Easy and Affordable New Year’s Eve Party Grub

Partying like it’s 2012 may be fun, but it can also be costly if you don’t plan ahead. If you are looking for ways to preserve your budget without skimping on your last party of 2011, then consider hosting a potluck and asking friends and family to bring their favorite dish to pass as you usher in the New Year. For those of you faced with the task of making a dish that is easy, inexpensive and will travel well, as you head over to a New Year’s Eve bash, consider the following recipes: Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Bake Ingredients: 1 … Continue reading

Planning a Super Party

The Green Bay Packers are headed to their first Super Bowl in 13 years. I happen to live in Packer country and right now the entire state is going bonkers. The Green and Gold just beat the Chicago’s Bears to clinch the NFC Championship title and a chance to bring the Lombardi Trophy home to Wisconsin when they take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV. Believe it or not, people here are already planning their Super Bowl parties. We’ve received a couple invitations, but haven’t formalized our plans. Regardless of where we go I know we will be … Continue reading

Recipes for a Potluck Brunch

This weekend begins my family’s potluck marathon. We’ve been invited to a slew of potlucks to celebrate everything from First Communion to Mother’s Day, birthdays to high school graduations. The First Communion potluck is a brunch and I was asked to bring a sweet dish to pass. Meaning I’m responsible for making bread, muffins, coffee cake, or sweet rolls. I opted to make Citrus Honey Coffee Cake, but have also included another very simple recipe for Blueberry Bread that is ideal for potlucks, breakfasts at home, or as a gift to give a special lady on Mother’s Day. CITRUS HONEY … Continue reading

Italian Potluck

Tis the season for potlucks. The end of April to the beginning of June is prime potluck time. Families are gathering for First Communion, Mother’s Day and graduation… and smack in the middle of all the festivities is—food! My family has been invited to no less than four potlucks in May. Honestly, I’m not sure how we’re going to pull it off. And by “we” I mean me. I’m responsible for preparing two desserts, one main course and one salad for the aforementioned parties. If you too are knee-deep in potluck invitations and are looking for a phenomenally good dish … Continue reading

Easy Potluck Party Recipes

My family will be attending a retirement party potluck later this week. My young daughter is hoping that there will be plenty of desserts there since we were selected to bring an appetizer. I assured her that there would be more dessert options at the party than her little stomach could possibly hold. She was thrilled. That’s the beauty of potlucks—-variety. Still, I always get nervous preparing dishes to pass because I’m afraid that someone might not like what I’ve made… save for the two recipes I’ve listed below. The Sunburst Taco Dip and Easy Pasta Bake are two of … Continue reading

Graduation Party Recipes

With graduation party season well underway, you may be looking for a recipe that is easy to prepare, can feed an army of people, and more importantly, looks and tastes great. The following recipes are ideal for graduation parties or family potlucks, which call for eye and palette pleasing dishes: CRAB STUFFED MUSHROOMS Ingredients: 1 16-ounce container of large mushrooms 1 (7-ounce) can lump crabmeat, drained 3 green onions with tops, finely chopped 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard 3/4 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup crushed croutons Paprika … Continue reading

Easy Easter Potluck Recipes

Who brings filet mignon to a potluck? To me potluck contributions must be two things: easy and affordable. These factors are critical, especially when you are making a dish that will help feed 20 plus people. If you are planning to attend an Easter party this year consider making the following potluck classics. They are a snap to prepare, travel well and are relatively inexpensive: BAKED CHICKEN SALAD Ingredients: 6 skinless boneless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded 2 cups chopped celery 2 cups mayonnaise 3/4 can condensed cream of chicken soup 1 (4-ounce) jar diced pimentos, drained 2 tablespoons fresh … Continue reading

Tips for Hosting a Winter Soup Party

With Old Man Winter working overtime, this is the ideal time to host a winter soup party. This week I will be sharing a variety of recipes for those of you looking to share a hearty helping of delicious homemade soup with extended family and friends or those who simply want an easy and affordable way to warm up on a cold winter’s day. If you choose the former, then consider the following tips to ensure your winter soup party goes off without a hitch: POTLUCK. Just because you are hosting the soup party doesn’t necessarily mean you need to … Continue reading

Recipes for a Simple Saturday Night Dinner

This three-course meal is elegant enough to serve to weekend guests, yet simple enough so that you won’t be slaving away in the kitchen all night. If you aren’t entertaining this weekend, then consider treating your family to this delicious fall meal. Kick off your night with some Raspberry Brie Tarts. They are extremely easy to prepare thanks to pre-made pastry shells. The main entree features fettuccine and shrimp with a lemony twist. Finally, top off your Saturday night with chocolate, coconut, and pecans in a sumptuous 7-Layer dessert. RASPBERRY BRIE TARTS Ingredients: 2 (2.1) ounce packages of frozen mini … Continue reading

Desserts for Your Summer Potluck: Coconut Cream Casserole

I confess that I am known as the dessert lady. Whenever our church has a potluck–I am asked to bring dessert. That’s fine by me too–there are lots of advantages to bringing dessert. First of all, you can lick the bowl. You can’t really lick a bowl of marinade that had raw chicken in it–right? You probably wouldn’t want to lick the bowl of potato salad either (although I suppose that’s open for debate). Not only that but desserts are very forgiving as far as recipes go. If you don’t have something on hand, you can almost always substitute and … Continue reading