Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries

Ingredients:

-1 lb of LARGE strawberries
-8 oz. cream cheese, softened (can use 1/3 less fat)
-3-4 tbsp powdered sugar (4 tbsp for a sweeter filling)
-1 tsp vanilla extract
-graham cracker crumbs

Directions:

1. Rinse strawberries and cut around the top of the strawberry. Remove the top and clean out with a paring knife, if necessary (some may already be hollow inside). Prep all strawberries and set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until creamy. Add cream cheese mix to a piping bag or ziploc with the corner snipped off.
3. Fill strawberries with cheesecake mixture. Once strawberries are filled, dip the top in graham cracker crumbs. If not serving immediately, refrigerate until serving.

Tonight’s drink of choice:  Lemonade with Berry Ice Cubes   – Vodka or Tequilla Optional of course!

The table’s are set up inside and out.

Cheesecake stuffed strawberries are almost too pretty to eat…almost!

Everyone’s dressed for the occasion…

And the weather has cooperated ~ a perfect 72 with sun & clouds – cool and comfortable. 

Sunset ~ 9:30 pm

And then – a full moon 

The DJ –  one awesome dude – put together a playlist that hit all the right notes.

One awesome dude’s party mix-a-roo…

There’s only one way to cap off this amazing evening

 So glad you could join us!  

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Summer Solstice Party Recipes

Strawberry Spinach Salad
Ingredients (Salad):
-Strawberries
-Baby Spinach
-Bacon (crumbled)
-Feta
-Walnuts
-Vidalia Onion (diced)

Dressing (Strawberry Vinaigrette):
-4 tsp. strawberry jam
-2 T balsamic vinegar
-1/3 C olive oil
-pinch of salt
-pinch of pepper

For Dressing:
1. Combine ingredients into a blender or food processor.
2. Blend well. Pour over strawberry spinach salad with ingredients portioned to your liking.

Barbecue Short Ribs
Ingredients:
-4 pounds beef short ribs
-1 tsp salt
-1 tsp pepper
-2/3 C brown sugar
-1 tsp paprika
-1 clove garlic
-1 T white vinegar
-1/2 tsp dried thyme
-2/3 C ketchup
-1 T yellow mustard
-1 T Worcestershire sauce

Utensils:
-Garlic press
-Medium bowl
-Large baking dish
-Spatula
-Aluminum foil

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300.
2. Arrange short ribs in a baking dish and season with salt and pepper. Combine remaining ingredients in a bowl and stir with spatula to combine.
3. Pour the sauce over the ribs and toss well to coat.
4. Cover dish with aluminum foil and roast until cooked through (abut 3 hours). Remove foil for the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Grilled Peaches
Ingredients:
-2 large peaches
-1 bottle apple cider
-12 sprigs fresh rosemary, for garnish

Utensils:
-Grill
-Pastry brush
-Chef’s knife
-Tongs

Instructions:
1. Heat grill to medium high heat.
2. Slice peaches into 12 wedges
3. Brush each side of each peach slice with cider and place them on the hot grill. Sear for 20-30 seconds on each side. The goal is not to cook the peach, but to imprint grill marks and caramelize the cider on the peach surface.
4. Garnish with rosemary sprigs.

Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:
-1 head of cauliflower
-1 T cream cheese
-1/4 C grated parmesan
-1 clove garlic
-1/2 tsp salt
-pinch of pepper
-3 T unsalted butter
-dry chives (for garnish)

Utensils:
-Large pot
-Chef’s knife
-Strainer
-Paper towels
-Food Processor

Instructions:
1. Boil a pot of water over high heat
2. Clean and cut cauliflower into small pieces and cook in boiling water for approximately 6 minutes or until well done.
3. Drain cauliflower and dry between layers of paper towels.
4. Puree cauliflower in a food processor (or blender, or with an immersion blender in a bowl).
5. Add cream cheese, parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
6. Garnish with chives and butter.

Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries

Ingredients:

-1 lb large strawberries
-8 oz. cream cheese, softened (can use 1/3 less fat)
-3-4 tbsp powdered sugar (4 tbsp for a sweeter filling)
-1 tsp vanilla extract
-graham cracker crumbs

Directions:

1. Rinse strawberries and cut around the top of the strawberry. Remove the top and clean out with a paring knife, if necessary (some may already be hollow inside). Prep all strawberries and set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until creamy. Add cream cheese mix to a piping bag or ziploc with the corner snipped off.
3. Fill strawberries with cheesecake mixture. Once strawberries are filled, dip the top in graham cracker crumbs. If not serving immediately, refrigerate until serving.

There are party goers and party throwers.  There are amazing stars that shine at both… and of course – the duds who’d best just stick to dinner and a movie.

So – what’s the measure of success?  Undoubtedly it’s how much fun was had by all.

When we launched EntertainingYourself.com, we were inspired by Robin – a consummate party thrower.  She loves throwing parties, but even more, Robin loves  planning parties.  Before she has completed one party, she already has 3 or 4 more under construction.  Themes and events stream through her brain at rapid speed and inspiration is found everywhere.  Her success rate is amazing and everyone lines up for an invitation.

Since then, EntertainingYourself.com has attracted a host of other amazing Hosts.  This month, two of our interns Rebecca Ferlotti and Kerry Butler are celebrating the last days of summer by planning a little fete of their own – a Summer Solstice Party – and they’re documenting their plans and preparations along the way, (check out our facebook page).

In essence,  you get to join EY in this celebration of summer that we’re told will include everything from bright colors and festive decorations, to lively music and delicious treats and beverages.  More importantly, you’ll get all the advice you’ll need to throw your own awesome soiree!   Want to join in the fun?  Feel free to share your own ideas and recipes here, on twitter or on our fb page!

Come On – Let’s get this party STARTED!!!

ps – If you think you might be one of the duds – stick with us!  We’ve got all the advice and insights you’ll need to become a Party Legend!