Budget recipes for entertaining

Entertaining can be as simple as pouring out a bowl of chips and letting guests help themselves. But if you’re looking to impress someone with something special, you can do a lot more without spending all your rent or beer money. Here are some simple recipes to kick-start your party, whether you organize a surprise for a friend or a small, movie-night get-together. All prices are pre-tax estimates.

Appetizer
Chorizo-Stuffed Mushrooms (makes about 14)

1/2 pound portobello mushrooms, stems removed ($1.97)
Chorizo sausage ($3.99)
Whole package cream cheese ($1.67)
1 jalapeno or habanero pepper, seeds and stem removed and finely minced ($0.04)
Total cost $7.67
Cost per serving $0.55

1. In a food processor or by hand, mix cream cheese with the hot pepper of your choice until completely incorporated.
2. Break up chorizo sausage in a medium skillet and cook over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes.
3. Drain the chorizo by blotting it with a layer of paper towel or putting through a strainer.
4. Add chorizo to cream cheese and pepper mixture, mixing well.
5. Spoon the cheese and meat mixture into each mushroom’s open cavity and bake, stuffing side up, at 350 degrees for 20 minutes in a glass or ceramic baking dish.
6. Remove from oven and serve hot or chilled.

Fancy dinner
Skirt Steak Stir Fry with Jasmine Rice (makes about 4 servings)

1 lean, fresh skirt steak from your grocer’s meat department ($3.95)
Stubb’s Beef Marinade ($3.79)
1/3 pound broccoli crowns or 1 bunch fresh broccoli, cut into bite-size pieces ($2.99 per bunch)
1/4 pound fresh carrots, sliced into strips ($0.99)
1 shallot, diced ($0.50)
2 cloves garlic, minced ($0.50 per head)
1/4 fresh pineapple, diced into bite-size pieces ($1 per whole pineapple)
1 package Uncle Ben’s Jasmine Ready Rice ($1.99)
3 Tbsp. peanut or vegetable oil for cooking
Total cost $15.71
Cost per serving $3.93

1. Marinate the skirt steak overnight, or at least four hours, in a sealed container.
2. When the meat is finished marinating, slice it into bite-size pieces or strips.
3. Heat 1 Tbsp. of oil in a large skillet or wok and sauté meat over medium-high heat until fully cooked.
4. Add the remaining 2 Tbsp. of oil, vegetables, garlic and pineapple and sauté with meat in the same pan for about eight minutes or until slightly tender and heated throughout.
5. Remove the stir-fry mixture from heat and cover.
6. Follow microwave instructions on rice package and serve with stir-fry mixture.

D.I.Y. dinner
Grilled Cheese (makes 8 servings)

2-3 loaves of different breads ($1-2 per loaf)
3-4 different cheeses, sliced deli style ($2 per package of 8 slices)
1 jar mini pickles, thinly sliced lengthwise ($3.79)
1/2 onion sliced into rings ($0.69 each)
1 medium-sized bell pepper, cut into thin rings or strips ($1.50)
Whipped mustard or chipotle mayonnaise ($3.99)
Cheez-Its ($2 per box)
Butter for grilling
Total cost $16.47
Cost per serving $2.06

1. Lay out the presentation of ingredients on a large platter, cutting board or three to four smaller plates from which your guests can pick sandwich fillings.
2. Let each guest assemble their sandwich, and have spreadable butter ready for each guest to coat the bread at the end of the assembly line.
3. Fry your creations and enjoy. You can always customize the ingredient platter to suit your group’s tastes.