A few weeks ago I was asked to prepare a luncheon for my church after one of our services.  Instead of having a sit down lunch we were going to have it in the lobby to allow everyone to mingle and meet.  I decided the best route to go for a feast like this is to go with appetizers.  Not to mention i’m a sucker for appetizers and will go that route whenever I can!  I wanted to share my menu since I know when I am planning a party for a large crowd I love to know some recipes that can be made ahead and can be easily assembled to conserve time.

I will take the time here to thank my church profusely for always being there for me.  I have been attending the Chapel for a little over a year now and I have become a better person because of them.  I kept getting thanked for taking the time to make this meal for them.  I feel I should be the one thanking all of them.  They have been an amazing church family to me and I feel like this is my way to show them thanks.  Thank you Chapel family!

Simple make ahead appetizers

Mango Salsa –

Made this 2 days ahead of time and let the flavors blend together!

Recipe found here

Loaded Potato Skins

Made the potatoes a day ahead of time and layered with paper towels and topped these gems the day of the event

Recipe found here

Italian Skewers

I made these a day ahead of time and let them get super tasty in pesto overnight

Recipe found here

Roast Beef & Brie Bites

All I did was make garlic crostini, added a slice of roast beef, a sliver of brie and topped with a julienne of roasted red pepper.  Simple & Delicious!

Chicken Salad Crostini

On the same crostini used for roast beef I used my famous chicken salad recipe and topped the crostinis with creamy chicken salad!

Recipe Found Here

Mac & Cheese Bites

I used a basic homemade mac and cheese recipe.  I have never really measured mine but Alton Brown’s recipe is pretty similar and a rock solid recipe!  Do not bake the recipe in a regular baking dish!  I  added the finished mac and cheese to mini muffin tins and baked at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.  Let them cool a little bit before popping them out gently with a butter knife.  If you take them out piping hot they may fall apart!

Fruit & Crudite with Hummus

A simple go-to option for any get together!

Mini Dessert Bites

Cinnamon Donut Muffins – Recipe Found Here

Chocolate Chip Quick Bread – Recipe Found Here

Maui Wowie Blondies – I used this blondie recipe but only used white chocolate chips and shredded coconut

The Feast!

The Crowd

Just a thing to think about…

Thank you everyone who helped me this Sunday! Andre, Brigit, Mark and my mom are rock stars!

In loving memory of our Sister in Christ Heidi Walsh