BACKYARD PARTIES HERE WE COME!

By Lisa Payne

I can feel it. There will be a time very soon where we will be in our yards, inviting friends over and being together like nothing ever happened. And in my food-centered mind it is not a party without food. But no fear, these party appetizers are EASY, will be good to your waistline and make you happy all at the same time.

Roasted Mini Peppers

(Serves 4-6, or just one serving if I’m at the party)

This recipe is one that my dear friend Lizzie’s husband made one time and I think I ate the whole batch. He made it again for me for one of my birthday gatherings and yet again when they came to visit us in Montana. It is a flavor combo that just works perfectly even though it is only a few ingredients. This one is highly addictive and scrumptious. I make these constantly. Sometimes the whole pan is my dinner. Double or triple the recipe if you want to share, haha. You can play around with this any way you like. I don’t use tomatoes if I don’t have them. My kids hate onions so on theirs I leave those off. You can do what works for you. Whatever you do, DO NOT SKIP THE SALT. It brings all the flavors together perfectly. (Thanks for the inspiration Dylan!)

Ingredients:

• 1 bag mini peppers

• 1-2 tomatoes, diced

• 1 small sweet yellow onion, diced

• 1-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• Coarse Kosher salt

Directions:

Cut all of the peppers in half and discard seeds. Lay them cut side up on a foil lined baking sheet. Top with a little diced tomato, diced onion and cheese. You can grill them (which is what Dylan does) or broil them in the oven (which is what I do). Both ways are delicious. Once the cheese is melted and the pepper is soft and a little charred, remove and sprinkle with coarse kosher salt. The kosher salt is key. Do not miss this step. Enjoy!!

Hummus with Pickled Vegetables

(Serves 4-6)

This hummus recipe is always a favorite with my friends and literally takes five minutes to put together. And the ingredients are those that you usually have on hand and can whip together for people who stop by last minute.

Ingredients:

• 1 family size container hummus (any brand)

• 1 jar Mezzata Italian Mix Giardiniera, or any other brand pickled cauliflower mix, chopped

• Sriracha sauce

• Sliced cucumbers, pita bread, naan and/or crackers

Directions:

Spread the hummus on any plate or platter and top with the chopped giardiniera mix. Squeeze sriracha over the top, if you like it spicy, and serve with any vegetables, crackers or pita for dipping. My favorites to dip are cucumbers and cut up naan bread.

Food brings people together. It doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming to make. Even opening a bag of potato chips and store bought French onion dip says I love you. Any effort made makes people feel cared for. I wish you many happy, loving gatherings with your people this spring, summer and always.

For questions, comments or future recipe requests please email lisa@paynefam6.com