Pinterest Party Favorites

This weekend I hosted a jewelry party for a bunch of the neighborhood women and figured this was the perfect time to try out some recipes I "pinned" on Pinterest. I seem to have this recurring problem where I can't take a picture of my creation fast enough because as soon as I set it down on the table (the party hadn't even started yet) my creation was mutilated by hungry guests.

But I take it as a compliment. The snacks were delicious if I do say so myself. The menu consisted of: caprese salad bites, crispy brussel sprouts with garlic aioli dipping sauce, mini chocolate chip cheesecakes, stuffed bread (my Mom's signature recipe that I will include at a later date) and the standard fruit and cheese platters. I also must not forget the abundance of Portugese wine provided by my sister.

I would highly recommend any of these treats for your next girl's night out or cocktail party. They were all a big hit, easy to prepare, and just as easy to clean up!
Crispy Brussel Sprouts w/ Garlic Aioli

For Brussel Sprouts:
20 brussel sprouts
canola oil
salt & pepper

For Aioli:
6 tbsp mayonnaise
1/2 tsp minced garlic
juice of half a lemon
1 tbsp flat leaf chopped parsley

1. Place brussel sprouts on a baking sheet and drizzle with canola oil.
2. Crack some fresh salt & pepper to taste.
3. Mix around brussel sprouts on pan to ensure they all get nicely coated in the oil.
4. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until golden brown on at least one side.
5. Mix together mayonnaise, garlic, parsley and lemon juice.
6. Serve in a ramekin.

Caprese Salad Bites

1 pt cherry tomatoes halved
1/2 lb fresh mozzarella, cubed
fresh basil leaves
balsamic vinegar to drizzle
salt & pepper

1. Thread 1 basil leaf, tomato half, 1 piece of cheese, and another tomato half onto toothpicks.
2. Place toothpicks in a shallow serving dish.
3. Drizzle balsamic vinegar over each.

Mini Chocolate Chip Cheesecakes

8 oz. cream cheese
2 tbsp plain greek yogurt
1/3 cup of sugar
1 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup chocolate chips
24 mini vanilla wafers

**Note: I used a miniature muffin pan as opposed to the standard size.**

1. In a large bowl, cream together cream cheese, yogurt and sugar until smooth. 
2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
3. Place one mini vanilla wafer in the bottom of each muffin cup.
4. Evenly divide cheesecake batter between the muffin cups. 
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cheesecakes are set.
6. Allow to cool for 10 minutes in the muffin pan.
7. Top cheesecakes with chocolate chips.
8. Let cheesecakes set in refrigerator until serving.