Being hospitable doesn’t have to cost lots of money. The most important thing is your attitude about having guests in your home. They’ll know if you’re happy they are there!
Often the more simple the refreshments are, the more at ease your guests will be. Let’s consider the popcorn end of the Popcorn and People theme. If you buy regular popcorn rather than the pre-packaged microwave popcorn it’s even cheaper and you can dress up a couple different kinds! Here are a couple recipes I found –
1/2 t. crushed red pepper (flakes)
1/2 t. ground cumin
1/3 C. butter, melted
10 C. warm popped corn
1/3 C. grated parmesan cheese
In a small bowl, stir together the paprika, red pepper, cumin and butter. Microwave until butter melts. Set aside while you pop the corn. Gently toss butter mixture with the popped corn, coating evenly. Sprinkle the parmesan cheese over seasoned corn, tossing to coat evenly.
2 microwave popcorn bags,
popped (plain white works best)
1 C.. brown sugar
1/2 C. (1 stick) butter
1/4 C. white corn syrup
1 t. vanilla
1 t. baking soda
Place popped corn into large brown paper grocery bag.
Place brown sugar, butter and corn syrup in medium glass bowl and place in microwave on highest power. Microwave 1 minute. Stir. Microwave another minute. Stir. Microwave 1 more minute, or until bubbly. Stir. Add vanilla and baking soda. Stir. Mixture will change consistency.
Pour over popcorn in brown bag. Close bag and place in microwave on full power for 1 minute. Remove and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Microwave 1 more minute. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Microwave another minute. Shake 30 seconds. Dump onto waxed paper and let cool. Break up large chunks. Store in sealed container or zippered plastic bag.
Makes about 5 cups.
A favorite treat of my family’s is fried donuts. They’re so inexpensive, yet they are simple and are delicious. Take a can of refrigerated biscuits and cut the hole out of the middle using a melon baller. Drop the dough into hot oil for about 2 minutes per side. Drain onto paper towel-lined cookie sheets. Roll in cinnamon and sugar mixture and place on platter.
When the grocery store has watermelon on sale that makes a great snack. It’s also easy on the waistline! Other good fruits like a platter of grapes or strawberries make a nice choice for entertaining. Serve apple slices in the fall with caramel sauce for dipping.
A cheese dip and tortilla chips are also inexpensive and well liked. Go here for a great low-fat recipe.
A reader left a good tip on yesterday’s post. Check it out and be sure to leave your good ideas for entertaining here!
RefreshHer 