The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Cherry Pies
What it is about mini cherry pies that makes them so much tastier than the regular sized ones? Perhaps they are easier to eat. Or the tiny crust-to-cherry filling ratio is better. Maybe it’s the cute factor. For whatever reason, these mini pies were one of the most popular dishes at my sister’s book-themed baby shower last month. I made them using my standby pie crust recipe (seen here and here) and a jar of wild cherry preserves homemade by my aunt in Carlisle, Iowa. The process for making mini pies is pretty simple as long as you have some biscuit cutters and a mini muffin...
Read MoreBacon Wrapped Dates, Amelia Bedelia
Bacon wrapped anything is guaranteed to be a big hit at parties, and these delicious dates are no exception. In this easy recipe, sweet dates are wrapped with Richardson Farms pastured bacon and baked until the bacon is crispy. The basic recipe is Package whole, pitted dates, about 30 pieces total 1/3 slice bacon per date, about 10 slices total blue cheese crumbles, goat cheese or almonds to stuff the dates, if desired To make the dates, first stuff each date with a bit of cheese or almond, if desired. Then wrap each piece of dried fruit with 1/3 slice of bacon and secure with a...
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...
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