the whole plate.

This weekend, my sister and I had housewarming party number two – this time, for the family.

I think I’ve got the concept of throwing parties for friends down relatively well.  Hors d’oeuvres, a bit of chocolate, abundant wine, dim lights, good outfits.  But entertaining the whole family?  Well, that’s another concept altogether.

Things I learned from my first hosted family affair:

carrot-lemon salad; green beans with coconut oil

1. Think ahead about the number of people who are coming.  Especially when you only own 8 plates and 14 guests are on their way.

2. Decide what you’re making more than 48 hours in advance.  Because while post-work grocery shopping on a Friday is not fun, realizing you need to buy cilantro at 6:30 AM on Saturday is much, much less fun.  Especially when there is basically a typhoon happening outside.

3. Bagel places that claim to deliver anywhere in Manhattan are probably lying.  I used to think Daniel’s made the best bialys and bagels in the city, but their awful customer service this weekend made me never want to set foot in there again.  Suggestions for new places for my dad to get his monthly two dozen bialys are welcome.

fresh bagels, homemade lox, mom’s mustard-dill sauce

4. 10 AM discussions between sisters about having a pre-party glass of wine are not absurd.  [Don't worry, we stuck to coffee.]

5. My aunt and uncle will always arrive early.  My other aunt and uncle will always arrive late.  Plan accordingly.

6. Even if recipes tell you a frittata can be served at room temp, ignore them.  Frittatas are way better warm.  [Too bad I learned this post-serving.]

broccoli salad, courtesy of my aunt.

7. My mom’s lox makes the world a little bit better.

8. Our petite four-cup coffee maker is adorable on our countertop and perfectly appropriate for everyday use.  However, when nine people want coffee with dessert, it is, um, useless.

9. While we’re discussing coffee, it’s a good thing my sister drinks hers with all the fixings – otherwise, our guests would have been using hemp milk and agave, because I do my coffee black.

10. Dessert is important.  Fruit with dessert is also important.  It is a good idea to consider these facts earlier than the moments spent standing in the grocery checkout line the night before.

we will never get tired of making and eating these.  there was also an unpictured trifle, assembled by my sister.

11. My sister and I officially have a party tradition, which involves the two of us, after all guests have departed and cleanup has basically been completed, sitting at the kitchen table, eating leftover crudites, hummus, and dips, and chatting about how awesome our friends/family are.  Because, hosting a party builds up a serious appetite.

All in all, not bad for a first try!  Of course, with Passover just two weeks away, there is a lot more family, kitchen, and cooking time ahead.  In the meantime, I have to smile at my very first frittata attempt.  I’m quite proud:

springtime vegetable and brie frittata

• 1 T evoo
• 1 big vidalia onion, cut into strips
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 roasted bell peppers, cut into 1 inch pieces [I roasted them this way; jarred would also be fine]
• 3 c asparagus, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1/2 c organic milk
• 10 medium organic eggs [or 8 large eggs]
• 1/2 t sea salt
• 1/4 t pepper
• 3-4 ounces brie [I can never find organic, but look for some made without animal rennet], cut into 1/2 inch pieces

Preheat oven to 350.  Grease baking dish [I used an 11x7 - I'm sure 9x13 would work with changes to cooking time].

Heat oil in large sauté pan.  Sauté onion until caramelized; add garlic and sauté one minute.  Toss with asparagus and peppers.  Pour vegetables into baking dish.

Beat eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in large bowl.  Pour mixture over vegetables.  Arrange brie throughout.

Bake for 35-40 minutes. [You'll know it's done when the eggs in the center aren't runny.]  Serve warm.  Leftovers have taught me that avocado is delicious on this, but then again, is avocado not delicious on everything?

What did you learn at your last party?

Related posts:

1. food and family ties.
2. family, foodies, fondue.
3. fasting and family food.