<p>Today, we&#39;re throwing my second favorite type of party: A dinner party for new friends (my favorite party is, of course, a dinner party for old friends - with luck our new friends will soon be part of that category.) I&#39;m in the midst of dusting, mopping and opening windows to let in the new spring air - but mostly I&#39;m putting off the inevitable trip to the grocery store.</p>

<p>(Grocery shopping is a fool&#39;s errand if you ask me. Hate!)</p>

<p>I don&#39;t like surprises, so when I entertain I cook the same things I make for dinner on a regular basis - what makes it special is the presentation and the addition of appetizers and a nice dessert. (Oh, let&#39;s face it - the increased consumption of alcohol helps too!) But the actual cooking needs to be stress-free, because I like to enjoy myself at my own party.</p>

<p>The March issue of <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/everyday">Everyday Food</a> has a recipe for Balsamic Skirt Steak with Polenta and Roasted Tomatoes that has become a favorite dinner for us. The recipe&#39;s not up on the magazine&#39;s website, but thanks to the power of Google I found a blogger who <a href="http://idinealone.blogspot.com/2008/02/balsamic-skirt-steak-with-polenta-and.html">posted the recipe with step by step pictures</a> - look at how easy Dining Alone makes it look! </p>

<p>I highly recommend you try making it - it&#39;s super easy and the end result is delicious. It&#39;s a good mix of light and satisfying. Our local grocery chain doesn&#39;t have skirt steak, so I make it with steak tips and it&#39;s still awesome.</p>

<p>I&#39;ll probably put out some bread, cheese, olives, and figs to niggle on while I cook and we&#39;ll have something made with chocolate and raspberries for dessert. Before having kids I would&#39;ve baked something the day before, but with two little boys running around I think it&#39;s best I leave it to <a href="http://www.breadnchocolate.com/aboutus.html">the pros</a>. The Ipod is loaded with my beloved Pink Martini and Louis Armstrong - I think we&#39;re ready to go!</p>

<p>Wishing everyone a happy Saturday!</p>
