THE PERFECT SUMMER HOSTESS GIFT: MAKE A BLOODY MARY GIFT BASKET

If you have been invited to visit friends at their lake or beach home this summer, you most certainly will take something to say thank you but it isn’t always easy to figure out what to take. I’ve got the perfect answer for you- make them a Bloody Mary gift basket! This is always a favorite when I show up with it- and it is so easy to assemble.

Get a nice, sturdy basket. I get mine at the farmer’s market.

Start with your favorite Bloody Mary mix. I like Zing Zang, Major Peters, McClure’s, and Tabasco. Sometimes, I make my own and bottle in canning jars, but it has to be kept cool. Here is that recipe.

Next, add some or all of the following:

  • VODKA

  • HOT SAUCE

  • OLD BAY SEASONING

  • PICKLED OKRA- Wickles makes a good one!

  • CORNICHONS OR PETITE PICKLES

  • PICKLED GREEN BEANS

  • PICKLED PEARL ONIONS

  • CELERY SALT

  • HORSERADISH

  • GREEN OLIVES

  • PRETTY COCKTAIL NAPKINS

  • STIRRERS

  • FUN PLASTIC CUPS (some places will not allow glass on the beach, so disposable or reusable plastic is good. Swoozie’s has fun ones, and you can always find them on Etsy or Amazon.)

You can add fresh peppers from your garden, too, if you have them.

Wrap it all up with cellophane and tie it with a bow. Your hostess will love it!

MARTIE DUNCAN MAKES STRAWBERRY NUTELLA STUFFED FRENCH TOAST

Why have one slice of bread for your French Toast when you can have two with strawberries and Nutella in the middle? This recipe is so good, you’ll be tempted to make it every weekend—brunch will never be the same!

STRAWBERRY NUTELLA STUFFED FRENCH TOAST
Makes 5 servings

INGREDIENTS
5 large eggs
¾ cup heavy cream (you may also use milk or half and half or any combination)
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, sliced thick
10 slices Brioche or soft loaf bread, thick sliced is best
10 tablespoons Nutella® chocolate hazelnut spread
1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/4 cup Confectioners sugar, for dusting
Maple syrup, optional

DIRECTIONS:
Hull and slice the strawberries. Set aside on a paper towel.

In a large mixing bowl whisk together the eggs, heavy cream and salt. Set aside.

Spread the bread with Nutella, making certain to go all the way to the edges. This is the “glue” that will hold the bread together. Put strawberry slices on top of five slices of bread which have been spread with Nutella. Put the bread together to form 5 sandwiches.

Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.

Working one at a time, quickly dip the sandwich in the egg mixture, letting it sit about 2-3 seconds per side to soak up the egg mixture.

Turn up the heat to medium-high. Add a pinch of the butter to the pan. When the butter bubbles, add the sandwich and cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Repeat.

Use a serrated knife to slice on the diagonal for serving.
Dust with Confectioners sugar. Serve with warm maple syrup, if desired.

EASY ENTERTAINING: HOW TO MAKE A DEVILED EGG BAR

I love to set up interactive stations for easy entertaining. A self-serve DIY bar offers guests lots of options and encourages conversation, too. In my book, that is a win-win. For Easter brunch (or any brunch for that matter) a DIY Deviled Egg Bar is nothing but easy, yummy fun and with a price tag under ten cents per serving, deviled eggs are super affordable.

How to Make a Deviled Egg Bar

THE HOW-TO:

Make your deviled eggs. I'd suggest making a pretty basic recipe since your guests will be adding toppings and piling on lots of flavor. Try my classic deviled egg recipe... and learn all about the best way to hard-boil eggs here.

How to build a deviled egg bar with toppings. Photo: Arden Photography Location: The Sonnet House, Leeds, Alabama

How to build a deviled egg bar with toppings. Photo: Arden Photography Location: The Sonnet House, Leeds, Alabama

Assemble the eggs on a variety of different plates, egg dishes, and platters. Arrange the platters at different heights. Put the toppings in small dishes, jars, or bowls in groups. I like to get a bowl and fill it with ice and arrange bowls filled with toppings that are best kept chilled.  

Offer guests a menu of different combinations: BBQ, Asian, etc, to help them craft their eggs.

Deviled eggs with assorted toppings. Photo: Arden Photography

Deviled eggs with assorted toppings. Photo: Arden Photography

SUGGESTED TOPPINGS: Use as many or as few as you like based on your budget and the amount of room you have.

  • Herbs: Fresh Dill, Thyme, Tarragon, Chives, Italian parsley, or cilantro; finely chopped
  • Scallions, finely chopped
  • Capers
  • Spicy pickle relish
  • Pickled okra slices
  • Roasted red peppers, diced
  • Jalapeno peppers, diced
  • Green olives, sliced
  • Toasted pecans, chopped
  • Bacon crumbles
  • Goat cheese crumbles
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Fresh horseradish
  • Country ham, sliced ultra thin and cut into small pieces
  • BBQ (beef or pork, shredded)
  • Smoked salmon (thin sliced)
  • Fresh lump crabmeat (cooked)
  • Cooked baby shrimp
  • Caviar (if you have the budget)
  • Sour cream, creme fraiche or Greek yogurt
  • Fig preserves
  • Chutney
  • Hot sauce
  • BBQ sauce
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Paprika
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