Party Planning Again!

It’s time to plan Caden’s party, it’s at my parents house so I won’t have to do much running around.  My mom will be hosting the party which is so nice to have the use of their waterfront for the kids to play.  Mom loves to throw parties and cook, she is an amazing cook, her food is more for the grown up … which is great but the kids not always on board with dressed up mac and cheese with tomatoes or onions … lol.  I love her food but the kids sometimes look at it like we’ve gone mad.  She would like to do nice sandwiches.  I think I may have to sneak some hot dogs down, I sworn not to bring them but I just know the kids would really want them … hehe so I must be on a covert mission to bring them in. 

Now as many of you know my parents did a huge remodel of their waterfront and they say it’s for this party … hehe.  God love them when we had my wedding at their house they did a huge remodel their too some how that included a new smoke house which I’m not sure how it played into being because of my wedding but it did … lol.  So the lake is ready for a party, but as the rest of the country is having a heat wave here in the PNW we are experiencing storms and downpour of rain.  And yes we are known for our rain but usually we’re pretty safe to plan a party in July with out having to worry about rain!  I need all the prayers I can get right now for NO RAIN, right now they are calling for showers!

So now on to making the cupcakes, as you may have guessed I’m going to make them.  I’ve been working very hard to be able to make the kids party cakes myself.  Now I’m NO Duff, but I’m trying hard to make cute ones .  So on the search for the best cupcake design to use:

These are cute look like the ones I made for Cole just NOT in the ice cream cone!

These look cute but I’m not sure about transporting with the trees, could always assemble at the party.

These are super cute but I’ve never worked with fondant.

These also look like the ones I did for Cole.

 

I think I’ve decided on these! hehe I think they look a little creepy but I know the kids would get a kick out of them!  With out the flag about school.

What do you think?

Then of course I thought I’d do my pudding pops but make them like ocean colors so do dark blue, then light blue and white for the kids.

And for the adults and because my BF had her birthday last week I thought I’d make these Unfettered F-U-N . . . Rainbow Jelly Shooter! I found the COOLEST website for you Jello Shot fans It’s the Jello Shot Test Kitchen and she even has a book out.  Talk about elegant grown up jello shots, she makes the coolest one’s with not sight of a paper cup!

So I think I’m set on the cupcakes, pudding pops and the Jello Shots to be made.  I will sneak in some hot dogs along with items to make the s’mores.  Rick built them an amazing fire pit out of bricks.  It looks very pretty which is why Rick is not too pleased to be having me use it … lol.

On a plus side Rick is scheduled to work that day and he couldn’t get the day off, so he is going to take a personal day which is not ideal but hey it’s better then him not being there (which most times he has to work and only can be there for 1/2 the time).

So I’m still sick so I need all the prayers I can get right now for no rain and to be done with the cold!  Thanks again for all the well wishes you guys are just amazing!

Party Snacks (Pizza, Poppers & S'Mores)

The Oscar's were this weekend so I had to bust out some yummy treats to share with my friends!

I found this amazing pizza on How Sweat Eats and tweaked it a bit. I did use my own flat bread recipe but for the life of me can't find what recipe I used so I added in the recipe she gave.

Next on the list was a Pizza Pinwheel. The recipe called for pizza dough so I made one from my favorite flour website King Arthur and next is the recipe I found on One Crazy Cookie (one of my favorite ladies).

Next on our list is Bacon Wrapped Lil Smokies Jalapeño Peppers the original recipe didn't have lil smokies and I added them in :). These were so yummy and not burn your mouth hot.

And we end with the recipe that was given 5 stars (she said if there was 6 stars she would have given it that). Talk about yummy, so good I left it at her house :) so I wouldn't eat them all. I found this recipe on Lick the Bowl Good (yup you got to love that name).

Happy Tuesday, hope you find one you love.

Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays, Tasty Tuesdays, Tasty Tuesday,Tuesday at the Table,Delectable Tuesday, Delicious Dishes , Totally Tasty Tuesday, Hearth and Soul and Thursday Recipe Swap Meet.

WWW ~ Caden's Party & New Screens

OMGosh so Saturday was one busy day I got up to work at 6am. Then off to pick up last minute items and off to mom and dad's house. Thankfully started the party at 2p so plenty of time to get it set up and we really didn't have a lot to do. The day was hot and the lake was a perfect setting for the party. It turned more into a beach party and it took a little prodding to get me back on track. I know I became one of the parties I hate! Thankfully the lake and swimming kept everyone busy!

Rick took the kids in the paddle boat and on one of the jetskis. People like me sat on the beach part and enjoyed the sun and didn't hop in the lake. And no people I didn't bring a suit because a I don't have one that fits right now and b I'm not much of a swimmer. I have a thing about taking a shower afterwards. Since shower at mom's requires a 30 min suigy of the shower stall I didn't. So people who kept thinking it was because I was not wanting to show of my curvy body in suit that was not the case! I hope this will stop the freaking comments :).

Some shots of me and birthday boy, Mount Rainer, Party Goers and My GF Christina & Me.

Birthday food!

Mom's watermelon shaped like a whale

Dad cooking hot dogs, Kid & Adult dogs :)

My Sand Cup Pudding

Mom's Cake for Caden

I got home and felt the cold coming on :( and Caden got a little to sunburned. He did get a nap threw the party ... hehe we couldn't even wake him for cake or presents. So no 2nd job for me Saturday night and I missed church on Sunday. I'm still having coughing fits and trying to kick it.

And newest home project:

Rick making screens for my windows.

I think he was tired of the flys coming in.

Wow there we have it! I'm still trying to recover, hope you all had a GREAT weekend.

Don't Freak I have Party Food Recipes for you!

Vlasic® Pickle are big hit with the boys, I always have to have a jar in the fridge. Really my boys (Rick included will grab a bowl and snack away. But who new you could have a pickle to snack or to spice up your tuna? Well hold on Betsy because this is not your boring pickle recipe. I'm about to blow you mind with some YUMMY recipes that your guest will be so impressed with. I promise you're going to enjoy all of these. Yes I know you're all like me going to run to the store Christmas Eve to get the last minute things for the party so why not try some recipes that are at every boring party people have gone to before! Believe me you're going to get some special treat baskets from your party goers and be the host of the year!

Dirty Pickle Vodka Martini
So Let's start with or drink of the night. Just imagine the looks you'll get when you walk out with a platter of these? First people will give you funny looks they'll curiosity will take over and they will have to check it out. Don't worry they'll be back for another and maybe another! Just remember to take keys away! And now for the recipe:

Ingredients:

8 ounces Vodka (use your favorite)

½ teaspoon dry Vermouth

2 Vlasic® Kosher Dill Pickle Spears

1 tbsp. pickle juice (from the jar)

Directions:

Add ice about halfway up a cocktail shaker. Add vodka, vermouth and pickle juice. Shake well, pour into 2 Martini glasses and garnish with a pickle spear in each glass.

For a yummy sandwich, but one you need napkins on hand for are. Plus check it out save the recipe for Homemade Russian Dressing!

Messy Russian Turkey Sandwich

This is a beautifully flavored sandwich with all the ingredients fusing perfectly together. It is also one of Kevin’s top sellers at his San Diego sports bar, the East Village Tavern & Bowl. The trick is to make the Russian dressing by hand which is super simple and you’re going to learn how to do it right now!

Ingredients:

2 pieces sourdough—or your favorite—bread

4 tbsp. Russian dressing (recipe below)

5 slices turkey

4 slices Applewood smoked bacon

½ avocado, sliced

HOMEMADE RUSSIAN DRESSING:

2 tbsp. mayonnaise

2 tbsp. Vlasic® Dill Relish

2 tbsp. ketchup

*Mix equal parts of the three ingredients together well in a small bowl.

Directions:

Toast your bread and spread on Russian dressing. Place turkey, then bacon, then avocado on one half and make sandwich.

And you all now me and my slow cooker! Yup love it, it's my friend and hasn't done me wrong yet! This will be the next thing I do in my crock pot!

This is the perfect comfort food sandwich for a cold, rainy or snowy day. Use a crock pot or just boil or pan roast it. Remember, pork is all about “slow n’ low.”

Ingredients:

1-3 pounds pork roast, slow-cooked

½ cup honey

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon mustard

½ cup ketchup

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Salt and pepper to taste

1 pack hamburger buns (use your favorite)

1 jar Vlasic® Pickle Chips

Directions:

In a slow cooker, add pork, honey, brown sugar, mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Cook on low for 4-8 hours. Pull apart with fork and mix well with the remaining sauce. Heat up hamburger buns and split in half. Add Vlasic® pickle chips on top and make sandwich. *Optional: Top with coleslaw or beans.

And for my turkey lovers check out these, doesn't that picture just make your mouth water!

Turkey Sloppy Joes with Bread & Butter Chips

This is a healthy twist on a classic dish. The smooth texture of the meat and the crunch of the pickle is a match made in sloppy heaven. Makes 4-6 sandwiches

Ingredients:

1 pound ground turkey

1 small yellow onion, diced

1 cup tomato sauce

1/2 cup ketchup

1 tsp., Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. brown sugar

2 tsp. vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

1 jar Vlasic® Bread & Butter Chips

1 package hamburger buns (use your favorite)

Optional: Pepper jack cheese

Directions:

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground turkey and onions. Stir until browned.

Add tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, salt and pepper. Stir all ingredients together and cook until turkey is done, onions are soft and the sauce is nice and thick. Heat up hamburger buns on grill or in oven. Add turkey mixture on bottom half of bun, 4 Vlasic® Bread & Butter pickle chips and make sandwich. Optional: add cheese.

Get your Pickle on! Don't worry you'll be seeing these on a few of my recipe post. Enjoy and I can't wait to here how your party turned out. This will be a party that my husband would enjoy one that is not all stuffy, this is a sit down bend over your plate and Enjoy. And oh yes LOT'S of napkins on hand!