Fireside Chat

The hectic schedules of the holidays are over and the time has come to settle in for winter. As the weather outside gets colder and the icicles grow longer, now is a great time to heat things up. Invite everyone over to thaw out and have some fun. A cozy circle of friends cuddled up in front of a crackling fire with good food and good company is sure to brighten even the dreariest of cold winter days.

Invite 8 to 12 guests for an informal dinner in front of the fire. Set up a table close to the fireplace where the food will be easily accessible without leaving the warmth of the fire. For the perfect cold weather meal sure to cure those winter blues, serve chili prepared in a slow cooker. Offer a lot of topping choices so everyone can add their favorite; red onion, sour cream, diced tomatoes, and cheddar cheese are just the beginning. Provide large bowls or mugs for the chili to be ladled into so everyone can eat right in their spot. Since comfort is the key to fun at this gathering, have everyone dress appropriately; whether that means jeans and flannel shirts or flannel long johns.

Decorations should have a warm and cozy feel. Think soft blankets, baskets of pinecones, throw pillows on the floor. If you will need extra seating, use big bales of hay with blankets thrown over them. If you love the idea of this get together but don't have a fireplace, how about a firepit (outside, of course)?

The menu should be planned with the idea of eating in front of the fire, so keep it simple. Start out with a chunky Guacamole with Fried Yucca. Chili with choice of toppers served with Deluxe Cornbread. Finish up with the appropriate campfire dessert, S'mores. And wash it all down with the ultimate cold weather drink with a twist, Mexican Hot Chocolate.