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Game On! Outdoor celebrations don't need a reason or a season - just food, friends and fun Waiting for the next holiday or birthday to throw a backyard bash? Well, wait no more - from last-minute game nights to themed parties, affordable backyard entertainment can be even easier to pull off than indoor dinner parties. The key to a good time, experts say, is a thoughtful combination of entertainment - like a theme, décor and games - and imaginative food, that complements the theme and spices up the party. Just ask Cynthia Nims, the Seattle-based author of "Gourmet Game Night" (Ten Speed Press, 2010). Adding the unexpected idea of "gourmet" to the enduring concept of game night "breaks us out of that mold that seems to always associate convenience foods with having friends over to play games: pizza, sandwiches, hot dogs, chips, pretzels," Nims says. A game night party could have a South of the Border theme, Nims says, with bright tablecloths and napkins in turquoise, yellow, blue, orange and red; small cactus plants on the table; chili pepper lights strung around the yard; and a piñata or two hanging from a tree. "Dominoes is a great option for backyard game playing," she says, since the tiles are heavy enough to stand up to even moderate breezes. Technology has opened up a new era of outdoor games. There's something for every audience. Play something new (hook up a Wii to a TV), old school (Monopoly), athletic (volleyball) or even a little risky (poker). James McNair, co-author of "Burger Parties" (Random House, 2010), likes to place board games on tables and let his guests choose while he grills up their burgers. "Any great burger pairs well with an evening of games," McNair says. "You might choose to make mini burgers because they are easy to eat while continuing to play." Serving burgers doesn't mean the party can't be classy, McNair says. "I recently hosted friends for a 'Sip and Slide' evening, combining two contemporary restaurant experiences - the wine bar and mini burgers (sliders). I had candles everywhere and had asked my guests to come dressed up for a glamorous night on the town." Don't forget the kids, says Kathy Peterson, co-host of "The Balancing Act" on Lifetime Television and author of "Kathy Peterson's Great Outdoor Decorating Makeovers" (Watson-Guptill, 2004). "Simple games like croquet and badminton are old-time favorites that don't require a lot of set-up/breakdown," Peterson suggests. Use color to set the mood without breaking the bank. "Tablecloths, candles and flowers with lots of color will go a long way to create the mood," Peterson says. "For sit-down outdoor dinners, I like to create place cards with each person's name along with the meaning of their name. Everyone really enjoys learning what their name means." 
Ice Cream Sandwiches Vanilla ice cream may be one of the world's most perfect foods. Not only is the frozen treat delicious in its state of natural simplicity, a carton of vanilla ice cream is pretty much any flavor of ice cream waiting to happen. It's what I use for this array of options for homemade ice cream sandwiches. This recipe is really more a slew of ideas than a specific formula. I have, on a few occasions, gone to the effort of making both the cookies and the ice cream for ice cream sandwiches. But honestly, it takes loads of time and considering the time-to-pleasure ratio, I'm convinced that taking the right shortcuts produces really tasty ice cream sandwiches that will wildly impress your friends. Pick a Cookie: It should be sturdy enough to hold the ice cream firmly, without being too hard; stick with smaller cookies (not much more than 21⁄2 inches across) to suit the game-play setting. You should need about 32 cookies, to make 16 sandwiches, though this will vary with the size of cookie used. • Chocolate chip cookies • Chocolate wafers • Gingersnaps • Oatmeal cookies • Peanut butter cookies • Shortbread Pick a Flavor: It's great fun to customize the ice cream filling to match the cookie and your inspirations. Start with 1 quart of a top-quality vanilla ice cream. Note that alcohol impedes freezing; don't go overboard adding spirits, and plan on a little longer freezing time for the blend to become solid again. • Cognac-soaked raisins or chopped prunes • Crushed amaretti cookies • Crushed fresh berries • Espresso powder mixed with a bit of water • Finely chopped candied ginger • Grated bittersweet chocolate • Mint liqueur • Peanut butter • Toasted coconut Pick a Finish: Sometimes the simplest techniques add the greatest panache; a flick of the wrist and the edges of your ice cream sandwiches will have a flavor and visual boost from one of these finishing touches. After making the sandwiches, freeze them for at least an hour to set up a bit, then roll the edges and continue freezing. About 3⁄4 cup of your chosen finisher should be enough for your sandwiches. • Finely chopped chocolate-mint wafers • Finely chopped toasted nuts • Finely crushed candies • Grated chocolate • Toasted coconut Now comes the fun. Pick an element from each category, items that sound complementary and delicious (or two or three combos, for some variety) and get rolling. Transfer a carton of top-quality vanilla ice cream from the freezer to the fridge and let it soften until easy to scoop, 30 to 60 minutes. Scoop the ice cream into a bowl and stir in the flavoring of choice. The amount needed will vary, from just a few tablespoons of intensely flavored espresso to perhaps 1 cup of toasted coconut. Put the bowl in the freezer for 30 to 60 minutes to firm up a bit (longer if alcohol's been used). Use a small scoop to top your cookies with the ice cream. A spring-loaded scoop will be most efficient. Top with another cookie, pressing down at the center just enough to squeeze the ice cream to the edge of the cookie. Set the sandwich on a baking sheet and put in the freezer while making the remaining sandwiches. Once the sandwiches have been made, roll the edges in a finishing touch of choice, before the ice cream is fully firm. Freeze on the tray until frozen solid, then transfer the sandwiches to a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag, or just cover the tray well with aluminum foil. The sandwiches will be best the next day; they can be stored for up to 1 week before serving. Makes about 16 sandwiches |
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