Food
Throw the Perfect Holiday Couples Party
From cookies and milk to the partridge in a pear tree, the
holidays are filled with classic pairings. This year, gath-
er family and friends together and ring in the season with
a themed party that celebrates famous couplings.
A themed party always calls for a little extra creativity to
wow guests and ensure a great time is had by all. Since what
you serve is always a key ingredient to a successful soiree,
plan to have plenty of tasty appetizers and beverages avail-
able as soon as guests arrive. Try this recipe for Mini Steak
Skewers with Smoked Paprika Aioli, a smoky flavor. Juicy
red fruit, ripe blueberry and the smoothness of sweet choco-
late is a winning combo with the savory steak that guests
will surely adore.
3/4
pound filet mignon, cut into 3/4-inch squares
(should get 30-36)
1/2
small red pepper, cut into 3/4-inch squares (should
get 20-22)
Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Olive oil, for greasing the pan or grill
To make aioli, mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, paprika,
garlic and olive oil in small bowl until well blended. Season
to taste with salt and pepper and set aside. This can be done
up to 24 hours in advance.
To make skewers, thread one piece of steak onto skewer,
followed by a pepper, another piece of steak, one more pep-
per, and one more piece of steak. You should have three
squares of beef and 2 pepper squares on each skewer.
Repeat until all beef and peppers are used. Season gener-
ously with salt and pepper on all sides.
Set grill pan over high heat, or preheat grill to medium-
high. Rub oil onto surface of pan or grates. Place skewers
on pan or grill. If using pan, cook for about 8 minutes for
medium steak, turning during cooking so all sides have grill
marks. If using grill, cook for 6-8 minutes for medium,
keeping lid closed as much as possible, turning throughout,
until cooked to your liking. Alternatively, you can broil
skewers for 6-8 minutes, turning once halfway through.
Simple tips for your festive
fete
While planning your themed gathering, make sure to
highlight pairs that evoke the holiday spirit. Try some of
these hosting tips to make your pairing party the event of
the season:
• Couples in costume: Encourage couples to dress simi-
larly and in classic holiday fashion. For example, some may
show up in matching holiday sweaters or as a famous cou-
ple from a holiday movie.
• Cheese and wine: Nothing goes better together than
cheese and wine. Make your spread complete with a variety
of fine cheeses and a flavorful wine, such as those from
Black Box. One 3-liter box is the equivalent of four bottles.
• Dynamic duets: When planning your playlist, look for
holiday standards that feature only duets or duos to high-
light your special theme.
• Must-have mistletoe: Add a kiss of romance and fun to
your event with festive mistletoe. Every couple will look
forward to seeing this gorgeous greenery perched across
your doorway.
• Don’t forget dessert: A holiday party would not be
complete without the ultimate combination of holiday
sweets: cookies and milk. Set them out just as you did in
childhood days and watch as guests dig in to this perfect
post-dinner treat.
Mini Steak Skewers with
Smoked Paprika Aioli
Makes 10-12 skewers
You’ll need 4-inch skewers to make this appetizer. If you
can’t find them, long toothpicks will be fine, as will larger
skewers cut to size. Be sure to soak them for 15-20 minutes
before cooking to avoid burning. Because this is holiday
time, it’s nice to use a higher quality meat like filet mignon,
but you can use whatever steak you like.
Aioli:
1/2
cup mayonnaise
2
teaspoons lemon juice
1
teaspoon smoked paprika
1
garlic clove, minced
2
tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Skewers:
Page 12 The Portland Skanner November 13, 2013
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