Simple advice for a better life.

Party Time - Appetizer tableIt’s that time of the year again…yes you guessed it… Super Bowl Sunday. Time to watch LOTS of Football, Half- Time entertainment, great commercials, and most of all, LOTS of delicious party food.

It does not matter if you like football or not, or if you care about the Pittsburgh Steelers , or the Green Bay Packers, the important thing is that you will be surrounded by your family and friends to have a good time together.

If you are still searching for recipes for your party, search no more, because I am about to give you a list of my favorite recipes.

Ham Canapes (very easy, presentable and delicious)

Jalapeno Corn Dip ( for the vegetarian on your list)

Buffalo Chicken Wing Dip (everyone’s favorite)

7 Layer Guacamole Dip (yummy..)

Swedish Meatballs (quick, delectable, filling)

Texas Caviar (another meatless dish)

Mrs. Z’ s Deviled Eggs (can’t beat these!!)

Pesto Sun-Dried Tomato Cheese Spread (sooooo good…)

Caramel Apple Dip (great for the underage crowd…)

Turkey Taco Ring (presentable and really tasty)

Rye Bread Dip (oldie but goodie..)

Tzatziki Dip (for the vegetarian in your crowd)

Lemon Basil Hummus (very healthful dip)

City Chicken (a party must…easy to snack on)

Calico Beans (better than chilly)

Veggie Platter (healthful and crunchy)

Non-alcoholic Punch (for the party animal having fun without alcohol)

Your list is ready.

All you have to do now is to prepare a shopping list, and coordinate some kitchen help to put it all together, for that special day.

MAY THE BEST TEAM WIN!!!!

Super Bowl – Party Food

Party canapes 2Here we are again, planning another Super Bowl party, and searching for party food ideas.

Well, since you are reading this post, you’re already in the right place.  There is no better place than grandma’s kitchen, Suburbangrandma, that is!

All the recipes I post are either prepared by me personally, or I have sampled them elsewhere, loved them, and posted them for you to enjoy.

This time I decided to post a very simple recipe, but quite presentable, and very well liked by my family, for years .

These are open face sandwiches, canapes, also know to my family as “kanapky”.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 Tbs butter, softened
  • 1 Tbs Good Seasons Italian Dressing mix
  • 2 large loves of rye bread (40 slices)
  • 3 tomatoes,  sliced thin
  • 4 pickles, sliced thin
  • 6 eggs, boiled and sliced thin (use an egg slicer, for best results)
  • 1 Lbs of ham, cooked, smoked, or your your choice – sliced on a thinner side as well
  • 20 slices of American cheese, white or yellow
  • Chives or scallions, chopped (to sprinkle on top for a fresh look, and to enhance the aroma)

Directions:

  1. Mix the cream cheese, butter and salad dressing mix.
  2. Set aside.
  3. Remove the smaller end from the loaf of bread, if you are using bakery loaf.  If you are using a prepackaged bread without the ends, then you are all set.
  4. Cut the cheese slices in half diagonally (forming triangles)
  5. Fold each slice of ham in half, or cut in half it you plan to use only that much on each sandwich.
  6. Get ready all the sliced ingredients: eggs, tomatoes, pickles.
  7. Spread the cheese/butter mixture on each piece of rye bread (rather sparingly)
  8. Place a piece of ham on top of the spread
  9. Place a piece of cheese on top of ham
  10. Arrange nicely a slice of pickle, slice of an egg, and slice of a tomato on top of the cheese slice.
  11. Sprinkle lightly with chopped chives or scallions.

If you are looking for additional ideas, and recipes, you may check these out:

Tip: The canapes in this top photo (close up view) were made for a tea party, thus very dainty, and I used only  1/3 of a slice of bread per each, so I used a grape tomato slices, 1/2  of an egg slice, and 1/4 of a slice of cheese.
If you plan to make these for an adult party, I would suggest to use a whole slice of bread for each canape,  plus the toppings listed in the recipe above.

Mrs. Z’s Deviled Eggs

deviled-eggs2If you like deviled eggs, you will agree that every cook has his/her own special touch in making them.  The main recipe is basically always the same, but everyone adds something extra to make it their own. This particular recipe was created by me personally, and the men in our family enjoy these Deviled Eggs very much.

Ingredients:

  • 8 extra large eggs
  • 2 ½ Tbs. Hellmann’s Light Mayonnaise
  • 2 tsp. Deli Style Mustard
  • 1 ½ Tbs. Claussen Pickles, minced
  • 1 ½ tsp. Claussen Pickle juice
  • Paprika
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Put the eggs in a pot of cold water.
  2. Bring to boil, and cook for 15 minutes.
  3. Drain the water.
  4. Crack each egg shells with a spoon, and cover with cold water until eggs cool off (this helps the peel to come off with ease).
  5. Peel the eggs, and rinse off (in case there are any remaining shell pieces).
  6. Cut eggs in half lengthwise.
  7. Scoop out the yolks into a bowl, and lay the hauled out egg white halves on a serving platter.
  8. Press the yolks through a sieve, by using a spoon and a sweeping motion.
  9. Add the remaining ingredients
  10. Mix well
  11. Fill a cake decorating bag fitted with your favorite tip, with the yolk mixture.
  12. Fill the hauled out egg whites halves.
  13. Sprinkle with Paprika (optional)
  14. Decorate with Parsley, Celery, or Dill leaves (optional).

Any leftover Deviled Eggs are a wonderful snack the next day, or served for breakfast.