I would like to introduce you to New Jersey resident Marybeth Gregg. For more than 20 years, Marybeth has been touted as an expert for her entertaining and cooking talents. Over the last several years, she has become known for her ability to teach others to become good cooks.

Marybeth has taught hundreds of students since starting her Cook With Confidence Cooking School in 2002. Besides this original cooking school, she now has a specialty program called “Girlfriends in the Kitchen,” which focuses on women cooking and having fun. She teaches the art and science of cooking, and provides tips on how to make food simple, delicious and fun. Her newest venture, which was launched in 2006, is TeamChefs which offers culinary events as team building for teams of all sizes.

Marybeth has been featured in articles in numerous newspapers and has been showcased in several charity events and food expos. She has trained extensively in cooking programs in Chicago, New York and New Jersey and has completed several certification programs at the French Culinary Institute in New York City.

Currently, she is working on completing a cookbook, writing food articles for the internet and authors a newsletter that provides readers with free recipes and timesaving cooking tips.

Marybeth has graciously written the following tips and recipe for you to enjoy this holiday season!

Elegant and Simple Table Decorations

I have two favorite themes that I enjoy most at the holidays- one is sparkle and the other is natural. It almost seems as though they are opposed to each other, but you can enjoy both, depending upon the mood you are in.

To start, choose a theme and your color scheme. For example, choose all silver, or silver and blue, or red, red, red. You might also enjoy different shades of green with gold. Experiment – choose what makes you happy.

For sparkle, use lots of glass balls of different sizes and textures. (Target is a great place to find lots of these at great prices!) You can also buy silk flowers dusted with glitter, or pinecones that are sprayed gold or silver.

For natural, if you have a yard or a willing neighbor, go clip evergreen branches, holly branches, and whatever else looks like winter. Buy some plain fresh wreaths and cut some juniper or other evergreen branches to tuck in the wreaths. Add bright ribbons and balls that are glittery and you have a lovely and inexpensive wreath. It only takes about 15 minutes to finish these. Get the kids to help – they will feel special and it will make things easier for you, too.

For your centerpiece, fill smaller vases with fresh cranberries and water and add red and white roses, carnations, and lilies, and some evergreen stems for a really beautiful, and fragrant, arrangement.

HOLIDAY SECRETS TO HELP YOU ENJOY YOURSELF- Small Stress Reducers for Entertaining:

• Have small gatherings or an open house and limit the time that guests will be there.
• Order some foods, such as appetizers, or the main course or desserts from a local specialty food store which has a great reputation for excellent food. This way you can concentrate on just one or two things that you make yourself.
• Ask guests to bring an appetizer or dessert to help cut down on the number of courses you need to make.
• PLAN AHEAD: From the guest list to the foods to the drinks, start at least 3 weeks in advance and make lists to organize your errands and shopping time.
• Sometimes you need to say no! If you are overwhelmed, you can graciously decline an invitation and just go to those events where you know you will enjoy yourself.

These little things can add up to helping you find some real pleasure this season.

Recipe: Marinated Mozzarella and Roasted Vegetables in Phyllo Cups

These are the easiest and most tastiest appetizer you can make. Assemble ahead and just bake and serve. They will fly off the plate!

Yield – approximately 20 – 25 appetizers

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

• 1/2 lb. marinated mozzarella cheese balls* (well drained)
• 1/4 lb. grilled vegetables, such as sweet peppers, zucchini, and eggplant – cut into julienne slices, or use roasted peppers from a jar, well-drained
• Phyllo cups (buy frozen pre-made ones)

Oil to spray only baking pan
Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top

Place one ball into each phyllo cup, and add 2 pieces of the vegetables. Lightly sprinkle cheese on top. (Can be made up to this point 1 day ahead and covered tightly.)
Spray a baking pan with oil and arrange cups on pan. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until melted. Cook for additional time if they have been refrigerated. Serve warm. Easy and delicious!

* You can buy these at almost any Italian specialty store or supermarket. For a large gathering, Costco has tubs of about 80-90 per tub. Adjust the number of Phyllo cups and grilled vegetables accordingly.

(c) All rights reserved 2006 Girlfriends in the Kitchen. No part of this recipe can be reproduced without the expressed written permission of the author. For more information, contact Marybeth Gregg at 732-245-4931.