Event Review: Recipe Party

A recipe party? A simple idea turned into a wonderful party. Everyone made a dish and brought copies of the recipe. A pitch-in with a purpose.

We all lined up to dish out the twenty dishes onto our plates to taste each one. We sat and chatted as we savored each taste. The dishes ranged from soups, salads, casseroles, turkey (my recipe to be discussed in another entry), bbq pork, appetizers and of course, desserts. Chocolate was had by all.

The party is simple to organize.
1) Invite 10 friends to bring a dish, copies of their recipes and a friend.
2) Set up a place for the food and the people.
3) Provide plates, eating utensils, and drinks.
4) Eat and socialize with all the great cooks attending your party.
5) Gather the recipes.

I highly recommmend this type of party. It also can be fun to add a theme to the food. One woman tonight suggested a summer dessert party in her backyard when it gets warmer. Mel suggested a picnic/cookout theme at a park or in someone's yard. Think of the possibilities - vegetarian, international, chili or soup, or more. Since casseroles are making a come back, I think that would be a great recipe party idea.

Food is a great way to bring people together. I enjoyed making new friends over this dinner. The only thing I think could have made it better was shuffling some cards and chatting over a game after dinner.

For the cookbook authors, this would be a great way to promote a cookbook with some adjustments to the way the party is organized.

Cook, Eat and Be Happy,
Ellen