Joan Daciek’s Decorative Ice Bucket
This Costco member from Highlands Ranch, Colorado,
has a wonderful party decorating suggestion.
Stuff a two-liter plastic soda bottle with rocks and place
in the middle of a clean mop pail. Fill the pail with spring
flowers, berries and/or leaves, and then gently fill the
bucket with water. Freeze, checking occasionally during the first three hours, as items may float to the surface and have to be pushed back down. Freeze for about
48 hours, then unmold by adding warm water to the soda
bottle and the outside of the pail. Remove the bottle first.
Return to the freezer until ready to use. The floral ice
bucket is perfect for wine, champagne or berries. It should
last two to three hours; just remember to keep a plate
underneath to catch the melting water.
Joan has used this same idea at Christmas with plastic
holiday ornaments and artificial flowers. She even once
made a personalized ice bucket for a party honoring her
tennis-loving daughter. It was made out of—you guessed
it—tennis balls!
If the floral ice bucket sounds like too much work, how
about creating floral ice cubes? Place an edible flower in each
compartment of a plastic ice-cube tray. Fill with water,
making sure the petals are submerged. Freeze. Use as needed.
BelGioioso Cheese-Tasting
What could be more fun Parmesan and American Grana
thanathemewithinatheme? willcreateaflavorfulexperience.
This cheese-tasting concept Established in 1979 by
is perfect for a celebration-of- Italian cheese maker Errico
spring dinner, as it keeps your Auricchio and based in
guests happily occupied while Wisconsin, BelGioioso now
you finish preparing other makes 13 varieties of
more involved hors d’oeuvres. “Classic Italian Cheeses.”
It also will help establish a Always keep in mind:
congenial mood for the rest When tasting, start with the
of the evening. mildest cheese and make
Cheese-tastings are now your way to the sharpest.
a hot new serving concept. Always serve cheese at
An elegant arrangement of room temperature for the
BelGioiosoAsiago,AgedAsiago, bestflavor.
Costco Member
Joan Daciek
Star Fine Foods
Olive Bruschetta
1 baguette, sliced
6-8 garlic cloves, peeled
1/2 cup Star Extra Virgin
Olive Oil*
11 cup sliced
Star Spanish Olives*
11 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 cup minced red onion
1 tablespoon Star Capers*
3 tablespoons
Star Balsamic Vinegar*
Pepper
Lightly toast baguette slices on both sides. While hot, rub
with garlic cloves, then brush lightly with some of the olive
oil. Combine olives, tomatoes, onion, capers, vinegar and
remaining olive oil and toss. Season to taste with pepper.
Spoon onto baguette slices and serve. Makes 8 servings.
*Brands may vary by region; substitute a similar product.
