How to Be a Great Hostess or Guest

So, you've been invited to an event. What do you do now?
First and foremost......
RSVP:
Confirm your attendance or regrets and communicate any plans or potential changes clearly to avoid inconveniencing your host. This is so important because in many cases people have to pay per person and when you don't show up, it costs them money.
For more casual events (other than weddings) -
Before You Arrive:
1. Ask if you can bring something.
2. Be on time!
3. Bring a small hostess gift for dinner parties, wine, flowers, or a homemade treat, is a thoughtful gesture.
While You Are There:
1. Follow the rules. Pay attention to and respect your host's house rules, such as taking off your shoes, and be mindful of their routines. 
2. Be helpful. Offer to help with chores, like doing dishes, or with setting up and cleaning up.
3. Clean up after yourself. Keep your personal space tidy,...

Vegetable Fritters

A fritter is a portion of meat, seafood, fruit, or vegetables that has been battered or breaded and deep-fried. You can eat them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, as a side dish or dessert.
You can fritter that! Apples, pears, bananas, corn, carrots, crab, onions, cheese, apples, pumpkin, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, lobster, squash — sweet or savory, it doesn't matter — you can make fritters from them all.

ZUCCHINI FRITTERS

Barefoot Contessa
Makes 10

2 medium zucchini (3/4 pound)
2 tablespoons red onion, grated
2 eggs, lightly beaten
6-8 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
butter and olive oil

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.
Grate the zucchini into a bowl using the large grating side of a box grater.
Immediately stir in the onion and eggs.
Stir in 6 tablespoons of the flour, the baking powder, salt, and pepper. (If th...

'Tis the Season for Hot Chocolate

HOT CHOCOLATE MIX

Makes 10 cups of mix

2 (9.6 ounce) boxes powdered milk
1 (1 pound) bag powdered sugar
1 (8 ounce) container unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt

Whisk together all ingredients in a large bowl. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
To make a single serving of hot chocolate, place 1/3 cup mix into a mug. Heat 2/3 cup milk or water. Add just enough liquid to the mug to cover the mix and whisk vigorously until smooth. Whisk in remaining liquid.

HOT CHOCOLATE STIRRERS

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Toppings:
Candy canes, crushed
Mini marshmallows
Sprinkles

Heat the heavy whipping cream on stove top, stirring so that it doesn't burn.

Meanwhile, pour the chocolate chips into a microwave safe bow...

Easy Meals

AIR FRYER/SHEET PAN FAJITAS

First, put together the seasoning....

Fajita Seasoning

1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
1 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Note: Double or triple this recipe and keep in a jar to have on hand.  

Ingredients:

2-3 chicken breasts (you can use beef but the cooking time may need to be adjusted based on preference) 
1 bell pepper
1 onion 
Olive oil
Slice chicken breasts and peppers/onions.
Drizzle with oil and sprinkle all of the seasoning on top.

For sheet pan, add all to sheet pan and bake for 15-20 minutes at 425 degrees.
For air fryer, place in air fryer for about 15 minutes on 390 degrees.  Preheat air fryer depending on model. 
OR...