mattersmagazine.com 27 Her sophisticated website showcases dozens of beautifully photographed recipes from the slightly complex (crab eggs Benedict) to the simple (roasted broccoli). All of them look like something you could cook, and even better, eat. Perhaps even more fun than the recipes are the cooking videos Roma produces so meticulously. Each one is about two minutes, and will show you exactly how to make anything from flank steak pinwheels to peach crostata. There is no voice over, and the only thing you see of Roma is her hands as she shows how food is prepared. ThoughshelaunchedWhatShouldIMakeFor.comonlyayearago,herwork is already drawing attention. She is creating recipes for Kings, which features them on its website. Roma is a Better Homes and Gardens contributor, too. So with the holiday entertainment season approaching, what advice does Roma have for us? Cooking Tips 1. Use parchment paper in baking to prevent cookies or cakes from sticking. It also makes for super easy clean up. 2. Salt is the most important ingredient in the kitchen, and it substantially enhances the flavor of your food. Be sure to season your dish throughout the cooking process instead of waiting until the very end. 3. Homemade vinaigrettes are easy to make and taste ever so much better than store-bought. Make a double batch and keep the extra in the refrigerator for lunches and quick dinners. 4. Treat recipes as a guide (for cooking, not baking). Make a recipe your own by swapping out different herbs or vegetables, or try lightening it up by using yogurt instead of heavy cream. 5. Everyone should have a cast-iron skillet in their arsenal to cook everything from cornbread to roast chicken to eggs. It cooks evenly, can travel from the stovetop to the oven, and is a breeze to clean. Entertaining Tips 1. The night before a dinner party, label all the serving pieces with post- it notes. No last-minute searching means that all of the food arrives to the table quickly, and while it’s still hot. 2. Set the table the night before, remembering to leave space for serving pieces. 3. Make as much as you can in advance. Remember, your guests are there to spend time with you, not watch you run around the kitchen. 4. Use interesting or unusual pieces for serving. A wooden or slate board is wonderful for cheese plates, as well as for displaying rustic cakes or tarts. 5. Make detailed lists, one for the menu and another for the timeline. Include everything and cross off as you go. This will prevent you from forgetting last-minute details when guests begin to arrive. The most important tip for both cooking and entertaining, Roma advises, is to clean as you go! An organized kitchen helps keep you focused instead of frazzled. For more recipes and entertainment tips, see WhatShouldIMakeFor.com. It’s updated on Tuesdays and Fridays. Or subscribe and you won’t miss any holiday treats. Buy Tickets Today! www.SOPACnow.org | (973) 313-2787 South orange Performing artS Center one SoPaC Way, South orange nJ 07079 SOPAC programs are made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. See more events at www.SOPACnow.org ClaSSiC albumS live— Pink Floyd’s Dark SiDe of the moon THU, OCT 20 AT 7:30PM inDigo girlS FRI, OCT 28 AT 7:30PM & 10:30PM JoSh ritter WED, NOV 9 AT 7:30PM average White banD THU, NOV 10 AT 7:30PM Carl Palmer’S elP legaCy: remembering keith & the muSiC of emerSon, lake & Palmer FRI, NOV 11 AT 8PM get the leD out — the ameriCan leD ZePPelin THU, NOV 17 AT 7:30PM giantS of JaZZ 19 honoring Jimmy Cobb SAT, NOV 26 AT 8PM george WinSton: Winter ShoW FRI, DEC 2 AT 8PM taylor hiCkS THU, NOV 3 AT 7:30PM American Idol winner Taylor Hicks’ unique take on Southern Soul, R&B, Country and Blues have earned him the adoration of loyal fans throughout the country.