Baking Pan: Make sure you've got enough! Click to order.My name is Kitty and I've been dubbed Pickled’s “Budget Baleboosteh.” That means I'll host dinner parties in my own home, and blog about the planning and cooking to show you how easy it is and why you must get your tush in gear and throw one yourself. More importantly, I won't spend more than $10 a head on food. (Drinks are another story. That budget may depend on how hard my week was.) So it's cheaper than eating out. And your friends will fall more in love with you than ever. My Pickled debut is another first for me: I'll host my first traditional Rosh Hashanah dinner. My husband and I invited his three cousins over, and I have been consulting with Moms and Grandmas and Jewcy's Interactive Dinner Table to ensure my menu and recipes are up to snuff.The first two steps to hosting any party are 1) confirm the guest list and 2) plan the menu. My menu at this meal must account for one vegetarian at the table. Here's what I've got down:

• Sparkling Wine Cocktails
• Hors D'Oeuvres/Munchies TBD
• Beef Brisket
• Cauliflower-Leek Kugel
• Sweet Roasted Carrots & Parsnips
• Challah Bread
• Apple & Honey Toffee Trifle or mini Apple & Honey Tarts (Still deciding; Look for a Nosh Off on Pickled this week.)

I plan to cook as much as possible in advance so come Wednesday I just have to reheat and served. My current to do list:

1. Call my butcher to order the 3-4 lb brisket
2. Finalize my menu choices
3. Research where in my neighborhood I can find a fresh round challah

For those of you joining me in your kitchens, this would be the time to invite your guests, assess your baking pans (cheapie disposables can be bought at the grocery store), and make sure you have enough dishes and silverware to go around. Any questions? That’s what I’m here for.