The Write Ingredients

Party Food!!

Husband and I threw our second annual holiday party, and of course, the theme was food. Not only did we serve lots of food (and wine) but we asked our guests to bring a donation to the food shelf, and they really surpassed our expectations. Now, we just need to drop off the 8 full bags of goodies in the next week.

As for the food, there were some basics. Sliced peppers and musrhooms with a dill dipping sauce was an easy, and healthy addition to the table. I actually a made a new recipe out of Cooking Light for Edamole, but the taste testers didn't like the texture or the taste, so we used a tub of pack-up dip. The recipe is not on their site yet, but its essentially a guacamole, but uses edamame instead of avocados. Sorry, I'll stick to avocados next time.

The most unique appetizer I made is from Food and Wine Magazine, and was featured in one of their email blasts. Bagel Chips with Ricotta, Chive oil and Prosciutto. They couldn't have been easier, and were snatched up almost immediately. The chip was crunchy, the cheese creamy and the chive oil had just a bit of bite. I will make these again, without a doubt.

Another fun appetizer from Food and Wine were these great little Mini-Mac-N-Cheeses. The reviews said they were outstanding, and while they were fun and really cute, they were by far not tastiest thing on the table. I was happy with my presentation, though, served in a cake dome.

There were many other delicious snacks that I didn't get photos of. One was the crock-pot full of Spicy Cocktail Meatballs. Guests were raving about them, and they all wanted to know the secret ingredient. I have to admit I cheated a bit hear and used frozen meatballs with cocktail sauce, jalapeno jelly and an onion. Really, really, REALLY easy.

And of course, cookies and chocolate. This tray shows a bunch of the cookies I made, including the Martha Stewart Gingerbread Men, the not as good as expected Cooking Light Sesame cookies, the Jensen family traditional Bon-bons (sorry, not sharing this one), the just-okay Chai Shortbread, the really yummy Lime Coolers, delicious and sinful Death By Caramel Bars, and the Devil's Delight (Mexican) Chocolate Cookies.

And there was wine, and beer and sparkling juice. We never got around to opening the champagne, so we'll have to do that at the next party. It was fun, we gathered lots of food, which is fabulous on its own. What's more fabulous is a house full of friends who are smiling and laughing and having a great time. Happy New Year to All!!