Bunco Recipes and Recap

I really enjoyed my turn to host Bunco yesterday. Last time I hosted I was stressed and uber- obsessed with having everything be perfect...and wanting everyone to like me. =) This time I relaxed and everything just came together. (and yes GG...I still ironed my tableclothes...you taught me well.) It took a while to finish all 18 games because we were so busy talking about Important Suburban Issues and just enjoying each other's company. =)

I wanted to provide a full menu of what I made in case anyone reading is wanting a menu idea that serves 12 or (if I can be a little full of myself for a minute) if any Bunco friends would like any of the super fantastic food recipes. [wink] For the recipes just click on the highlighted links.

Drinks:

Margaritas, Pina Coladas, Stawberry Daquiries, Coors Light, Red Wine, Soda, Water.

Appetizers:

Veggie Tray with Ranch Dip (store-bought)

Crackers with Warm Feta & Artichoke Dip

Pita Bread and Hummus (recipe below)

Hummus – Christine Style
Makes 3 3/4 cups, 1c = 421 calories; 21g fat (high estimate)
Ingredients:
· 2 - 15 oz cans of chick peas (garbanzos), one drained, one un-drained
· 1/4 cup raw sesame seeds (I omitted these)
· 1 tbsp olive oil
· 1/4 cup lemon juice (or 1/8 c if using from concentrate)
· 1 garlic clove, minced (I used 2t. jarred minced garlic)
· 1-2 tsp cumin
· ¼-1/2 t. cayenne
· ¼ cup chopped black olives
· 3-4 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
· ½ T. capers
· fresh ground pepper
· optional additions/substitutions: roasted red peppers, herbs, seasonings etc. etc.
Directions:
· Place all ingredients in blender in order listed.
· Blend until smooth.

Dinner:

Italian Baked Ziti

Italian Salad (I did not use the fennel in the salad...too distinct a taste and I thought not everyone would like the hint of black licorice.)

2 loaves Quick Italian Bread with Garlic Butter (I halved the garlic butter recipe.)

Dessert:
fresh fruit: strawberries, grapes & blueberries
Italian Rum Cake
the game lasted so long that everyone was pretty tired by the end and, well honestly, I forgot to bring it out. Sorry!! Here's a picture though.