I’m not going to lie – I love Martha Stewart. I faithfully read Martha Stewart Living, subscribe to the Everyday Food – Dinner Tonight daily recipe and have a copy of Martha’s Rules on my nightstand.

So it goes without saying that I attempt to inject my own little Martha-esque touches to every party I host. At a recent informal cocktail party at my home, I focused on simplicity – from the clean, white serving plates to the uncomplicated, but flavorful dishes. And, frankly, I think Martha would be proud.

The menu:

1. Cheese plate: A wedge of brie, gorgonzola crumbles and an almond crusted sharp cheddar cheese ball served with table water crackers and slices of a crusty French baguette make for an easy crowd-pleaser, especially if you’re serving wine.
2. Sugar cookies: While these look like ordinary, boring cookies, the dark chocolate-dipped bottoms were an unexpected, delicious surprise.
3. Hummus and baked pita chips: A recent favorite SuperTarget discovery is Sonny & Joe’s hummus, which tastes eons better than most store-bought options. So good that my guests commented that it was nearly as delicious as Bella Luna Cafe’s hummus, a local favorite. The pita chips are super easy – cut pita bread into wedges and arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and sea salt, then bake at 350 for 5-10 minutes until golden and toasty.
4. Gorgonzola and fig jam on crostini: Don’t be freaked out by the words “fig jam.” The mixture of savory (the gorgonzola) and sweet (the fig jam) makes for a melt-in-your-mouth canapé. Thinly slice a French baguette, arrange on a baking sheet and toast under the broiler for a minute or two until crispy. Top with gorgonzola crumbles and a dollop of fig jam. These are inevitably a hit – even with the pickiest of eaters.

Looking for good wine pairings? Try a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc like White Haven ($18) or Matua Valley ($12) for a white. Avalon Winery Cabernet Sauvignon ($10) or Pinot Evil Pinot Noir ($7) will please most red wine drinkers. Sangria or a cocktail like the verbtini provide a sweet alternative to wine.

I don’t have my own media empire (yet), but I throw a damn fine party. Martha, eat your heart out.

Images courtesy of the author

Related posts:

1. [eat] Best Hummus Options in Wichita
2. [eat] Lunch with Liz: College Hill Deli
3. [drink] Budget-Friendly Bubbly for Your New Year’s Toast
4. [eat] Lunch with Liz: Watermark Books & Cafe
5. [drink] Boxed Wine: Better Than You Thought