Better home

Linda L. Osmundson

Simple dinner party

ALEA STEPHEN, OWNER OF Boards by Alea, says, “Charcuterie boards are distinguished from the average dinner party as they invite guests to connect and engage in conversation over a variety of flavors and colors. They serve as a beautiful focal point of a party and offer a unique culinary experience to enjoy.”

Boards consist of three cold, cured meats, three soft and hard cheeses, crackers/breads, vegetables, fruits, dips/spreads, and extras from your imagination like trail mixes, jams, nuts, spicy mustard, olives, pickles artfully arranged on platters, plates, boards and in small bowls. Add plenty of tongs or serving utensils.

Rather than a large board, serve individual plates with the same ingredients artfully arranged.

If desserts aren’t included in the board or plate, create a dessert board. Choose options like individual cheesecake, mini cupcakes, several varieties of cookies, strawberries with chocolate dip or other fruits and dips.

Add a special wine and enjoy.

Keep it fresh this winter

IF YOU DON’T GROW YOUR OWN vegetables visit the last of the farmer’s markets to find fresh, freezable vegetables. Instead of canning or dehydrating, consider preparing meals ready to freeze then thaw and cook or heat and eat. Check out books from Farm Journal—Freezing and Canning Cookbook or used copies of the old America’s Best Vegetable Recipes.

Here are some ideas for meals made from fresh vegetables along with other ingredients. • Crust or crustless quiche—eggs, cheese, vegetables and spices • Gumbo—vegetables with or without protein • Soups —gazpacho, vegetable, winter squash • Vegetable lasagna—any vegetables, eggplant, onions, garlic, noodles and sauce • Broccoli soufflé—eggs, cheese, onions, broccoli, milk • Ratatouille—tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, eggplant, basil, oregano, thyme and other spices • Tomato sauce—spices and tomatoes • Vegetable chili—vegetables, spices, beef or vegetable base

Divide the meals into individual portions and freeze. Enjoy fresh vegetables meals all winter.

Time for professional cleaner?

NEED SOMEONE TO CLEAN YOUR HOUSE? You have two choices—a professional cleaning service or an individual cleaner.

Cleaning services

• Have well-defined, consistent procedures and training. • Are licensed, insured and bonded. • Employ several people and complete the job quickly. • Are considered a contractor. • Provide all supplies and sanitized equipment. • Sends a replacement for a sick or vacationing employee. • Charges more. • May provide no consistency in cleaners.

Individual cleaner

• Takes more time to complete the job for less cost per hour. • Offers more flexibility in scheduling and add-ons. • Develops a personal relationship. • Considered an employee rather than a contractor. • Skips jobs when sick or vacationing. • Possibly no professional training. • Requires that you provide supplies and equipment to prevent cross contamination.

Gather recommendations from friends or family. Both do a good job. It comes down to personal preference.