Cookie Contest Recipe #10

These got a 6. Just a few more to go.

Thanks for being patient!

Mango Salsa

I never liked Mango Salsa until my roommate in college made it for me. I remember devouring the entire bowl in one sitting. I loved the freshness of it and I liked that it wasn't too sweet (in comparison to most). I made this for the Arizona themed party, but since a few of you asked for the recipe, here you go.

Mango Salsa

1 mango
2 tomatoes
1 anaheim pepper
2 Tbsp. red onion
2 Tbsp. cilantro
1/2 Tbsp. salt
1 Tbsp. orange juice

Chop up everything and mix together. Enjoy!

Tomorrow is...

the FIRST DAY OF SUMMER!

Don't forget to pick up your favorite ice cream and eat it for dinner.

In case you weren't around last year, here is why.

Happy Summer!! 

image via here

Themed Party: Good Luck In Arizona!

Our good friends are moving to Arizona, so I threw them a surprise farewell party. The theme was southwestern, in case you can't tell.

The menu: watermelon, chips + mango salsa, and cactus cupcakes.

Cactus cupcakes?Yes, I got the idea from this site, but don't look too closely at theirs or you'll realize mine weren't that cool. But, they were my first time making cacti, so I'm giving myself a break.

For some extra festiveness, we made the guests of honor where sombreros. I think it was hit!

Grilled Pizza

Our newest favorite from the grill is Grilled Pizza.

Grilled Pizza
frozen roll dough*
pizza sauce
mozarella cheese
toppings: tomatoes, pepperoni, spinach, peppers (or anything you like!)

(*I used frozen dough for the sake of time, but I would try something different next time. Also, I would chop up the veggies so it would be easier to eat.)

Simply roll out your dough. Brush one side of it with olive oil and lay flat on the grill. Cook for about 5 minutes or until it looks cooked. Brush the top side with oil before flipping over, then flip over. Add your sauce, cheese, and toppings. Cook for another 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Cookie Contest Recipe #9

These got a 9. Very delicious!

Rosemary Ranch Chicken Skewers [recipe]

I thought I would share some of our favorite grill recipes over the course of the next little while. You know, just in case you are obsessed with grilling like we have been lately. Because in my mind, grilling makes life festive. And makes it more exciting to eat. And being festive is what we are all about.

I first tried Rosemary Ranch Chicken at my in-laws, but have just recently rediscovered it. We have had it twice in the past few weeks. The way the flavors come together will make you crave it. It is so delicious!

Rosemary Ranch Chicken 

1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup ranch dressing
3 TB Worcestershire sauce
1 TB rosemary
2 tsp salt
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp vinegar
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 TB white sugar
5 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and let sit for 5 minutes. Put chicken in and stir and coat well. Let the chicken marinade for 30 minutes or longer. Put on metal skewers or soaked bamboo skewers. Cook on the grill for 6-10 minutes on each side.

Hosting Tip #8

 If you are hosting a dinner party, 

put a name card by each plate so your guests know where to sit.

Birthday in a Bag

My little sister is out of the state serving a mission for our church.  Since we won't be able to celebrate her birthday with her, I decided to send a party her way. Last Fall I made a "Birthday in a Bag" for a friend and I had so much fun putting it together, I decided to make another one.

Since I knew I was going to mail it, I decided to keep things relatively flat.

I made some balloon confetti with a punch I have.

Then I stuffed the confetti, a dissembled party hat, some birthday quarters (why here), a little present, a candle, a balloon, and "instructions" inside a large, zip-lock plastic bag (as to keep the contents safe en route)

I hope she likes it! I know I would!

Themed Party: Picnic Date

Summer is here and that means picnic season! Here are some ideas for planning the perfect picnic...



Location:

• Keep it simple in your backyard
• Or venture out to your favorite picnic spot

Food:

• Pack everything up in a picnic basket (including candles if you want it to be romantic)
• Make subs for dinner and bring your favorite picnic snacks

Activity ideas: 

• If you have a laptop, bring it along. Watch "7 Brides for 7 Brothers" once it's dark. 
• Star gaze.
•  Play your favorite card games
• Feed the ducks.

DIY: Fancy Summer Strawberries

It's June! That means summer is just around the corner.
I have lots of fun summer things coming up,

First up...Fancy Summer Strawberries

What you'll need: 

fresh strawberries, peach yogurt, cool whip, melted chocolate

First, clean the strawberries and let drain on a paper towel.

Then, cut out the center with a peeler or knife. 

Mix together the yogurt and cool whip. 

(There is no magic ratio--just mix until it tastes how you want it)

Then, fill the center of the strawberries with the yogurt mixture.

Cut the very tip of the bottom off so the strawberry will stand up on the plate. 

Finally, drizzle the melted chocolate over the strawberries. 

Refrigerate until you are ready to serve. Perfect for a summer BBQ or dinner party.