The Weekender Vol 1

Welcome to my new Weekender edition!!! Every Wednesday I will be posting fun and innovative ideas to get your weekend parties going. From theme ideas to fun events to part take in the Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and New York markets. I would love to hear what you think of the recipes and send photos from your own events inspired by my weekender posts!

Now that summer is here (although June gloom isn't the most ideal) it's time to clean off the BBQ and throw a fun outdoor gathering. The summer is the best time regardless of what coast or part of the world you reside. An easy way to get the party started is coming up with a theme, whether it be a color or type of cuisine. This allows your guest to have fun with what they wear or what they bring. I love the Latin theme for summer time, bright colors and easy festive food. Think bold warm colors like sunflower yellow, fire engine red, and sunburst orange when picking up paper napkins and plates or for your flower arrangements. White and red sangria are a must! Your guests can bring guacamole and chips or you can have them make it fresh if you have a mortel and pessal on hand. I've provided my two favorite recipes for white and Red sangria. Enjoy!!!!

WHITE SANGRIA
1 750-ml bottle Pinot Grigio
4 6-ounce cans pineapple juice
2 11 1/2-ounce cans guava nectar
4 cinnamon sticks
2 cups 3/4-inch cubes fresh pineapple
2 oranges, halved through stem end, thinly sliced crosswise
Ice cubes

Mix first 5 ingredients in large pitcher. Set 12 orange slices aside for garnish; add remaining orange slices to pitcher. Cover and chill at least 6 hours or overnight.

Fill tumblers with ice. Pour sangria over. Garnish with orange slices and serve.

Makes 12 servings

RED SANGRIA
1 gallons Zinfandel
1/2 cup brandy
1/4 cup Cointreau
1 quarts orange juice
1 cups lemon juice
1/2 cup superfine sugar
6 to 8 ice cubes
1 quarts chilled club soda
1 1/2 oranges, thinly sliced
1 1/2 lemons, thinly sliced

Thoroughly chill all ingredients. Pour the wine, brandy and Cointreau into a large punch bowl. Stir orange and lemon juice with the sugar until sugar has dissolved. Then add to bowl and stir to blend. Add ice cubes and soda and garnish with fruit slices. Serve in 4-ounce punch glasses or wineglasses.

Makes 50 servings