I have a great appetizer recipe for your football parties, and casual holiday parties from Mission Menus. I love making quesadillas, because they’re so easy. Just let your guests top them with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole, or cut them into wedges and top them ahead of time to serve them on plates like appetizers.
Quesadillas make great finger food for casual parties, and football gatherings. This Herb Portobello Quesadillo has a little flavor twist to make it extra delicious.

Grilled Herb Portobello Quesadilla
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
4 Mission® Zesty Garlic Herb Wraps or Mission® 10″ Burrito Flour Tortillas
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 …read more

Many holiday parties are casual affairs with a few friends over to catch up on old times, have a good time with co-workers, or to catch a football game with some buddies. For those occasions it’s easier to make some snacks to let your guests nibble at while they’re chatting, or viewing.
Chips and dip are great, but why kick the standard chips and dip up a notch or two by making your own, and giving it a twist? Today I have a yummy mango dip recipe for you from Mission Menus.
It won’t take you long to throw together, and …read more

The holidays are the toughest time of the year to maintain your weight and keep overeating in check, especially if you’re the one entertaining. I know I struggle every year through the holidays. I love all the holiday parties, food, and getting together with friends and family. The only problem is after the holidays are over I don’t enjoy the extra 5 pounds that usually sneak up when I’m not paying attention.
oday I have some tips to help you get through the holiday parties and gatherings this year without feeling guilty on the food front. These great tips are from …read more

I have a fun and easy appetizer to share with you today. I love to make these for casual holiday parties, like the book club getting together, or a holiday gathering of friends. These little finger food sized taco tartlets are also fun to munch on during a football party, when your favorite team is in one of the college bowls coming up, or the playoffs.
I got some coupons for some Nasoya Wonton Wrappers, and they make the perfect crust for this easy taco appetizer.

Wonton Taco Tartlet Appetizer Recipe

1 lb of gound beef
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon garlic
36 …read more

Today I have some more yummy holiday cocktail recipes to share, these recipes would work great for your Thanksgiving dinner, or any holiday party. The recipes are courtesty of mixologist Deborah Harris from New York’s trendy Harbour Restaurant.
These cocktail recipes have all the flavors of the season. I’m a big fan of egg nog and of gingerbread this time of year, so I can’t wait to give a couple of these a try. Add in the cranberry and nutmeg flavors, and I’m sure these will be a big hit for any holiday party.

Maple Cinnamon Nog:
A combination of Bourbon, clove & …read more

Today I have a guest post for you from Jes Gordon author of the rockin’ party planning book, “Party Like a Rockstar.” Jes is a party planner for many celebrities and she totally knows how to throw a killer party.
Today Jes is accepting the challenge to plan a party for under $100, and to share her favorite tips with She Knows Parties readers. I hope you enjoy her tips as much as I have. These are great tips to help you plan your holiday party on a budget, or any other party throughout the year.

A fabulous house party – décor, …read more

Have your champagne and your turkey too. I love to experiment with different flavors and combinations when I’m cooking turkey. Today I have a recipe for you from Foster Farms for a turkey basted in champagne. Don’t worry, you don’t have to use the whole bottle. You can save a little savor while you’re cooking.
Recipes you can prepare ahead work great for Thanksgiving day, then you can relax and mingle with your family and friends when they arrive, they’ll just think you’re super human (don’t tell them otherwise).

A bottle of champagne is the secret to the moist turkey recipe below, …read more

Don’t forget the hostess this holiday season. You don’t have to bring an extravagant gift to the party with you, but a little token of thanks is always nice. Personalized hostess gifts make the present even more thoughtful.
I have a couple personalized ornaments to share with you today that would make wonderful holiday hostess gifts.
I’m a gardener so I have a soft spot for these little bees.
There are several personalized ornaments to choose from, so you can fit the personality of your hostess, or convey the exact message you’d like to send to thank them for hosting an annual party, …read more

Today I have some cocktails that will work great for your Christmas party. Going back to basics is a definite trend this year, and these cocktails embrace that with some basic Christmas flavors that everyone loves.
The Christmas cocktails I have for you today were created by leading mixologists. They were created by taking your top winter drinks from childhood and giving them a sophisticated and provocative makeover. Forget spiced apple cider, you’re sure to enjoy these updated cocktails. They’re sure to put a smile on your face just like Christmas morning.
The recipes are all courtesy of Brent Lamberti, bartender at …read more

I have a confession to make, I’m a big fan of coconut, so when I saw this recipe for no bake Festive Fruit and Nut Balls I knew I had to include it in the holiday recipes I’ve been sharing here. The best part about this recipe is you can make it up to one month ahead of time, and store them in the freezer.
They would work great for your holiday parties, for a cookie exchange party, or the office carry in. Wherever you take this recipe I’m sure it will be a hit.
The best part is they’re relatively healthy …read more