Archive for April 20th, 2012

20

Apr

Simple Party Extra: Candied Nuts

party-invitationsEveryone needs a few go-to recipes when they are hosting guests after a special celebration.  Most of us have a few good entrée recipes and maybe a dessert or appetizer standby to pull out when party invitations have been sent and the event planning starts.  But to add a special twist to your special event menu, we like this super simple recipe for candied nuts from allrecipes.com – perfect to jazz up an elegant salad, to set out as snacks, or to bag as party favors.

Ingredients
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 pound pecan halves (or use cashews, walnuts pieces, or a combination of mixed nuts)
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Grease one baking sheet.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whip together the egg white and water until frothy. In a separate bowl, mix together sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. Add nuts to egg whites and stir to coat the nuts evenly. Remove the nuts, and toss them in the sugar mixture until coated. Spread the nuts out on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 1 hour. Stir every 15 minutes.

The candied nuts can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, which makes this the perfect plan-ahead recipe for your next party.  Purchase the nuts in bulk and this can be a relatively inexpensive snack that will make your guests nostalgic for those fairground and street vendor treats that we all love.

Package a large handful of candied nuts for an easy party favor for your guests.  Decorative cellophane bags or boxes are available at most craft stores or online party supplier such as www.orientaltrading.com.  For your upcoming special occasion celebrations, checkout the growing collection of party invitations available at LookLoveSend.com.  From graduation party invitations to first communion invitations and birthday party invitations – find our diverse styles all printed on fine quality papers.

 

20

Apr

3 Kid-style Foodie Birthday Parties

Does your child receive two or three birthday party invitations to the same kind of party within a few weeks of each other? If so, you aren’t imagining it–kids tend to cycle through the same birthday themes and activities popular within their peer group. The four year olds want bouncy houses, the kindergarteners love superheros, first graders flock to laser tag. But what if your kid wants to break out of the mold (or maybe you do)?

Try doing something unique for your next kid birthday party with food. Call it a kid-style foodie party. You can host a foodie party either at home or at a kid-friendly restaurant. Get creative with one of the suggested kid-style foodie themes here:

birthday-invitations-onlineHands-On Foodie

Making pizza is easy, cheap and fun for kids. Check with your local pizza joint or a larger chain like Uno Chicago Grill about hosting a hands-on birthday party. If you host at home, go with pre-prepared, personal sized crusts like Mama Mary’s, Boboli or  Pillsbury. Offer both red and white sauces and popular kid toppings  like pepperoni, tomatoes, shrimp, olives and cheese. Pick up kid-size aprons at a craft store (Michael’s, JoAnn Fabrics) and put a chef hat on your birthday kid.

A la Carte Foodie

Kids love to create their own food. The more choices, the better! It’s what my kids love about Subway. In fact, imitate a Subway-style sandwich shop at your next party. Or host a taco/burrito bar inspired by Moe’s or Chipotle Southwest Grill. Include filling choices like shredded chicken, beef, bean, different cheeses, toppings and salsas. Or, try a pasta bar with different colored pasta and shapes. And of course for dessert, go with a lavish ice cream sundae and toppings bar!

Spectator Foodie

Hibachi grill restaurants like Benny Hanna are always a hit with kids. A fondue restaurant is another idea if you have one nearby. Or set up a foodie bar at home. Make something kids have fun watching that also offers choices. Giant waffles with special toppings or chocolate chip pancakes are easy, and you can throw on whipped cream smiley faces or animal whiskers and ears, whatever your guest orders! Add a sidedish of fruit and veggies with a cream cheese-and-marshmellow fluff dip.

Distinguish your party even further with fabulous, fun birthday invitations online from LookLoveSend.com. You can personalize your party invitations online with a fun photo and write your own text in a style you choose. Ordering is fast and easy and your invitations will ship the next business day!