Dinner Party? Easy!

You want to throw a casual get together, a seamless dinner party, an elegant gathering. Well, it can be very simple. These are a few things that should be on your to-do list: 

Let the snacks roll: chips, popcorn, pretzels, or veggies and hummus with dip 

Get ready for drinks: alcohol, soda, juices, and water 

Set the ambiance: awesome music playlist, dimmed lights, and fresh flowers

Plan the meal: this might be the scariest part but don't worry there are few simple tricks

Cooking for a part of 6 might worry you and you might even want to stick to ordering two large pizzas. This should not be the case! All you have to do is pick your protein, your carbs, and your veggies. 

Protein: plan a trip to whole foods or any grocery store that has ready made marinated meats. Whether its fish, chicken, meat, or turkey there is always cool options. Now how do you want to cook for 6 people without making a mess in your kitchen. Always sauté your protein with olive oil in a pan, two minutes on each side, and then just place it in your oven

Carbs: it could be pasta, potatoes, burger buns or rice depending on the protein you select 

Veggies: the easiest way is to make a salad with a pre-washed spring mix, cherry tomatoes, and lemon & olive oil dressing. You can also get frozen veggies and sauté them in a pan 

Bottom line is you can skip steps buy getting prepared items and combining them in a tasteful and fabulous way. Winter season is here! What better way to spend it than with comfort home-cooked food with your friends and loved ones.

                   

Panko crusted chicken stuffed with goat cheese and spinach with a side of rosemary baked potatoes and salad

Casual dinner for 6: Protein, Carbs, Veggies, Drinks -- All set! 

From my plate to yours, 

Maria

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Georgetown Cupcake vs. Sprinkles

The ultimate NYC cupcake battle in my opinion is between Georgetown Cupcake and Sprinkles. Sprinkles dominating midtown Manhattan's shopping area and Georgetown dominating the Soho shopping area.

Now lets get the breakdown! In terms of design Sprinkles is modern and sleek. Georgetown cupcakes is charming and cute. As for the actually cupcakes, Sprinkles cupcakes tend to be bigger, sweeter, and more moist. Georgetown cupcakes have more classic flavors with a richer taste.

My favorite:
- Sprinkles: Chocolate Marshmallow & Peanut Butter Chip
- Georgetown Cupcakes: Salted Caramel & Lava Fudge

As for the winner? I will let you decide!

Sprinkles: Chocolate Marshmallow, Red Velvet & Coconut

Georgetown Cupcake: Peanut Butter Fudge, Vegan Carrot, Double Milk Chocolate Birthday, Red Velvet & Chocolate2

From my plate to yours, 

Maria

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