4 Easy Recipes for Your Next Party

It's no secret I love throwing parties. I love the details, the colours, the planning, the theme, the people, the food....everything! However, this momma knows how precious time can be and while I love everything to look beautiful, I also love simple, quick, delicious recipes that I can make fast.  So today I have 4 easy and yummy appetizers for your next party, girls night, or date night. We popped into our local Choices Markets in South Surrey and purchased the items we needed. I love that Choices is smaller (so I can grab all my items a lot faster than a huge supermarket) but it also has everything that is on my list. It feels like a neighbourhood market because the employees are so kind and helpful, it actually blows me away each time I am there.
Ok back to the recipes!

Cranberry Brie Bites

My first rule when preparing for a party is: know your shortcomings. I don't make great pastry. So I bought already made puff pastry from Choices Markets, rolled it out into thin squares and placed them over a greased muffin pan. I added 1/2 tsp. of canned cranberries to each cup and a slice of brie cheese. Baked them for 15 minutes at 350 degrees or until golden brown.
The cheese and cranberry melt together and it becomes a delicious treat and we served it up on this white cake platter from Maxwell and Williams.

Pomegranate-Avocado Salsa

1. Empty seeds of one pomegranate into this adorable little heart shaped bowl from Maxwell and Williams. Add one avocado diced into small sections. Squeeze a wedge of lemon juice and add some fresh chopped cilantro if you prefer. Gently mix (don't over-mix or the avocado will start to mush). Serve in the most adorable little heart shaped bowl from Maxwell and Williams along with Nut Thins (Gluten-free) or your favourite rice or nut cracker.

Homemade Eclairs

For these I just googled a basic eclair pastry recipe (like this one here) and then we filled them with whipping cream, we melted white chocolate for the top and added beautiful fresh garnishes such as pistachio, dark shaved chocolate, raspberries etc. Served on these gorgeous white side plates from Maxwell and Williams.

Chilled Peach (or pear) Soup

1. In a blender mix 3 or 4 cut up peaches or pears (depending on the season). Add a 1/4 cup of plain yogurt, 1 big teaspoon of honey (more if not sweet enough), a dash of cinnamon, and a dash of ginger.

Garnish with a few toasted sliced almonds and a mint leaf. It is so delicious! I love serving it in winter but it would also be perfect in the summer as well. I think I'll try to make a watermelon version this summer!

P.S. all the dishes in this picture, including those adorable tint rose bowls are from Maxwell and Williams, our favourite brand for all of our serving needs.