How to set up a buffet

- If you don't have a long table, put 3 small tables end to end. Creat a unified look by covering the tables with a large cloth.
- Stack plates where guests will start. Place silver and napkins at the opposite ends so guests don't have to hold them until they're done serving themselves.
- If guests will be standing or balancing their plates on their laps don't serve anything that requires a knife.
- Use cake stands for smaller dishes to make room for larger platters underneath.
- Provide at least one serving utensil for each dish. Place utensils on saucers to protect your linens from stains.
- Offer food in individual portions. Carve meat into slices and ladle soup into mugs before setting them out.
- Use scentless flowers and candles so they don't compete with the food.

more $$$ saving tips

buy the less convienient option -- boneless chicken breasts cost a lot more than chicken thighs with bones, but both are perfect for quick easy chicken dishes, same goes for preprepared or precut foods

buy in bulk -- if you buy a whole turkey pound for pound you'll spend less than if you buy just the breast, and you'll have a lot more food

as dave letterman might say, know you're cuts of meat -- and buy the cheaper kind

it's really difficult to ruin an egg -- eggs are an easy filler for leftovers, think quiche

the power of powder -- for baking consider powdered milk

just add rice -- rice makes a great side dish and the grains are substantial enough to fill up any tummy

beans are a bargain -- you can get a whole lot of dried peans for less than $1 a pound, plus they're packed with nutrients, think chili

buy in season -- look for what's on sale, that's often what's in abundance

get cool with frozen foods -- for out of season fruits and veggies, look to the freezer and can aisles, where prices will be less than fresh

the best way to clean your grinder

Use your pastry brush to clean your spice and coffee grinders.

tips, tricks and techniques

this month we're going to focus on ways to make life in the kitchen that much easier and faster. We'll offer advice and other words of wisdom throughout the month.

grilling tips

- bring meats to room temp before grilling them, but keep poultry and fish refrigerated
- season generously
- preheat the grill to medium
- sear with the lid open
- flip with caution
- let food rest b/f serving