Casual Dinnerware Sets

Christmas Dishes Add a Festive Touch to Holiday Table

Sherrin — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:59:35 +0000

Family and friends gather during the Christmas season to exchange gifts and enjoy traditional seasonal foods. Why not make the occasion even more festive by using a beautiful set of Christmas dishes? Every year when your Christmas dishes are unpacked along with all your other decorations, they will be a reminder of sharing good food with family and friends from Christmases past.

You will find Christmas dishes in the traditional red, green, gold, and silver colors of as well as more modern colors. Christmas dishes are also available in intricately designed fine porcelain, casual stoneware, and solid colors. If your budget is limited, try adding a few pieces that will blend with your existing dinnerware.

To make sure you enjoy your Christmas dishes as much as possible, set your table right after Thanksgiving. But don’t stop there, make sure you use your beautiful holiday dishes every day to celebrate the season.

Christmas Dishes for Sale on Amazon

What’s Hot In Bridal Registries? (CBS News)

Sherrin — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 00:27:36 +0000

Modern Bride’s editor in chief filled in Early Show viewers, as the five finalists in the magazine’s Modern Bride of the Year contest learned who did best in a registry items grab in Macy’s.

Fresh Mexican Salsa

Sherrin — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 00:19:15 +0000

Fresh Mexican Salsa recipe

6 Servings
Vegetables
Mexican
Meatless Summer Spring Picnics Appetizers Fresh Bold Simple Mexican Vegetables

2 whole Avocado
1 whole Lime Juice of
3 tablespoon Cilantro
1 package Corn Tortilla Chips better yet, make them fresh
1 medium Onion diced
3 medium Roma Tomatoes diced
1/2 Lemon juice of
1/4 teaspoon Cumin
Salt to taste

Dice avocado and combine with other ingredients. Do not blend — all ingredients should be fresh and in chunks.
Serve with tortilla chips. Delicious, fresh salsa.

This Fresh Mexican Salsa recipe was posted via BigOven Recipe Software to the BigOven Social Network about Food with 160,000+ recipes.

Mexican Dinnerware Sets for Sale on Amazon

Tortilla Crusted Chicken Paillard with Sacaton Relish

Sherrin — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 14:57:26 +0000

Tortilla Crusted Chicken Paillard with Sacaton Relish recipe

4 Servings
Chicken
American
Kid Friendly Winter Summer Spring Fall Bake Main Dish American Chicken Dinner

3 strips bacon diced
1 medium onion chopped
2 medium tomatoes chopped
1 oz can chopped green chilies
1/4 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Pepper
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1/4 cup Flour
1 cup Tortillia chip crums
1 egg white beaten with 1 tablespoon water
2 tsps Vegetable oil

In medium saucepan, saut bacon over medium-low heat until just crisp. Add onion; cook until light browned, about 7 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and green chilies; cook for 3 minutes more. Sprinkle salt and pepper into dish; stir. Remove from heat, cover and set aside.

Between two sheets of plastic wrap, place chicken breasts. Pound with meat hammer to 1/4 inch thickness.

Place four in pie plate or other flat dish. Place egg white in shallow bowl. Place tortilla chip crumbs in third bowl. Dip each chicken breast first into flour, patting off excess, then into egg. Finish by coating with crumbs.

In large, non-stick skillet, warm oil over high heat. Add chicken and brown each side, turning after about 3 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low; continue to cook chicken until firm, about 5 more minutes on each side.

To serve, place chicken on platter. Warm relish and spoon on top of chicken.

This Tortilla Crusted Chicken Paillard with Sacaton Relish recipe was posted via BigOven Recipe Software to the BigOven Social Network about Food with 160,000+ recipes.

Spiced Chicken Meatballs in Split Pea Pilaf

Sherrin — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:07:40 +0000

Spiced Chicken Meatballs in Split Pea Pilaf recipe

6 Servings
Chicken
American
Kid Friendly Winter Summer Spring Fall Bake Main Dish American Chicken Dinner

2 pounds ground chicken
1 cup bread crumbs
2 eggs
1 1/2 tsps pumpkin pie spice
2 tsps Salt
1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped and divided
1 tblspoons Olive oil
1 whole Onion
16 ounces yellow split peas
7 cups chicken broth
1 cups dried apricots diced
1 cup Walnuts chopped
1/4 cup Chives chopped
3 tblspoons Mint
1/4 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Black pepper

Preheat oven to 450 F. Spray jelly roll pan with non-stick vegetable spray.

In medium bowl, blend together ground chicken, bread crumbs, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, 2 teaspoons salt and half (one-eighth cup) chopped parsley. Knead mixture with hands until it is smooth. Wet hands and form mixture into meatballs, each about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place meatballs on prepared jelly roll pan; bake in oven for 10 minutes.

In very large soup pot, warm olive oil over medium heat. Stir in onion; cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in split peas, chicken broth, apricots and walnuts. Gently stir in meatballs. Increase heat to high; bring broth to a boil. Cover pan; reduce heat to low.

Simmer for 30 minutes, until split peas are tender. Stir in remaining parsley, chives, mint, salt and pepper.

This Spiced Chicken Meatballs in Split Pea Pilaf recipe was posted via BigOven Recipe Software to the BigOven Social Network about Food with 160,000+ recipes.

Giving a Casual Dinnerware Set as a Gift

Sherrin — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 15:41:32 +0000

If you are buying casual dinnerware as a gift from a bridal registry, your selection is easy since the bride and groom are telling you exactly what they want. This is obviously the best way to buy dinnerware for someone else since all you have to decide is how much you want to spend. However, there may be times when you want to give a gift of dinnerware to a friend or family member. I know my own daughters have all set-up apartments before they were married and needed all the same things newly weds need when furnishing their first homes. Hopefully, if you are buying dinnerware as a gift for someone, you know them well enough to know what they like when it comes to style, colors, and designs. Knowing the product material they prefer may be a little more difficult. Below are some things to think about when you are shopping for your gift.

Dinnerware is varied. There are a number of excellent types out there for you to choose from, though. Most dinnerware is made of one of several materials. The most expensive and highest in quality is porcelain. Other expensive qualities include china, bone china, and Depression glass. You will find other materials used as well in the making of dinnerware including glass, stoneware, pottery, earthenware, plastic and ironstone. What is the difference? Quality, price and elegance are what the difference is in these types of dinnerware.

Tips for Choosing the Right Casual Dinnerware Set for Yourself or as a Gift
The first thing to take into consideration is the quality of the dinnerware. Bone china and porcelain dinnerware are both beautiful, but since they are pricier than other options, they may not be a practical selection if you have small children. However, there are a number of excellent materials out there for your selection. You will find dinnerware made of glass, stoneware, pottery, earthenware, plastic and ironstone. Aside from the types of material used, the differences include quality, price and the degree of casualness or elegance you will find in these types of dinnerware.

Once you know the price-range you want, it is time to think about the color and pattern of the dinnerware. Start by considering the style, color, and patterns of the room where the dinnerware will be used including the walls, window treatments, and furniture. You will also need to know color and style preferences of the person who will receive the dinnerware. Do they like country or modern, plain and simple or bold and colorful, heavy or lightweight, delicate or unbreakable. If you are not sure, it may be safer to choose a simple design and color that can be mixed and matched with other dinnerware pieces the may own.

Casual dinnerware sets are not complete without the serving pieces. If you can, the recipient of your gift will appreciate having serving bowls and platters, soup and cereal bowls, salad plates, glasses, pitchers, mugs, salt and pepper shakers, and often, you will even find matching coffee and tea pots. There is definitely a lot to think about when buying dinnerware as a gift, but if you take the time to consider what the person who will be receiving the gift would like, it will be a gift that will be long appreciated and much used.

Spatchcocked Deviled Chicken

Sherrin — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:06:49 +0000

Spatchcocked Deviled Chicken recipe

6 Servings
Chicken
American
Kid Friendly Summer Spring Fall Grill Advance Main Dish American Chicken Dinner

1 3-1/2 pound chicken (or 1 whole broiler-fryer, cut into parts)

Deviled Marinade:
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Warm Orange-Thyme Vinaigrette:
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup orange juice
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Using poultry shears or sharp knife, split the chicken along the backbone, leaving the breastbone intact, a preparation technique known as spatchcocking. Flatten the chicken by pressing down on it firmly. In a shallow, glass baking dish, mix together all ingredients for the marinade. Add chicken, rubbing marinade over entire surface. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20 minutes or up to 1 hour.
While chicken is marinating, prepare coals for the grill. Grill chicken over medium-hot coals for 30 to 35 minutes, until a thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh registers 170 degrees F. Discard remaining marinade.
While chicken is grilling, whisk together all ingredients for vinaigrette in a small, glass or nonstick saucepan.
Transfer the grilled chicken to a cutting board and let cool for 5 minutes. Over low heat, warm vinaigrette, whisking well. Carve the chicken and pour vinaigrette into a gravy pitcher. Serve chicken warm and pass vinaigrette separately.

This Spatchcocked Deviled Chicken recipe was posted via BigOven Recipe Software to the BigOven Social Network about Food with 160,000+ recipes.

Greek Spinach Salad

Sherrin — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 13:42:38 +0000

Greek Spinach Salad recipe

8 Servings
Spinach
Greek
Vegetarian Meatless Low Fat Summer Spring Quick No Cook Almonds Cheese Bell pepper Spinach Tomato Side Dish Salads Main Dish Greek Dinner Lunch

1 bunch Spinach torn into bite-sized pieces
1/2 English cucumber thinly sliced
2 Tomatoes cut into wedges
1 Green bell pepper cut into thin strips
1 Red bell pepper cut into thin strips
24 Greek olives
3/4 cup Whole natural almonds toasted (see below*)
1/4 pound Crumbled feta cheese
Three Herb Dressing **

Toss all ingredients except feta cheese with Three Herb Dressing.
Arrange on serving platter. Top with crumbled cheese to serve.

* To toast almonds, spread in an ungreased baking pan. Place in 350 degree oven and bake 5 to 10 minutes or until almonds are light brown; stir once or twice to assure even browning. Note that almonds will continue to brown slightly after removing from oven.

* *See separate recipe. See http://www.almondsarein.com/ and gt;Hanneman/Buster/MasterCook 1998/Ap Recipe by: Almond Board of California

Posted to MC-Recipe Digest by KitPATh ~~ltphannema~~at;wizard.ucr.edu and gt; on Apr 08, 1998

This Greek Spinach Salad recipe was posted via BigOven Recipe Software to the BigOven Social Network about Food with 160,000+ recipes.

Southwestern Grilled Chicken Wings with Black Bean Dip

Sherrin — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:11:06 +0000

Southwestern Grilled Chicken Wings with Black Bean Dip recipe

15 Servings
Chicken
American
Superbowl Summer Spring Picnics Grill Appetizers American Chicken

2 pounds chicken wings
2 TBLS butter, melted
2 TBLS hot pepper sauce
1 tsp cumin
2 TBLS fresh cilantro chopped
2 TBLS lime juice

Black Bean Dip

1/2 cup cooked black beans drained
1/4 cup prepared salsa verde
1/4 cup sour cream
1 TBLS limejuice
2 tsps hot pepper sauce
2 tsps fresh cilantro chopped
1/2 tsp salt

Prepare gas or charcoal grill, or preheat broiler.

While grill is heating, prepare Black Bean Dip by placing beans, salsa verde, sour cream, 1 tablespoon limejuice, 2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce, 2 teaspoons chopped cilantro and salt in blender or food processor. Process until smooth. Set aside.

Place chicken wings on grill and cook over low heat, turning, until cooked through, about 10- 12 minutes per side. Place wings in bowl and coat with melted butter. Add hot sauce, cumin, cilantro and limejuice. Toss well to coat.

Serve wings with Black Bean Dip.

This Southwestern Grilled Chicken Wings with Black Bean Dip recipe was posted via BigOven Recipe Software to the BigOven Social Network about Food with 160,000+ recipes.

How To Decorate Your Dinner Table In A Way To Impress Your Guests

Sherrin — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 02:36:27 +0000

When you invite guests to come to your home to share a meal with you, setting an attractive table is as important as serving good food. Your table setting is the first thing that your guests will see and can actually influence their appetites. This is why you should chose your setting carefully, based on whether the dinner is to be casual or elegant.

If you are having a formal dinner, then using a cream colored, linen tablecloth with matching cloth napkins is great for this type of dinner. You an accent it with a crystal or gold vase filled with flowers. Be sure to use a low vase, so that your guests’ views of each other will not be blocked and you can use a large one for the center of the table and two small matching ones at the end. Candles also add a touch of elegance. Instead of using typical candle holders, considering using votives that you can set in bowls of water. Floating scented candles are another way to add grace and elegance to your table. If you prefer a modern type of elegance, then forget about using your grandmother’s china and purchase some of the newer dinnerware that uses colorful geometric shapes.

If you are having a casual dinner, then consider using brightly colored tablecloths and napkins. They add festiveness to the table and can be complimented with floral arrangements that match the colors that you use. You can buy utensils that have colored stems and glasses in colors to match. There are many casual place mats that are attractive and affordable. They will not only add a since of style to your place setting but will protect your table cloth as well.

Themed dinners such as those served at holiday time, can be especially fun to decorate for. There is lots of dinnerware and utensils that have holiday themes and you can even band miniature Christmas tree ornaments together to make attractive compliments to your table. Red and gold are great colors to use for these dinners and don’t forget to break out the punch bowl for eggnog. If wine is going to be served, use crystal stemware.

How you serve the food is also important. You should have pitchers of water at each end of the table and serve the appetizers first. Once they have been eaten, clear the table to make room for the main dishes. Replace soiled napkins and refill the water pitchers.

Your desert should be as inviting as the main course. Consider peach cobbler or a chocolate layer cake. Always have a sugar free alternative in case one of your guests can not eat food that contains sugar.
Be attentive to your guests and engage them in conversation. Make them laugh and they will appreciate you even more.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as indoor decor at http://www.indoorandoutdoordecor.com