Progressive Appetizer Party

This is the second year we have had a Progressive Appetizer Party. Somehow the progressive dinner is more work. We invite around 10 to 12 couples having 3 host homes. We spend and hour and a half at each home. Two other couples are assigned an appetizer to bring to a designated home. This way the person hosting is only responsible for drinks and one appetizer. It makes entertaining at this time of year so much easier and not so overwhelming.

At the Third home we also bring a White Elephant Gift. It is suppose to be some junky thing you have around the house, but this group like things that are funny and a little raunchy. My junk is neither. I bought a few items form Blue Q. I thought they were funny...I'm not sure anyone else did.

I have had this plate tray for years. I finally dug it out of the basement for our progressive appetizer party. It looks very festive with the a simple Christmas adornment.



I served these Chocolate Martinis...They are so delicious! I rimmed the glass with hot chocolate powder.

1 1/2 oz Baily's
1 oz Vodka
1/2 oz Godiva Chocolate Liquor

Swirl chocolate syrup around glass before pouring in drink.

I made these wonderful spinach with regatta cheese Stuffed Shells with and Asiago cheese sauce. Delicious! Recipe at the end of this post.

Some great Friends!

SHELLS:

1 lb. jumbo shells (about 20)

Olive oil

1/2 lb pancetta, 3/4″ pieces

Cook..and add to…

2 lbs spinach-washed and drained

15 oz whole milk ricotta

1 C asiago

1/2 tsp. pepper

1/4 tsp. fresh nutmeg

Put a large spoonful of mix in each shell..

SAUCE:

1 T butter

1 clove minced garlic

Cook one minute in saucepan..or until fragrant..

Then add… 1 C cream

Turn to low…

2 C asiago cheese (1/2 c. at a time)

1/4 C. fresh parsley

1/4 tsp. pepper

Top shells with some asiago and cook 25 minutes @ 350. Drizzle some sauce on shells before cooking and more when its done!! Fits in two 8×8 pans.