Anthony Bourdain might not seem like the obvious go-to for hosting tips, but the renowned chef really knew how to throw a great party. He often shared how he planned his dinner gatherings to keep things relaxed. His strategy? Spend more time with guests and less time fussing in the kitchen. A simple way to achieve this is by serving easy, all-time favorite appetizers, like frozen pigs in blankets.
In his 2016 cookbook, Appetites, Bourdain mentioned an important lesson he learned during his career: people love familiar snacks. He observed, “What everybody wants… is commercially-made freezer-case-sourced pigs in blankets. It doesn’t matter who your guests are; they will eat them and love them.”
When hosting, Bourdain emphasized the significance of preparation. He was known for making lists. This helped him gather all ingredients beforehand, ensuring a smooth cooking process. Recent studies show that planning can significantly reduce stress. A survey by the American Psychological Association found that 71% of people feel less anxious when they are organized and prepared.
Bourdain’s strategy also included having frozen appetizers like pigs in blankets ready at all times. This way, if guests dropped by unexpectedly, he was prepared. Trader Joe’s, for instance, has a solid range of frozen snacks that are both tasty and easy to serve.
He further advised focusing on dishes you know well. “Do something you’re very familiar with,” he told The Globe and Mail. This not only boosts your confidence but ensures your food is cooked right and on time.
Hosting should be enjoyable, so keep it simple and stick to what you know. Whether it’s frozen snacks or easy recipes, the goal is to have fun with your guests rather than stress in the kitchen. After all, at the heart of any great gathering is good food and even better company.
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Anthony Bourdain, pigs in blankets, pigs in a blanket
