The Bible describes an exemplary women as one who is well known for good deeds such as bringing up children and showing hospitality (1 Timothy 5:9-10). Hospitality can be in the form of entertaining friends, extended family, and even strangers (Hebrews 13:2) in the privacy of our homes.

We all love the concept of hospitality. The reality, however, can be intimidating—especially if hospitality means unexpected or last minute visitors for dinner. What to do? By following a few common sense guidelines you can meet the culinary needs of unexpected guests with poise, confidence, and ease.

Take steps to be prepared for unexpected company.
Keep a few tasty but quick dishes in your repertoire of recipes. Choose family pleasing fare such as spaghetti and meatballs, using canned sauce and frozen meatballs; a casserole that can be assembled with simple kitchen staples and baked in less than an hour; and bean and cheese burritos made with canned refried beans, shredded cheese, and canned salsa. If all else fails, everyone likes grilled cheese sandwiches. Simple foods are often the most nutritious and the most comforting. With a loaf of fresh bread and bowls of hot, steaming soup you can feed anyone.

The freezer is the hostess's best friend.
Frozen food can give you a head start for speedy meals. Keep your freezer stocked with meatballs, browned ground beef, cooked and shredded chicken, frozen bread dough, shredded cheese, uncooked ground beef formed into patties, and cubed ham. Most homemade cookies freeze well and there are countless recipes available for frozen ice cream desserts. (See below for more freezer tips.)

No matter what happens, maintain a positive perspective.
When you hear that knock on the door, don't fret if your home isn't immaculate or if you're only planning a simple dinner. It's not fancy food or fine china that will make a lasting impression on your guests. It's the way they feel in your home—the way you and your family make them feel. They won't remember the toys strewn across the living room floor, the pile of dirty dishes in the sink, or the fact that they didn't receive a four course dinner. They will remember the flood of warmth and love they found within your home. They will remember the willing attitude of the hostess as she welcomed them into her kitchen.

Freezer Tips

• Allow hot food to cool to room temperature before freezing.
• Foods with a high fat content, such as meat and shredded cheese, usually freeze well.
• Make a list of food that is in your freezer. Store it in an accessible area and keep it current.
• Avoid freezing the following foods. They will change in color and texture, or separate during the freezing or thawing process.
   
  • Salads or desserts containing gelatin
  • Raw salad vegetables such as radishes, lettuce, tomatoes, and carrots
  • Raw eggs in their shells, or hard-cooked eggs
  • Icing made with egg whites, boiled frostings, or cakes with cream fillings
  • Raw potatoes or boiled white potatoes (They will blacken.)
  • Instant rice (It will dissolve and become mushy. Regular cooked rice can be frozen.)
  • Custard pies, cream pies, or meringue pies

Frozen Peanut Butter Pie
This easy ice cream dessert can be made ahead of time, then pulled out of the freezer 15 minutes before serving.

Chocolate Crust:
1 1/2 cups chocolate wafer crumbs, divided
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted

Filling / Topping:
1 quart softened vanilla ice cream
1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
1 cup Cool Whip®
1/2 cup peanuts for garnish

Instructions:
To prepare crust, set aside 1 tablespoon of wafer crumbs for garnish. Combine sugar and remaining crumbs. Add butter and stir until combined. Press into the bottom and up the sides of greased 9" pie plate. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until set. (Note: A traditional graham cracker crust can also be used in this recipe.)

Combine ice cream and peanut butter. Fold in Cool Whip. Pour into pie shell. Top with reserved crumbs and peanuts if desired. Cover and freeze for at least 2 hours. Remove from the freezer 15 minutes before cutting.

Copyright © by Brenda King Share