For all you wonderful moms, “The greatest gift you can give to yourself and others is the gift of taking care of yourself.”

This MOTHER’S DAY do something for yourself that makes your heart soar, touches your soul, rejuvenates your spirit…YOU deserve it.  Happy Mother’s Day to you all! Love, Liza

James Beard lives!

With the urgent and crucial need to fund research and remedies for a staggering amount of causes, diseases and humanitarian aid, the FUNDING OF THE ARTS has taken an appropriate back seat to the heroic efforts of evolving the human condition…

How then, can one justify asking anyone for a dollar more to help fund the preservation of something so relatively frivolous as the arts?  This was the CONVERSATION at our DINNER TABLE, shared by Kristofer Moon, director of the the James Beard Foundation’s strategic partnerships and charitable giving, along with the head of the New York Film Society Executive Director, Rose Kuo, Director of Corporate Sponsorship, Anne Chaisson and the amazing media wiz, Director of Digital Strategy, Eugene Hernandez.

You know it's going to be a fun night when you start with Rosé champagne!

As we embarked on a four hour DINING ADVENTURE together at the famous Beard House, New York City, we delighted in each bite of CULINARY EXPRESSION from the Beard kitchen, being ever so preciously created by chef Greg Biggers and pastry chef Patrick Fahy of the Sofitel Hotel, Chicago- both cooking for the first time at the Beard House.

The evening’s menu ‘A Taste of Spring’ read like something out of any of the finest, most exclusive fine dining restaurant’s in the world. Wines were generously poured and paired, in the candle lit dining room of  Beard’s actual house,  just steps away from where JB himself slept, a la mirrors on the ceiling, and within sight of his large grinning portrait hanging over the living room fireplace – perhaps his grin was due to the open air shower he installed on his terrace, long before they were en vogue, much to the dismay of his neighbors,  who carefully planned parties around JB’s hygiene.

The 'story' of the evening.

JAMES BEARD was quite the character and an intelligent one at that!  Born on cinco de Mayo, he was a brilliant business man, creative genius and, most wonderful of all, a great LOVER of the ARTS. James Beard lived a colorful life that was fueled by a tremendous JOY for ENTERTAINING – that spirit continues to live on in the James Beard Foundation ever since his passing in 1985.

The 25 year anniversary of the Beard House Foundation is now around the corner. James Beard may no longer be hosting dinner parties personally,  but he has left behind a LEGACY, the sole purpose which is to NURTURE the CAREERS and culinary arts of young chefs by funding their EDUCATION through scholarships presented by the Beard Foundation.

Dining at the Beard House or contributing to their programs gives those with GREAT DREAMS and little means, a chance to pursue a culinary education in HOPES of becoming a great chef one day…which, as I savored every morsel of our eight course meal that night, I felt a deep RESPECT and GRATITUDE in my heart – and stomach, for the gift of creating something so DELICIOUSLY wonderful for the pure sake of PLEASURE, joy and living in the moment.

"To a job well done!" Chef Biggers congratulates his team at the Beard House.

As our dinner party’s philosophical question,  “how one can reconcile giving VALUABLE dollars to help support the arts in these desperate times,” went round and round… I was left with this tossed salad of PROFOUND thoughts.

“…..food, arts, film – this is how we tell our stories.  Our stories about love, history, despair, hope…. the most important values and meanings of our time are expressed through artful mediums, becoming our culture. With the ability to reflect and retell these stories we are then able to grow from them – the evolution of humankind depends on our being able to not just recount our triumphs and mistakes but feel them in our hearts and souls – art is an integral part of what makes us ‘human-kind’….”

What do YOU think?

...a happy girl!

** If you are interested in dining at the Beard House or would like more information please check out their website for upcoming events www.jamesbeard.org

I had the absolute pleasure of offering some of my TIPS this week on KTLA’s Morning News for blending Easter and Passover –  ‘EASTOVER’ this holiday – as we do in our family, setting a ‘GREEN TABLE,’ creating DELICIOUS and HEALTHY menus for you and your loved ones!

Happy, Happy Spring, Easter, Passover to you!!  May the new beginnings bring you new dreams, hopes and joy!  Liza

RECIPES are under ‘PARTY FOOD.’ Click here to get recipes directly:  Baked French Toast Cups, Confetti Cous Cous Salad.

All TABLE TOP DECOR from Room at the Beach, Malibu Ca  – www.roomatthebeachmalibu.com/  310/456-9777.

Lizzie couldn’t have been more GRACIOUS and delightful host as we shared “Sunday Funday” BRUNCH TIPS for the ‘Foodie Call’  (on Oprah’s old time slot!! Wooho!).   I was also excited about debuting Iron Chef winner CAT CORA’S new line of gourmet food products, olive oils, tapenades, olives….Cat and I worked together as chefs for The American Heart Association’s Teaching Garden founded by beloved Kelly Meyer and Chi Kim, a fantastic organization that helps teach school kids about health and nutrition through edible school gardens – check out their website for more information http://bit.ly/AE6UBD – can I just tell you how much I LOVE IZZES! juice sparklers!!  They are pure juice and sparkling water…they even use red radish juice for their coloring! They were the perfect companion for my champagne cocktail!

I’m PROUD and honored to have been a guest of ABC 7 LIVE and love bringing AMAZING FRIENDS, doing GREAT things, along with me…so thank you Lizzie, Cat, IZZE and  dear Coryanne of  HouseWifeBliss.com for your INSPIRATION and CONTRIBUTION to making the world a little better!!

PS - Have you checked out the new Liza America’s Host  Facebook page?  Check it out and don’t forget to ‘Like’ us!!   http://www.facebook.com/LizaAmericasHost

Sweet!

I love this recipe for BAKED FRENCH TOAST CUPS!!  It is so SIMPLE, QUICK and HEALTHY!  Using the cupcake trays allows you to make a dozen at a time….that means more time for YOU to have FUN at your party!  This recipe came from a dear friend, Coryanne Ettiene at www.HouseWifeBliss.com – I modified her recipe to make it GUILT FREE, translation:  so I can eat more!

Coryanne makes it look so EASY…and you know what, it is!  I whipped up a tray full in about 20 minutes (including cooking time)  After that I dressed them with healthy toppings and presto! BRUNCH IS SERVED….or you can always set up a ’Do It Yourself’ toppings bar where guests can have fun creating their own, translation; even LESS WORK to do!

Savory!

I love this recipe so much I created a savory version to serve, as well.  Offering the TWO CHOICES takes you easily from breakfast to lunch making it the perfect BRUNCH….if you don’t run out of wine, maybe even dinner

Ingredients:

6 Slices of Organic Whole Wheat Bread

3 Large Eggs

1 Cup of Non Fat Milk

**Sweet way – add 1/2 tsp of cinnamon and 1 tsp vanilla to egg mixture

**Savory way – add 1/2 tsp of salt,  pepper, 1 tsp oregano, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)

Sweet Toppings:

- 100% Pure Maple Syrup (divine when it’s heated!)

- Strawberries

- Bananas

- Shaved unsweetened coconut

- Organic Almond Slivers

- Blueberries

- Hazelnuts

Savory Toppings:

- Olive Oil

- Fresh Basil

- Fresh chopped Chives

- Pesto

- Sun Dried Tomatoes

- Olive Tapenade

Directions:

Pre-heat the oven to 375F and line a cupcake tray with 6 liners.  If you don’t have liners, spray the cups with non stick ‘olive oil spray,’ then set aside while you mix the batter.

In a large mixing bowl, add the eggs, milk and optional spices, and then whisk until fully blended.  Take each piece of bread and slice 3/4 of the way up the middle (see photo). Place your sliced bread one at a time in the batter and coat the bread fully.

Gently twist the bread into a floral shape and place in the cupcake tray.  Repeat this process for each slice of bread.  Bake for 12-15 minutes at 375F or until the egg is completely cooked and French Toast cups are golden brown.  Remove from the oven and let cool.

Gently pop ’em out of the cups with the help of a knife or spoon.  Top with your favorite sweet or savory toppings.  Finish the sweet version by drizzling warm Maple Syrup over the toppings then serve.  Finish the savory by drizzling Extra Virgin Olive Oil over the toppings then serve.

Have fun and Bon Appetit!!!

As always I love to hear your feedback, so let me know how it goes!!

This time I was asked by URBAN GIRL SQUAD in partnership with STONEHENGE NYC LUXURY residences to come and give a class in one of their swanky luxe apartments on the upper East side.  Urban Girl Squad founder, Amanda Hoffman, had taken my Holiday Hosting class in the fall and thought my message would be a perfect for her bright, hardworking and SOCIALLY SAVVY members…she was right, these women were not only impressive, but love a good time…and that we did!!  Sorry neighbors!

Thank you Urban Girl Squad and Stonehenge NYC for a memorable experience!

Liza

Ps..I am always touched when attendees are INSPIRED to write about what resonated with them and share it with friends…here’s a peek at what a couple of bloggers from the class had to say…Thanks Jill and Sarah!

On the Menu: Perfect Parties At Home NYC style

Posted March 11th, 2012 by Mrs. Jill Danielle, a lifestyle blog

On Tuesday night I got a chance to meet the lovely Liza, America’s Host with the Urban Girl Squad.
She has this effortless way of entertaining and she shared some of her tips while boosting our confidence to be a great host. Liza stressed that it is important to start with the best QUALITY of ingredients.  Whether you are entertaining 2 or 200 it is important to celebrate each other as much as the food. And remember your friends are at your house to see you.

Guests
Keep it intimate. New Yorker’s we have the perfect settling for this. Seriously!
New Yorkers our apartments are to small to invite everyone we know, so keep it intimate. This will help keep the cost down, less stress on the host.

Food

Keep it simple just remember QUALITY. Instead of serving an entire meal pick one course that you love and build the party around that. There is no rule that you have to have a 5 course meal ready for your guests every time you have people over.

Alcohol
There is no need for a full bar. You can serve a signature cocktail throughout the party and make sure you come up with a name. Or select one wine that pairs well with all your food and stick with that.

If you do a signature cocktail let your guests help them self. Serve the first one and show them the ratio to make the cocktail, set up a little bar area and guests will feel more welcome to help them self.

http://mrsjilldanielle.blogspot.com/2012/03/on-menu-perfect-parties-at-home-nyc.html

Teeny Tiny NYC Apartment Party Planning

Tuesday evening my friend Jill invited me to an Urban Girls Squad event that focused on party planning for those of you with small NYC kitchens and sitting areas. *Raises hand and shakes it wildly.*

Considering how well I deal with large groups of girls I had my doubts, but as soon as I saw the cozy tea lights and appetizers at our disposal I felt very much at home. The gorgeous Liza of Liza’s American Host gave us a lot of handy tips and I thought I’d share what I remember…granted I was also focusing on eating the bread and olives in front of me. I’m only human.

- Only decorate at eye level. Are your guests sitting down? Focus on the flower arrangements and table decorations they’ll be staring at all night. Are they standing up and loitering around like a bunch of drunken teenagers? Concentrate on the walls. And no, Hawaiian cardboard cut-outs from iParty don’t count.

- Don’t invite the world. Smaller groups are more intimate and if you can’t fit everyone at once your friends will understand if they’re left out of a particular gathering. If you’re concerned about their raising hell and maliciously spreading rumors about your secret outsourced child-labor sweatshop as a result of it…maybe they shouldn’t be your friends to begin with.

- Don’t panic. If the host is freaked out the guests will feel iffy about the whole thing and be slowly inching towards the door. Life isn’t perfect and your party probably won’t be either. At the end of the day the company and the alcohol consumed as a result of it are the real deal breakers. So bottoms up and lighten up.

- Focus on what you’re good at. Can’t cook? Make appetizers and have an ample drink station. Really can’t cook? Throw a popcorn and champagne party. A wine and noir movie party. Anything that makes you happy because that’s why you’re throwing this — right?

After the brief lecture we were taught how to make champagne cocktails because people are more loathe to quickly down a glass of champagne than say a vodka-on-the-rocks. Unfortunately I don’t have this problem but in my defense it was delicious. You need:

Straight up tart cherry, apricot or pear juice.
Champagne (cheap is fine)
Flavored vodka (acai, vanilla…etc.)

To make the champagne cocktail you fill 1/4 of the glass with the fruit juice, up to a 1/3 of the way up with champagne and top off with 1/2 shot of vodka. I came back for seconds in the nick of time and “accidentally” reversed it with 1/4 of the glass vodka, then champagne and topped off with the fruit juice — it definitely had more of a kick but was delicious.

After the cocktail we learned how to make light, quick and easy pizza’s with tortilla’s, pesto and a smattering of cheese. Not only were the done in about ten minutes, but through only a few gourmet ingredients they really looked and tasted high-end. And it’s all about the facade, am I right? The directions are below.

Manchego Cheese Thin Crust Pizza

Ingredients:

- Whole wheat tortillas
- 3/4 cup of Manchego cheese, grated.
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- Handful of roasted pine nuts
- About a Tbsp of pesto
- 1 pinch Kosher or sea salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 500 degrees.
2. Place tortilla on a cookie sheet lined with tin foil.
3. Spread 1 Tbsp olive oil on the tortilla
4. Spread the pesto on top (not that much)
4. Sprinkle Manchego cheese on tortilla leaving about an inch around the edges
5. Sprinkle on the kosher salt
6. Bake in oven until the cheese is melted
7. Sprinkle pre-baked pine nuts on top
8. Cut in 4 pieces and start making the next batch.

Thanks Liza!

http://www.sarah-sol.com/sarahsolfails/?p=1672

Tell us about your adventure, PLUS LIKE Liza America’s Host’s Facebook page, and you’ll be entered to win 2 tickets to learn all of Liza’s tips and tricks at Hosting Perfect Parties at Home! with Urban Girl Squad and America’s Host!!

Ready to throw on your party heels ladies??

LIZA’S Life of the Party Class returns to NEW YORK

WHAT YOU’LL DO
Learn how to put on a party without feeling like a ’50s-housewife cliché or sending your stress level into orbit! Meet us for a friendly, interactive session with Liza, America’s Host. We’ll learn Liza’s tips for keeping calm, making delicious and fast food and drinks while enjoying your own event. You can expect hands-on demos for quick and easy pizzas, cocktails and beautiful but not expensive centerpieces and décor. Apply the techniques you learn during the class by making your pizza and cocktail on the spot! We wrap up with indulging in our homemade goodies while mingling with Liza and Urban Girl Squad women. No event anxiety required!

WHY WE LOVE IT
What better way to learn about NYC house party hosting than at one of the amazing Stonehenge buildings?!

WHAT YOU’LL GET

• Pizza, snacks and champagne cocktails (made by you in class!)
• Customizable recipes for the treats we make
• Practical tips for throwing your own New York party
• Advice on scouting the grocery story for centerpiece supplies
• Question time with Liza, America’s Host
• A fun and friendly party with the Urban Girl Squad!

This Urban Girl Squad event is sponsored by Stonehenge, the NYC real estate company with 2,500+ apts in their luxury rental buildings.

BUY TIX:

https://urbangirlsquad.com/events/275/hosting-perfect-parties-at-home-

Here’s the recipe I mentioned on-air:

GOOD OL’ FASHIONED STOVE TOP POPCORN ~ GOURMET STYLE!

Ingredients:

- Popcorn kernels

- Olive oil

- Sea salt

Directions:

- Use large Heavy-bottomed pot

- Add 1 cup kernels

- Pour olive oil, enough to completely cover all kernels

- Place lid over the top, slightly ajar to let steam out

- Use medium to high flame. Let cook until you don’t hear the popping sound

Toppings:

- Scoop cooked popcorn into large mixing bowl 2 cups at a time

- Drizzle olive oil sea salt and your favorite toppings until popped corn is coated

- Repeat until all the popcorn is coated

Topping Suggestions:

- Truffle oil & truffle salt

or

- Provencal Herb, dried cranberries & sea salt

- Season Salt

- Olive oil, Parmesan cheese & sea salt

- Wasabi, sesame & ginger

- Hot caramel, butter & sea salt

- Chipotle powder & sea salt

- BBQ – cumin, chili powder, onion powder, barbecue sauce, black pepper, parmesan cheese & sea salt

YUMMMM! Have FUN and may the best nominees win!

The key to throwing a memorable OSCAR PARTY is inspiring your guests to stay focused and interested in an award show that can span over three hours – aye! Never fear, it can be done and here are a few simple TIPS to help get your guests as invested and EXCITED in hearing “and the winner is” as a best actor/ess.

The first place to start is with you, the HOST. To ensure your party’s success you must be REALISTIC about how much time, energy and resources you have to work with. After you assess what you are truly are up to vs. all the great ideas in your head, you can now determine your GUEST LIST. My advice, limit your list to folks who genuinely have a LOVE or interest in movies and Hollywood’s biggest night of the year – this will help keep the fun PARTY SPIRIT and energy flowing throughout the evening. As always keep your MENU simple, tasty and abundant. Make as much as you ahead of time. Slow cookers are perfect for this kind of occasion as are skewers. One of my favorites is a lamb stew (the longer it cooks the better – perfect for a three hour show ) with either creamy polenta or rustic cornbread cakes. Toss up a simple mixed green salad and you’re good to go.

For a little added FUN - bake some cupcakes for dessert and hide a movie token in one of them. Right before they announce Best Picture, hand out the cupcakes. Whoever gets the cupcake with the token gets to split the winner’s pot! (See #10 below) That will keep your guests ENGAGED and having tons of fun till the end…and guess what? YOU will too!!

Now for some of my favorite OSCAR PARTY TIPS!

1. SEND - out Oscar themed evite or mail mini Oscars (make it easy and shop Oriental Trading Co party supplies: http://bit.ly/zIZ4mQ) with an envelope with the saying “and the winner is” printed on front. Inside is the guests name on the front and on back are the party details.

2. REQUEST – everyone to see at least the films nominated for Best Picture – that way the party starts way BEFORE your guests arrive and creates a sense of anticipation.

3. CREATE – a signature cocktails named after the Best Picture nominated films…”The Artist,” “The Help,” “Midnight in Paris.” How funny is that, “Hi, welcome, would you like to sip on “The Help?”

4. GO – to your local fabric store and get ready to roll out the red carpet along with gold ropes leading to the party room! For fun you can run the carpet right to the drive or curb!

5. Have a friend POSE as a photographer and snap photos of everyone’s arrival.

6. Keep party FOCUSED in the room where you’ll be VIEWING the Oscars – that way guests stay interested in what’s going on and don’t get distracted by side conversations and food in the other room.

7. PRESENT - your food & drinks on a self serve buffet or serving trays.

8. MAKE - a giant batch of stove top pop corn and sprinkle with season salt, Provencal herbs or truffle salt for a “I can’t stop eating it!” movie style night!

9. DOWNLOAD ballots – www.oscar.com have them printed and rolled in a scroll with pens, as each guests arrive they must fill out there ballot before they enter the party room.

10. Have everyone make a generous DONATION into a pot to go to the winner with the most wins on their ballot – the more ENTICING the pot, the more interested the players!

11. Create COMFORTABLE seating with extra pillows, floor pillows and chairs for your guests – making it easy for them to sit back and relax and want to stay to the end.

12. KEEP – nibbles and drinks CLOSE by so guests don’t miss out on a classic Oscar moment.

13. LIGHTING – dim the lights so the TV screen becomes the main attraction.

14. Most IMPORTANTLY - leave time to take care of yourself…take a shower, turn on the music, BREATHE and focus on being present. Because once your guests arrive it’s time for YOU to let-go, have FUN and BE the Life of the Party!

Dining in a fabulous restaurant can be a tremendous highlight in someone’s life. It doesn’t matter how worldly or sophisticated the diner — a great meal, lovely ambiance, attentive service, and VIP treatment have the power to rank right at the top of the list of anyone’s best experiences.

This was one of the most exciting aspects of running my restaurants La Cachette and The Beach House, and the greatest pressure — ensuring guests had the best possible time from the moment the valet took the car keys to our farewell at the door at the end of a meal. Whenever someone walked into my restaurant, I was going to do everything in my power to win them over — and it all begins with hospitality.

To quote Danny Meyer, “Hospitality is not when something is done to you, but for you.” This sort of hospitality requires a trained and acute awareness of your actions, and an understanding of the lasting impact that they have on your guests. The true power of the service industry, and what makes a restaurant a legacy, is the people who bend over backwards to make you happy.

One need not have formal, front-of-house experience in a restaurant, or even have to frequent fine dining establishments, to recreate the warm hospitality omnipresent in many high-end restaurants. Be confident when greeting guests at the door and genuinely show them how thankful you are they took time out of their busy schedules to spend the night sharing a meal with you. Just follow these rules to turn your next dinner party into a five-star experience and win your guests over — no reservation required!

Click here for the Restaurateur’s Secrets for Warm Hospitality Slideshow.