Day 23: Keeping the Conversation Strong with Summer Berry Crisp
Thanks for joining me in my “30 Days of Summer Entertaining” series.
Summer Entertaining in my mind is fun and lively. But not for everyone …
Some people worry that their guests will be bored. That they can’t carry the conversation, so what will they talk about?
I was inspired by this comment on RE:
My one stressor is that people will be “bored.” I’m good with cooking and decorating and dreaming up a theme. But people mingling, finding something to talk about, and getting along are all things out of my control. I feel like if good mingling doesn’t happen, it’s all my fault and the party will be a flop.
Depending on if you’re an introvert or an extrovert, you may need to come up with a plan on how to keep the conversation strong!
How to pre-plan the conversation:
Think of 3 questions ahead of time and write the “key words” on the palm of your hand, so you won’t forget them.
If times get quiet or awkward, resort to one of your questions.
If you live with someone, make a plan together.
Entertaining should be sweet and relaxing, not stressful and boring.
Summer Berry CrispServes 6-8
Filling:
6-8 cups assorted fresh berries (I used strawberries and blueberries)
Grated zest of 1 orange
Grated zest of 1 lemon
1 T. fresh lemon juice
2 T. orange-flavored liqueur such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier
1/2 cup sugar
2 T. cornstarchTopping:
3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour (all-purpose will work, too)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/3 cup coconut
1/2 cup walnuts
1/2 cup rolled oats (not instant)
6 T. unsalted butter (3/4 stick)1. Preheat oven to 375. Spray a 9×13 pan with Pam and set aside.
2. Add the berries, zests, lemon juice and liqueur in a large bowl.
3. In a separate small bowl combine the sugar and cornstarch and stir with a fork. Add to the berry mixture and lightly toss. Transfer the berry mixture to the sprayed 9×13 pan.
4. Make the topping by mixing all ingredients except the butter together with a fork. Then add in the butter, mixing it into the dry ingredients by using your fingers. Sprinkle the topping over the berries but do not pack it down.
5. Bake the crisp until the fruit juices bubble up around the edges, and topping turns golden, 30-40 minutes.
Let this scrumptious Summer Berry Crisp cool slightly, and then serve with either whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
I promise, if you serve this dessert to your guests, there will be plenty of discussion around your table.
And your worries about “conversation” will be gone.
Do you feel being an introvert or an extrovert has anything to do with carrying the conversation at a dinner party?
If you’ve missed the last 22 days of this series, you can catch up, HERE.
Feel free to grab my button and share it with your readers :).
The winner of the National Pork Board GIVEAWAY is Lana from Never Enough Thyme. Totally random that she has a pork recipe up today, too! Anyway, Congrats, Lana!
Love this series! I love a good crisp. I have never tried one with strawberries. This is going to the top of my to make list!
I LOVE the idea of putting coconut in the crumble toppping! I just made a strawberry rhubarb crumble. It’s one of the family favorites. I always put cardamom in the topping for a touch of “Swedishness”. I’m not a big extrovert. I have to force myself to just focus on the guest sometimes & ask questions about them. People always like to talk about themselves.
YUM! I think I’ll make this crisp for breakfast when we have company this weekend! Thanks for the inspiration :-)
This looks sooo good…as always!
YUMMY! Looks super good. I usually don’t have a problem with conversation, what gets tricky is if your guests are on the quiet side and don’t jump in
oh my this looks yummy! I’ll give it a whirl! :)
I’m definitely an outgoing person and will fill in an awkward silence if need be. Even if it’s just acting like my goofy self. I can see how it would be hard for an introvert to do this but I commend them for even throwing a get together. Most people like that won’t even bother. So they are already heading in the right direction.
If I was struggling with conversations, maybe you could have a conversation jar filled with silly questions and make a game out of it. Just a thought.
Have a glorious day my friend. Oh and that crisp looks SCRUMPTIOUS!
The berry crisp looks delicious. I’m not sure if I’m and intro or extro – vert. Conversation seems to flow pretty well with out guests. Maybe they are all extroverts, LOL!
Darla
oh my word. that looks excellent! thanks for the recipe, it’s definitely going in the ‘to make’ file!