Question: 
My wife tried to make last month's drink recipe the Absinthe Minded Martini and is now in the San Quentin Women's Correction Facility because Absinthe is Illegal in the United States.  Thanks a lot.  Let me know if you have any recipes with Opium or Heroin. -Jerry

Wow! Put down that Cuban cigar you are smoking... then you can chastise me.  Let me first say that it is illegal to make or sell Absinthe in many countries throughout the world (Spain Portugal and the Czech Republic being exceptions), it is also illegal to own or use a still without a license in many countries. I, as well as the McCarty Metro (the owners of this site) do not in anyway condone the breaking of local ordinance where it prohibits such activity. Equally as with many substances, some people may suffer, possibly severe, reactions from contact with or imbibing absinthe, wormwood or other alcoholic substances. If in doubt about possible affects of any substance please seek medical advice. I, as well as the owners of this site do not in any way recommend using any of the recipes or techniques described here, or accept any responsibility for the results of anyone using material from this site for any purposes. Hey... I think I forgot your question, but since your wife isn't home, maybe we can get together and share that Opium and Heroin?

Planning A Good Halloween Party

It's that time of year again - but planning a great party for the spookiest night of the year doesn't have to be a nightmare! 

Setting a theme for a party always helps to set the stage. Try a traditional Halloween idea, like a Costume Party, a Jack-O-Lantern Party, or a Scary Movie Party - or throw caution to the wind and try something totally wild and cool.

Once you've decided on a theme, it's time to set the date, time and place for your Halloween party. If the number of guests you've decided to invite is large - consider having your party in an alternative location, such as a garage, community hall or firehouse.

Make your list ahead of time - that way you'll be sure not to forget anyone! If you're going to mail your invitations, be sure to post them well enough in advance to give them time to be delivered. Phoning or emailing are also great ways to send invitations. Be sure to include an RSVP and phone number or email address so your guests are reminded to respond to your invitation.

Here are some guidelines for estimating how much food to prepare for adult serving sizes. 

• Appetizers: allow 8 pieces per person per hour
• Meats: 1/2 to 3/4 pound per person 
• Vegetables/Sides: 1/2 cup per person 
• Salads, Tossed: 1 cup per person 
• Salads, Main Dish: 1-1/2 to 2 cups per person 
• Desserts: 2 portions per person 
• Beverages: Entertaining friends and family at home is a great way to celebrate a Halloween. A good host is a responsible host. Below are some great tips to help everyone celebrate responsibly. Designate a bartender who can serve your guests and keep an eye on how much everyone is drinking. Alcohol is alcohol is alcohol. It is important to understand that a standard serving of beer (12 ounces), wine (5 ounces) and a cocktail (containing 1 1/2 ounces of distilled spirits) each contains the same amount of alcohol. Make sure that you provide food to complement your cocktails. Research food pairings to enhance your chosen cocktails; fresh seafood goes great with vodka and heartier meats and cheeses complement Scotch and Bourbon well. Make available non-alcohol beverages for your guests. Try creating a festive non-alcohol punch for those guests who choose not to drink beverage alcohol. Make sure your guests have a safe way home either through designated drivers or a taxi -- make sure to have those local cab service numbers handy. We reminds you to always drink responsibly -- Good Friends, Good Refreshments and Good Judgment. 

And here are some useful Rules of Thumb:

1. Keep It Simple - Select a few tried-and-true recipes, prepare them well and have fun at your own party! 
2. Think Seasonally - Fruits and vegetables that are in season cost less and taste better. 
3. Special Needs - If your guest list includes people with food allergies, vegetarians, diabetics or cardiac patients, they will appreciate appropriate meal choices that don't call attention to their special needs. 
4. Do It Ahead - The more your prepare ahead of time, the easier it will be on the day of your party. Prepare food ahead of time, and refrigerate or freeze it. Make extra ice and store it in plastic bags in the freezer. 
5. Don't forget to get paper plates, cups, napkins and utensils! 
6. Empty out the fridge to make as much room for party food as possible. 
7. Prepare a schedule for the oven and broiler - coordinate the preparation time and method for as many of your recipes as possible. 
8. If you're serving cold dips, place the bowls filled with dips in larger bowls filled with ice. This will help to keep them cold. 
9. Check out our Halloween Food Safety Tips. 
10. Make it a family affair - kids of all ages love to be involved in party preparations!