Birthday Party Foods

  • Dips served with Tortilla Chips, Pita Bread, Veggies: carrots, celery, jicama, fennel, sweet bell pepper, olives, broccoli, cauliflower, Romaine lettuce spears, sugar snap peas, etc. Check for what’s in season.
  • Popcorn Balls
  • Filled Wonton Wrappers:
    • Get the large square wonton wrappers in the produce section of your grocer and fill them with pre-cooked savory or sweet combinations like ground meat and cheese, nuts and sweet cheese, tuna fish or crab salad or shredded veggies.  Put the mixture on one half then fold over sealing the edges with a little water.  Freeze theses for about 2 hours or over night before cooking.  Brush vegetable oil on both sides and bake until golden brown or fry in vegetable oil and drain on a papre towel.
  • No Bake Nut Balls
  • Meatballs with sauces or dip
  • Fruit and Cheese Kebobs:  Use berries or cubed fruit combined with cubed hard cheeses.
  • Pizza Rolls
    • Take pizza dough and roll it out into a large rectangle.  Cut it into 4 inch squares.  Fill one half with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and any other favorite pizza toppings chopped up, fold and press edges together. Brush the tops with olive oils and sprinkle with sea salt or minced garlic.  Bake at 350 for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Ants on a Log:  Celery sticks filled with peanut butter and topped with raisins.  Make it with craisns and my kids call them lady bugs on a log.
  • Pigs in a Blanket
    • Use pizza dough or pie pastry cut into wedges and wrap nitrate free hot dogs.  Bake in an oven at 350 for about 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.  Serve with a multitude of condiments and dips.
  • Buttermilk Chicken Drumettes.  Soak chicken legs or drumettes in buttermilk (or plain yogurt) seasoned with salt, ground black pepper and paprika, for at least 2 hours or overnight.  Remove chicken pieces from buttermilk and bake on a lined or sprayed cookie sheet until done.  About 30-45 minutes at 350 degrees.
  • Oven Baked Black Bean and Cheese Burritos:  Make these smaller than usual using 8 inch flour or whole grain tortillas or smaller.  Brush with a bit of vegetable oil and bake at 350 until golden brown and the cheese is melted.  Serve with salsa and guac.
  • Mini Macaroni and Cheese baked in individual servings (ramekins, tea cups, coffee cups.)