Do you have a special event soon to happen? Are you looking for delicious recipes that fit your budget, skill and style? Here are three helpful tips and four great recipes! It's spring. Yes summer in some wonderful places of the country (miss you Tracy Hoogenboom). Women's events, luncheons and weddings abound. I am helping a friend plan an event for her son's wedding. I have made this menu many times for large events (yes even a wedding in our back yard) AND it is the bomb I am telling you. Tip 1: Remember to make a lot of a few things. It saves in prep work and also looks amazing for the presentation. Tip 2: Serve everything on large cream platters and bowls. I find my at Marshall's or TJ Max. You can get great deals and large serving items. Add a white table cloth. Bring the color in with fresh flowers and napkins. Lots of small creme candles are wonderful too. Tip 3: Plastic clear silverware and plates from Costco. Best deal around. Prewrap plastic ware in napkins and tie with colored bow. Place in a crystal wine cooler upright for easy access. This generally serves about 45 people easy...for larger events just double. I always try to combine make ahead recipes and store bought items. The lemon cookies for example I buy from Walmart...and they are great! That way I am not crazy the day of the event. I hope you try these and have fun! Remember you are giving others a message about their value (thank you Phyllis Stanley)...and food...is...well...love to me...(thank you Mama). Chicken Pasta Salad Fruit Salad with Lemon Whipped Creme Field Greens with Pear and Spiced Pecans Raspberry muffins and small store bought croissants (Yes...Costco...I am a fan)
Chicken Salad for Large Gatherings. I promise this is the best chicken salad you have ever had! Serves up to 25 5 cups diced and cooked chicken 5 cups macaroni (shells, spiral or any other small macaroni) 4 cups chopped celery 4 cups grapes…(green or red…or half and half) 10 hard boiled eggs cooked and chopped 1 20 oz can of pineapple tidbits. 1 cup dried cherries or cranberries 1 cup sliced almonds (optional) 1 tea salt and pepper (or to taste) 3 tablespoons beau monde (a must) Combine all the above in extra large bowl. Fold in: 2 cups mayo or salad dressing 1 cup sour crème 2 cups cool whip ¼ cup lemon juice ¼ cup sugar 4 teaspooon shredded lemon rind Allow 2-8 hours to chill. This is a great salad to actually make the night before. The longer it sits the greater the flavor. Serve with grapes, strawberry dipped in chocolate, and relish skewer..(olive pickle and hot pepper) Fruit Salad with Lemon Whipped Crème Any and all fresh fruit...peaches, nectarines, strawberries, raspberries, bananas, grapes, cantaloupe, watermelon. Mix all fruit together in a large bowl. Make crème topping. 1 small package lemon instant pudding 1 cup milk 3 tablespoons pineapple orange juice concentrate 2 teaspoons lemon or orange rind Combine all ingredients. Add 1 container cool whipped topping. Pour over fresh fruit and chill until serving time. Garnish with fresh mint and thinly sliced lemon and orange slices in the center. Field Green Salad Romaine lettuce, watermelon balls, Almond Accents, sliced pears, and Girhards Light Champagne dressing. A WONDERFUL light salad. Feta is also a great addition. My other fav is lettuce, cantaloupe balls, pine nuts and Maries Blue Cheese Vinagirette with fresh cracked pepper. Easy. Thank you Trish Nordby for this one! 
Cheers!
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