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At first, I was hesitant to host dinner parties on a Friday worried that I wouldn't have time to clean the house and get everything ready. But it's worked out really well. I just tidy up Thursday night and don't stress. As long as the bathroom is clean and the living room/dining room is tidy-who cares about the rest. By now, these friends are close enough we don't really care anyway. Nice to have those kinds of friends. The best part about FND is that it gives us a chance to de-stress after a busy week, and it sure makes the weekend seem longer. We keep it casual and fun. Sometimes we watch a movie, play a game or go for a walk. Sometimes we just sit and talk. Whatever we feel like doing. We keep it casual.
For me, the added bonus is the incentive to try out new foods. I am a terribly picky eater, and this way I can test new recipes and cuisines.
By the way, if you are wondering-tonight's theme is Mexican.
FND NIGHT sounds amazing, glad you have those people in your life who make it truly worth living.Love the blog and keep posting,
ReplyDeletemaybe it will inspire me to try cooking one night ;)
fnd....hmmmm...thinking about the money I would save if we cooked rather then did take out.... any hit recipes you'd like to share?
ReplyDeleteSo far, favorites have been tacos-use whole wheat tortillas and ground chicken or tvp (textured vegetable protein) more filling and less expensive. I make the taco seasoning myself-you can control the salt, and no preservatives.
ReplyDeleteTaco Seasoning:
1 tbsp cumin
1 tbsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder ( or more if you love garlic)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp chili powder (or more to you taste)
Gaucamole:
1 ripe avacodo, cubed
1 tomato, diced
1 cloved garlic, crushed
1 handful cilanto, washed and torn up
juice of 1 lime
I don't put salt, there is enough flavour w/o, but feel free to add a pinch if desired.
I don't like pureed avacodo, so I cube it instead, nice chunky texture.
Another fun night is to make your own pizzas.
I am too lazy to make the dough, so I either buy a prepared crust or use whole wheat pitas for the base, to make mini pizzas. That's a good way to try out different combos.
Spread tomato paste on the crust, sprinkle with italian seasoning (rosemary, orgeno and basil).
Add some shredded part skim mozzarella. Then topppings of your choice.
My favourites: chicken, sun dried tomatoes, green or red peppers and roasted garlic. I don't eat pepperoni cause too much fat and salt-but i have been known to sneak in a bit of bacon now and then.
They don't need to bake long, maybe 15 mins or until the cheese is melted. I like crispy crust, so I put them straight onto the oven rack.
Sorry! Forgot the green onions in the gaucamole: add 1-2 green onions, sliced. You can use a spanish onion or sweet onion but I find it too intense.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recipes!
ReplyDeleteAlso you can use refried beans, either canned or homemade, as a filling.
Yummy!