I'm back for recipe/menu help!

[brigmaman]

Last year I got all kinds of menu ideas for Brig's birthday party and the food was a big hit. (Especially August Mom's chili!)
So this year we are having pizza for everyone. I wanted something simple since it's hot, we're having animals and lots of guests, etc.
So what else can I serve?
Things that can be made ahead of time are a plus!

[MelissaTC]

What about a nice antipasto salad? That would be yummy and can be made ahead of time. I make mine as a salad with a premade Italian mixed salad from the grocery store. I include olives, genoa salami, mozzarella, ham, provolone cheese and roasted red peppers. I use Good Seasons Italian dressing by making it with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. I pour that over the salad, toss and let it sit.

Another yummy idea is mozzarella and tomatoes. Drizzle olive oil, throw in some fresh basil and fresh cracked pepper.

[crayonblue]

My favorite side to go with pizza is green salad with tomatoes, onions, carrots, cucumbers, etc. Whole Foods 365 brand garlic Ranch dressing is really good. Also, a balsamic vinegar dressing. (I make the Good Seasonings and use balsamic instead of regular vinegar.)

Hummus with pita bread or chips.

I recently went to a pizza party and the host served buffalo tenders (she bought them at Costco in the frozen chicken section) with bleu cheese dressing. She also had a huge bowl of red grapes (also bought at Costco). I thought the pizza, chicken and grapes was a nice assortment.

How about a veggie tray and/or fruit tray?

[g-mama]

No suggestions but I am now wanting August Mom's chili recipe! Could you post it?


Kristen
Paolo 11-00
Benjamin 8-03
and a third one coming in december '05!

[DebbieJ]

We did pizza for ds's first b-day. It was a low key party with a mix of childless adults and then moms and kids from playgroup.

I made some mac and cheese for the smaller ones (just a box of TJ's brand). I had a veggie tray and cheese and crackers. For drinks we had various sodas, water, and juice boxes for the kids. We probably had some beer, too, but I don't remember.

Then we had cake and that was it!

~ deb
DS born at home 12/03

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/10029.gif

[August Mom]

Here's my chili recipe. I also have a chicken chili recipe that I've posted. So, I'm not positive which Trish used, but I guessing this one. I'll post both.


Chili

2 pounds ground beef
2 large onions, chopped
2 medium green peppers, chopped
1 jalapeno, minced
2 cans (22 oz.) chili beans in zesty sauce (such as Brooks)
2 cans (15.5 oz.) black beans, drained
1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce
2 cans (15 oz.) Hunts Seasoned Tomato Sauce for Chili
1 cup tomato juice
1 tablespoon chili powder
dash hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
4 dried chili peppers
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1. In a 6 to 8 quart stockpot, brown ground beef over moderately high heat for approximately 6-8 minutes, or until no longer pink. Remove from pan and drain. Fine ground beef with metal spoon or knife, or pulse briefly in food processor to remove large clumps of meat.

2. Return ground beef to pan and add the chopped onion. Cook for about 5 minutes or until onion is tender.

3. Add the green pepper, jalapeno pepper, chili beans, black beans, tomato sauce, tomato juice, tomato sauce special, chili powder, hot sauce, chili peppers, salt and pepper. Cover and simmer for between 30 and 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add water or additional tomato juice if chili becomes too thick.

4. Remove all chili peppers before serving.

[August Mom]

Chicken Chili

1 1/2 pounds chicken breast
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon lime juice
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon cumin
1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons basil
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/4 cup crushed tomatillos (canned), drained
1 can green chiles, chopped
1 can navy beans, rinsed and drained
1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1. Cook and dice chicken breasts. Set aside.

2. In large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Saute onion, bell pepper, jalapeno and garlic until tender.

3. In a separate container, mix chicken broth with lime juice and seasonings. Add to vegetable mixture.

4. Add tomatillos and green chilies to pot and bring to a boil.

5. Add navy beans, kidney beans and diced chicken breast. Bring back to a simmer for 10 minutes.

6. Spoon into individual bowls.


Note: If you use fresh tomatillos, chop them and saute them with the onion, garlic and peppers. If you like a thicker chili, use approximately 2/3 of the amount of chicken broth listed.

[August Mom]

Trish, What month was your party? I've always wanted to use chili at Justin's party but I thought it was probably too hot in August to do so.

I would say that with pizza, you could have breadsticks (DS's favorite!), a tossed salad or a mozzarella/tomato salad and some fresh fruit and call it a day. If you have a lot of kids coming, some chicken fingers and a veggie tray would be a good addition too. When I make fruit for a large group, I almost always do a melon salad. I cut up watermelon, canteloupe and honeydew into chunks (or balls if I'm really feeling industrious) and put it in a pretty glass or crystal bowl. I used a trifle bowl last time and it looked really nice.

I have a recipe for a fresh mozzarella and tomato salad that a chef friend of mine developed. It's very good. I'll post it when I find it.

[August Mom]

Tomato, Mozzarella & Basil Salad

1 qt. grape or cherry tomatoes
1 qt. bocconcini (fresh mozzarella balls)
1/4 c. chiffonade basil
1/2 c. extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, chopped
2 T. balsamic vinegar
Kosher salt, to taste

Mix olive oil, garlic, salt and balsamic vinegar together. (I usually add coarsely ground black pepper too).

In a medium bowl, place tomatoes and mozzarella. Pour in dressing. Add basil and toss to coat.

I have a Tortellini and Tomato salad very similar, but slightly different than Augustmom's recipe. Let me know if you want it. It doesn't need to be served hot or cold and is great for hot weather! Goes well with pizza too. We served it at Jake's party and it is very popular!