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The secret to easy entertaining...It's in the Sauce
We've all heard the saying, "the secret's in the sauce." The sauce could be the result of a renowned chef's laborious, multi-step method that produces the perfect demi-glace. Or, a home cook's famous marinara, a complex recipe taught and passed down over generations. Or, we could be talking about a tangy, tasty, sweet and simple sauce that requires this extensive epicurean procedure: open, empty, stir. That's right, the "secret" sauce recipe can be as simple as combining a few flavorful ingredients found right in your pantry--chili sauce and cranberry sauce--two party staples you shouldn't be without. Both great tasting on their own, but when combined, get ready for total tastiness. The base of chili sauce, spiked with sweet, tangy cranberry sauce lends itself well to a variety of appetizer foods like meatballs, chicken drummettes and shrimp. This special sauce can be savored anywhere from sports tailgate parties to holiday soireés--it's all in how you serve it up. And, talk about your tasty, stress-free party fare; each sauce highlighted here contains as little as two ingredients, but no more than six, and preparations are easy and quick. Love the ease of a slow cooker or crockpot? Ultimate Party Meatballs are a great "set it and forget it" recipe. Want to add a little kick to your cocktail sauce, try Cranberry Shrimp Cocktail, make the sauce in advance and refrigerated until guests arrive. And if marinating is a must combine our secret sauce, marinate Spicy Cranberry Chicken Drummettes overnight and pop in the oven about 40 minutes before you plan to serve. For more easy entertaining recipes, visit www.heinz.com and www.oceanspray.com. Ultimate Party Meatballs 2 (1 pound) bags frozen cocktail-size meatballs (about 64 meatballs)
Combine cranberry sauce and chili sauce in a large saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until the cranberry sauce is melted and smooth. Add meatballs; stir gently to coat. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, 12 to 15 minutes or until meatballs are heated through. Place in chafing dish or slow cooker to keep warm. Makes 30 servings or dinner for 5. Tip: To spice it up even more, add a teaspoon of cumin and a 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne to the sauce while it is cooking. Cranberry Shrimp Cocktail 
Cocktail Sauce: 1 16 ounce can Ocean Spray Jellied Cranberry Sauce
Shrimp: 48 cooked, medium-shelled, deveined shrimp with tails left on (about 1 pound) Combine all sauce ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil on medium-high heat. Reduce heat; simmer for 10 minutes or until onion is tender and sauce thickens slightly, stirring frequently. Cool; refrigerate until cold. Fill a large bowl with crushed ice; place bowl of cocktail sauce in center of ice. Arrange shrimp on ice around bowl of sauce. Makes 12 servings. Spicy Cranberry Chicken Drummettes 
1/2 cup Ocean Spray Jellied Cranberry Sauce
Combine all ingredients, except drummettes, in large resealable plastic bag; mix well. Add drummettes. Seal; turn bag to coat chicken. Refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight. Preheat oven to 400 F. Pour chicken and marinade in ungreased 13- by 9-inch baking dish. Bake 40 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink near bone, turning 2 or 3 times and brushing with marinade. Transfer chicken pieces to serving dish; discard any remaining marinade. Makes 10 servings. Party Primer Planning a get-together? Some advance thought and preparation, will get you out of the kitchen and enjoying your guests in no time. --Stay Organized. Make a timetable, including time to shop, prepare food, set the table and decorate. List all items you will need to buy, borrow or take out of storage. --Plan an interesting menu. Choose foods and recipes that complement each other with color, texture and flavor, and add variety by serving some hot dishes and cold ones. --Realize that it's ok not to make everything from scratch. Order a few pre-cooked items from your local grocer or restaurant. Once everything is served on your own dishes, it will all look and taste like homemade, without all the stress. --Multi-task and save time by utilizing a variety cooking appliances: slow cookers, electric griddles, microwaves and of course the outdoor grill are great heating solutions. --Set the mood. Don't forget the extra touches like fresh flowers, festive plates and glassware, candles or background music. --Engage Guests. Ask friends and family to pitch in by bringing an appetizer or dessert, or helping serve food and clear the table. --Take Time for Yourself. Before the party-goers arrive, take some time to relax. Just 20 minutes can mean the difference between looking frantic and feeling fabulous. 4/7/08 Date: 4/1/08
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