Tip of the Day

When you have last minute guests and you don't have time to clean up completely, take the following steps to make sure you are presenting a "hostess with the mostess" front in under 10 minutes:

Minutes 1-3: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Mix bisquick, milk, cinnamon and some brown sugar to form a dough. Stir in some raisins and spoon on a greased baking sheet - pop in the oven for 10 minutes.

Minutes 4-6: Using your laundry basket, take a quick sweep of the kitchen and living room, throwing all shoes, mail and other items that you don't want laying around (redwells, your dirty gym clothes, binder clips, 45 empty dry cleaning bags). Throw the basket in your bedroom (or closet if you don't have a bedroom) and close the door.

Minutes 7-8: Wipe the kitchen counters and table and fix the couch pillows.

Minutes 9-10: Wipe the bathroom and make yourself presentable (brush hair, teeth...just the basics).

Doorbell rings...your home looks clean and smells like cinnamon...and the biscuits are done.

Ok, it might not be that easy for everyone...if you have a studio, you should probably make your bed. If you haven't vacuumed in a month, that should be on the list too. Finally, if you don't have Brita (I don't), fill a jug with tap water and a few slices of lemon (or lemon juice) and stick in the fridge before you mix the biscuits.

Of course, in lieu of water, I usually just serve straight vodka. It is funny, no one seems to notice the dust on the glasses and the crumbs by the couch...