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Watermelon & Cucumber Guacamole

And finally, my third Cinco de Mayo recipe with watermelon and cucumber. (My personal favorite!) Avocado or premade guacamole Watermelon, chopped Cucumber, chopped Feta cheese Lime juice and zest Chili powder Kosher salt I Love my local grocery store’s deli-made guacamole so I started with that. Add watermelon and cucumber and mix. Top with feta cheese, lime zest, lime juice, chili powder, and salt. TIP *I don’t often post all the different recipes I try with the same ingredients but I do this a lot. If you have a lot of cucumber and watermelon for instance try totally different ways of using it. Don’t let extras go to waste or feel like you have to have the same leftovers 3 nights in a row. Make extra guacamole then put it over grilled chicken and brown rice the next night. I find it challenging and fun to come up with totally different uses for ingredients I have around the house.

Vegetable Birds Nests with Ahi Tuna

Speaking of TJ’s favorites, these Vegetable Birds Nests are unbelievable and can not be saved for an appetizer only! Ahi tuna and some toppings turn it into a delicious salad or light dinner. Butter lettuce Vegetable Birds Nests Ahi tuna, chopped to small pieces Avocado, chopped Edamame Sesame seeds The dip is to die for so add a little Seasame Oil, soy sauce, and sugar to make extra for a dressing. FOR AN APPETIZER- add one Nest on top of a leaf of butter lettuce. Top with a couple pieces of tuna and avocado and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Your guests will thank you!

Girls That Grill

All the women are inside helping get ready for the Bridal shower and I’m manning the steaks on the Traeger!

Favorite Things Party Prep

Prepping for a big party tonight! TIP- I seep my drinks for many hours before the guests arrive so they have full flavor.

Favorite Things Partay

Thanks for your responses! Tonight was a raging success and I look forward to sharing my tips, timeline, and recipes with you. I’ll be posting all food and drink recipes over the next week.

Watermelon Cucumber Cooler and Blackberry Spritzer

So refreshing! Watermelon Cucumber Cooler Watermelon, chunks Cucumber, sliced Fresh mint Trader Joes Watermelon and Cucumber Juice Add ice when ready to serve Blackberry and Basil Spritzer Blackberries Basil Mint Sparkling water or Soda Water Crush blackberries, mint, and basil together. Add sparkling water (let sit) and add ice when ready to serve. Drink markers can be a fun way to add details to a party. I had emoticon stickers and everyone picked their favorite to put on their goblet!

Party Planning 2 weeks out

Send out invitations to guests. Paper invitations are my favorite (order a month out) but evite, paperless post, or email/text work as well. If you’re using your own dish-ware make sure you have enough of everything. In my case I often use sturdy plastic plates in cool shapes and colors as well as dessert and appetizer plates, nice plastic glasses, and silverware. When party time comes, you will be so glad you’re dumping everything in the trash and not loading the dishwasher. Trust me. So, buy all paper products, glasses, plastic utensils, dessert/appetizer plates, etc. Check to make sure you have drink dispensers, platters, utensil holders, place mats, tablecloths, candle holders, vases, and anything else you might be using for the party. If you don’t have it, order or get it now. Don’t wait until LATER. Later = Stress Have you come up with any new ideas, fun food thoughts, or anything that might require some planning. Get that all done now. When I entertain I actually want my friends to be entertained and have something to do. Set up…

Chili Dogs and Fancy Dinners

Because Chili Dogs and Fancy Dinners are not mutually exclusive!

Fig, Pear, and Brie Crostinis

You guys, I forgot to put the fig jam on these crostinis in my cooking segment! It’s the best part so don’t forget it. Baguette, sliced and toasted on both sides.(tip- cut baguette at an angle so you have more surface space) Layer- Fig jam Brie Cheese Prosciutto Sliced Apple or Pear Drizzle of honey Cracked Pepper This is one of my favorite appetizers and is so easy to make. I’ve also made a larger “toast” and served it with soup or a salad and called it dinner. Substitute apples or different cheeses because anything goes on these yummy little bites!

Party Planning Part 3

Last party post! (For those who have joined recently, I’ve written out my party planning timeline from 3 months to Go time). *3 days out* Buy drinks, non-perishables, and most food except bread or things that may go stale. *2 days out* Start chopping! Prepare all your food and keep them in baggies so they’re ready to go. Ziplock bags are your best friends when preparing food for large gatherings. You can really do most things 2 days before. There are things like tomatoes, avocados and such that you’ll want to wait until the day of. *Day before* Set out all platters with notes about what food goes where. Plates, napkins, silverware and cups can all be set out as well. Chill drinks and set out all decorations that are inside. Buy flowers first thing in the morning and arrange them. (Keep in cool room). *Day of* Get dressed and ready 2-3 hours before party. Set out last minute details in the morning. I like to have everything set out many hours before party. Food can be set out 20-30…