If there’s anything you need to know about my mom, it’s that she is the undisputed queen of entertaining. Birthday parties, holidays, you name it – she always had a 5-star-grade menu on standby, decor that you couldn’t help but stare in awe at, and that relaxing hostess poise that can only be achieved from years and years of successful events.
After watching her techniques and tactics for bringing people together, I began to LOVE hosting in my own space throughout college. So, now that the world is beginning to open up again, it was only fitting to introduce you all to our favorite entertaining go-to’s as a duo, and ones that I can’t wait to make for my own friends when the time comes.
Where to start
Today, the focus is on small group entertaining, nothing crazy. You want to invite your close friends/family members/work colleagues over for a fun get-together…but where to start? Music in the speakers, Food 52 Stackable Glasses arranged and prepped to fill, and a casual table set. Since it’s all about that much-needed catch-up time, as long as you keep the vibe upbeat and exciting, you’re good to go!
On the menu we have our very own Moments Jalapeño Poppers. That’s right, jalapeño peppers, halved and seeded, stuffed with a hot Italian sausage and cheese mix, and cooked in the oven until golden brown. You’re going to be hard pressed to find a guest that doesn’t want to dig into about 12 of these at once. They’re addicting!
And the meal wouldn’t be complete without some homemade Moments Off-The-Vine Spicy Salsa and the perfect Margarita to serve on the side. Ina Garten’s Real Margaritas are the best treat because they’re entirely homemade and highlight all of the best parts of a true margarita. If I were you, I’d make more margaritas rather than less…you’ll thank me later.
Jalapeño Poppers
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground hot Italian sausage
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 lb large, fresh jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Place sausage in a skillet over medium heat and cook until evenly brown. Drain grease.
- In a bowl, mix the sausage, cream cheese, and cheddar. Spoon about 1 tablespoon sausage mixture into each jalapeño half. Arrange stuffed halves on a baking sheet.
- Bake 20 minutes in the preheated oven until bubbly and lightly browned.
Off-The-Vine Spicy Salsa
Ingredients
- 3 medium farm-fresh tomatoes, diced medium (2 cups)
- 2/3 cup finely chopped Vidalia onion (from 1 small)
- 1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 large jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
- coarse salt and ground pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, onion, cilantro, oregano, lime juice, and jalapeño. Season with salt and pepper.
Real Margaritas
Ingredients
- 1 lime, halved
- kosher salt
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (5 limes)
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 lemons)
- 1 cup Triple Sec
- 1 cup white tequila
- 2 cups ice, plus extra for serving
Instructions
- If you like margaritas served in a glass with salt, rub the outside rims of 6glasses with a cut lime and dip each glass lightly into a plate of kosher salt.
- Combine the lime juice, lemon juice, Triple Sec, tequila, and ice in a blender and puree. Place extra ice in a cocktail shaker. Fill with margarita mix, shake well, and strain into glasses.
