Gathering with friends for Dinner? Make sure it's a fun time for all!

Try these two fail proof ideas the next time you plan a group for dinner! Lively and witty conversations and lots of laughter ensure a great time had by all! 

My favorite conversation starter is to pose the question "what is the funniest thing that ever happened to you in the middle of the nite?" You'll  be surprised at the amusing answers that you get! They are sure to be hillarious! My second suggestion (and one that I am famously renowned for) is a murder mystery dinner party!  These are SO much fun! Typically designed around 4 couples, these parties are not only fun and entertaining but can be blow your mind delicious with the right planning and menu design! If you'd like to try your hand at one, contact me for the best "insider" tips! It's my specialty!

 Plus did you know that genuine heartfelt laughter promotes a sense of peace and safety?  Go ahead laugh a little.... no, laugh a lot! It's good for you!

Bon Appetit Foodies!

Talkfooddenver!

Perfect Antedote for April "Snow"? A Spring Menu!

The Rocky Mountains In the Springtime often come with snow! Sounds more like January in other areas, but here it's "par for the course!" Try these recipes to remind your taste buds that "spring is in the air!"


Janees' SMOKEY ORANGE GRILLED CHICKEN

4 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup bitter orange juice
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1 large bay leaf, crumbled

Whisk together all of the ingredients, except the chicken.

Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or in an extra-large zip lock bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken and turn the pieces until they are coated in the marinade. If using a bowl, cover with a lid or plastic wrap. If using a ziplock bag, gently press out the extra air before closing the top.

Refrigerate the chicken for 6-8 hours. For best results, turn the chicken in the marinade after a few hours.

Let the chicken rest in the marinade at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling.

Heat grill to medium high.

Gently shake off any excess marinade from the chicken pieces before placing on the grill. Grill for approximately 10 minutes per side for large pieces, such as the breast or thigh. Smaller pieces like the wing will cook much faster so turn them after 5 or 6 minutes. The chicken is done when the juices run clear when pricked with a fork or small knife.
(Janee is the creator and founder of Revel & Feast food blog! I am always excited about her wonderful recipes and I'm sure you will be too!/www.revelandfeast.com)

Finish your "Spring Fling" with Mixed Berry Cobbler! Soooo good!


My own Mixed Berry Cobbler

1 c. Bisquick
1 c. sugar
1 half pint frsh blueberries
1 half pint fresh strawberries
1 half teaspoon orange zest
butter

Gently wash and dry berries. Place in bottom of a casserole type dish add orange zest. Mix together Bisquick and sugar and cover berries. Dot with butter. Place in a 400 degree oven for 40 minutes. Top with good quality vanilla ice cream. Serve warm.

Bon Appetit!
TalkFoodDenver

Heart Healthy Starts continued

We are inundated with so many choices for heart healthy starts.... not all of them as beneficial as they claim to be. Nutrionist say you need protein and everyone says you need more raw veggies and fiber. What's a girl to do? Personally, I enjoy working out on an empty stomach which delays breakfast until later in the morning. Then, feeling like I got off to a good start my breakfast preference is a Whey protein drink to which I add spinach and blueberries and a little unfiltered apple juice. Tasty and satisfying! But that's only half the story. If it's a gloomy, cold, Saturday morning and I'm feeling.... you know.... hormonal...., then it's pancakes all the way! What about you? Does your environment and mood affect the foods you choose? I want to know!

So glad it's springtime in the rockies and lots of sunny days ahead!

Bon Appetit Foodies!,
Talkfooddenver

Heart Healthy Starts

Which way do you start your day? Protein drinks? Fresh Fruit? Carrot juice? I want to know!

Bon Appetit!

Talkfooddenver