68 NJSL | AUGUST 2008

Zen and the Art of the Dinner Party

NJSL 69

B Y J U D I R O T H E N B E R G

> Entertaining

Let all needless worries float from your mind,embrace your inner Martha (don’t worry, we’ve gotshortcuts) and invite some friends over for a Zeninspired evening.

Ambiance is key; lull your guests into relaxationmode by creating a tranquil environment. Michaeland Lisa Plociniak, the husband and wife designingteam at A Touch of Elegance Weddings and SpecialEvents, pay homage to nature and Asian culture byusing an organic color scheme of dark brown andgreen accented with an array of exotic blooms. The

theme is carried forward by using square plates and chop-sticks at each place setting.

Welcome your guests with an East-meets-West cocktailflavored with a hint of green tea and ginger. Accompanythe ‘Zen Margarita’ with a platter of sushi from yourfavorite Japanese restaurant.

Dinner can be uncomplicated yet stylish by incorporat-ing some of today’s gourmet products. A simple bag of pre-washed and chopped romaine lettuce can be transformedinto a sophisticated starter by adding a can of mandarinoranges and hearts of palm. Toss with Annie’s NaturalShiitake and Sesame Dressing and sprinkle toasted sliveredalmonds on top.

For the main course, thread chunks of pineapple andshrimp (or chicken) on Callison’s Seasoned Skewers in theThai Coconut Lime flavor. These innovative skewers flavoringredients from the inside out and are ready for the grill in15 minutes. Serve with steamed jasmine rice.

For a sweet and pure dessert, serve a refreshing scoopof Blackwell’s Organic* soy gelato or fruit sorbetto. Based inRed Bank, Blackwell’s products are free of preservativesadditives and extracts.

Namaste!

Zen Margarita• 1 part Zen Green Tea Liqueur• 2 parts Cabo Wabo Blanco Tequila• Juice from 1/2 lime• Splash of simple syrup• Crystallized ginger for garnish

Pour ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a margarita glass.Garnish with crystallized ginger and wedge of lime.www.seasonedskewers.comwww.blackwellsorganic.comwww.zen-greentea.com*available at King’s and most high-end supermarkets