Hello to my various fans

If you were expecting to see a photo shoot of a hanger steak meal this week, I apologize, you’ll have to wait yet another week. I can now say that the steak is in my possession, safely stowed in my freezer.

THIS weekend, I undertook the daunting (but fun) task of hosting a (fake) baby shower! Why would anyone in their relatively right mind do such a thing, you ask? Because I am submitting an audition video to a Canadian television network called the W Network. They are looking for a new host for a show on their women’s interest channel. They want to see what skills and talents applicants can bring to the table. (In my case I bring talent to the table in a fairly literal way!)

On Saturday, a group of close family and friends (all women) arrived at our home to participate in this staged event, and my best friend Tina played the part of the mother-to-be. (She’s so gracious!) I have attached some photos of this whole debacle for your amusement.

Things I learned: To set a great buffet table, use coordinating colours in your tablecloths, napkins, placemats, dishes, servingwear, and even the food. Create levels by placing food on cake stands, or a stack of books wrapped in a fabric napkin or tea towel. Don’t overclutter the table. Wrap sets of silverware in napkins and complete them with a decorative ribbon, string, or ring. Flowers really bring the table to life. Make sure they are high enough that they stand out above the food. Confetti is a nice touch, but use it sparingly.

At my buffet table, I served sausage and cream cheese-stuffed button mushrooms (a huge hit), deli-style sandwiches on white and whole grain rolls and ciabatta bread, fresh veggies with hummus dip, apple pie, button cookies, popcorn, pink smarties, banana cream pie jelly beans and salt water taffies. On the refreshment table I had red and white wine and lemonade.

The Baby Shower buffet table

Me with my fake shower guests

A throne for the guest of honour (yes, the gifts were fake too!)

The Pin the Button on the Baby Game!

Button Wreath I made (variation on a Martha Stewart Wedding Wreath)

In an effort to continue my Martha studies, I chose to make (at the suggestion of my new intern, Marlaine) button cookies in a variety of pastel colours to match the decor (see the image below). These darling confections are simple sugar cookies, cut with a round cookie cutter, depressed around the edge with a drinking glass or shot glass, and punctured four times in the center with a barbecue skewer. A bit of food die mixed into the dough completes the look. Tie a stack of three or four with a ribbon, and you’ve got a cute little package perfect for a baby shower.

Button Cookies (a Martha Stewart recipe)

Wish me luck with my application! I’ll be back on track next week with menu #5: Hanger Steak, shoestring fries, tart apple salad and caramel something-or-other for dessert