Summer begins an opportunity for friends to visit. Home entertaining may not only be dinner parties but may include breakfast and lunch festivities, too. Pool-side recipes set the summer celebrating mood. Offer fruit displays and chilled food such as chicken salad served in pineapple halves. Fruit drinks with colorful umbrellas add to the fun.

I recommend that weekend guests have food available round-the-clock. Even in the guest room, have bottled water and some cookies with current magazines. In the mid-afternoon, offer snacks. It is a courtesy to let house guests know the time that dinner and breakfast will be served. When our daughter and her husband stay-over, I like to fix them break in-bed.

Multiple meals can be challenging but planning ahead with daily menu lists will be helpful. Stick to recipes that are easy yet present well. A recipe such as Chicken Cacciatore works well for a lunch or dinner since the chicken can be boiled and deboned in advance. The conversation and camaraderie of great friends and family will be cherished for a lifetime from a well-planned weekend celebration.

Kelly’s Easy Chicken Cacciatore
The night before, boil a whole chicken with an onion, celery and bouquet garni. Debone, chill and reserve the chilled stock. The next day, prepare your favorite pasta and toss with olive oil. Reserve.

In a large measuring cup, add 1½ cups of strained chicken stock and 1 – 6 oz. can of tomato paste. Wisk until completely mixed. Pour the mixture into a skillet on the stove. Add 3 tablespoons of fresh chopped basil , 1 tablespoon of sugar and salt to taste. Add 4 diced fresh tomatoes. Simmer uncovered. Just before serving, add the sliced boiled chicken to the mixture. Heat completely and pour the chicken mixture over the top of heated pasta.