When I do the meal planning for this group, I often like to come up with a fun theme. And most importantly, it must be a meal that won't keep me confined to the kitchen while everyone else is sitting on the patio drinking wine. I can't miss out on any of the fun, now can I?
Thursday's theme will be a nod to our upcoming vacation ... Italian night! Here's what's on my menu:
Appetizers
Prosciutto-wrapped melon
Mini spinach tortellini skewers
Brie and strawberry crostini
Entree
Individual pizzas, traditional style -- buffalo mozzarella and basil
Italian salad with red onion, black olives, grape tomatoes, pepperoncini, garlic croutons
Dessert
Lemon brownies (a nod to the lemon groves in Southern Italy)
I bought the majority of the ingredients Monday and will purchase those that need to be fresher on Wednesday -- prosciutto, strawberries, the Italian bread for the crostini, and lettuce for the salad.
Wednesday evening I'll make the lemon brownies and slice the bread. I'll also make the salad dressing so the flavors have more time to meld together. I can slice the red onion, canteloupe and strawberries (maybe even sprinkle them with a little sugar to get them a bit syrupy).
I am really excited about this menu and hope the girls get a kick out of a little taste of Italy!
Ooh what a scrumptious menu! I agree that when you're hosting you should try and keep the food prep as low key as possible. Sounds like everyone will have full bellies!
ReplyDeleteHave you tried that salad dressing before? If not, let me know how it turns out! I've always wanted to try it b/c I am obsessed with OG's dressing. Looks like a delicious menu!
ReplyDeleteThis all sounds delicious!
ReplyDeleteLooks awesome especially the crostinis!
ReplyDeleteSo fun!! :) I need to do this with my girlfriends!
ReplyDeleteLooks fantastic! Have fun!
ReplyDeleteyuummm the corstini's!
ReplyDeleteI want to come! Looks delish!
ReplyDeleteOK this looks amazing April!! Definitely a taste of Italy! xo Meggan // Vintage Modern Mom
ReplyDeleteOlive Garden salad dressing is the best!
ReplyDeleteThat is serious dedication!! My 3 yr old book club can barely hold it together these days!
ReplyDeleteThe menu sounds delicious!
I'm drooling over here. YUM! Now, what do I need to do exactly to relocate and join this fun group!!!!!??? ;)
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a great menu. I've been looking for ways to incorporate more "meals" into my girls nights. Love the appetizers!
ReplyDeleteOhh sounds like such a great menu! I especially want those Brie and strawberry crostini's! Too bad I can't have Brie cheese while pregnant...boo!
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