Pâtétaining:
Outdoor Happy Hour
Whether it's a backyard barbecue or a picnic in Central Park there's something about the open air that makes eating outside better.
With summer in full swing, we try to get outside as often as possible. This summer, we're embracing the outdoor happy hour. Finger foods and cocktails with friends during the glorious sunset hours - is there any better way to savor the summer?
Luckily for us, pâté is a dish made for entertaining. In the interest of keeping happy hour happy, we've rounded up some simple crowd-pleasing tips that are perfect for sharing.
The Food:
Pâté Potato Skins:
Potato skins are a staple at happy hours around the globe - and for good reason. They're delicious, filling, and easy to make. Best of all - potatoes go with pretty much everything.
Follow your favorite potato skin recipe and skip the sour cream - bring a slice of your favorite pâté (or pâtés!), cheeses and toppings and have people fill their skins with whatever their hearts desire. Alexian Duck Rillette is an especially good choice.
Crostinis
Crostinis are always a huge hit - they're the gourmet cousin of pizza bagels and require just as little effort to make, but are oh so good. Similar to the potato skins, most any topping works on a crostini. Slice and lightly toast a baguette beforehand, and bring toppings and spreads (like our Chicken Liver Mousse) for your co-workers.
The Drinks:
Craft Beer
Craft beer and summer go together like eggnog and Christmas. We love going to places where you can make your own six-pack especially when we're entertaining a large group of people and aren't sure of their preferences. Plus, it's a great way to find new favorites.
Sangria
Not everyone is a fan of beer, and that's fine. During summer, our default wine choice is this easy fruit sangria that's perfect for serving when it's hot outdoors.
The night before, put around two cups of your favorite fruits in a plastic pitcher and set it in the freezer. Once you're on location, pour a bottle of white wine, a generous splash of rum, and a generous splash of triple sec over the fruit. Give it a good stir, and enjoy.
The Details:
The worst part of any outdoor experience is the logistics - how to serve the food and how to get it there and back. Here's our advice to you: use recyclable serving-ware, bring extra bags, and send everyone home with leftovers.
We also suggest scoping out a place where there's at least one picnic table available, both for sitting and for serving.
The best part about happy hour is that it's a no-pressure event where everyone's goal is to unwind. Don't worry so much about the details, just make sure the food is good and the drinks are cold, and you'll be golden.