Dinner Party For 6 Under $100.00

 

I really enjoy entertaining, it's like it feeds my soul.  I think the planning and preparation, except the cleaning, are as much fun as the actual dinner party.  I'm not the type of girl who really enjoys hanging out at bars.  I prefer good wine, good food and good conversation over standing around a loud, crowded bar.  However, entertaining at home or eating out can both get expensive and I have discovered most people don't really enjoy hosting.  I decided to try something new seeing if I can entertain with quality food and wine on a budget.



 

To make the salad just cut up the lettuce, toss with the dressing.  Then add croutons, toss again and I usually shave the cheese on top of the salad to make it look pretty. 

 

Caesar salad  - Trader Joe's   Romaine Lettuce  $3.99

                                               Crouton  $3.99

                                               Parmigianino Cheese  $5.99

                         Wegman's     Caesar dressing   $2.49

                                                           Total       $16.46

 

My favorite sauce is this tomato sauce with onion and butter by Smitten Kitchen.  It's easy and has so much flavor.  I just doubled the recipe.  Since I was cooking for friends I decided to add the sweet Italian sausage for some extra flavor.  Just crumble, brown it in a pan and then add to the sauce once its been blended smooth. Shave some of the Parmigianino cheese on top.     

 

Spaghetti with sweet Italian sausage in a onion, butter and tomato sauce

                               Trader Joe's    Tomatoes            $7.98

                                                       Onion                 $0.89

                                                       Italian Sausage   $5.99

                               Wegman's       Spaghetti             $2.99

                                                       Butter                  $0.84

                                                             Total             $18.69

 

 

Wine total $20.00

I really like 14 Hands Cabernet and find most people do, plus it's reasonable.

 

 

I will post the recipe for the cheesecake tomorrow. 

  

 Dessert  Pumpkin Chocolate Cheesecake with Oreo cookie crust

                                    Trader Joe's  cookies  $2.99

                                                         canned pumpkin  $1.99

                                                         cream cheese       $3.98

                                                                eggs              $2.49

                                    Wegman's      Chocolate Chips  $ 2.99

                                                            Butter                 $0.84

                                                                     Total            $12.29

 

       Staples-  sugar, flour and cinnamon

                  



  Total cost $67.44.  The food was delicious, looked impressive and was easy.  My favorite way to entertain.  Noted, I just stated under $100.00 because I did not take into account tax, staples I had on hand, the gifted wine and the coffee and tea we had with dessert.    This was good practice for me though because I usually have too much food, including appetizers and more than one dessert choice.   “People who love to eat are always the best people.”
― Julia Child