Pool Party Tips:

"Summer time, and the living is easy..." It's time to cool down, and have some fun! Grab your inflatable raft, and beach ball... It's time to have a Pool Party!!! Just follow the pool party tips below, for fun, fun, fun in the sun. Or if you really want to kick it up a notch, give me a call for a wet and wild party extravaganza that will put you into the "Party Hall Of Fame!" We can do it all, from a simple barbecue, to a scorching Hawaiian Luau, complete with surf & sand...

Pool Party Tips:

1. Keep the menu simple. Finger foods work best. Pizza, chicken wings, hamburgers, hot dogs, submarine sandwiches, chips, fresh fruits, and sliced veggies with dip.

2. Provide a room for people to change into or out of bathing suits.

3. Ice, Ice, and more Ice. You can never have enough.

4. Keep the drinks in a cooler or a big tub. Use plastic cups for safety around the pool. A healthier alternative to sodas is to provide fresh fruit drinks, such as lemonade or punch.

5. Set up a number of patio chairs and tables around the pool area for your guests. Set up two additional large tables, one for snacks, the other for beverages. Arrange an ample supply of plates, cups, napkins, and utensils on the serving tables.

6. Play a variety of different musical styles.

7. Pool party games like "Marco Polo, and Sharks and Minnows" are always crowd pleasers.

8. Make sure somebody is keeping an eye on the children. A designated kid watcher is a must!

...And don't forget the sunscreen!!!

For the ultimate in Party Tips, read my book; “Party Planning Secrets: The Ultimate Guide To A Successful Party.” Go to: http://www.atlasbooks.com/marktplc/02172.htm to purchase!

My “Five Steps for Creating the Energy for an Outrageously Successful Party,” will provide you with all the necessary ingredients to plan and host memorable events that you and your guests will rave about. Whether you’re planning a fundraiser, grand opening, holiday party or family celebration, let my 30+ years in the party planning and catering business be your guide to hosting an outrageously successful and stress-free event. Order your book today!

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Sausage Cooking Tips:

July is only a few weeks away, and that could only mean one thing... National Hot Dog Month!!! I bet you thought I was going to say the 4th of July. Well, when you think about it, what would a fourth of July barbecue be without the venerable frankfurter? Invented over 500 years ago in Frankfurt, Germany, the hot dog took America by storm in the late 1800s, and it is still one of our favorite foods today.

frank•furt•er or frank•furt \noun

: a cured cooked sausage (as of beef or beef and pork) that may be skinless or stuffed in a casing

That's how Merriam-Webster describes them... My description is... simply delicious!

Call now and book your summer party today! !

Sausage Cooking Tips:

Cook fresh sausages over gentle heat so the interior fully cooks.

Sausages can be steamed, simmered, fired or grilled, or a combination of methods.

Before cooking, prick the skins to prevent bursting.

Reheat sausages in hot water, but avoid boiling them as their skins will split.

Onions in the cooking liquid add flavor to sausages.

Parboil fresh sausages in water or beer before grilling or frying.

Beer adds a stronger flavor than water. Malt-heavy beers add sweetness and are good for strongly flavored sausage. Lagers add a slight bitterness and complement sweeter style sausages.


New York Onions For Your Dog

5 medium brown onions
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup ketchup
hot sauce to taste
hot pepper flakes to taste

Cut onions into thin rounds. Melt butter over very low heat in a pot big enough to hold the onions. Add onions, and cover. Cook slowly for 45 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally until the onions are very soft. Add the rest of the ingredients and cook for fifteen minutes. Serve over your favorite hot dog, or sausage. Serves 10 to 12.

For the ultimate in Party Tips, read my book; “Party Planning Secrets: The Ultimate Guide To A Successful Party.” Go to: http://www.atlasbooks.com/marktplc/02172.htm to purchase!

My “Five Steps for Creating the Energy for an Outrageously Successful Party,” will provide you with all the necessary ingredients to plan and host memorable events that you and your guests will rave about. Whether you’re planning a fundraiser, grand opening, holiday party or family celebration, let my 30+ years in the party planning and catering business be your guide to hosting an outrageously successful and stress-free event. Order your book today!

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Stress-Free Party Tips:

The more you can get ready beforehand, the more time you will have to enjoy yourself during the party.

Shop for all non-perishable food ingredients and other supplies as soon as you can. The day before the party shop for all your fresh ingredients and last minute items.

Make sure you have enough ice.

Set up the linens, tablecloths, the serving utensils, napkins, and arrange centerpieces, flowers, and candles. Set up the bar with glasses, ice bucket, corkscrews, and cocktail napkins the morning of the party.

Make sure there is soap, towels, and toilet paper in the bathrooms and add a votive candle or two.

Start assembling and preparing the food. If things will be served warm or require any cooking, have them ready to go in their baking dishes, so you can get all the prep dishes washed.

Empty all garbage cans. Place clean-up rags where they are easily accessible. Once the house is in order and ready, you can get yourself ready.

Set out any serving dishes for food to come and put out any hot pads that will be required.

Put out any food that you can.

Once most guests have arrived, put out the rest of the food and let guests help themselves.

Stress-Free Party Dips:

BLACK BEAN DIP


2 15-ounce cans black beans
2 teaspoons chopped garlic
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (or 1 T dried)
2 small tomatoes, chopped
2 teaspoons crushed red pepper (or to taste)
1 teaspoon cumin
Juice of 1 lime
1 small onion, finely chopped
Salt and pepper

In a food processor , coarsely chop the black beans, garlic, cilantro and 1 tomato. Transfer to a serving bowl. Add the red pepper, cumin, lime juice, onion, 1 chopped tomato, and salt and pepper. Chill, allowing the flavors to blend. Serve with chips and jicama scoops. Makes about 3 cups.

BLUE CHEESE DIP

1 cup blue cheese, crumbled, plus a little for garnish
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1¼ cups sour cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

In a medium bowl, cream together the blue and cream cheeses. Add the sour cream and mix until well-incorporated. Stir in the remaining ingredients. (This recipe can also be prepared in a food processor .) Transfer to a serving dish. Sprinkle a little crumbled blue cheese on top. Refrigerate for several hours to let the flavors meld, then set it out about 30 minutes before serving. Serve slightly chilled. Makes 3 cups.

For the ultimate in Party Tips, read my book; “Party Planning Secrets: The Ultimate Guide To A Successful Party.” Go to: http://www.atlasbooks.com/marktplc/02172.htm to purchase!

My “Five Steps for Creating the Energy for an Outrageously Successful Party,” will provide you with all the necessary ingredients to plan and host memorable events that you and your guests will rave about. Whether you’re planning a fundraiser, grand opening, holiday party or family celebration, let my 30+ years in the party planning and catering business be your guide to hosting an outrageously successful and stress-free event. Order your book today!

Sign Up For My FREE Monthly Newsletter: http://www.charliescola.com/