• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Cooking in my Genes

  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Gatherings
  • Free E-Cookbook
  • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
  • Shop

Let’s Eat Cake – Easy Entertaining At Home with Alforno Bakery & Café

December 9, 2017 By Jess 8 Comments

  • 26
Pear Cider Sangria
Pear Cider Sangria
Pear Cider Sangria
Let's Eat Cake - Easy Entertaining at Home | cookinginmygenes.com

Let’s eat cake! When is the last time you just sat down, gathered with the people you love and ate cake for no other reason than to enjoy each other’s company and eat cake!?

Let's Eat Cake - Easy Entertaining at Home | cookinginmygenes.com

One of my absolute favourite things to do is have my family and friends over to our house to enjoy great food, drinks and time together.  And here’s the thing, it doesn’t have to be hard!

You can entertain with ease, slow down and enjoy each other’s company AND still have great food and drink without too much stress and work.

So I’ve partnered with one of my favourite local spots, Alforno Bakery & Café, to bring you some easy at-home entertaining tips featuring one of their amazingly delicious cakes and the perfect cocktail to pair with it from yours truly!

Let's Eat Cake - Easy Entertaining at Home | cookinginmygenes.com

Alforno Bakery & Café is not only an amazing place to get your coffee fix, they have a full-service bakery that offers the most amazing treats that you can imagine.  Specifically I am in LOVE with their cake selection! My personal favourite cake is their Caramel Cheesecake; a luscious cheesecake with the perfect graham-cracker crumb bottom, this cake is topped with the most delicious caramel I’ve ever tasted. Alforno has classic cake flavours you can always find in their pastry case, but they also like to switch things up a bit and add new ones frequently. They can also make gluten free and vegan cakes too – cake for everyone!

Let's Eat Cake - Easy Entertaining at Home | cookinginmygenes.com

So head on over to Alforno Bakery & Café to pickup one of their amazing cakes, invite some friends over and enjoy some delicious cake and the company of the people you love! You can pre-order a cake or just pop in and grab one on your way home!

A couple of entertaining tips for when you’re hosting at home to make your soirée simple from beginning to end:

1. Make a plan & do what you can ahead of time! Pickup your cake & cocktail ingredients ahead of time, the day before always works great, and this means less stress for you on party day.

Let's Eat Cake - Easy Entertaining at Home | cookinginmygenes.com

2. Prep your food before guests arrive. If you’ve picked up a cake, display it on the cake platter you’re using before guests arrive and set out all of the plates, utensils & forks you’ll need so everything is ready to go when your guests arrive.

Let's Eat Cake - Easy Entertaining at Home | cookinginmygenes.com

3. Make a signature cocktail like my Pear Cider Sangria (below). You can make a batch of this cocktail ahead of time, store in the fridge and then add the garnishes just before guests arrive. Also, don’t forget to put out all of your glasses too so you’ll be ready to offer guests a drink upon arrival.

Let's Eat Cake - Easy Entertaining at Home | cookinginmygenes.com

4. Décor doesn’t have to be overly complicated, use what you have! Pretty, small gift boxes can be used as décor along with holiday decorations (anything glitter) and floral.

Let's Eat Cake - Easy Entertaining at Home | cookinginmygenes.com

With these tips and my easy cocktail recipe, Pear Cider Sangria, you’ll be all set to host a lovely get together.

Total Time: 5 minutes
Equipment: drink pitcher
Servings: 6-8 (served in champagne flutes)

Ingredients:

3 1/2 cups hard pear cider
1/2 cup apricot brandy
1/2 cup pomegranate juice
1/2 cup ginger-ale
2 pears, chopped
1/3 cup pomegranate arils

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients together in a pitcher.

Pour into glasses and garnish with pears and pomegranate arils per glass.

Let's Eat Cake - Easy Entertaining at Home | cookinginmygenes.com

Then it’s time to cheers!

Let's Eat Cake - Easy Entertaining at Home | cookinginmygenes.com

So now that you know where to go for an amazing array of cakes, the lovely Alforno Bakery & Café, and you have the perfect cocktail to go with your cake, set a date in the calendar to have a bunch of family and friends over!

Using my entertaining tips you can have a lovely get-together with delicious food & drink and the best part, have a ton of quality time with your loved ones.

Let's Eat Cake - Easy Entertaining at Home | cookinginmygenes.com

If you host a get-together I’d love to see your photos! Just tag @cookinginmygenes or use #cookinginmygenes on Instagram and we can do a virtual cheers to your party!

Until the next cooking adventure,
Jess

P.S. I’m giving a ‘virtual cheers’ to Terralynn from Alforno Bakery & Café who took the time to take photos of me in my kitchen for this story!

Disclaimer: Thank you to Alforno Bakery & Café for sponsoring this post.  Thank you for supporting the brands that I support. All opinions are my own.
Print Friendly, PDF & Email
  • 26

Filed Under: Dinner Party, drinks, Gatherings, Holiday, Recipe Tagged With: cake, christmas cocktail, cocktail, holiday cocktails, sangria

Previous Post: « Festive Market Cheeseboard
Next Post: A Sparkling New Years Eve Party Menu »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Justine | JustineCelina.com

    December 18, 2017 at 11:53 pm

    What a lovely post, Jess! Full of great tips and beautifully captured. 🙂 Believe it or not, I’ve still never been to Alforno — perhaps our next lady date should be there!

    Reply
    • Jess

      December 19, 2017 at 4:30 pm

      Thank you for the blog love Justine, I sooo appreciate it 🙂 And our next date can definitely be at Alforno! They have a delicious menu!

      Reply
  2. Denise from Urb'n'Spice

    December 18, 2017 at 1:33 pm

    I like your entertaining tips, and your Pear Cider Sangria sounds delicious and very timely for the holiday. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Jess

      December 18, 2017 at 4:57 pm

      Thanks for the blog love Denise! So glad you enjoy the entertaining tips – those & the Pear Cider as you said are perfect for the holidays!

      Reply
  3. Vanessa

    December 18, 2017 at 11:11 am

    These are some wonderful tips! Thanks so much for helping me enjoy entertaining with less stress! Just in time for my holiday party!

    Reply
    • Jess

      December 18, 2017 at 4:58 pm

      I love hearing this Vanessa! So glad the tips will help you entertain with less stress this holiday season – happy holidays & I hope you have a wonderful holiday party!

      Reply
  4. Nicoletta @sugarlovespices

    December 18, 2017 at 10:35 am

    Sometimes you just don’t need time and/or energy to make everything yourself! I appreciate and rely on good local bakeries/cafes to get a beautiful made cake, sometimes. This caramel cheesecake looks stunning and so delicious and your cocktail goes so well with it. Thanks for the tips, always welcomed in this busy time of the year 🙂 .

    Reply
    • Jess

      December 18, 2017 at 5:00 pm

      Thanks for stopping by Nicolette! And I agree, our local bakeries/cafés (like Alforno) make delicious and beautiful cakes that are perfect for busy times of year so we can enjoy company & great food too!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

About me

Welcome to Cooking in my Genes. I share my take on recipes I grew up with, foodie adventures & my kitchen creations. About me…

Claim Your Free E-Book Now!

Receive email updates and
my FREE e-cookbook with simple & seasonal recipes.

Let’s Connect

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Looking for a recipe?

Recent Posts

  • Lemon Blueberry Blondies
  • Carrot Cake Oatmeal Pancakes
  • One Pot Viral French Onion Pasta

Recent Comments

  • Jess on Snickerdoodle Blondies
  • Jennifer on Snickerdoodle Blondies
  • Jess on Easy Goat Cheese Appetizer with Fig Jam & Pecans

Archives

Categories

Footer

INSTA-GRATIFICATION

These PEANUT CHICKEN BOWLS are a go-to lunch or di These PEANUT CHICKEN BOWLS are a go-to lunch or dinner for me because you can use whatever ingredients you’ve got on hand! 

It’s easy to mix & match your favourite veggies and grains, then just add your protein of choice (I like to use a cooked rotisserie chicken from the market since it makes this recipe so quick!)

Here’s how to make 2 servings - 

INGREDIENTS:

For the Peanut Chicken Bowls:
1-1 1/2 cups cooked chicken (or other protein of choice)
1/2-1 cup cooked grains of choice 
1 carrot, grated 
1/2 cup chopped cucumber 
1/2 bell pepper chopped
1/2-1 cup red cabbage, sliced thin
Mint for garnish

For the Peanut Sauce:
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 1/2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari 
Juice from half a lime
1 1/2 tbsp sriracha or other hot sauce of choice 
1 tsp fresh grated ginger 
1/4-1/3 cup hot water 

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. To make the peanut sauce, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, sriracha, ginger and 1/4 - 1/3 cup hot water and set aside.
2. Divide the peanut chicken bowl ingredients between two bowls, drizzle with peanut sauce and enjoy!

Recipe is also on the blog if you desire - linked in my profile above!

https://www.cookinginmygenes.com/peanut-chicken-power-bowls/
•
•
•
#easydinnerideas #peanutchicken #healthybowls #veggierecipes #dinnerrecipes #recipevideo #damnthatsdelish #cookinginmygenes #mealprepdaily #30minutemeals #dinnerinspo #healthyrecipes #weeknightdinner #chickendinner
Let’s make this simple SPRING TORTELLINI SALAD! Let’s make this simple SPRING TORTELLINI SALAD! 

This recipe is perfect for a simple weeknight dinner; easy to meal prep for lunch; or, make it for a brunch. 

INGREDIENTS NEEDED:
*cheese tortellini
*arugula
*fresh or frozen peas
*mixed herbs
*parmesan cheese
*olive oil
*lemon
*garlic
*dried herbs
*salt & pepper

Full recipe & directions can be found on the blog, linked in my profile above friends!

https://www.cookinginmygenes.com/easy-summer-tortellini-pasta-salad/
•
•
•
#cookinginmygenes #pastasalad #springrecipes #easterrecipes #tortellini #easydinnerrecipes #recipevideo #mealpreprecipes #veggierecipes #30minutemeals #tortellinisalad #springsalad #saladrecipe
It’s time to bake allll the Spring recipes like It’s time to bake allll the Spring recipes like these LEMON BLUEBERRY BLONDIES! 

These one-bowl Blondies are tender, packed with lemon flavour and fresh blueberries PLUS a white chocolate drizzle. It doesn’t get any better - here’s the recipe friends!

INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
zest from 1 lemon (2 tsp lemon zest)
1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup fresh blueberries
optional white chocolate drizzle: 1/2 cup white chocolate chips melted

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350F and line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper. 
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, white and brown sugar until combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix well. Whisk in the lemon zest.
3. Using a spoon or spatula, mix flour, baking powder and salt into wet ingredients, stirring until everything comes together and no clumps of flour remain (it will be quite thick like cookie dough). Gently stir in the blueberries.
4. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top so the batter reaches the edges of the pan.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely in the pan and then remove and cut into 9 or 12 squares.  Drizzle with melted white chocolate and enjoy!
•
•
•
#lemonblueberry #cookinginmygenes #thebakefeed #springbaking #blondies #blueberrydessert #blueberries #easyrecipes #onebowlbaking #bakedfromscratch #cookiebar #dessertbar #blueberrylemon #feedfeedbaking #bakingrecipes #recipereels
I love to bake on the weekend so I’m popping the I love to bake on the weekend so I’m popping these ONE BOWL CHOCOLATE CHIP OATMEAL COOKIES in the oven!

Made in just one bowl, these chewy, chocolatey cookies are made for weekend dessert or snacks. 

Recipe is on the blog friends, link is in my profile above!

https://www.cookinginmygenes.com/one-bowl-oatmeal-chocolate-chip-cookies/
•
•
•
#thebakefeed #weekendbaking #cookinginmygenes #chocolatechipcookies #onebowlbaking #bakedfromscratch #imsomartha #feedfeedbaking #cookieshomemade #oatmealcookies #cookierecipe #easycookies
This GOAT CHEESE PESTO DIP is perfect for this tim This GOAT CHEESE PESTO DIP is perfect for this time of year. Crunchy, flavourful AND easy to make. 

Here’s the recipes friends!

INGREDIENTS:
150-200g softened goat cheese (or cream cheese or even hummus!)
1/3 cup chopped cucumbers
1/3 cup chopped sundried tomatoes 
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
2-4 tbsp pesto 
Toppings: drizzle olive oil, chili flakes, fresh basil

INSTRUCTIONS:
Spread softened goat cheese on a plate. Swirl pesto into the goat cheese. Sprinkle over the cucumbers, sundried tomatoes and walnuts. Drizzle with olive oil and a pinch chili flakes. Top with fresh basil. (Other delicious add-ons could be olives, capers, balsamic glaze drizzle). 

https://www.cookinginmygenes.com/goat-cheese-pesto-appetizer/
•
•
•
#goatcheese #cookinginmygenes #easyappetizers #cheeseplate #cheeseboards #crostini #creamcheese #damnthatsdelish #recipereels #entertainingathome #cheesedip #springrecipes #appetizerideas #snackideas #veggierecipes
Save this recipe for cute MINI FRUIT HAND PIES for Save this recipe for cute MINI FRUIT HAND PIES for dessert anytime! Made with super simple ingredients, it’s a dessert you can honestly make anyyyyy time - heres the recipe friends!

INGREDIENTS:
1/2-2/3 cup pie filling of choice (I recommend cherry or blueberry!)
1 sheet frozen puff pastry *defrosted in the fridge*
egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1/2 tbsp milk)
coarse sugar for sprinkling

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lay out the defrosted puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
3. Use a circle cookie cutter to cut out 8 circles (4 tops and 4 bottoms). Brush the edges of the 4 ‘bottom’ circles with the egg wash. Spoon about 2-3 tbsp of the pie filling into the centre of the bottom circles. 
4. Place the ‘top’ circles over the pie filling and then crimp the edges of the circles to seal - it’s ok if some of the filling seeps out!
5. Slice 2 small slits in the top of each pie; brush the egg wash on each pie and then sprinkle with sugar.  Place in the fridge while you preheat the oven to 375F. 
6. Once the oven is preheated (and it’s been at least 10 minutes since the pies have been in the fridge), bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
7. Cool on the baking sheet and then enjoy!
•
•
•
#handpies #pierecipe #cookinginmygenes #yycfoodblogger #piday #pieday #thebakefeed #bakingtherapy #bakedfromscratch #springbaking #fruitpie #easyrecipes #bakingreels #recipevideo #cherrypie #damnthatsdelish #smallbatchbaking
Let’s make these EASY PEANUT BUTTER BANANA BAKED Let’s make these EASY PEANUT BUTTER BANANA BAKED OATMEAL CUPS! 

I make these every week for breakfast, snacks & to meal prep for the week - simple & delish!

INGREDIENTS NEEDED:
2 bananas
1 egg
Maple syrup
Peanut butter
Milk
Vanilla extract
Rolled oats
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Baking powder
Chopped walnuts or shredded coconut (if desired)

Full recipe & directions can be found on the blog, linked in my profile above friends!

https://www.cookinginmygenes.com/peanut-butter-banana-baked-oatmeal-cups/
•
•
•
#oatmealrecipe #oatsforbreakfast #oatmealcups #bananamuffins #easybreakfastideas #breakfastrecipes #mealprepbreakfast #cookinginmygenes #recipevideo #quickbreakfast #oatsrecipe #yycfoodblogger #healthybreakfastideas #bakedoats #mealprepping #peanutbutterbanana
I will truly take pancakes anyyyy day of the week, I will truly take pancakes anyyyy day of the week, especially when they’re CARROT CAKE OATMEAL PANCAKES 🥞

Packed with carrots, oats and cinnamon THEN topped with a maple cream cheese, walnuts & coconut. Recipe is below friends!

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup all-purpose flour 
1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats 
1 tsp baking powder 
1/2 tsp baking soda 
1/4 tsp salt 
2 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg 
1 egg 
1 cup milk 
2 tbsp melted butter 
2 tbsp maple syrup 
¾ cup grated carrots 
butter or olive oil for cooking 
For garnish: toasted coconut, chopped walnuts
Optional maple cream cheese topping: ½ cup softened cream cheese mixed with 1 tbsp maple syrup 

INSTRUCTIONS: 
1.In a medium bowl stir together the flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.
2.In a small bowl whisk together egg, milk, butter and maple syrup. 
3.Add the milk mixture to the flour mixture and stir until just combined. Then gently stir in carrots. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes to soften the oats.	
4.When you’re ready to start cooking, heat a large non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat. When the pan is hot, add a dollop or butter or drizzle of oil and add pancake batter 1/3 cup at a time. 
5.Cook pancakes for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and tiny bubbles form on the surface of the pancakes. Then flip the pancakes and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 2 minutes more. 
6.Serve pancakes with butter, maple syrup, maple cream cheese, walnuts and/or toasted coconut. 

https://www.cookinginmygenes.com/carrot-cake-oatmeal-pancakes/
•
•
•
#breakfastideas #healthybreakfast #oatmealpancakes #carrotcakerecipe #carrotcakepancakes #springrecipes #oatsforbreakfast #cookinginmygenes #yycfoodblogger #creamcheeseicing #breakfastrecipes #recipereels #pancakerecipe #brunchideas
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2023 · CookinginmyGenes.com

  • 26