fruit dip a dee doo dah

Much like the sausage ball, fruit dip is an important part of the Southern cook’s repertoire. I once attended a party where a friend’s mother put out a tray of fruit without the fruit dip, and my friend declared the fruit pointless by itself and went about making a dip for it in a bit of a huff.

She’s not alone in her strong feelings about fruit dip. I too have a hard time presenting fruit without an accompaniment. Luckily, all fruit dips I’ve encountered in my life (and there have been many) are incredibly easy to make. Another bonus: It’s easy to tote to a potluck dinner, and the custard-like dip makes it look like you tried.

Also, feel free to turn it into a super-easy trifle by layering it with cubes of angel food cake and fruit, then topping with whipped cream. People will be amazed — don't tell them that they shouldn't be.

Another option: Whiz the dip in a blender with fruit to make a berry fool. Fold in whipped cream to lighten it if you like.

Fruit Dip

• 1 small package (3.4 ounce) vanilla instant pudding mix
• 1 cup milk
• 1 8-ounce container of sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• Assorted fresh fruit   

Whisk together pudding mix and milk. Stir in sour cream, vanilla extract and almond extract. Chill for 2 hours. Serve with fruit.

question of the week: yes, no, maybe?

When you've just sent an Evite invitation, there's nothing more annoying than opening it obsessively and seeing all the guests' names just sitting there in the "not yet replied" section. Oh wait, there is one thing more annoying: seeing all the names in the "not yet replied" section next to the date that person viewed the invitation ... but didn't reply.

I feel your pain, party hosts, but there are often good reasons why someone didn't reply right away. They might not be sure of their availability; they might be short on time; they might want to see if certain other invitees are (or are not) attending. To give fellow hosts some peace of mind, let us know when you reply.

twiigs.com

prost! it's oktoberfest time again

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Don't be fooled by the name; Oktoberfest actually starts in mid-September. This year's dates are September 20 to October 5, so even if you're not planning a trip to Munich (bummer), you have plenty of time to throw your own Oktoberfest celebration.

Here's how:

• Beer. Pale lagers are traditional at the offish event. Need beer advice? We have lots of it, yes. we. do.
• Our girl Grace's delicious Oktoberfest pizza, topped with bratwurst, apples and caramelized onions.
• In addition to brats, serve other German favorites like chicken, pretzels, sauerkraut, braised red cabbage and German-style potato salad (mmm, warm and bacony).
• A little history: The first Oktoberfest was held in Munich on October 12, 1810, to commemorate the marriage of King Ludwig I and Queen Therese. And no, it wasn't a sloppy beerfest; they celebrated with a horse race.
• A little explanation of the name discrepancy: The earliest Oktoberfests were held in October. In later years, the festival start date was pushed up into September. Why? Warmer weather. Hotter days make for thirstier beer drinkers. Smart!
• The festival officially opens at noon with a 12-gun salute and the tapping of the first keg. You can simulate this by asking your guests to join you in 12 rousing shouts of "Pew! Pew! Pew!" as you pop the top on the first beer bottle of the day.
• Watch this scene from National Lampoon's European Vacation. Bonus points for learning the dance.

party by numbers: baby shower

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Got a friend who's having a baby? Don't let planning a shower rain on the parade. We've broken down some simple steps to throwing a party that's a bundle of joy.

1. Invitations: Pick one of our baby shower invitations. We have ones for a boy, a girl, twins, as well as gender neutral invites (the one above is currently our most popular). In addition to including the normal party info, you might also want to add details in your message to guests like whether or not guests should bring their own children, if the shower will be co-ed and where the parents-to-be are registered.

2. Food: Appetizers and finger foods are standard fare for showers. If you want to make more of a splash, follow a theme — pastries and frittatas for a brunch or tea sandwiches and scones for a high tea. Since the mother-to-be is the guest of honor, be sure to include her in your menu planning to ensure that she doesn't have any food aversions (e.g., my sister couldn't be in the same room as chicken when she was pregnant).

3. Drinks: To spike or not to spike? Whether or not to serve alcohol is another thing you should discuss with the mom-to-be. No matter what you decide, be sure to have plenty of non-alcoholic options around like a good sparkling punch or fruity drink. I love Izze because they have sparkling fruit juices that come in a rainbow of lovely colors that can even complement your party décor.

4. Activities: Opening gifts will be the main event, along with passing them around and plenty of oohing and aahing. You can get your guests involved in the action by planning a few shower games.

For a different spin on baby showers, throw a sip and see party where everyone can meet the baby. And don't forget our baby shower party guide for even more ideas.

i give it a ten

I've long been a fan of Knock Knock; their stationary products are the perfect combination of sassy and practical, and really, don't we need more sasstical things in our life? To wit: The Rate That Wine pad above is the perfect accompaniment to a wine tasting, dinner party, cocktail soiree or random boozy Tuesday.

In addition to a designated coaster spot, it provides space to note the skinny on a wine (name, region, grapes, price, etc.). And the wine ranking guide, in categories from the label to the finish, brings the snark as well as some helpful descriptors. Rate your wine's flavor from "oenophilic ick" to "harmoniously tongue loving." Note the color; is it "brilliantly hued"? Or, if you don't care, just circle "looks like wine" and be done with it.

So, part party activity, part conversation starter, in a sleek, well-designed package? Cheers! As much as I love this, what I really want to do is share a bottle with the Knock Knock folks, because you know they would be a riot.

Spiked watermelon granita recipe

Somehow, even though we’re nearing the end of summer, I’m still caught off guard by just how darned hot it is in Southern California. One of my main tasks has been finding relief, and nothing quite does the trick like a big, juicy watermelon.

I recently started making icy granita, and watermelon is the perfect ingredient thanks to its high water content. A traditional Italian granita usually calls for frequent stirring while freezing, but mine’s the low-maintenance version. Just puree, freeze and eat. The less effort exerted on steamy days, the better. Lime adds a nice touch of tartness, and a little bit of rum always helps to take the edge off.

Nearly any kind of melon or berry works well in granita. So use this recipe to turn the last of summer’s fruit into cooling, slushy treats.

Spiked Watermelon Granita
My one-and-a-half-year-old son loves the non-alcoholic version (just omit the rum).

• 4 cups seedless watermelon, cut into chunks
• ½ cup sugar
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• ¼ cup white rum
• mint sprig for garnish

Blend all ingredients together in a food processor or blender. Pour onto rimmed baking sheet and spread evenly. Cover with foil and freeze at least 2 hours. Remove from freezer and break up with a fork. Garnish with mint.

Serves 4

question of the week: stadium snacks

With the end of baseball season winding up and football season kicking off (forgive the shameless sports puns), there are more reasons than ever to hit up your favorite stadium. And what's the best part? No, not the game, silly. The food! Like carnivals, stadiums and ballparks have their own distinctive fare, which is best enjoyed while sitting in uncomfortable seats and screaming at the referee/umpire between bites.

 twiigs.com

roll with it, baby

This dish gets a surprising amount of exclamations for being a three-ingredient cold appetizer. People say things like:

"It's like a sushi roll — but with meat!"

Or:

"It's just different enough, without being too different."

The recipe goes back to my formative years. Watching my mother make these for parties established my entertaining food style: easy, tasty and just a bit novel.

Ham Roll-Ups

• ¼ pound sliced ham
• 2-3 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 T fresh chives, chopped

Combine cream cheese and chives, and then divide mixture evenly among ham slices. Spread mixture over individual ham slices, roll, then cut into pinwheels at whatever size you prefer. Discard (or eat on the spot) end pieces.

Serves approximately 8 for cocktails.

Note: Paper-thin ham is harder to work with for this recipe — I recommend requesting a thicker cut at the deli.

ice cold

As you all learned in my recent post about the ice shot glass maker, I am completely fascinated by ice. And household products that let you do new and interesting things with ice are right up there on my wish list with those new Dries Van Noten strappy sandals (maybe not right up there, but up there nonetheless).

Enter the Ice Orb — a functional, multi-tasking vertical ice tray. Watch the video (while digging the lounge-tastic soundtrack), and you'll see that it does way more than simply make ice. It's also its own ice bucket to chill white or sparking wine and is a perfect vehicle for keeping foods, dips or frozen novelties cold throughout your party. Plus, the Ice Orb's modern look and innovative design is an instant conversation starter. A perfect way to ... wait for it ... break the ice!

Beverly Leslies not included...

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Anyone else spend more time cuddled up on the couch with classic sitcom reruns on Lifetime than with a real-life honey? Well, a fellow terminally single friend of mine and I once came up with a great sitcom-themed party that maximizes everyone’s chances of meeting that certain someone special. We like to think it’s got the appeal and numbers of a speed dating event — just a little less structured ... and minus the humility.

I humbly submit to you the Will & Grace Mix and Matchmaker Event. Read on to find out how to channel your own Will Truman or Grace Adler, all while helping yourself and your friends out in your respective searches for your perfect couch potato companions.