You shouldn’t need a special occasion for an excuse to celebrate — especially when the winter doldrums are nipping at your heels. Find any reason, or none at all, and invite friends over for some good food, libations, and good fun.
>> Plan a pizza party — have individual ready-made pizza crusts on handled bread boards. Set out bowls filled with various toppings, such as tomato sauce, mozzarella, olives, mushrooms, cooked shrimp, pineapple — and let your guests create their own concoctions. Play Italian music, drink red wine, and karaoke!
>> Organize your own “January-fest” — in other words, a beer-tasting bash. Choose different types, from lagers to ales (and some non-alcoholic choices, too), and pair with matching foods. Bratwurst, baked potatoes, and perogies are good ideas.
>> What about a buffet brunch? Getting together with good friends doesn’t have to happen only at night. Set your kitchen area up in stations: waffles, pancakes and french toast on the left; eggs and omelettes on the right. Steam some milk for café au laits in a bowl, play some Edith Piaf and Josephine Baker, and practise your French conversational skills. Bon appetit!
