Our Party Favorite Recipes

I alluded to a couple of recipes the other day in my party post and we have had a few requests.  From baby showers to birthday parties, these recipes are filling, easy to prepare, and, of course, delicious.

Tortellini & shrimp: top right, braided bread, bottom, Taco salad, behind flowers!

Tortellini & Shrimp

Ingredients:

• 1 pkg (8 oz) spinach-cheese tortellini
• 1 pkg (8 oz) cheese tortellini
• 3/4 Cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter or margarine
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 medium clove garlic, crushed
• 1# deveined, shelled shrimp
• 1/2# plum tomatoes, cut in wedges
• 1/4# boiled ham, cut into 1/4" strips
• 1 Cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1/2 Cup grated fresh Parmesan Cheese

1. Cook tortellini as package labels direct; keep warm. In large skillet, melt butter, sauté onion and garlic for 3 minutes. Add shrimp; sauté 3 minutes. Add tomatoes, ham, and peas; cook one minute.

2. Toss with tortellini, sprinkle with shredded cheese. If desired, garnish with fresh basil; sprinkle with freshly ground pepper.

Easily doubling recipe!


Taco Salad
Ingredients:

• 1 Large head of lettuce, torn
• 1 Cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 (16 oz) can of kidney beans
• 2 tomatoes, drained/diced
• 1/2 Cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/2-1 lb of hamburger meat
• 1 pk. taco seasoning mix
• 1 (8oz) jar of Catalina dressing
• 1 Cup Fritos, crushed (or not)

directions

1. Brown hamburger, drain fat, add taco seasoning and kidney beans, simmer 5 minutes
2. Meanwhile, combine lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and onion in large bowl.3. Add beef mixture, toss with dressing. Top with Fritos, serve immediately.

You can make the meat ahead of time, and reheat at time of the party!

I hope you enjoy these easy & delicious party-foods! You can easily double these recipes to accommodate larger crowds.

Easy Rule #728- Find some go-to recipes for parties that you know will always taste good!

Easy Rule #228- Mom's recipes are ALWAYS the best!