DigsMagazine.com | host: A TOAST! host a toastie party page3

be the perfect host/ess

a home + living guide for the post-college, pre-parenthood, quasi-adult generation

05.26.2005

home
editor's note
_____________

DEPARTMENTS
o lounge
o nourish
o host
o laze
_____________

o BOARDS
o SHOP
o send an ECARD
_____________

about
contact
submit your ideas
search

need party help? Jump to the boards and talk about entertaining, cooking, etiquette and more.

other recent host articles:
o Stick it: skewered eats
o In the mix: cocktail techniques
o Think pink: pink cocktails
o A little night music: party music
o Brunch time!
o Great Scots! Scotch cocktails
o ...And melt with you: fondue
o Rx for Xs and Os: an aphrodisiac-inspired fete
o Real hot chocolate
o Say Cheese: cheese plate basics
o The Leftovers Party
o Thanksgiving for the first-timer
o Cheers! A wine party

a toast! host a toastie party
by Leslie Banker | 1 2 3
continued from page 2

If you spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the outside of the bread before cooking, it will add flavor (and calories!) and give the bread a golden glow. It's also possible to dunk the bread in egg before sending it to the toastie maker for a French toastie effect.

Since toasties are quite filling it's a good idea to have a side salad for a little healthy greenery. Other light eats work well too; try offering a bowl of carrot nubs or sliced up cucumber in place of the salad. And of course, since this event is all about being low key and low cost, if someone offers to bring a bottle of wine or some beer, say yes.

Most toastie makers cook two sandwiches at once. Since one of the best parts of this party is being able to try as many different toasties as possible, I suggest cutting up two finished toasties into quarters, putting these smaller pieces onto a plate and passing it all around. It's best if you let a toastie cool down a bit before digging in -- to avoid burning yourself, as some ingredients, such as cream cheese, turn to lava when toastied.

it's a date
Trying to get to know a new somebody? Cooking toasties gives you a distraction and a focus in case conversation runs thin. So invite your date over and have a toastie party for two (though for a date it's probably a good idea to get some flowers and really clean up the house).

The beauty of this kind of party is that you don't have to run around in advance to the grocery store buying a cartload of ingredients. There's no need to leave work early to prepare your meal or your house. The spirit of the toastie party is that the most pre-party cleaning up you have to do is maybe throw some things under the bed and wash the dirty plates in the sink. You get a chance to catch up with friends over dinner without feeling like it's going to be too expensive or too much of an effort. On top of that you get the crafty sandwich building experience and the chance to try out some new ingredients and creative combos.

Leslie Banker is the author of The Pocket Decorator published by Universe. She lives in New York City, and works as an interior designer and a freelance writer.

check out these related articles:
fondue party | brunch | 5 ideas for organized fun

---------------------------> lounge . nourish . host . laze . home .