Holiday survival guide
Whether you are visiting or hosting, there are expectations
and demands that are placed on you. For some, this season is simply
overwhelming, especially when you are trying to impress.
The Gregarious Guest
The truth is, you will get invited to many occasions, but
you shall also be expected to show up with a little something something. And
not the packet of milk or bananas from the shop closest to your host. Your
mother taught you well, but it is time to upgrade this.
On average, (for those who have not lost their social graces
and dare to show up empty handed) people tend to show up with a bottle of
alcohol, or simply ask you if there is anything you need. Which they make a
quick stop at the supermarket for on their way over- if you actually ask for
something.
End result, your host has a bunch of different types of
alcohol that the very same guests will consume. And you have a running account
for the hosts you will get anything for.
Luckily for me, no one expects any bottles of anything, but
they do expect something from my kitchen. If I buy a baked good…. Oh the drama!
It is as though I have insulted them or no longer love them. So bake I must!
The next two weeks are full of visits, and here is how I
plan to survive as a gracious guest!
No one thinks of
dessert!
This fact offers me two advantages; I am likely the only one
who will bring dessert, and the host probably only had some fruits in mind.
This means I am not adding to the bottles, packets of milk and juice that
everybody brings. It also means that when later people are feeling peckish,
even those who frown upon us sweet tooth people, there is something to nibble
on that my host did not have to go back to the kitchen to fix. Major brownie
points here.
Bake in bulk, bespoke
decoration
Once I have my mind set on the basic flavour, what then
changes is the frosting. A batch of chocolate cupcakes can end up with
chocolate frosting for one host, peanut butter frosting for another and vanilla
cream for someone else. The idea is to remember who is partial to what. As for
cookies, some go plain, others chocolate coated and others frosted, or made
into sandwich cookies, again depending on the host’s preference.
Packaging
It sounds simple, but the packaging really elevates it to a
special gift, or something that makes your host feel appreciated and even loved.
You could opt for the basic pasty boxes. They are cheap and
readily available. However, elevate them with a ribbon, or a little Thank You sticker.
I run out of these boxes pretty fast because of the bakery. In
such instances I may opt for a jar or a container from my kitchen, or even a
decorative platter. Being the festive season, it makes it all the more
appealing. I also like that my dishes usually come back some months later with
a home-made treat- some mandazi, kashata, or even whole meals. I know some
pretty talented cooks.
The Hostess with the
Mostest
When I host, that is when the big bakes come to play. Here I opt for whole cakes because it is one thing that can feed many people. It’s also a show stopper should I decide to bring out the decorating guns.
Plan ahead
The thing with cakes is that you need to plan ahead; what
ingredients will you need, how do you want to decorate it, how much time do you
have to prepare it, and so on. The beauty about cakes is that you can make them
ahead. Meaning, on the day you are hosting, all you have to concern yourself
with is the other things you need to prepare. If you can make it a day or two
ahead of time and properly store it, this is one thing you simply won’t think
about until it is time to cut and serve.
Allow for the time
needed
Cakes need time. Time to prep, time to bake, time to cool,
time to decorate, and yes, time to eat! So plan for this. You do not want to be
baking, as your guests arrive. Yes, the house will smell heavenly. But chances
are some guests will leave before you are ready to serve. Or you will end up
serving it warm, and undecorated (if this was not your plan).
Plus, did I tell you that cakes don’t like stress? Baking in
a hurry always, ALWAYS, gives interesting results. You will have stories to
tell for years to come.
Decorative setting
Decide how you intend to serve your dessert. Even the simplest and unadorned cake looks so very appealing when placed in the right setting. We eat with our eyes first.
Cakes work well with flat table ware. Get a plate, even your
everyday use ones, that is larger than the cake, and if possible in a
contrasting colour from your cake. If you are the kind of host that serves the
main meal in decorated platters and serving dishes, then don’t drop the ball
with your dessert. If you can, invest in a cake plate that’s a few centimetres
tall. It will really do something for your display.
Do not forget the side plates, saucers and dessert spoons
and forks to serve with. Let’s not do the serviettes thing this holiday. We
will help with the dishes after.
Pack it up!
I think the most gratifying thing as a cook and a host is
when after people have had their fill, seconds included, they ask if there is
any they can carry home. When this happens I feel like I have served my country
well. #ProudMoments
Do not wait to be asked, prepare for this. If there is any
cake left, ask your guests if they would like to take some with them. Have some
disposable containers handy. Those that can carry dessert or the leftover food
well. Let’s be honest, not everyone has the mindfulness to return your good
storage containers.
Whatever you get up to this holiday season, make sure to have fun, and to have those
around you feel loved and appreciated.
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