Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee Season 5 Episode 17 Desert Dinner Party

Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee season 5 episode 17, titled "Desert Dinner Party," features Sandra Lee hosting a cozy dinner party in her backyard. She demonstrates how to create a delicious and impressive menu that looks gourmet but is easy to make using her signature semi-homemade style.

The episode begins with Sandra Lee showcasing lovely al fresco decorations in her backyard, complete with a bedouin-style tent, Moroccan-inspired lanterns, and colorful table settings. She emphasizes that hosting a dinner party doesn't have to be stressful and that with a few simple tips, anyone can create a beautiful event.

For the appetizer, Sandra prepares a simple yet elegant fig and goat cheese crostini. She uses store-bought crostini which she tops with a mixture of goat cheese, honey, and thyme. Then, she places a sliced fig on top and drizzles each crostini with balsamic glaze to finish.

Next up is the main course - oven-roasted salmon with Moroccan spices. Sandra stresses the importance of using high-quality salmon and rubbing it with a spice blend of cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, and salt. She also incorporates citrus by laying slices of orange on top of the salmon before roasting it in the oven. As sides, she makes a sautéed arugula salad with pine nuts and a couscous dish with chickpeas and roasted red peppers.

For dessert, Sandra creates a luscious peach and berry galette. She uses a pre-made pie crust which she fills with a mixture of sliced peaches, blackberries, and blueberries. She then folds the edges of the pie crust over the filling to create a rustic, free-form tart. She bakes the galette until the crust is golden brown and serves it warm with vanilla ice cream.

Throughout the episode, Sandra Lee shares her tips and tricks for entertaining with ease and elegance. She emphasizes the importance of planning ahead, using shortcuts where possible, and printing out menus to add a special touch. She also emphasizes the importance of delegating tasks, so the host can enjoy the party and spend time with guests.

In short, "Desert Dinner Party" is a lovely episode that provides inspiration for anyone hoping to host a sophisticated yet effortless dinner party. Sandra Lee's semi-homemade approach and tips from decoration to serve provide an abundance of resources and ideas to take your next party to the next level.