you have fifty people in your home, that is not possible. But do ensure that they are taken care of with a drink and someone to chat with before you take off to attend to your other duties as host. If ever I see someone standing alone, I immediately go to them and try to bring them into a group. I was always taught to do unto others as you would have them do unto you, and I would not want someone feeling neglected!
For some reason, I happen to be one of the most relaxed people in the world when entertaining in my own home. I actually prefer it to going out. I grew up in a family that entertained often, and we all seem to have this gift of not becoming nervous. But if you are nervous, remember that the more you practice, the better you will become at it. I love to plan parties, cook for days if I have to, and invite friends to partake of my efforts. The cocktail party is usually one of the most relaxing to throw. And remember, you don’t have to throw a party to make a dip!
Jennifer’s Christmas Eve Cheese Mountain
Grilled Portobello Mushroom Canapé
Cheddar Cheese and Marmalade Canapé
While living in Saudi Arabia, most of our social occasions revolved around food. It was not uncommon to have personal chefs from exotic countries like Egypt, India, Thailand, and the Philippines. I was fortunate to have a beautiful and talented woman from Eritrea named “Dahab” (Gold), who taught me many culinary techniques and who also helped me with my two little girls.
Tasty Tuna Pate is an easy-to-make dip she prepared for us. It is creamy and mellow and has been a favorite of my children since they first tasted it. They now make it for their families and friends, and even if people don’t think they like tuna, they seem to love this. My son-in-law Yann never tires of this dip!
Do keep in mind that tuna should not be eaten by pregnant women, as it does have a high mercury content, and not eaten more frequently than once a week for the rest of us—another special something to indulge in occasionally.
Tasty Tuna Pate Serves 4-6
2 (6 ounce) cans tuna, drained
5 tablespoons organic unsalted butter, room temperature
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
Cracked black pepper
Lemon slices for garnish
Fresh dill sprigs for garnish
Place tuna, butter, and cream cheese in the bowl of your food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season to taste. Pour into a 4-cup-capacity serving dish and chill for several hours or overnight. Take out of refrigerator 30 minutes before serving; and garnish with thin slices of lemon and a few sprigs of fresh dill. Serve with organic veggie slices or whole wheat veggie crackers, or use it as a spread on whole wheat crostini with fresh dill sprigs as a garnish.
To me, any hummus is delightful. I was given strict orders by my children and my partner not to include my Middle Eastern garbanzo bean hummus in this book, so I am providing an equally healthful one here. This version is ideal as a vegetarian source of protein. My suggestion is to use freshly squeezed lemon juice, as it truly enhances the flavor of this dip. And there is something about cumin and beans—they seem to love each other.
Serve this dip with brightly hued raw veggies and enjoy!
Black Bean Hummus
Serves 4
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, liquid reserved
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons tahini
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2-1 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Place all ingredients in the bowl of your food processor; blend until a buttery mixture; add additional liquid if too thick. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Feta cheese is a virtual staple in most Mediterranean and Middle Eastern homes. This creation is another Saudi Arabian favorite of ours. The choice
