My most recent cookbook is Ina Garten’s Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics. Throughout the book, it lists tips in the way of top 10 lists. This particular list is great. I should email this list to everyone, because I’ve definitely had spinach in my teeth, more times than I like to admit. Here is her list, however, I left her commentary out. I’ve add my own comments, because I laugh at my own jokes too.

1. Double Fisting - For all events other than a dinner party, focus on snacks that can be eaten with one hand.
2. Bears eat Beets – I am usually the guest who will wear white and drop my plate full of beets on your off-white silk covered couch. For your furniture’s sake, don’t serve beets.
3. Three rich courses – Pick a menu that will balance your heavy entree or super rich dessert. You don’t want to roll your guests to their car.
4. In a Nutshell – With the  percentage of people with allergies rising, be cautious and don’t serve food with nutmeats. Unless you keep an Epi pen around, I would advise against the Cranberry Nut Orange Zest Tea Cookies.
5. Garlic and Raw Onion Breathe – Don’t worry. The cast of Twilight won’t be knocking at your door. Try to avoid dishes heavily laden with garlic and raw onions.
6. Is there something in my teeth? – Yes. There. Is. If you serve it, then watch out for karma. Your teeth will have poppy seeds, spinach and basil in every possible crevice.
7. Corn on the Cob – This is another food item that loves to live in between your teeth. BBQ are great for this, but at a dinner party, cut it from the cob and serve in a nice bowl.
8. Smells fishy – Always have another food option besides fish available.
9. That’s Gutsy - In general, avoid internal organs. Unless (here is another exception), you are hosting a Fear Factory themed party. Then go hog wild. heh.
10. In the Raw – Avoid using raw beef or raw eggs in your dishes. Being the hostess and finding out you gave food poisioning is a horrible feeling.

What are your thoughts? Agree? Agree to disagree (my favorite)? Disagree completely. Leave your comments, I promise not to flame.

(image by Carrisa Katz)

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