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Always be prepared for the unexpected guest. Whether it is a friend stopping by after work or neighbors gathering on the front porch for an impromptu drink, here are a few tips so you are always party ready.

Whether you are entertaining overnight guests or friends just dropping by, the powder room is the one area all will ask to visit. Have you taken inventory of this part of your home lately? Make your bathroom boutique beautiful by implementing our top points below. 

May can be a crazy month with the chaos of end of school activities, home projects, and travel plans. But we need to hit pause for one day to celebrate the special mom in our life. With hearts of gold and putting others before themselves, we have gathered a list of ideas to help you honor the special lady in your life.

A few years back my husband and I attended a play that was an adaptation of the classical movie Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, which originally starred Sidney Poitier, Katharine Hepburn, and Spencer Tracy. It was a beautifully written, and quite comical, story based on the difficulties families faced in the 1960s with inter-racial marriage. The scene that stood out the most to me was when the son was trying to bring both families together for dinner. In the last line of the last act, he turns to his father and says, “Dad, we need you at the table.” With that, the father joined the others, and the audience was left with the understanding that healing had begun.

Giving a party requires a great deal of work. If you have been fortunate enough to be included in a festive soiree, it is nice to arrive with a gift for the hostess. The typical present will cost anywhere from $15-$100. What you spend will be determined by your relationship and the type of event. Is it a formal dinner? A backyard BBQ? Also, when possible, know the likes and dislikes of your hostess. If she is allergic to flowers, you probably will not arrive with a bouquet in hand.

1. Choose the table. Will you use a round that seats four or a rectangle that seats twelve? This decision will determine your centerpiece.

Warmer weather will be arriving soon, and I am seeing more of our four-legged members making an appearance in the dog parks and on walking trails. With pets taking more prominent roles in our lives, I thought it would be good to brush up on basic dog etiquette and ownership responsibilities.

Meeting friends for dinner after work, grabbing coffee with your girlfriend or just ordering pizza on a Friday night with neighbors. We all have a deep desire to be connected in a world that often forgets the importance of relationships. Many of us have the desire to entertain, but we let our circumstances keep us from extending hospitality. Often it revolves around our lack of confidence in our ability to host events. I get this!

A toast may be offered in any setting and made to an individual or a group. Increase your confidence at your next social gathering by learning the ins and outs of this ancient tradition.

A perfect entertaining year for me would be hosting a different themed party each month! Will I do that? No. Will I dream about it? Yes! If I cannot have a party every 4 weeks, I can at least help my Lisa Lou family with ideas so hopefully a few of you can carry the torch of hospitality for the rest of us.

  • Writer's pictureAlina Gersib

Puff Pastry Chicken Pot Pie



This dish is an absolute hit no matter where I bring it. Every time someone has tried these pot pies they have asked for the recipe. The puff pastry is a delicious alternative to pie crust and adds a very tasty flakey dimension to the dish.


Once the chicken is poached, I prefer dicing to shredding, though either will work. Utilizing the leftover poaching liquid as the base of the pot pie gives the filling an even richer flavor. I like using Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base over regular chicken bullion, if you do not have either on hand though, add a teaspoon of salt instead. The fresh rosemary gives these pot pies a flavor profile that is different than your tradition pies and is a must try!


Puff Pastry Chicken Pot Pie
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Makes 4 servings

Preparation Time: 40 minutes + 30 minutes to chill

Cook Time: 40 minutes


Ingredients:

*1 pound chicken

*1 cup chicken broth

*1 3/4 cups whole milk

*2 teaspoons chicken bullion, I like using Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base

*1 tablespoon fresh rosemary

*3 tablespoons salted butter

*2 garlic cloves, minced

*1 onion, diced

*3 carrots, sliced into small pieces

*3 celery stalks, sliced

*1 teaspoon dried thyme

*2 tablespoon lemon juice + 1/4 cup water together in a measuring cup

*1/4 cup flour, heaping

*1/2 cup grated parmesan

*1 cup frozen peas

*1/2 teaspoon pepper

*1 sheet puff pastry

*1 egg + 1 teaspoon water


Preparation of Chicken:

*Combine broth, milk, and chicken bullion in a large pan. Turn to medium-low heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Add chicken and rosemary.

*Place lid on pan, simmer on medium-low, ensuring it does not boil.

*After 15 minutes remove the chicken and dice. Place lid back on pan and set aside the poaching liquid.


Preparation of Pie Filling:

*Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add in garlic cloves and onion, cook for 3 minutes. Add carrot, celery, and thyme, cook for 5 minutes or until carrot is soft.

*Pour in lemon juice and water mixture. Stir continuously until liquid is mostly evaporated.

*Add flour and stir for a minute.

*Combine about half the reserved poaching liquid, stirring it in until all the flour is combined. Making a thick sludge.

*Stir in remaining poaching liquid, parmesan, and pepper.

*Add in diced chicken and peas, stirring til well combined.

*Once mixture is steaming, stir constantly and cook for 3 minutes to thicken the sauce.

*Move off of burner and spoon into baking dishes.

*Cool in fridge for at least 30 minutes.


Preparation of Pot Pie:

*Once mixture is in fridge, remove puff pastry from freezer and let thaw for 20 minutes. Then cut into squares large enough to cover the edge of your baking dishes.

*Preheat oven to 350F.

*Prepare egg wash by mixing egg with 1 teaspoon of water.

*Brush the edge of the baking dishes with egg wash.

*Top dishes with puff pastry, folding down over the sides.

*Brush pastry top with egg wash. Cut a small slice in the middle of the puff pastry with a knife to allow steam to escape while baking.

*Bake 40 minutes or until the puff pastry is a deep golden color.

*Enjoy!



Recipe Creator - Alina Gersib

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