Wonton imagination...

I think the best kind of party is one that's relatively impromptu. Friends show up, you rummage through the pantry and the refrigerator and create a veritable smorgasbord of otherwise mismatched offerings. The wine is flowing and all is well in your little corner of the world. But I also enjoy planning a party and that's just what I'm going to do.

I want to make it a game party of sorts. I'll put Monopoly, Scattergories, Taboo and the Wii out (I dare anyone to challenge me to a round of anything...). A little music for background noise... But the most important and memorable thing is the menu. To encourage frivolity and mingling, I'll stick with finger foods. I think small bites should be beautiful and have big flavors, leaving a lasting impression. "Remember the ______ we had at Nicci's? Man, was that delicious. Good times. Goooood times....," they'll say (I hope).

Planning a menu is also a good opportunity to create recipes. I'm going to make it an Iron Chef-esque challenge for myself... The main ingredient? Wonton wrappers. I already know what we're having for dessert: Chocolate-Hazelnut Ravioli. I saw Giada make them a while back and I've been looking for an excuse to fry up such decadence. And I think a tart lemon-berry reduction as a dipping sauce would be a nice touch.

So I'll need to have a bunch of savory wonton-wrapped bites as well. Steamed, baked or boiled... I've been thinking miniature meat (and a few vegetable) lasagnas would be fun. Or shrimp and cabbage with a spicy sesame sauce. I've filled wonton wrappers with butternut squash, cardamom and cinnamon and they were fabulous (the sage-butter sauce I put over them didn't hurt). There are a million variations.

Any filling ideas?

Rage against Food Network's machine?

Just taking a quick poll to see where everybody here stands on The Food Network. Lots of people who share my love of food don't like the FN. I've asked people, "So, did you watch * insert random show here *?" only to have them recoil, simultaneously fighting the urge to retch, it seems.

Well, excuse the heck outta me! I didn't know so many people felt Hollyfood has lost (or never had) its luster.

Well, you know what? I like some food stars and their overproduced "plots" and over-acted/rehearsed entrances and tasting faces. I like it when Ina has to make a fabulous lunch for the guys who are restoring a windmill. The poor fellas were clearly in dire need of mini meatloaves. And Giada's get togethers look so inviting I really want to forget it's essentially a set, with cameras, floor markers and hot lights everywhere. I want to have Alton on speed dial. And don't even get me started on Nigella. As far as I'm concerned, she invites me over to her house every weekend to show me how to make quick meals.

Now, I have my limits. I like Paula, but I can't watch her parties. (Is it me or does her accent get thicka' when comp'ny comes ovah?) And I just never "got" Emeril. I prefer not to cook with sauce packets, so I pass on Sandra Lee. And Rachael's voice and overanimation do bad things to my chi, so...

So, am I one of a few with a soft spot for celebrity chefs? Oh well...