Discover more from FARIDEH is the best
The holidays are here and with them come many hangs and celebrations…and money to be spent.
Originally, I was going to make this post about where to get martini-drunk around NYC at some of my favorite old-school classics (answer: Bemelman’s, Keen’s, Grand Central Oyster Bar, to name a few).
But then I was thinking about it and I was like, fuck. That shit is expensive ($20+ cocktails, anyone?). And yes, we should all go out and have a nice meal and a cocktail or two, but I know there are many of you out there that are spending enough this holiday season, so why not entertain and celebrate with the people you like in the comfort of your own home?
Life is v expensive these days and, personally, I’m tired of spending upwards of $120 every time I go out for a meal with friends. That’s not to say that I won’t do it, but it’s also really nice to hang out in your comfy clothes in your comfy home.
And thus, I thought I would revisit a few recipes that would be good for entertaining and give some tips for hosting at home.
The bar essentials: I have a very full bar cart, but what I mostly drink these days is vodka. I used to be a fan of a dirty gin martini, but I recently made the switch to vodka with a lemon twist and I’ve never been happier.
According to cocktail writer Robert Simonson, “a classic martini includes gin, vermouth, sometimes bitters, a lemon twist or olive, and lots of opinions.”
I will say, I have recently become enamored with the Vesper, which, it turns out, is the OG Bond cocktail. 3 ounces gin, 1 ounce vodka, ½ ounce Lillet blanc, and a lemon twist. Shaken (or stirred), incredibly cold, it’s wonderful. Give it a whirl.
Otherwise, my martini method is as follows:
2 ounces vodka (or gin)
½ ounce dry vermouth
Shaken with ice. Poured into a very cold cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist (although, if you’re feeling peckish, use an olive as well as a twist).
Be sure to have some nonalcoholic beverages and you know what? Have your friend bring some booze. I know that I always say, “no need to bring anything,” but to all my friends out there reading this: BRING A BOTTLE OF SOMETHING, ok? I’m running out of vodka over here, so take the tip. It’s your turn to bring something to the party.
FOOD! bc you gotta serve your guests something to go along with all those beverages. I loooooove onion dip, but I posted this roasted garlic dip recipe once upon a time (recipe below for convenience) and I guarantee you’ll be glad that you made it.
Making a little snack board is always a good move. I throw on some tinned fish, veggies, nuts, dried and fresh fruit, cheese, cured meats, crackers. Also love to make an 8-minute boiled egg (bring water to a boil, add room temp eggs, boil for 8 minutes, drain and transfer to an ice bath) and top it with a squirt of mayo (Kewpie ftw) and an anchovy, plus cracked pepper. She’s real cute.
If you want to keep it super simple, just put out a bowl of nuts or olives.
Here are some more recipes that you should make for your guests, appetizers and full meals.
Appetizers:
Crispy Gau Gee: these are great to make ahead and then fry before friends come over
Italian Hot Pockets
Sambusas
Buffalo Chicken Dip Nachos (not just for watching the Big Game)
Baked Brie
Cheesesteak Stromboli (ok, this could be a main with a salad, or you just make it and slice it and drink some cocktails / wine / beer / na beverages and call it a day)
Rice Balls (these are the best to make ahead and freeze bc they are p labor intensive)
Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Hand Pies
Easy Mains:
Chicken Marsala
Steak Frites (ok, not super easy bc I make my own fries, but buy frozen for this!)
Sundried Tomato Hamburger Helper
Seafood Gumbo
Chicken Scarpariello
Celery and Date Chicken Stew
Cheesy Baked Bolognese
Lemony Chicken and Kale Soup
Desserts:
PB&J Cookies
Obviously Black Sesame and Miso Rice Krispies Treats
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bark
and below! the recipe for roasted garlic dip. ENJOY THE HOLIDAY SEASON!
Don’t forget: A SUBSCRIPTION TO MY NEWSLETTER MAKES A WONDERFUL GIFT!! xoxo
Roasted Garlic Dip Recipe
Makes about 2 cups
Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS
4 to 5 heads garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
16 ounces|454 grams sour cream
1 ½ tablespoons minced dill, plus more for garnish
1 lemon
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
crispy garlic, to garnish
potato chips, to serve
DIRECTIONS
Heat the oven to 425°F. Trim ¼-inch off the top of each head of garlic. Place the garlic on a piece of foil and drizzle with the olive oil. Wrap in the foil and roast until the garlic is tender, about 45 minutes. Set aside until cool enough to handle, then squeeze the garlic into a bowl and mash into a paste.
Stir in the sour cream and 1 ½ tablespoons of dill, then zest in the lemon and squeeze in the juice. Mix well to combine, then season with salt and pepper and transfer to a bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve. This dip tastes best when left for at least 12 hours, but I know it's hard to wait that long, so no worries either way. To serve, drizzle with oil and garnish with the dill and crispy garlic. Serve with potato chips.
Subscribe to FARIDEH is the best
ramblings. recipes. videos. EVERY THURSDAY!
Great suggestions! Ready to party! Sicily!