Tis the season to entertain

BY JENNIFER E. MAY
THE DAILY IBERIAN
Published/Last Modified on Saturday, January 12, 2008 1:59 AM CST

It’s time to celebrate the season best shared with family and friends. For those who enjoy entertaining at home, the months from October through January provide plenty of opportunity for parties.

Catherine and Dean Wattigny of New Iberia enjoy spending those special times with family members and friends. With two sons, one daughter who is getting married in June and two grandchildren, the Wattigny’s family is growing, which makes for some great family holidays.

“We mostly have family Christmases but we have been entertaining a lot recently because we are LSU fans,” Catherine Wattigny said. “We have enjoyed having friends over for the games to celebrate.”

Catherine Wattigny prepares her award-winning hot artichoke dip recipe. - LEE BALL / THE DAILY IBERIAN

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One staple at many of the Wattigny’s parties is her recipe for Hot Artichoke Dip, which earned her a first-place award at the 2006 Daily Iberian-Cajun Sugar Co-op Cajun Creole Cookbook Cookoff and is a favorite with many of her family members and friends.

“It’s easy and it’s good and everyone likes it,” she said.

These days, however, it’s not Catherine, but Dean who makes the dip.

“We enjoy cooking together and I have been making this recipe for so many years, that these days I will delegate the job of making the dip to him,” she said with a laugh.

When asked what makes a successful get-together, Wattigny paused to give the question some thought.

“Making it fun, making it casual and providing the opportunity for friends to get together and enjoy each other’s company,” she said.

Delicious recipes, such as Catherine’s dip, which are surprisingly easy to make, will impress guests without keeping you tied to the kitchen. Together with some holiday entertaining hints (below) from national style expert B. Smith, all you have to do is sit back and wait for the doorbell to ring!

“Entertaining shortcuts are a must, especially during the bustling holiday season,” said Smith, who also is a restaurant owner, cookbook author and radio host.

“I’m a fan of quick scratch recipes that start with convenience products. All the makings for a memorable season are within reach with some planning, a little prep and a lot of fun!”

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