What's Cookin': Relax as a dinner party host A few weeks ago, we were invited for dinner to our friends' home (Brenda and Gary Roffel). Although we've never had dinner there before, I knew from the reports my son brought home (our kids Michael and Brendan are great friends) that she's an excellent cook and he is a barbecuer supreme-- so we knew we were in store for something delicious! The appetizers you see here today are Brenda's recipe-- very easy to make, yet impressive and very tasty! So thanks Brenda, the addition of the wasabi makes all the difference. I find it fascinating to be invited into 15 Independent & Free Press, Thursday, November 11, 2010 Lori Gysel & Gerry Kentner other people's homes for a meal. Everyone handles the whole thing so differently. Part of it, I guess, is how comfortable the hosts are with the size of the crowd and how well they know the crowd. Some people spend days ensuring that their whole home is immaculate. Others barely pay attention to anything beyond the kitchen. Some cook up a wildly gourmet meal and others serve up a pot of stew. Some serve vintage wines that took hours to select. Others serve a bottle from their homemade wine collection. Some have lists all over the place ensuring that a garnish is not forgotten, candles are lit, music is right. But none of these things seem to affect how much fun is had. The most fun seems to be had when the hosts are relaxed-- this seems to be the magic ingredient that brings the atmosphere, food and drinks all together and makes a great evening. We had a great evening at the Roffels-- the hosts were working their magic. Soon we'll all be getting ready to host some holiday parties; we'll talk more about that later I'm sure. But in the meantime, keep in mind that no matter how perfect all the details are, nothing can make up for an exhausted host. So take it easy on yourself and have fun and keep cooking! Email your questions and comments to Lori and Gerry at whatscookin@independentfreepress.com Halton Regional Police Service Police Cadet Program Want to be a police officer but not ready for Ontario Police College? Apply for the HRPS Police Cadet program today if you are: Of good moral character and habits Between the ages of 19 and 24 A resident of Halton Region or surrounding area In your last semester of post-secondary education, graduating in Spring, 2011 Smoked Salmon Canapes with Wasabi Cream Cheese Ingredients · pumpernickel rounds · plain cream cheese · wasabi · smoked salmon · capers We want to hear from you! Method 1. Mix cream cheese with a tiny bit of wasabi, until smooth. (Start with about a cup of cream cheese and a teaspoon of wasabi-- taste and add more wasabi, if needed to suit your palate). 2. Spread cream cheese on pumpernickel rounds. 3. Top with a folded piece of smoked salmon and a couple of capers. 4. Chill until ready to serve. Attend our free, upcoming information session: Saturday, November 20th 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. HRPS Headquarters - Cafeteria 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville Space is limited and registration is required. E-mail: CadetProgram@haltonpolice.ca www.haltonpolice.ca CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED CENTER! 2008 F150 SUPER CREW XLT 4X4 Loaded, Alloys, Keyless, Tube Steps, Box Liner with T/Cover Sale Price WEEKLYSPECIAL 2008 FOCUS SES Loaded, 5 Spd., Alloys, Keyless, 40,000 kms. Sale Price 2004 F150 XLT SUPER CAB 5.4L, V8, Loaded, Tube Steps, 90,000 kms, 4 New Tires. Sale Price $ 24,250 y Bi-Weekl t Paymen Only $ 212 00 $ 13,750 y Bi-Weekl t Paymen Only $ 11400 2006 F150 XTR 4X4 SUPER CAB Loaded, Box Liner, 71,000 kms $ 15,750 BiWeekly t Paymen $ 13900 2006 ESCAPE XLT AWD Loaded, Keyless, Tube Steps, Alloys, 77,000 kms. Sale Price 2004 MURANO SL Loaded, Alloys, Keyless 2006 FREESTAR SE Loaded, Quad Seats, Keyless. GREAT FAMILY MOVER! $ 14,750 y Bi-Weekl t Paymen Only $ 130 00 Super Buy Only $ 12,750 2006 F150 XLT Super Crew 4x4, Loaded, Tube Steps, Low kms. V VERY CLEAN Sale Price $ 18,750 y Bi-Weekl t Paymen Only $ 164 00 Sale Price $ 12,250 y Bi-Weekl t Paymen Only $ 10900 2006 FOCUS ZX5 Auto, Loaded, Alloys, Keyless, 4 New Tires. Sale Price 2007 FOCUS SE Loaded, Keyless, 30,00 kms, CD Super Buy 2007 ESCAPE XLT FWD V6, Loaded, Alloys, Keyless, Fog Light. Sale Price $ 10,750 y Bi-Weekl t Paymen Only $ 96 00 Sale Price $ 19,450 y Bi-Weekl t Paymen Only $ 169 00 $ 11,750 y Bi-Weekl t Paymen Only $ 104 00 $ 14,750 $ y Bi-Weekl t Paymen Only $ 13000 Discloser: All sale prices are plus HST, and Licensing, Bi-Weekly payments are based on 5.79% bank rate with $0 down payment over 72 months O.A.C Bi-Weekly payments include all taxes, admin fees, Licensing extra CONCEPT 361 Guelph St. (Hwy. #7), Georgetown 905-873-1626 www.conceptford.com 0 Down Bank Financing Available. 5.79%