For Future Reference

A couple months ago Denis and I wrote down our menu for NEXT year’s White Elephant party. I’ve been carrying it around in my purse for a while now, and thought I’d take it out and post it here so that in the event I lose it (which will almost DEFINITELY happen) I’ll still have a written record of what we plan to make.

1. Salmon Bites. We actually prepped this for the December 2007 party, but completely forgot about them. We made them the next day and WOW OH WOW are they good. We’re going to double the recipe next year because I’m CONFIDENT these will be our most popular item next year. They are PERFECTION.

2. Crab Cakes. Denis’ signature crab cakes. This year they didn’t hold together very well, but they still tasted good (I’ve been told). So we’ll keep them on the menu.

3. Crab Meltaways. I almost made these this year but opted not to. Which means this one will go back into the rotation for next year. Out of the nine years we’ve hosted the party, I’ve made these 4-5 times and they always seem to go over well.

4. Coconut Shrimp. Another Denis contribution and they are popular as well. I know that’s the fourth seafood dish listed so far, and some people don’t like seafood. That’s why we’ll also serve

5. Hawaiian Meatballs. I didn’t make these this year, and I had a couple people ask about them. So they will go back on rotation for the 2008 party.

6. Ham Rolls. In December 2007 we had mini-BBQ sandwiches available, but this year we’ll have the mini ham rolls. I got the recipe from my mom and used to make them for the hospitality table at our old NoNJ church. They always went over well, and they are a nice mini-sandwich (VERY tasty).

7. Garlic pizzas. Now, this is not a homemade item. Red Baron pizzas are AWESOMELY good, especially their garlic french bread pizzas. When you slice one of their french bread pizzas into strips they become perfect garlic toasts. We meant to do these a couple months ago and completely forgot.

And our repeats from 2007 that we’ll bring back in 2008 based on feedback from our guests:

1. Cream Cheese Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
2. Mini Yorkshire Puddings (I’ll made more next time)
3. Stuffed Mushrooms
4. Filet wrapped in bacon (a surprise hit of the 2007 party)

I’ll also bring back jello shooters and the two pitchers of pre-made shooters, since, as someone told me upon sampling the Girl Scout Cookie shooter, “This could bring about world peace!”