Hospitality {tips, tricks and recipes}

Our first term we had house guests 40% of those two years.  We've learned some things over those 291 {and counting} nights:

• People just want a clean bed and hot water... and will still feel at home if the living room is a mess. Focus on the essentials.
• People want to help. When they offer to do the dishes, let them!
• People appreciate when you notice or remember.  Keep a hospitality file on people you host frequently (who likes coffee, who wants diet coke,etc).  It will mean a lot when you have their favorites on hand when they return!
• People don't want a heavy meal after they have traveled- but a plate of hummus and carrots will hit the spot.  Cookies don't hurt either. 
• People don't want you to fuss over breakfast- but they will want to eat :)  I like to have a pan of baked oatmeal in the fridge and the coffee maker set up and ready to go in the morning- first person up turns on the coffee!

Easy Hummus

• 1 can (or 2 cups cooked) chickpeas (mostly drained, but leave a little liquid)
• 1 clove garlic
• juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 tsp cumin
• dash of salt (if the chickpeas aren't salty)
• glug of olive oil

Blend all ingredients in blender or food processor. Serve with carrot sticks or pita chips.

Baked Oatmeal

• 2/3 c. butter (melted)
• 4 eggs
• 1 c. brown sugar
• 1/2 c. pumpkin puree
• 1 T. baking powder
• 1 T. vanilla
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 1/4 c. milk
• 6 c. oats

Melt butter. Set aside.

Beat eggs, brown sugar, baking powder, vanilla, spices,. Mix well.

Whisk in butter and milk.

Then add oats. Stir well. Pour into 13x9 pan. {at this point you can refrigerate overnight, and bake it in the morning}. Or bake at 350F for 30-35 minutes, until slightly browned at edges and firm to touch.

What do you serve to guests? Do you have tips on hosting guests?? Leave a comment!