A Quick & Inexpensive Italian Dinner Party

I would much rather host a dinner party at home for 6 or so people than go out to a restaurant. Hosting people in your home is a very generous thing you can do that doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg.

I usually pick a theme and let the menu follow through. Today I am going to let you in on the time-saving and cost-cutting tricks for an Italian-inspired evening with friends.

On the menu is a Caprese Salad, Chicken Marsala with Italian Roasted Potatoes and a fancy Teri"mock"su. You just need a few ingredients, most of which you may already have on hand if you have a properly stocked pantry and freezer.

For the salad, shingle sliced Beefsteak tomatoes and mozzarella cheese on individual plates. Tear or chop fresh basil (dried will work in a pinch) and sprinkle over tomatoes and cheese. Just before serving, toss a bit of sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper on and drizzle some extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar....Caprese easy!

For the main course, fresh or frozen chicken tenders make quick work of this Chicken Marsala recipe. Start by sauteing an 8 oz. package of sliced baby portabello or button mushrooms in olive oil in a saute pan until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside. Add a bit more olive oil to the pan and add the chicken tenders (about 3-4 per person) cooking until done and browned on both sides (about 4 minutes each side). Return mushrooms back to pan, add 3/4 cup or more Marsala wine (you can pick this up in the vinegar section at the supermarket), about a tablespoon of dried rosemary and about 2 tablespoons of fresh, finely chopped parsley (regular or Italian will work). Heat until mushrooms and sauce are hot and serve either over cooked pasta or with a side of diced red potatoes tossed with salt, pepper, olive oil and Italian seasoning baked in a 425 degree oven for 30 minutes.

I have always loved Tiramisu but the calorie count and expense to prepare always make me cringe. I put some thought into it and came up with this mock version that you can enjoy with just a fraction of the guilt. You can also make 6 elegant servings for under $3 once you have the basic ingredients. Brew about 2 cups of extra strong coffee, pour into a flat bowl and cool. Pick up a pack of shortcake dessert cups located next to the berries in the produce department and a small carton of low-fat Cool Whip. Pour a few tablespoons of coffee and a tablespoon of vanilla extract into the defrosted Cool Whip bowl and stir until blended and fluffy. Once the coffee is cooled, cut each dessert cup into 6 wedges. Dip the shortcake into the coffee and place 3 pieces in each of 6 martini glasses. Next, put a couple of tablespoons of the Cool Whip mixture on top of the cake and repeat both steps again with the remaining cake and whipped topping. In a small mesh strainer or shaker, sprinkle unsweetened cocoa powder on top until covered completely. Chill for about 30 minutes and you have a fabulous dessert... no one will be any wiser unless you tell them.

Pair the above dishes with a nice bottle of Italian red wine and some crusty bread. Serve on your best red and white check board tablecloth and turn on some Frank Sinatra music...Finito!