On Saturday afternoon, I realized I had chicken breasts thawing, but no real plans what to make or how I’d be able to consume the uneaten left overs. I sent a quick text message to a friend, inviting her and her brood over and they didn’t have any plans either, so she accepted. Knowing that they’re also keeping a fastideous eye on their appetites, too, I decided to do a savory, but low fat meal.

I had corn on the cob in the fridge, a few sweet potatoes hanging around, and some veggies. And I also remembered that I’d purchased one of those Kraft Fresh Takes kits a week ago due to a killer coupon in the LA Times.

A quick cleaning of the house, a chilled bottle of Mumm Napa (because, WHY NOT?!), a hastily thrown together green salad, corn and sliced sweet potatoes on the grill, and chicken baking in the oven and I had a perfect recipe for a successful evening.

Hospitality doesn’t always imply four course dinners with invitations sent out weeks in advance. Sometimes, it can be a last minute text and a ready-made bread mix for some chicken breasts you’d had in the freezer. Hospitality is about conversation, friendship, laughter, and making a person (and their wee little ones) feel at home.

Yes, I love to cook and the production of a big dinner party, but last night’s easy meal, good sparkling wine, and trip to the hot tub (followed by frozen yogurt!) is what life’s memories are made of…

Do you have a go-to meal for last minute guests? Or would you rather go out or order in for last minute dinners???