Party Time – Page 4 – Parmesan Princess

05
May
2014

Cinco De Mayo, No Problemo! Orange Pepper Grilled Shrimp Skewers!!

categories: 20 Minutes or Less, Dinner, Healthy Living, Party Time, Recipes

B.C. (Before Children) this day meant big azz margaritas for all at Mad Mex!! Maybe a few tequila shots, too! A.D. (After Developing No Alcohol Tolerance) We still love to go out for this holiday, but on a Monday? Skinnygirl Margarita on the rocks at home for me, thank you.

Skinnygirl Margarita is Bethenny Frankel's classic cocktail! Open and serve! That's my kind of drink! — Skinnygirl Margarita is Bethenny Frankel’s classic cocktail! Open and serve! That’s my kind of drink!

If you are staying in too, because it is a Monday, I have a quick and easy Cinco de Mayo dinner for you!

We love Mexican food!! And it is so easy! Try my chicken or pork crockpot tacos recipes! Just throw it in and cook all day! Shhhhh! They will never know it and that easy ; ) — We love Mexican food!! And it is so easy! Try my chicken or pork crockpot tacos recipes! Just throw it in and cook all day! Shhhhh! They will never know dinner was that easy ; )

Lately, I have been experimenting with spices. My perfect storm right now is cinnamon, with cayenne pepper and cumin.

A little sweet, some spice, and the exotic flavor of cumin adds a jolt to any base, in this case, chili powder!

Orange Pepper Grilled Shrimp Skewers

For Skewers:
2 1/2 cups raw shrimp, thawed and peeled.
1 cup onion cubes
2 cups bell pepper cubes
2 cups orange slices
1 lime sliced or lime juice

Seasoning:
1/4 cup chili powder
2 tbsp. cumin
1 tbsp. garlic salt
1 tbsp. cinnamon
1 tbsp. cayenne pepper

Directions:
Heat your grill to medium heat.
Add peppers, onions, shrimp and oranges to the skewers in any pattern.

Don't have skewers? Throw everything in a mesh grill pan or on foil! Just make sure you spray the foil with a nonstick spray first. — Don’t have skewers? Throw everything in a mesh grill pan or on foil! Just make sure you spray the foil with a nonstick spray first.

Sprinkle both sides with seasoning.
Add skewers to the grill.

I was in a total wind storm while grilling this evening! My seasoning blew right out of the bowl!!! — I was in a wind storm while grilling this evening! My seasoning blew right out of the bowl!!!

Grill 5-8 minutes then flip.
Cook until shrimp are no longer transparent.

Dinner was ready in 30 mins! What an easy, quick, healthy and delicious meal!!

Serve with a squeeze of lime juice! Great idea, Angela!!
I grilled corn on the cob and steamed brown rice. This is so easy and delicious!

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Enjoy!
Ciao!

28
Apr
2014

Carnival Party Entertainment..An Al Mazing Magician, Of Course!! And Face Painting Designs by Dana!!

categories: Fun for Kids, Party Time

A carnival theme is a party planners dream!! So many awesome entertainment options- games, dunk tank, face painting, animals, clowns, photo booth, trapeze, magician…
Here is what we did for entertainment!

DIY photo booth! Red curtains from Target Clearance rack and a pendant banner finished it off! We hung it on the china cabinet ! It was perfect!! — DIY photo booth! Red curtains from Target Clearance rack and a pennant banner finished it off! We hung it on the china cabinet ! It was perfect!!

Of course we got a seeeeesters photo!!! I am the oldest of 5 and these are my 2 younger sisters! XOXO

The kids had a blast with the photo booth... The mustaches and glasses were the big hits! — The kids had a blast with the photo booth… The mustaches, big lips and glasses were the big hits! This is how most of the photos turned out! They never stopped moving!

Al Mazing was booked for the kids birthday party before the carnival theme ever crossed my mind. We had seen him at another party and he is all my kids talked about for a whole year! Always a good idea to have some stationary entertainment!

All has been entertaining Pittsburgh since 1996! We are so lucky to have him!

Brady says Al’s best “trick” is when he chooses a girl and a boy to join him on stage and asks them how long they have been married! (Giggles!!)

I would call it magic comedy!! Kids who attended the party a few weeks ago are still talking about Al Mazing's Show! — I would call it magic comedy!! Kids who attended the party a few weeks ago are still talking about Al Mazing’s Show!

This is the thing about Al, the kids (and the adults) did not stop laughing! I don’t remember the last time I saw my dad really belly laugh like that! Tricks, jokes, props, everyone was mesmerized the entire 45 minutes! He was Al Mazing for sure and did not dissappoint!

http://almazing.com
Al@alMazing.com
412-600-4903

After the magic show, Dana Bush from Face Painting Designs by Dana was set up and ready to go! We loved the fact that she gave each child a number and they could go play/eat until their turn!!

FacePainting Designs by Dana
www.fpdesignsbydana.com
www.facebook.com/face-paintingdesignsbyDana

Her whole face designs are beautiful and detailed! The girls loved the ice princess paint finished off with blue lips and a jewel!!

We had a member from KISS, a tiger, and a simple mustache! Dana is a fantastic artist and is popping up at events all over Pittsburgh!

Dana with the ice princess, Bella! Super talented, relaxed and very professional!!

What good luck to get both Al Mazing and Face Painting Designs by Dana at our party! Thank you both for sharing your talent and bringing our family and friends joy and laughter!

Ciao!

Al Mazing and Face Painting Designs by Dana did not request, contribute to, or offer their services free of charge in any way in conjunction with this post. These are the opinions of Parmesan Princess. My family and friends loved them and we know you will, too!!

16
Apr
2014

Etsy in Wonderland…What a Talented World!

categories: Fashion, Fun for Kids, Party Time, Shopping

Carnival Party for two, please! My oldest is 5, sooooooooo this is probably the last time he will ever want a birthday party with his little sister. (Until he wants to hang out with her friends when they get older!) As soon as I have a theme, I search Etsy. Call it my Pinterest, I like browsing Etsy vendors first because you can click add to cart and buy it right there!

I love to do cupcakes for kids birhday parties! Super easy! No cutting/serving/forks nightmare. — I love to do cupcakes for kids’ birhday parties! Super easy! No cutting/serving/forks nightmare.

I decided on an old fashioned carnival theme, red and turquoise for my color palate, and found the perfect invitation through CustomWrappers4U! I had Theresa create matching return address labels, thank you notes and favor tags. I received them in no time, they were in envelopes and ready to go! I have never experienced this kind of delivery speed and customer service with any other vendors!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/159363594/carnival-circus-tent-birthday-party-baby

Favor tags are easy details that add a nice personalized "thanks for coming " message. Yes, I still send a formal thank you note later. Remember, I'm old school. Many have told me it is outdated. (According to Emily Post, it is necessary!) — Favor tags are easy details that add a nice personalized “thanks for coming ” message. Yes, I still send a formal thank you note later. Remember, I’m old school. Many have told me it is outdated. (According to Emily Post, it is necessary!)

The address RSVP is cut off but these invites were perfect!!

Etsy vendors make the best custom kids party outfits! I found the perfect tutu birthday outfit for Bella on www.etsy.com/shop/taddletellshop !

Taddletellshop makes the fullest, most gorgeous tutus I have ever seen! Two sisters custom make these beautiful creations by hand! They carry a full line of birthday cupcake tutu sets as well as tutu Halloween costumes! I was wowed, totally impressed…and I’m a princess!

I wanted a matching shirt for Brady so I searched for a red and turquoise carnival theme boys shirt and found a circus tent shirt on GreatStitch! What a great story! Brenda’s great-grandma made a decorative, masterfully stitched coat for her mother out of simple flour sacks! This coat is Brenda’s inspiration along with her motto “cute kids need cute clothes!”

https://www.etsy.com/listing/166941070/greatstitch-circus-tent-birthday-shirt

I was lucky that they matched because I ordered from two different vendors. Usually a definite Etsy rookie mistake! Somehow, they were perfect! Thank you Jesus!

I love supporting small business! The talented moms and grandmas who create these masterpieces are amazing!

Next time you need a party outfit, flower girl outfit, a special personalized T-shirt or a new supercute scarf for yourself, check out ETSY! It has been good to me!

Thank you to CustomWrappers4U, GreatStitch and Taddletell for selling your wonderful products on Etsy for all of us to find and enjoy!

Coming up…the magician, the face painter, the decor, the menu! A carnival is a great party theme!!

Ciao!

13
Apr
2014

Totally Amazing Auricchio Artichoke And Tomato Pasta Salad!! Meet The Best Member Of The Provolone Family!

categories: Fun for Kids, Healthy Living, Homemade Italian, Party Time, Recipes, Sides

Auricchio Provolone has an unmatched taste and texture! Super easy to cube for my pasta salad! I find the largest selection and most cheese knowledge in town at Pennsylvania Macaroni in Pittsburgh’s Strip District.

Auricchio is very sharp and aromatic! Brush before kissing for sure with this one!

According to Pennsylvania Macaroni’s website,
“Auricchio Provolone is an aged Italian Provolone that is particularly sharp. It is often regarded as one of the best-tasting Provolones in the world. In Italian grocery stores, this cheese is often seen dangling by rope from the rafters, which makes it a very well known cheese throughout Italy. The aging process allows for the flavor of the cheese to develop over time, which ultimately adds character to its eventual taste.”

My kids love cheese! They love the cheese counter and taste testing! Bella's favorite is Havarti! — My kids love cheese! They love the cheese counter and taste testing! Bella’s favorite is Havarti!

Dear Heart will gladly give you a taste when you visit Penn Mac in the Strip! Or buy online!
http://www.pennmac.com/items/236//aged-italian-auricchio-provolone

Auricchio Artichoke and Tomato Pasta Salad!

Feeds a party as a side dish!

Ingredients:
2 lb. auricchino provolone, cubed
1 15oz. jar artichoke hearts in water, chopped
5-6 Roma tomatoes chopped
4 tbsp. olive oil
1/4 cup Salad Supreme pasta salad seasoning
1 1/2 lb. cavatappi pasta cooked

Only add two or three ingredients into your pasta salad. It is easy to get carried away!

Directions:
Mix it all together and refrigerate!

I make my pasta salad the night before a party! The flavors will have time to mix and it is perfectly chilled through when served!

This recipe will serve 25+ as a side dish. Feel free to half it! It is great to make ahead and chill overnight! Just add a few tsp. of lemon juice and stir!

Always top with freshly grated Parmesan!
It’s party time!
Ciao!

01
Apr
2014

My 5 Year Old’s Birthday Dinner Menu…Old Bay Steamed Shrimp, Gourmet Mac ‘N Cheese and Jello!!

categories: Dinner, Fun for Kids, Party Time, Recipes, Sides

Pizza, pasta, dessert for dinner…not my kid! Shrimp and gourmet mac ‘n cheese and, Oh yea, jello! Love this kid to death! I can’t believe he is 5!! Where does the time go? Enjoy these recipes with your family and make some great memories!

Old Bay Steamed Shrimp!

I use equal parts beer, white vinegar and water in my largest deepest frying pan. Don’t be afraid to do 2-3 different batches. Ideally, you want one layer of shrimp so they can cook evenly.
Shake on the Old Bay!
Cook until pink!

This classic Old Bay Shrimp recipe is amazing! Look at the size of these !!!

(seen in post from 02/28/14- Old Bay Co.Shrimp Recipe)
http://www.oldbay.com/Recipes/Shrimp/Appetizers/OLD-BAY-Steamed-Shrimp-with-Cocktail-Sauce.aspx

Gourmet Mac ‘N Cheese
1 lb. Cavatappi pasta, cooked to al dente
2 tbsp. olive oil
3/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (more if too dry)
4 cups freshly grated white sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Salt, pepper.

I love the size, texture and chewiness of cavatappi pasta for Mac 'n cheese! — I love the size, texture and chewiness of cavatappi pasta for Mac ‘n cheese!

Directions:
Preheat oven 350 degrees!
Mix all ingredients together and add to baking dish.
Salt and pepper the top!

Add cheese last! Save about 1 cup to sprinkle on top once in baking dish!

Cover and refrigerate if you want to make ahead.

Mix in a large, deep mixing bowl and then spoon into your baking dish. This makes mixing much easier!!

Before baking, Cover with foil.
Bake for 45mins-1 hour until firm and golden around the edges.

Like a little crunch? Cover Mac n cheese with Panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes! Broil last 5-8 minutes and keep watch! Pull it out of oven when top is golden brown!

We have some partying to do! Enjoy!
Ciao!

20
Mar
2014

Kids Birthday Party Season! A Look Baaaaaack Brady’s On The Farm 1st Birthday Party!!

categories: Fun for Kids, Party Time, Recipes

My backyard was filled with goats, pigs, sheep, a miniature pony, a puppy, a llama and kittens. My kitchen was filled with chicken fingers, pasta, lasagna, meatballs, potato salad, baked beans, fruit salad, Caesar salad, Mexican dip, various appetizers and desserts. Overboard, you think? The animals?? No way! The food?? Oh Yes!

Barnyard petting zoo! Eighty four , PA — Barnyard petting zoo! Eighty Four, PA! They bring the animals to your house!!!

We bottle fed the babies!!

The On the Farm theme was a blast to plan and so easy using Oriental Trading! I ordered everything from their massive barnyard theme party arsenal! A personalized banner, #1 red balloons, tablecloths, paper products, cups, even a helium tank! The favors were Oriental Trading plastic cow cups and straws and a barn favor box filled with farm animal water squirties, crayons, coloring books and whistles! I still buy odds and ends from Oriental Trading. Lately, I have been finding really cool homemade decorations, favors and invites on Etsy!

So let’s talk food! I used to cook 6-8 dishes for a party this size! Why? Because my mother always had the same full spread- 2 or 3 long folding tables filled with food!!

I have learned to focus on a menu theme and stick with it! Have your menu make sense. Save yourself a ton of work! Here are some fast and easy kids party food menus…

Lunch theme– sandwich rings, 2 cold salads (potato salad and coleslaw) and chips!

Pasta theme– pasta bar, meatballs or sausage, a garden salad and bread with butter

Mexican theme– taco bar, tortilla chips, salsa and guacamole!

Pizza theme– pizzas, salad bar and fruit!

You get the idea!

Changing my party menu mindset has simplified the prep work and lowered my stress levels, leaving me countless additional hours to spend hanging paper tissue balls and front door signs to making theme decorated sugar cookies!! I love it all and wouldn’t trade my kids elaborate, exciting, entertaining, extraordinary parties for anything in the world!

My first try - wow have I come a long way! Fun looking baaaaaack! — My first try – wow have I come a long way! Fun looking baaaaaack!

Coming soon! Mickey Mouse 2nd, Superhero 3rd Easter Egg 4th- Abby Cadabby 1st, Hello Kitty 2nd!

This year…they say they are twins! (2 years and one month apart) They love each other so much and want a joint party! Phew! One party this year! I’m busy planning and can’t wait to share my ideas with you!

Ciao!

Category: Party Time