Luau Party: The Menu

One of the best parts of a good party is the FOOD! And I ALWAYS over do myself... I just can't help it. Here was the menu.

Meats

Click to enlarge

Ham and Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Served room temperature with Harry & David's Sweet Pepper Relish, spicy mustard, and honey mustard on Hawaiian rolls or water rolls.
Grape/Chili Meatballs
1 crock pot
2 jars grape jelly
2  jars chili sauce (found in condiment section)
1 bag of meatballs
Combine all and warm in crock pot for a few hours prior to beginning of party.

Killer Appetizers

Click to enlarge

Shrimp Cocktail
Spinach Dip in a bread bowl served with bread and crackers
Marinated Cheese (most requested appetizer)

INGREDIENTS
½ cup olive oil
½ cup white wine vinegar
1 (2-ounce) jar diced pimiento, drained
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
3 tablespoons minced green onions
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon sugar
¾ teaspoon dried whole basil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 (8-ounce) 5 ½ x 2 x 1-inch block sharp cheddar cheese, chilled
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, chilled
Fresh parsley sprigs (optional)
Combine first 10 ingredients in a jar; cover tightly, and shake vigorously. Set marinade mixture aside.
Cut block of Cheddar cheese in half lengthwise. Cut crosswise into ¼ -inch-thick slices; set aside. Repeat procedure with cream cheese. Arrange cheese slices alternately in a shallow baking dish, standing slices on edge. Pour marinade over cheese slices. Cover and marinate in refrigerator at least 8 hours.
Transfer cheese slices to a serving platter in the same alternating fashion, reserving marinade. Spoon marinade over cheese slices. Garnish with fresh parsley sprigs, if desired. Serve with assorted crackers. Yield: 16 appetizer servings.

Tomato & Mozzarella Skewers drizzled with balsamic dressing
Fruit Salad in homemade fruit bowls (half a pineapple and quarter of a watermelon)
And lastly to munch on...

Click to enlarge

Chips & Salsa
Store bought hummus & pita chips
Veggies & Veggie Dip
8 oz sour cream
8 oz cream cheese softened
1 pkg Lays Garden Onion Dip Creations (new!)
Nuts (you can't go wrong with a few containers of mixed nuts, almonds, or cashews)

AND for dessert we had

Click to enlarge

Beach themed cupcakes
Chocolate boxed mix, homemade vanilla icing, ground graham crackers for the beach, a mint beach ball, and drink umbrella.
White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies (1st time using this recipe and AWESOME!)

... and a cupcake closeup

Linking up: Little Rays of Sunshine, Running with Glitter, Sarahndipities, Making the World Cuter