bridal shower recipes

when i put together a party i try to mix some purchased items with some homemade items.  for my sister's bridal shower i did just that.  

things we bought to save on time and hassle:

mini quiches from smart n final

salad kit was from costco

mini red velvet cupcakes from a bakery

things we made to save money and to make it our way:

the chicken salad.

assembled the skewers.

mini muffin spinach dip.

brownies, but i used a mix

mother-in-law made the lemon squares, that were lovely and yummy.

dipped our own strawberries in chocolate.

i wanted to share some of the recipes that i made for lunch.

chicken and cranberry salad

2 c. rotisserie chicken diced

2 celery stalks, diced

1/4 c. red onion, diced

1/4 c. dried cranberries

2 tbsp. light mayonnaise, more if desired

1 tbsp. dijion mustard

i don't actually measure when i make this recipe.  i just add and mix until i get the right flavor, so use my measurements cautiously.  mix everything together and spread onto the croissants or dinner rolls.  you can also replace the cranberries with dried apricots.

3rd time i've used this photo, but it's so pretty.

mozzarella, tomato and basil skewers

 this is a super easy, but yummy appetizer.

toothpicks

marinated mozzarella mini balls

grape, sugar plum or cherry tomatoes

fresh basil leaves

start with the tooth pick add a mozzarella ball, then a tomato and finally a basil leaf.  not too difficult.

variations:  i have made these with sundried tomatoes instead of the fresh.  you can use the plain mozzarella balls and then drizzle the assembled skewers with balsamic vineagar, olive oil, salt and pepper.

mini spinach dip bites

recipe from picky palate

1 13.2 container of pillsbury refrigerated french bread dough

2 tbsp. olive oil

2 cups baby spinach, light chopped

1 clove of garlic, minced

3 oz. of softened cream cheese

1/2 cup light sour cream

2 tbsp. shredded parmesan cheese

1/8 tsp. chili powder

1/8 tsp. garlic salt

1/8 tsp. sea salt

1/8 tsp. fresh ground black pepper

1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

preheat oven to 350 degrees.  spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray.  cut the dough into 10 slices and then cut those slices in half. 

form those slices into rounds that will fit into the muffin tins.  leaving a well in the middle.

heat oil in a skillet. add spinach and stir until wilted.  add garlic and cook for an additional minute.  remove from heat.

mix together the cream cheese and next 6 ingredients. add spinach and garlic to the mixture.

put a tablespoon of cream cheese mixture into each bread bowl.  top evenly with mozzarella cheese.

bake for 15-17 minutes until brown. 

mine came out pretty stuffed and the cheese was brown and yummy.

hope you enjoy these as much as i do.