I love having parties. I’ve had Canada Day Parties, Sex and the City Parties,Going Away Parties, Birthday Parties, and more. I use to throw a party a few times a year, and loved planning the two major components of throwing a party:

• WHAT TO DRINK...
• WHAT TO EAT….

I think by now,  you know what  I would serve for the “drink” component. Hint: Beer and Scotch.

WHAT TO EAT….

I would serve a variety of snacks.(savoury not sweet).  I would put out a variety of the usual snacks (i.e pretzels, chips, nuts, popcorn etc)  and serve some dips as well. Here is one of my all time favorite dips for a party: It was so popular that I started to make two of these platters at each party.

TACO PIE

Ingredients:

3/4 of a brick of cream cheese ( I bought the light version)

1 cup cottage cheese (I bought the full fat version…i.e 4 %)

1 cup Old El Paso Salsa

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2  cup shredded lettuce

scallions to garnish

Directions:

1.Combine the cream cheese and the cottage cheese together, till smooth. (this is the hardest part).

2. Spread onto a serving dish.

3. Spread an even layer of salsa on top.

4. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese.

5. Sprinkle the shredded lettuce.

5. Garnish with scallions.

6. Decorate with nachos around the perimeter of the serving dish.

END RESULT:

As I’m writing this blog entry,  I’m thinking I should have a party before the summer is over…I would serve the watermelon martinis, the cucumber lemonade (with vodka of course), taco pie, chex mix (that I just bought in the US), these new pretzels I’m in love with, fresh fruit, and more.

What do you think? Are you having a party this summer?

Disclosure: I am part of the Life Made Delicious Connector Program and I receive special perks as part of the affiliation with this group. The opinion on this blog are my own.

As you know, I’m a food sales rep which means I visit a lot of grocery stores. But even when I’m on vacation, I still like to visit grocery stores.

In New York last week, I discovered:

Cinnamon Chex that are gluten free! I had bought the chocolate flavored chex on a previous visit but I’m now in love with the cinnamon flavor. My biggest regret: only buying one box. What was I thinking?

Dr. Browns Cel-Ray Water: I went to Katz’s deli and bought this even though it was a small fortune (close to $3 a can).  I knew that finding it somewhere else would be a challenge, so I navigated my way thru the crowds and the lines and bought a few. Specifically I bought this for my dad. Our American cuzins use to bring this for the Canadian Cousins in the 70’s and 80’s and we all still have a soft spot for this soda. Definetley an acquired taste. ps. one of the ingredients is “extract of celery seed”.

Baconnaise: I discovered this product at the fancy food show last year in NYC. So when I saw it on the grocery shelf, I grabbed a jar to bring home. Then when I got home, I was reading a blog (Erin Loves Food) only to find out you can buy it in Toronto at Lakeview Storehouse. Go Figger.  Ps this product is Kosher (OU).

Here in Toronto…I have discovered:

Dole Fruit Crisp: I saw this new product at a food show a few months ago as well. I brought it home and we loved it. I have to admit that I dont have time every nite to make rhubarb crisp (yes – I’m only human). This product certainly comes in handy – for dessert or for the kids lunch boxes. No to mention you can enjoy it cold or slightly warmed up in the microwave.

Holy Crap:  I bought this at Natures Emporium (which you should visit by the way – even if its far) but I’m scared to use it. LOL. (ps I’m not joking – its been in the cupboard for months now).

Disclosure: #1. I am part of the Life Made Delicious Connector Program and I receive special perks as part of the affiliation with this group. The opinion on this blog our my own.

Disclosure #2: I received the Dole Fruit Crisps as part of a program with Matchstick. The opinion on this blog our my own.