ArcaMax

I was reading my latest issue of Real Simple magazine the other day and came across an article on family gatherings that I thought was interesting.

They had done a survey of readers to find out what their secrets were to a happy family gathering. I thought I’d share a few of them with you and run a little commentary. After that, I might add one of my own and then my favorite part will be to ask you for your feedback on your secrets to successful gatherings. Chime in by clicking here and letting us know your secrets to successful gatherings at the bottom of the page.

The secret that made me laugh was right up front:

“An empty dishwasher and trash before the gathering begins.”

I have to say that this is important to me no matter what the occasion. The least stressful dinner party for me is one where I am so prepared that the dishwasher is empty and so is the trash. My husband is an ace at making this happen.

Next up:

“We have a cell phone bucket at the front door.”

I wish I had the guts to do this at every dinner party; just to make the point. Truthfully, folks at my dinner parties and other gatherings are not spending time on their cell phones. I don’t have that hosting issue but if I had a house full of my relatives, I can see how it might become a “thing.”

Two more that go together in my mind....

Read the full column at PlanZDiet.com

Tipsy Plums with Sweet Cream

Here’s a dessert recipe that you can team up 2 or 3 people to make (depending on the size of your gathering). The plums could be made along with the cream before dinner. They can be stored (the cream in the fridge and the plums covered on the counter). Then, when dessert time comes the plums can be reheated. Or not. You choose.

These can even be set out on a buffet for self-service.

The recipe can be doubled, tripled or more. Just multiply as the ingredients are listed in equal proportion.

Servings: Serves 2

Ingredients:

For The Plums

3 ripe plums sliced thinly (no need to peel them)
1/3 cup of vodka. I use orange or vanilla-flavored vodka. If you do not cook with alcohol, use sparkling water.
1 tsp of Truvia (or to taste)

For the Sweet Cream

1/3 cup of crème fraiche (find this in tubs in the cheese section or near the cream cheese)
1 tsp of organic vanilla
½ tsp of Truvia

Instructions:

Heat plums vodka and one teaspoon ot Truvia on medium and cook until the plum slices are softened. Remove from heat and set aside so you can make your sweet cream topping.

In a small bowl, mix the creme fraiche, vanilla and a half teaspoon of Truvia well with a spoon. Serve over the warm plums.

BIG YUM!

Enjoy!
Cheers,
Zola