Olivia’s Opposites / Fancy Raspberry Lemonade
I hate punch. Well, I hate most non-alcoholic punch. It’s usually too sweet for me, and filled with weird artificial colors and sweeteners. A good sangria I’ll take any day, but that wasn’t really an option for a baby shower. So, when I was planning my sister’s recent baby shower I set out to make a not-too-sweet, not-artificially-colored, pink punch that would please my picky palate. I think I found it in this easy raspberry lemonade, sweetened with cane sugar and pink-ified with raspberry puree. I wish I could tell you that I made the lemonade part of this with...
Read MoreGreen Eggs & Ham / Spinach Deviled Eggs & Bacon
Deviled eggs are popular party food for good reason: they’re inexpensive and really easy to make ahead of time, plus they look great on a buffet. I developed this deviled egg recipe for my sister Beth’s book-themed baby shower, adapting the classic recipe in homage to Dr. Seuss’ Green Eggs and Ham. In developing the recipe, I drew heavily from Rachel Ray’s Green Eggs and Ham scrambled eggs, and Martha Stewart’s Spinach Deviled Eggs. In my recipe, sauteed, pureed spinach gives the yolk filling a greenish hue, and bits of bacon add flavor and garnish the dish. I...
Read MoreA Bookish Baby Shower
Last weekend my mom and I co-hosted a book-themed baby shower for my sister Beth. The party was a big hit, and I had a blast putting together the menu: dishes based on foods from popular children’s books. We carried the book theme through other aspects of the party, too, by writing a nursery rhyme-themed game for everyone to play, and by asking folks to bring Beth a copy of their favorite children’s book instead of a greeting card. We were amazed that with about 15 guests at the party, there were no duplicate books. Everyone has a different favorite baby book! Here’s...
Read MoreCheddar Kale Muffins
These savory muffins call for a whole head of kale, plus protein-rich cheddar cheese, making them a healthy and filling option for breakfast on the go. You’re going to have to take my word for it that these muffins look good. I made a batch of them for us to take on vacation to San Diego, and I was in such a hurry to pack them up that I forgot to take a picture! They were great travel food; not too smelly on the plane, and a big step up from any of the airport snacks. Cheddar Kale Muffins (yields 12 regular-sized muffins) 1 head kale, washed and dried 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 1/4...
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