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This weekend we will move our clocks up one hour, “Spring Ahead” as it is referred to and a sure sign that spring is right around the corner. While many of us view this as an hour of sleep lost, others are out looking at their flower beds to see what is peeking out of the ground.  

Springtime also signifies an assortment of religious events such as Easter and confirmation. This is a joyous occasion when a young person crosses over into adulthood.  So a confirmation party becomes a celebration of a special rite of passage. Its always a nice idea to invite guests to witness the confirmation at the church prior to the party.

So how do you celebrate this coming of age without losing the importance of this religious milestone?

Add a scripture verse to your invitation that has personal meaning to you. Gifts of a religious nature are usually given, such as rosaries, prayer books, in addition to religious statues and icons. Gifts of cash are also common. A special toast on what this milestone means to your family from the parents along with the Godparents and grandparents.

Here are some ideas on how to decorate for the party.

Purchase a Banner with the confirmands name on it. You may want to put family photos out on a table, along with some completed assignments from their confirmation class.

A party store or your local craft store may have some religious items. Christian symbols such as the cross should be a common theme on each table. You can also decorate guest tables with confetti and place flowers in a vase at each table.

It’s always a nice idea to have matching tablecloths, plates, cups, and napkins. Purchase some Easter lilies and place around the room for a vibrant touch. Helium balloons in a contrasting color are nice as well; try to pick up your balloons the day of the party so they don’t deflate.

It’s a good idea to try to place your tables, chairs, and decorations out the night before. Ask a friend or two to help you. Move your buffet table away from the guest tables to allow for a free flowing meal. Place another table out by itself for cards, and gifts. Depending on the size of your party you may want to give out party favors.

Heavens, let’s not forget the cake! You can make your own or order one. “May God Bless You” followed by their name is always a nice choice.

Confirmation day should be a day of rejoicing between your child, and family and friends. So try to relax and remember that this happens only once in a lifetime.

Barbara, Irena was amazing last nite . She took over the whole kitchen & made everything warm & elegant.With 40 ppl and a newborn, I was calm and at ease. Look forward to using your services again!
Brooke Nanberg Foley
Jayne Agency

Cocktail Crab Cakes
Makes 24 Mini Cakes

2 slices good quality white sandwich bread
4 scallions, green part only, minced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 ½ teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning
Salt and ground black pepper
Cayenne pepper, to taste
1-pound crabmeat, canned fresh pasteurized
6 tablespoons mayonnaise
8 saltines, crushed
1 large egg, lightly beaten

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Tear bread into quarters and pulse in a food processor with the metal blade until coarse crumbs. Put crumbs in a bowl and toss with the oil and 1/8 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Spread the crumbs on a baking sheet and bake until lightly browned and dry, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature. Put crumbs in a shallow dish and set aside.

2. Squeeze some of the liquid from the crab and put the crab in a bowl. Add the crushed saltines, scallions, Old Bay, and cayenne. Mix together. Add the mayonnaise and salt and pepper to taste. Add the egg and mix well.

3. Line a baking sheet with wax paper or plastic wrap. Form the crab mixture into roughly walnut size portions and place on the baking sheet. When done, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least ½ hour.

4. Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Line another baking sheet with foil, set a wire rack on top, and spray rack with vegetable oil spray. Take the chilled crab cakes and roll in the breadcrumbs until completely coated, pressing gently to help crumbs adhere. Flatten slightly to about ½ inch thick and place on the wire rack, spacing out evenly. With oven rack in middle position, bake crab cakes until golden brown and firm, about 15 minutes.

5. Serve baked crab cakes with lemon wedges and your favorite sauce.

*Note – You can eliminate the wire rack and place the crab cakes directly onto a greased foil lined sheet, but you risk burning the bottoms. The wire rack ensures better heat circulation and more even browning.

Tomato Remoulade

6 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon minced or pressed garlic
1 tablespoon chopped chives
1 medium Roma tomato, seeded and diced small
2 teaspoons lemon juice
Hot sauce, to taste
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and Pepper, to taste

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Serve with crab cakes