A Better Bag of Groceries

Neighborhood Cocktail Party

Monday, December 21, 2009 at 07:16 AM

If you are in need of some last minute ideas for party recipes and decorations, then today’s Blog Post is for you!

One of my favorite parties of the holiday season is the one hosted by my neighbors, CJ and Bob.  It’s a wonderful opportunity for everyone on the 2 “Lanes” which make up our little ‘hood to take a few hours during the busy time of year and share a cocktail or two.  And for some neighbors, it’s three or four – or five!  But I digress. 

CJ is one of those amazing Moms who does it all – she raises three great kids, teaches sports classes to children, volunteers, decorates beautifully, keeps fit – oh, and throws a super-fun party. 

When you get to CJ & Bob’s party, the first thing they do is make you a Festive Martini.

CJ recommends using Champagne Flutes  or Martini Glasses for this cocktail.

Dip the rim of the glass in Grenadine Syrup then dip it into white sugar, this gives the rim a beautiful red crystal look. Fill the glass 3/4 of the way full with a sweet Champagne. Add a 1/2 shot of Razberi (that’s how they spell Raspberry on the bottle) Stoli. Last drop a little Grenadine into the glass with a fresh or frozen raspberry for decoration!  They are delicious.

Martini in hand, it’s time to chat with all the neighbors.  It’s amazing how much less we see each other now that it’s cold and dark in New England.

Everyone brings one of their favorite appetizer or dessert. 

I loved this vegetable platter.  This was no run-of-the-mill, store-bought veggie tray.

Typically, I’m known as the Guest Most Likely to Bring A Salad (or something else that’s “Healthy”).  This time, however, I opted for a true crowd-pleaser:  Pepperoni Pizza Dip.  This is a time-honored recipe from my friend Karen who makes it for all her friends in New Jersey.  My husband (the Saint) actually made this while I was at the ballet with the kids.

1/2 cup reduced fat sour cream

1 package cream cheese

garlic powder and oregano to taste

1/2 cup pizza sauce

1/2 cup green pepper

1/2 cup onion

1/2 cup red pepper

1/2 cup chopped stick pepperoni

1/2 cup grated mozzarella

Cream together sour cream, cream cheese and spices.  Spread in the bottom of a pie plate.  Layer pizza sauce, green pepper, onion, red pepper and pepperoni.  Sprinkle mozzarella on top.  Bake for abour 25 minutes at 350 degrees.  Serve with tortilla chips.  I used Garden of Eatin’ No Salt Blue Corn Chips (NuVal score os 52) for less guilt. 

This is one recipe that I need to take a bite of and then step away from the plate. Addictive!  You could substitute the sour cream (NuVal score of 29) with non-fat Greek yogurt (NuVal score of 94).  Substituting the cream cheese has a much less dramatic change in score.  Regular Philadelphia Cream Cheese scores a 20.  1/3 less fat cream cheese scores a 22.  Fat-free cream cheese (of which I’m not a fan) scores a 28. 

Another favorite at this now annual cocktail party are Eileen’s Spinach Balls.  They are green and Christmas-y.  Just be sure to hit CJ’s powder room to check your teeth after eating one of these!

20 oz frozen spinach (boxed or bagged)– cooked according to package

1 stick butter–melted

3/4 quarters bag stuffing

1 cup parmesan cheese

5 eggs

1 medium bunch scallions chopped — use the green stems

Cook spinach.  While the spinach is still warm, add melted butter and follow with the remaining ingredients.  Mix well.  Shape into small balls.  Bake about 20 min at 350.  You can freeze before baking, or underbake and bring to party and reheat.  You can also spice them up with a little red pepper. 

I always get some great decorating ideas from CJ’s Cocktail Party.  I love what she does with cranberries!

Alas, I headed home by the time the clock struck eleven.  The next day was packed with holiday activities, as always this time of year.  But before I did, I was sure to check out CJ and Bob’s Christmas tree.

It looks pretty good considering it suffered a crash a la Clark Griswald only three days prior.  It is now secured to the wall with fishing line!  Happy Holidays!

Posted by: Melissa 6 comments

Posted in: Martini, appetizers

Tags: Cocktails, Holiday Party