I’ve always talked about having a cocktail party but did not have much time in 2012 because I was still trying to get my life in order. I have been a single mom for 2 years and have a full time career. I was occupied rebuilding my life as well as my family’s. Needless to say, by the end of 2012, I was ready to entertain again and have a party with my girl-friends.

I added a little bit of a challenge for myself when prepping for the party. I wanted to see if I can make healthier versions of traditional hor d’oeuvres – maybe vegan, maybe raw – plus with minimal number of ingredients. Well, given the amount of food left (or lack of), I think the attempt was a success. Not only were these foods appetizing, it was also a lot of fun making them.

Fluently lived,

Stephanie

The ambiance…

 Steph’s eclectic living room served as the setting for the ladies’ only night.  Whimsical peacock plates and vintage silverware added a touch of boho chic to the table.

The Hor d’Oeuvres

Egg Salad Recipe – Well, this is not exactly vegan, but, instead of 2 cups of mayo, we substituted the other cup with greek yogurt.

Ingredients: 

1 cup mayo

1 cup greek yogurt

2 tbsp relish

6 eggs

pack of sesame crackers (Trader Joe’s)

caviar (optional)

salt & pepper to taste

To make:

1. Boil the eggs. When done, dice them or use an egg slicer.
2. In a bowl, mix mayo, relish and yogurt.
3. Add the eggs and mix.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Arrange by putting the egg mixture over crackers. Put a little caviar on top and serve.

Top: Scallops on Fried Wonton with Pesto Sauce| Left: Beet Salad| Right: Cucumber Slices with Salmon & Cream Cheese

Scallop Dish- brought by one of the ladies’ (hope to get the recipe soon and will post details)

Beet Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

6 to 8 beets

Half a bunch of basil

1 cup of nut pate

1 to 2 tbsp. of extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

How to make:

1. Boil the beets until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Let it cool. Peel the skin off the beets.
2. Slice the beets. Put in a mixing bowl.
3. Chop some basil. Add to the beets.
4. Add the nut pate. (The truffle and garlic in the pate we used was just perfect but you can use any other nut pates or goat cheese, cream cheese. Maybe add some truffle oil)
5. Sprinkle some olive oil.
6. Add salt and pepper to taste.
7. Mix all the ingredients

Cucumber Slices with Salmon & Cream Cheese Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cucumbers

1 package of smoked salmon

1 package of cream cheese, softened

How to make:

1.  slice the cucumbers in 1/2″ slices
2.  top cucumber slices with a dollop of cream cheese
3.  add smoked salmon slices to top off

Vegan Bruschetta Recipe, delicious and refreshing!

Chambers Lane’s yummy, organic, vegan & gluten free nut pate food line. We are so thrilled for Chamber’s Lane and honestly we can eat this everyday if given the opportunity.  We served it with Trader Joe’s Rosemary Italian crackers. Top: Rosemary Thyme Almond , Left: Truffled Cashew, Right: Fig Balsamic Walnut Cashew.

Vegan Mushroom Recipe, filled with healthy goodness

And Dessert…

 Steph and I have come to love raw/vegan desserts, who knew desserts can taste amazing and be good for you at the same time!  Here is a recipe Steph found on  theveganchicpea.com that we tried out.  Easy to make, (the best part no baking required) with just a few ingredients.

Cocktail Shoes…

left: on Kriselle, Giuseppe Zanotti| right: on Steph, YSL

I served as Steph’s trusty “sous chef.”  We went food shopping together the morning of the party and since the majority of the recipes she chose called for no cooking,  mainly just chopping and prep, it was pretty stress free.  We laid out the recipes and ingredients, threw on the iPod and 2 hours later the table was filled with appetizing trays.  It’s always fun to be able to spend time with the ladies,  leisurely eating/drinking good stuff, chatting, and lastly ending the evening with coffee and dessert! Hope you enjoy and will try out these recipes.

Fluently lived,

K.