

If you cannot find the plastic globes or cones, no worries. This works really well with any clear plastic cup, cube, or glass that you can readily find at the big-box stores, party stores, and even dollar stores.

MORE SERVING SUGGESTIONS

I saw many innovative ideas by the country's top culinary artists that could be used for a home party and some of them were just... duh, no brainers...

INTERESTING IDEAS FOR SERVING FOOD

Serving salads at a party can be messy and does not have to consist of stuffing it in a large bowl and having guests struggle to serve themselves. Individual servings make it so much Plastic glasses are used to serve salad making it easier for guests and also visually more attractive. easier for guests to pick up something from a buffet or from a station.

While serving individual portions is usually reserved for elegant occasions like a wedding reception, I saw uses for simple plastic glasses that would work for any type of party, even a backyard BBQ. You can assemble your salads and dishes ahead of time, plate them up and store them on a sheet pan in the fridge or large cooler. Then all you have to do is put them out at party time. These plastic glasses filled with salad can be set out on platters or served on ice so they stay cold. And you can recycle plastic or wash and reuse it again.

SERVING BEVERAGES AT A PARTY

I really liked this idea for keeping beverages cold when you have many different tables or need to keep things portable. You can find these clear plastic totes just about anywhere... I found them at the dollar store. Fill with ice and add your beverages: wine, soda, beer, etc.

Using alear plastic totes to ice down wine and beverages is both easy and affordable.This is also a clever idea for a "welcome" gift for your out of town guests for a wedding, too! Just put some drinks in the bag, add ice and your guests will have a nice treat waiting for them upon check in. These bags as all chillers and coolers will 'sweat' so make sure to have a tray or something to catch the water under them.

MORE IDEAS FROM ASPEN AND PLASTIC MAKES IT POSSIBLE:

WIN A SUMMER ENTERTAINING PACKAGE WORTH $500

 GREAT WAYS TO SERVE THIS SUMMER

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