The Debut

Well I successfully catered my first paid party this weekend, per my previous post. I catered my neighbors' Holiday Party. It was a cocktail party with Hors d'Oeuvres for fifty people. I managed to get through it on my own (with a little help from hubby).

Here is the menu I came up with based on the budget allocated:

Spiced Nuts; Olive Medley; Green Goddess Dip with assorted crudites; Assorted Cheese Tray with Globe Grapes; Meatball Lollipops with Apricot Sweet & Sour Sauce; Spanish Spinach and Tomato pizzas; Three Cheese Phyllo Triangles; Homemade Chocolate Truffles; Sweets Tray (Snow Flecked Brownies; Chocolate Chip Cookies; Shortbread Cookies; garnished with Strawberries); Dark Chocolate and Peppermint Whipped Cream Tart.

Work was crazy busy last week so I didn't get to make too much in advance. I made the truffles (a multi-day project) last week and the brownies last weekend. I ended up making 175 meatballs, the green goddess dip, the spiced nuts, chocolate chip cookies, and shortbread cookies on Friday night. Saturday, I made 150 phyllo triangles, 50 pizzas, 4 tarts, cut up the veggies, ironed 60 napkins, washed 50 wine glasses, etc. I had it ready in time, but it was pushing it. I definitely could have used some hired help.

They and their guests seemed to be pleased with the results, so hopefully this will lead to more for Cranberry Relish! Now today I found out we are having a holiday luncheon at work on Thursday, so back to baking tomorrow night... ;)