Recipes

I decided that I would put up some of my favorite party planning recipes...they are super yummy and super easy! These are the recipes I used for my best friends shower! Here you go!...


Bacon Wrapped Dates: Simple, elegant, and delicious! They were a definite party favorite and went extremely fast! Be sure to get yours quick! :)

1 16-ounce package of bacon (regular thickness-not thick cut), cut into thirds
1 8-ounce package of pitted dates


Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Position oven rack in the center of the oven. Cover a cookie sheet with tin foil.

Wrap a piece of bacon around a date. Make sure the bacon seam is placed facing downwards on the cookie sheet. Press firmly on the bacon wrapped date, so it is less likely to unravel. Repeat until all of the dates are wrapped in bacon.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until crisp. Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Makes 25-30 bacon wrapped dates.

Fried Ravioli: Delicious! 

• Olive oil, for frying
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups Italian-style bread crumbs
• 1 box store-bought cheese ravioli (about 24 ravioli) The smaller the better! Bite size is always best for appetizers! :)
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan 
• 1 jar store bought marinara sauce, heated, for dipping

Directions:
Pour enough olive oil into a large frying pan to reach a depth of 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 325 degrees F.

While the oil is heating, put the buttermilk and the bread crumbs in separate shallow bowls. Working in batches, dip ravioli in buttermilk to coat completely. Allow the excess buttermilk to drip back into the bowl. Dredge ravioli in the bread crumbs. Place the ravioli on a baking sheet, and continue with the remaining ravioli.

When the oil is hot, fry the ravioli in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried ravioli to paper towels to drain. 

Sprinkle the fried ravioli with Parmesan and serve with a bowl of warmed marinara sauce for dipping.

Mini Italian Club Sandwiches: Easy, yummy and adorable! 

• 10 slices bacon
• 2 (8-ounce) round loaves focaccia bread 
• 1 cup purchased pesto
• 8 ounces thinly sliced turkey 
• 4 ounces thinly sliced provolone cheese

Directions

Cook the bacon in a heavy large frying pan until crisp. Transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain.
Preheat a griddle or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cut the focaccia horizontally in half. Place the focaccia cut side down on the griddle and cook until the focaccia is heated through and golden brown on the bottom, about 2 minutes. Spread the pesto over the toasted sides of each halved focaccia. Cover the bottom halves of the focaccia with the  turkey, provolone and bacon, dividing equally. Cover with the top halves of focaccia, pesto side down. Cut the sandwich into bite-size wedges. Arrange the sandwiches on a platter and serve.


All of these (and many more) were made by my mother at the shower...I couldnt have done it without her, or the food network! hehe. Thanks momma! Hope you all enjoy some of these delicious treats! xoxo
Court