“MAKE IT A PARTY!”

“MAKE IT A PARTY!”

By Chef Nikki Shaw

Anyone that knows me, knows that I’m constantly in search of great food, fun & adventure!  I live for a crazy night on the town.  My motto in life is “make it a party”!  It doesn’t matter, the occasion or the location… just “make it a party”!  My 10-year old daughter is just as bad as I am.  Honestly, these apples didn’t fall far from the tree; my Mom is the “Old-School Original Party Girl”.  She keeps a boom box & an emergency bottle of Champagne in her trunk at all times (just kidding Mom).

On the other hand, my husband is a home-body.  You can always find him “in his office”, which means lying on the sofa, half asleep, watching ESPN with a bag of sunflower seeds.

Needless to say, I’ve been forced to become a self-proclaimed “In-Home Entertainment Specialist”.  Sure, at first I was kickin’ & screamin’, then I finally realized this is the only way to keep us both happy.

“NIK’S TIP”:  Always be prepared for an unexpected celebration.  Keep a hidden supply of snacks & drinks stashed away in the cabinet.  Our family favorite is warm tortilla chips & chunky salsa.  Throw in a cold pitcher of fresh fruit Sangria (a nice bottle of red wine mixed with orange, lime & mango slices) & non-alcoholic sparkling apple cider Sangria for the kids!

In this bitter economy, I’ll show you how to make life sweet right at home.