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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. cornstarch

Topping:
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.

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30 days of Summer Entertaining

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!

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