Hey Amy!

Are you ready for the final backyard BBQ of the season?  Do you need one last quick trip to the market?  Did you plan for someone to make an ice run for you in the middle of the day (assuming your freezer is already chock full of ice.)  One final thought for you before the big BBQ celebration tomorrow.  While people are arriving to your affair, many will have either not eaten because they thought they should wait for your delicious food or were in such a big hurry, simply forgot.  Since you will not be feeding them as soon as they walk in the door, it’s always thoughtful (and to your benefit to buy some time) to have snacks around.  They don’t have to be super fancy nor over involved.  Just a few snacks to compliment the drinks and adds to the social atmosphere of the beginning of your affair.  Here are a handful of those kinds of recipes from a wonderful recipe book called Drinkology Eats.

Garlic Popcorn:

1 bag prepared microwaved popcorn
1 Tbsp. butter
1 Tbsp. olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
a few sprigs of fresh oregano
3 Tbsp. Parmigiano-Reggiano, finely grated

Melt the butter together with the oil in a small pan over low heat.  Add the garlic and oregano and saute until the garlic is just softened, about 2 minutes.  Transfer the popped corn to a large bowl and pour the butter mixture over it, tossing until well coated.  Sprinkle with cheese and serve.

Spicy Parmesan Cheese Crisps:

1/2 c. Parmigiano-Reggiano, finely shredded
1/8 tsp. dried basil
pinch black pepper
pinch garlic powder
dash ground cayenne pepper

Preheat oven to 400.  Prepare a jelly-roll pan with a silicone liner, parchment paper or cooking spray.  In a  bowl, toss the grated cheese and spices until well mixed. Form 8 compact mounds of the cheese mixture on the baking sheet, spacing an inch apart and lightly pat down.  Bake for 3 to 6minutes, until golden and crisp.  Let cool before serving.  You can make these up to 3 days in advance and keep stored in an airtight container with paper towels between each.

Stilton Mayo Dip:

3 oz. crumbled Stilton
1 c. mayo
pinch freshly ground white pepper

In a small bowl, mash the cheese with a fork.  Stir in the mayonnaise and white pepper and mix well.  Serve with some yummy chips.

Add a bowl of candied cashews, green olives, sliced cheeses and you are set!  Again, it doesn’t and shouldn’t be too extravagant.  Just something that leads into the feast of the day.  Enjoy!

xo–me

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