WHEN ENTERTAINING FRIENDS

NZ Truth, Issue 1147, 24 November 1927, Page 3

WHEN ENTERTAINING FRIENDS

Choosing A Menu For Occasional Meals

T IPE without friends would be a dull and dismal affair, yet how . often are we denied the company of those we like just because we "simply can't entertain"?

THIS "can't entertain" may mean that ,we cannot afford it or that we lack the time to prepare meals, as the average woman with responsibilities finds her time fully ocoupied m catering for her family. Often, too, we find that our. house sails along on an even keel until we invite some friends to a meal, and then — well, things just go to pieces and by the time we have completed the necessary preparations we resemble nervous wrecks! To avoid the rush and worry , a wise woman will choose a menu which may be prepared the day before, the type that requires little or no dishlng-'up at the last moment. — Waiting at table may be eliminated if the various dishes are

placed on the sideboard; should coffee be taken, it may be made at the table. A little method makes the work quite easy. If the things that take the longest are prepared first and the dishes to be eaten hot are left all ready- for reheating, the maximum of tastiness may be obtained . with a minimum of labor. If soup is required, it should be served from the kitchen in' small casseroles, which are preferable to plates, as they keep the soup hot and add to the dainty appearance of the table. Salads take the place of vegetables and some quickly-made and tasty varieties were mentioned m this page recently. Tinned salmon or "crayfish, when m season, supply ; a tasty fish course, and a cake, sponge bis^ cli its, stewed fruit and cream, will, serve for the sweet. Rhubarb or. gooseberry fool L may be

prepared the day before and improve and thicken by standing.

Savories are easily ■ prepared by spreading some highly-flavored paste on toast or breakfast biscuits and leaving them m the oven until required. Eggs may be served all ways for the occasional meal and there are innumerable little dishes of sweetmeats and fresh and preserved fruits.

A meal on these lines should not harass a hostess, but on the other hand should prove a delightful little affair and enable her to enjoy the social amenities of life*.