Thursday, August 26, 2010

On hosting a BBQ in your 20 something's...

Lucky for us 20-somethings we can get away with not only bring your own booze (B.Y.O.B) parties, but bring your own meat as well! We are at an age where friends are still just thankful to have some free food, and a place to hang out. It is a trend that young adults have been in the process of embracing for quite some time now, and it seems that it is largely accepted in most social circles for this age range.

It is a great and affordable way to be able to get a large group of friends together. Don't be afraid that people will be offended, because in my experience people are just excited and appreciative to have someone plan a fun get together. My husband and I are actually hosting a bring your own meat and booze party this Sunday. Not only does it make hosting a BBQ much more affordable by taking the high priced items out of the mix, but it makes it much less stressful, and more manageable! With meat and beverages out of the way all you need to focus on is a couple appetizers, some sides, and a dessert. Because we have an event to focus on this Saturday we plan to keep Sunday very simple.

The appetizer will be "Bean Dip" which is something that my mother-in-law is famous for. Bean dip is crazy easy, and a real crowd pleaser. In addition to this cheap and delicious option we will have home made guacamole, and Baked Southwestern Corn Dip. (The recipes will be at the end of this post).

As far as sides go, it is preferable to have three to cover all your food groups (some type of carbohydrate, vegetable, fruit), but for cost and time purposes it is acceptable to only choose two. If you get creative you can often incorporate the three food groups into two sides. For instance, I have decided to do an orzo salad with fresh vegetables, and a strawberry spinach salad. See, carbohydrate as orzo, check! Vegetable inside orzo salad and the strawberry spinach salad, check! Fruit, strawberries, check!


For dessert I always like to have something chocolaty and something lighter or fruity. To make this easy we are going to make brownies and cupcakes. Depending on the heat level we may also have Popsicles or ice cream. A really fun thing to serve to guests on a hot day are the new 'Lil Drums" by Nestle. They're delicious and people seem to love them!

Bean Dip

1 can Frito-lay bean dip
1 8 oz. container of sour cream
1 8 oz. container of cream cheese (softened)
1/2 package of Lawry's taco seasoning
10 drops Tabasco sauce

Combine all ingredients, stir well.
Spread into shallow pie plate.
Cover with 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend.
Bake 20-30 minutes at 350 degrees.
Serve with tortilla chips or Frito scoop chips!

Guacamole

4 ripe avocados cubed
1/4 finely chopped red onion
2 finely chopped jalapeno peppers
1 clove minced garlic
1/8 cup fresh chopped cilantro
1 large chopped tomato
juice from half of one lime
1/4 tsp chili powder
salt and pepper to taste

Stir together and enjoy!


Baked Southwestern Corn Dip

1 15oz can corn
1 1/4oz can black olives
1 4oz can green chilies
1 fresh jalapeno chopped
1 roasted red pepper chopped from jar
1 cup shredded jack cheese
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise

Mix all ingredients together, pour into greased 1 1/2 quart casserole and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips.


Orzo salad

1 box orzo
2 chopped bell peppers
1 chopped red onion
2 cups cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped basil
1 cup feta cheese
1 large chopped cucumber

Cook orzo according to package directions. Let cool.

Saute bell peppers and onion until barely softened (about 4-5 minutes). Let cool.

Toss all ingredients together and add dressing.

Dressing
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 clove minced garlic
salt and pepper to taste

Whisk all ingredients together until dressing thickens and combines.


Strawberry Spinach Salad

4 cups baby spinach
1 pint washed strawberries
1 small package slivered almonds

Wash and tear spinach into bite size pieces. Slice strawberries. Toast almonds under broiler until lightly browned.

Dressing
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp sesame seeds
1 tbsp poppy seeds
1/2 tsp minced onion
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp paprika
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar

Mix all ingredients together until sugar is dissolved. May not need to use all the dressing. Pour on just before serving.

1 comment: