I’m not a huge fan of formal parties. Informal
gatherings are more my style, with plenty of good food and lively conversation.
How can you not be relaxed while wearing your pajamas? A party would be a good
excuse to find a new, fun set of lounging clothes. How could that be bad?
Personally, one of my favorite party tasks is planning a menu but I love surprises and the experience of sharing
other people’s favorite dishes, hence the potluck portion of my little get
together.
The only venue needed will be a big room with
plenty of comfortable seating that can be arranged to accommodate everyone
enjoying their refreshments. It's getting cold around this time of year so I'd probably want a cozy fireplace to take the chill off and add to the ambiance. Okay, I’m officially excited but the guests list is what's making me smile.
If I get to imagine a party, then I get to
imagine that my house is big enough to include everyone in the blanket invitation
that I’m sending into cyberspace. I’ve met so many lovely people over the years that
I’ve been a member of Romance Books ‘4’ Us that if I could manage the party of
my dreams, I’d get to meet you all in person.
I’m dreaming big and hoping you all show up in
your pajamas with your favorite pot luck dish, ready to have some fun! I have a
harvest table with lots of room for sweet and savory dishes along with some spiced
cider warming in the crock-pot.
Here’s a recipe for a fun little appetizer that
we have at most of our parties. Besides being delicious, my other favorite
thing about it is there are only two ingredients…
Polish Sausage in Plum Sauce
1 lb. Polish Sausage (smoked or fresh—I usually
make this with fresh sausage)
1 16 oz. jar of Plum Jam
Cover Polish sausage with at least an inch of
water and simmer for 20 minutes. Drain and transfer to a cutting board and
slice into one inch rounds. Transfer the sausage to a small crock-pot and cover
with the plum jam. Heat on low until the jam is melted and everything is hot,
turn it down to warm. You can serve this with bread, crackers if you wish.
***Microwave directions. After cooking and
slicing the sausage, transfer to microwave safe dish, pour on the jam, cover
with a lid and microwave on high until jam is melted. It’s ready to serve.
I’m wearing my favorite plaid pajamas and arranging
a sliced, smoked turkey breast on a big platter. What are you bringing?
There will be a door prize! Everyone leaving a
recipe will be entered for a $5.00 Amazon gift card. The winner will be announced
here and on my Facebook page. Let’s get this party started!
Paris
Brandon
Now that sounds fun! I'd love to meet up with you all as well. I'll bring the spinach and artichoke dip. :)
ReplyDeleteSpinach & Artichoke Dip
11/2 cups grated parmesan cheese
1 box or same weight bag of frozen spinach thawed and drained
1 14 oz. jar artichoke hearts, pickled or plain chopped
2/3 cup sour cream
8 oz. Neufchatel cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 cloves finely minced garlic or 2 tsp. garlic powder
Mix well and bake at 375º for 30 minutes until lightly brown on top and bubbly. Serve with French bread, crackers, or tortilla chips.
Thanks for coming to the party, Rose! I can't wait to try this dip, it sounds delicious:)
ReplyDeleteOMG, that sounds so good, Paris - you're making me hungry.
ReplyDeleteI'm bringing my SOS chip dip. I use dried beef, cut up. One bar of cream cheese softened, 1/2 cup green onions chopped, 1/2 cup sour cream. Heat in the microwave and mix. Eat with potato chips.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the party! It would be a fun time meeting everyone face to face... and just imagine the new book series we would want to write afterward!
The party sounds like great fun. Love your Polish sausage in plum sauce. I'll have to try that. Same for Rose's dip.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tina! It's one of our favorites:)
ReplyDeleteMelissa,
ReplyDeleteGrowing up, I loved SOS for breakfast and this sounds like a yummy dip! Thanks for positing it:)
Cara,
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked the recipes and thanks for stopping by!
Pot luck is always my favorite type of party menu. This is a simple salad that I take to pot luck dinners. People love it.
ReplyDelete2 heads broccoli cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 pound bacon
1 1/2 cups raisins (I prefer craisins)
1/2 cup chopped red onion
~~~~~~
1 cup mayo
1/4 cup sugar
2 Tbls vinegar
Cook bacon and drain.
Toss bacon, broccoli, onion and raisins in large bowl. Whisk mayo, sugar, and vinegar in separate bowl until smooth. Pour over broccoli mixture and toss to coat. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Yum!!!
Pot lucks' are great, especially if you're attending in pjs. Here's a great recipe, just add chips:
ReplyDeleteTaco Soup
1 large can diced tomatoes (29 oz)
1 can each, corn, black beans and kidney or pinto beans (15 oz)
1 can green chiles
1 whole onion, chopped
1 lb browned ground beef (or chicken or turkey)
hearty sprinkling of taco seasoning mix
1 to 2 tbsp (your taste) dry ranch dressing mix (this mellows the spiciness a bit)
dash of cumin
Add if you'd like: jalapenos, dash of chili powder
Heat & serve
Garnish with sour cream, cheese, tortilla chips/strips, guacamole, etc..
Enjoy
Nina,
ReplyDeleteI love salad and this one sounds delicious! Thanks for joining the party. I love craisins too:)
Hi Judy,
ReplyDeleteI know, anytime I don't have to dress up is a plus, lol! Taco soup sounds like a great addition to the party, thanks for sharing!
This is one of my go to part foods. It's the easiest thing in the world and can be done in your slowcooker, and kept warm.
ReplyDeleteEasy Party Meatballs.
*Ingredients*
32oz Frozen Meatballs
1 12 oz Jar Chili Sauce
1 12 oz Jar Grape Jelly
*Instructions*
Combine in a crockpot and heat on low until heated through.
They can also be done on the stove top if you're in a hurry. Combine all ingredients on medium heat until warmed through.
Hi Tawania!
ReplyDeleteYour recipe had me at 'Easy', lol! These sound delicious and quick enough for even an impromptu party. Thank you so much for sharing!
OOOOH. it all sounds so good. What a great post!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jean! I'm definitely trying these recipes out :)
ReplyDelete